The new Barr Homes Aquatic Centre in Amherstview will open its doors on July 20, 2026, giving Loyalist Township and Kingston residents a modern place to swim.
The centre, at the W.J. Henderson Community Centre on Amherst Drive, has an eight-lane, 25-metre lap pool and a warm-water leisure pool for fun and therapy. It replaces a 47-year-old pool that closed in March 2022 because it was worn out.
Registration for summer swim lessons began July 6 for Loyalist Township and City of Kingston residents. Non-residents could sign up starting July 9. Details are on the Loyalist Township website.
The $49.5 million project was paid for by the federal government ($16.5 million), the province ($9.125 million), the City of Kingston ($6.5 million), and community fundraising that brought in about $1.7 million of a $2-million goal. The name comes from a $250,000, 10-year deal with local builder Barr Homes.
Mayor Jim Hegadorn said the bigger space should handle demand from both Loyalist and Kingston residents even though they share the same early registration dates. “The larger facility is expected to prevent that,” he said about concerns that programs would fill up fast.
Along with the pools, the renewal added arena upgrades, better accessibility, green energy features, and an Indigenous Legacy Space created with the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund.
