The Tamarack North Centre represents the culmination of years of planning, advocacy, and cooperation across the West Parry Sound region. Developed through a partnership involving seven municipalities, two First Nations, multiple levels of government, community organizations, and private-sector supporters, the facility has been designed to address longstanding recreation and wellness needs, while also supporting broader economic and community development objectives.
Serving approximately 20,000 year-round residents and a seasonal population that grows to an estimated 70,000 people, the Centre will provide recreation, aquatic, wellness, and cultural programming to communities spread across roughly 6,000 square kilometres. While the facility itself is significant, its greatest achievement may be the collaborative framework that made it possible.
“The West Parry Sound community has been working and advocating to bring a pool to our region for decades,” says Dale Robinson, Chair of the West Parry Sound Recreation and Cultural Centre Joint Municipal Service Board. “Investment from, and cooperation between, all levels of governments—federal, provincial, local municipalities, and First Nations—was pivotal to making these aspirations a reality.”
A Regional Partnership
In most communities, recreation facilities are owned and managed by a single municipality. The Tamarack North Centre followed a different path. The scale of the service area, combined with the cost of delivering modern recreation infrastructure, required a level of regional cooperation that extended well beyond municipal boundaries. Rather than a single municipality leading the initiative, the project evolved into a shared undertaking designed to benefit residents throughout West Parry Sound.
“This build would not have been feasible for one singular partner to take on alone,” he says. “But as a collaborative effort, the facility provides a hub for health, wellness, and community connection for our residents across an extensive geographic region today and for generations to come.”
Managing a complex project with multiple stakeholders inevitably brings challenges. Each municipality, organization, club and community group brought unique priorities and perspectives to the project. In this case, however, Robinson says the broad range of voices strengthened the planning process and ultimately produced a facility that accurately reflects the needs of the entire region.
“This facility exemplifies collaboration and cooperation,” he says. “There were a lot of voices at the table, and this multitude of perspectives largely enhanced the project by ensuring as many interests as possible could be accommodated.”
The result is a facility that reflects not only public-sector investment but also significant community participation. Sponsors, volunteer fundraisers, local business leaders, government partners, and residents all played a role in bringing the Centre from concept to construction.
“The success of the build can also be attributed to the fact that the Tamarack North Centre was built for the community and by the community through generous sponsors, business leaders, volunteer fundraisers, and multiple levels of government, informed by insights of our residents and user groups,” Robinson says.
Supporting Growth and Quality of Life
While recreation remains at the heart of the project, the Centre’s anticipated impact extends well beyond sports and leisure activities. Community infrastructure increasingly plays a role in economic development, workforce attraction, and regional competitiveness. Employers evaluating opportunities for expansion and professionals considering where to live often assess the availability of amenities that contribute to quality of life.
“Industry experts, across several fields from real estate and development to hospitality and healthcare have advocated for this project as it is expected to make the region more desirable for professionals from various fields to settle,” Robinson says.
The economic benefits may also be felt through increased visitor activity. With facilities capable of hosting tournaments, competitions, and community events, the Centre is predicted to draw participants and spectators from outside the region. Those visitors, in turn, will support local restaurants, accommodations, retailers, and service providers.
“The facility also has the potential to host sporting events and tournaments, which will be a boost to restaurants and other local businesses,” Robinson says.
The facility has been designed to serve residents at every stage of life. Seniors have shown particular interest in the walking track, while healthcare providers and patients have expressed enthusiasm for the therapy pool. Families will gain access to local swimming instruction that previously required lengthy travel to neighbouring communities.
“Many of our seniors are especially excited about the walking track,” Robinson says. “The therapy pool is also highly anticipated by therapists and patients alike.” The aquatic facilities carry additional importance in a region surrounded by lakes and waterways.
“We are also in a region rich with beautiful bodies of water, including Georgian Bay,” Robinson says. “Offering high-quality swimming lessons will help increase water safety and confidence. Families are relieved that they no longer need to drive upwards of 45 minutes to swimming lessons.”
Designed for Long-Term Value
Long-term sustainability was a key consideration throughout the planning and construction process. The project team focused not only on building a facility that meets current needs but also on ensuring it can operate efficiently and remain relevant for decades.
“The Tamarack North Centre has been built to last and operate efficiently,” Robinson says. One example is the decision to install a stainless steel Natare pool system. Robinson notes that the pool is one of only three of its kind in Ontario and the first to be manufactured in Canada. Beyond its uniqueness, the system offers practical advantages through reduced maintenance requirements and improved operating efficiency.
While project leads were sold on the concept of the pool, the team hit a snag with new tariffs from the US.
Rather than importing the pool system from the United States, the project sourced manufacturing in Guelph, Ontario. The decision avoided nearly $1 million in tariff-related costs while supporting domestic manufacturing and helping the project remain within budget.
Architecturally, the facility reflects the character of Northern Ontario. The design incorporates a wood ceiling in the pool area, natural materials, and a colour palette inspired by the surrounding landscape. Local stone and native plant species have been integrated into the site design to create a strong connection between the building and its environment.
The landscaping approach was also shaped through consultation with First Nations partners. Indigenous communities provided insight into the use of local plants and natural materials, helping ensure that the project acknowledges the cultural and historical significance of the land while creating a welcoming environment for all users.
A Community Asset Decades in the Making
The Tamarack North Centre’s name reflects the significant contribution made by Tamarack North, whose support helped advance the project and align private-sector investment with community priorities.
“Tamarack North Founder Chris Madden was encouraged by his team to make this generous contribution to align the company with enhancing our community’s wellbeing,” Robinson says, adding that the company’s employees recognized the opportunity to invest in a facility that would directly benefit local families, neighbours, and future generations. “Tamarack North team members, at all levels in the organization, live work and play in West Parry Sound. They wanted to invest in the health and quality of life of their friends, families, and neighbours.”
As opening day approaches, Robinson hopes residents will see the facility not simply as a building, but as a space that belongs to them and reflects years of collective effort. “Even more so, we want them to feel at home; this is their space that’s been decades in the making,” he says. “We want them to feel inspired to make the Tamarack North Centre a positive part of their day-to-day lives.”
For more information, please visit https://wpspoolandrec.ca
