François Dupuis Recreation Centre celebrates its official opening
Cumberland Ward Councillor Stephen Blais, Mayor Jim Watson and members of the François Dupuis family, today celebrated the official opening of the François Dupuis Recreation Centre.
“When we first started planning for this new facility, it was immediately apparent how much this recreation centre would benefit Orléans”, said Councillor Stephen Blais. “It is a place where families of all ages can enjoy swimming, fitness classes, recreation programs, and multi-purpose rooms for meetings and events.”
Located at 2263 Portobello Boulevard in Ottawa’s east end, this new state-of-the art facility is named in honour François Dupuis one of Orléans earliest settlers, and who also helped establish the area’s first Catholic Church in 1860.
“We owe so much to our forefathers who settled in what is now the city of Ottawa”, said Mayor Jim Watson. “From humble beginnings, the small communities founded by our early settlers have grown into a vibrant city with modern infrastructure including this beautiful facility that will enhance the quality of life for our residents for many years to come.”
Construction of the François Dupuis Recreation Centre began in October 2011. Funded completely by the City of Ottawa, this $18 million facility has been built to LEED Silver standards and is also the first pool facility within the city to use the Myrtha modular wall technology. Spearheading the design and construction of the new centre was GRC Architects, MHPM Project Management and Laurin Construction.
“On the part of the Dupuis family, I would like to express my sincerest thanks to Diego Elizondo and Louis V. Patry for the research done and the steps taken to bring this project to a successful conclusion,” said Fleur Ange Dupuis. “I would also like to thank the SFOPHO (Société franco-ontarienne du patrimoine et de l’histoire d’Orléans) as well as councillor Stephen Blais for their support, and Mayor Jim Watson for his presence here today.”
The new centre boasts a fully accessible 25m six-lane pool and 17.5m leisure pool, sauna, community meeting rooms, and a fitness and cardio centre. One of the stunning focal points inside the facility is the impressive public artwork commissioned by the City titled Water by Jennifer Stead.