Kitchener’s new indoor recreation complex gets $2.5 million boost

Local dignitaries and representatives of the Cowan Foundation gathered for a special announcement at 1955 Fisher Hallman Road in Kitchener, Ont. on Sept. 29, 2025. (Dave Pettitt/CTV News)

Kitchener’s upcoming indoor recreation complex has a new name after the city received a multi-million dollar donation.

Local dignitaries gathered with representatives of the Cowan Foundation on Monday to officially unveil the name: the Cowan Recreation Centre.

The Cowan Foundation donated $2.5 million to the city to help make the facility a reality. In a news release, the city said that money will be placed in a dedicated reserve to fund future enhancements at the complex.

“With its world-class amenities, the Cowan Recreation Centre will also position Kitchener as a destination for major tournaments and sport tourism, welcoming visitors from across the country and beyond,” Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic said.

The Cowan Recreation Centre is being built at 1955 Fisher Hallman Road. When it’s complete, the 222,000 square foot facility will include a quad gymnasium, aquatic centre with two pools, cricket practice nets, multipurpose rooms and a FIFA-sized indoor turf fieldhouse.

Construction is set to wrap up in late 2026. Local teams, such as the KW Predators Volleyball Club and Kitchener TFC, said the new facility will allow them to bring on more athletes. The city also hopes to create 2,100 new swimming lesson spaces.