MURC Frequently Asked Questions

The official opening for the MURC was on Saturday, March 2, 2024. Drop in to experience the pool or gymnasium, or drop by for a trip around the walking track. 

Monday – Friday

6 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday

8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

You can reach the MURC at 905-989-3000 or by email at eleisure@georgina.ca.

Service Georgina is available to answer questions by phone at 905-476-4301, ext. 3001 or by email at info@georgina.ca.

You can register for MURC programs online. For general recreation programs, visit georgina.ca/programs. If you're looking for swimming lessons or other aquatic programs, go to georgina.ca/aquatics.

The MURC is located at 261 Garrett Styles Dr., Keswick, ON L4P 3E9 on the west side of Woodbine Avenue between Glenwoods Avenue and Ravenshoe Road. Note that the MURC is accessible from Garrett Styles off of Woodbine Avenue between Ravenshoe Road and Glenwoods Avenue. This section of Garrett Styles is not accessible from the Queensway. 

The MURC is an acronym for Multi-Use Recreation Complex.

The MURC is easily accessible by public transit, with the YRT Route 51 serving the facility. For detailed information on schedules and routes, including times and stops, visit the YRT service schedules page.

Yes, the MURC offers various Rec Passes to suit your needs. 

Yes, the facility is fully accessible and offers services for people with disabilities. Find out more about the facility's accessibility features and inclusion programs.

Bookings for events and facilities can be made through the MURC administration. Book a birthday party or group booking, or rent the facility.

That’s great! Send your questions to the Community Services Department so we can provide you with the answer.

• Six-lane 25-metre pool
• Two-depth leisure pool
• Therapy pool
• Double gymnasium
• Indoor walking track
• Multi-use meeting and activity rooms
• Active living space
• Discovery Library branch

 

While there is not a full fitness centre at the MURC, the community can enjoy an activity studio on the second floor which will provide fitness programs including cardio and yoga. Stationed in corners of the walking track are fitness machines that are available for use. This includes

• 2 cycling bikes
• 1 stairmaster
• 1 rower
• 1 chin dip

There are also some hand weights that will be available for use. 

The MURC has gender-specific and accessible/family washrooms in the main lobby area. The pool has two inclusive, family-friendly change rooms for all to use, with private changing stalls and private washrooms. 

Each changeroom has been designed with eight private stalls for families and individuals to use as well as two accessible private stalls for a total of 20 private stalls to change in.

Washrooms/toilet facilities have also been designed with privacy in mind as there are a total of six individual private washrooms and two family/accessible private washroom within the aquatic centre. Within the two family/accessible private washroom they both include a private shower and an adult change table for patrons to use. In addition, there is a third adult change table on the pool deck family/accessible washroom. 

There are also four baby change tables available in the change room area.

The new library offers the following services:

• Children and young adult collection and programming
• Popular adult fiction and DVD collection
• Quiet and group study space for students of seven schools within walking distance to the new location as well as distance-learning students
• Comfortable seating for parents waiting for their children at swimming lessons and other sports
• Programming and performance space for library and community events
• Meeting rooms for community groups
• Digital skills training lab to learn new computer and research skills
• Digital media lab including a green screen for video production and editing together with digital recording capabilities
• Maker Space with 3D printer and other hands-on technologies

The MURC includes six pickleball courts and badminton courts for the public to use during assigned times. 

The walking track is free to use 

Monday to Friday - 6 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Saturday to Sunday - 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Outside these hours, the walking track is open for a drop-in fee or is utilized by registered programs and outside reservations. 

The inside track is the walk/slow track.

• 12.4 laps/mile
• 7.7 laps/km
• 1 lap is 130 m

The middle track is the passing track. 

• 11.5 laps/mile
• 7.1 laps/km
• 1 lap is 140 m

The outside track is the run/fast track 

• 10.9 laps/mile
• 6.8 laps/km
• 1 lap is 147 m 

Please note the track will be counter clockwise on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. 
The track will be clockwise on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

The 2014 Recreation Facility Needs Study determined that the Town has an adequate supply of ice pads in the community for our planned population. When the Town does reach a size that requires an additional ice pad, the study recommended the Sutton arena be twinned (add another pad). Twin ice pads operate more efficiently than single pads.

The universal change room offers:

• 16 private change stalls including four accessible change rooms for families and individuals
• Many lockers of various dimensions that allow you to use a traditional padlock
• Six private washrooms including two fully accessible washrooms, one equipped with a private shower
• Bathing suit dryer
• Four baby change tables, and three adult change table (two in the change room area and one on deck in the accessible/family washroom)

The change rooms are equipped with private changing stalls and private washrooms. They can be used by all persons, regardless of who they are or how they may identify. These spaces are inclusive of guests with disabilities, members of all gender identities and any who wish for privacy for any number of reasons.

The Aquatic Centre change room at the MURC features individual private changing areas and fully enclosed washrooms and no nudity in the main areas.

A universal change room makes it easier for families and individuals to enjoy the facilities. Universal change rooms promote inclusivity by eliminating traditional gender-specific facilities, creating a more welcoming environment for all members of the community.

The change rooms are shared spaces for all users of a facility. It consists of a open spaces, including lockers,  and sinks. Private change installs and private washrooms are provided, and clothing or swimsuits are required in all areas outside of these stalls. 

These private stalls have been designed with a higher standard of privacy than found in most gender-designated washrooms and change rooms to help achieve comfort, while creating openness in adjacent areas to promote safety and visibility. This includes high partitions, low door clearance and no gaps between the individual panels.

There are specific gendered washrooms as well as a family washroom in the facility. The Family friendly change room features individual private installs for changing, fully enclosed washrooms and a no nudity policy in the shared areas.

Customers may choose to use the below washrooms for their changing needs if required:

Main lobby

• Men’s washroom (Accessible)
• Women’s washroom (Accessible)
• Family washroom (Accessible)

The facility has a regular cleaning schedule and staff are trained to maintain cleanliness in the change rooms. Users are also encouraged to follow proper hygiene practices.

Patrons must remain fully clothed or in swimwear or athletic attire when in open spaces of the  change rooms. Be respectful of those around you while using public and shared spaces.

Undergarments (such as but not limited to boxers, briefs, bras or underwear) and nudity is not permitted in shared spaces. Patrons must use private change cubicles to disrobe/undress and change their clothing. 

• Patrons are required to remain clothed unless in a private change stalls, private shower or private washroom. 
• Be courteous to others who may be waiting to use the change stalls, private showers or private washroom after you. 
• Shower while wearing appropriate bathing attire before entering and exiting the pool.
• Use of cell phones, cameras and any other electronic devices is strictly prohibited. 
• Ensure your personal belongings are always secure. The Town of Georgina is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged items. 
• Lockers are for day use only. Any locks or items left behind will be removed each evening. 
• For safety reasons, glass containers are not permitted.

Universal change rooms promote inclusivity by providing a space where everyone, regardless of gender identity or expression, can feel comfortable and welcome while accessing recreational facilities.

The MURC requires full-time, part-time, seasonal and contract staff committed to serving our residents. If you are interested in working at the MURC, watch our Careers page for available jobs. 

Any job fairs for the MURC will be posted on our Events Calendar.

York Region and the Town of Georgina continue their strong partnership to expand the active transportation network along Woodbine Avenue.  After months of discussion, this collaboration will bring a new multi-use path to the west side of Woodbine Avenue, from Glenwoods Avenue to Garrett Styles Drive, completing a necessary active transportation connection to the Town’s new Multi-Use Recreation Complex. The detailed design is now underway with construction planned in 2024. 

Council approved a budget of $50.2 million for the Multi-Use Recreation Complex on June 23, 2021.

The primary source of funding for the MURC's capital cost was development charges (DC). Under the Ontario Development Charges Act, both the principal and interest on DC-funded projects are also eligible for DC funding. As a result of Bill 23, a portion of the capital cost required funding from other sources.

The 2019 budget accounted for five per cent annual cost escalation at the high end and anticipated construction completion in 2021. The 2021 budget was adjusted to reflect the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which pushed the construction schedule to 2023 and increased annual cost escalation to 10 per cent at the high end.

There were no tax levy increases related to MURC operating costs. The anticipated annual net operating cost is approximately $2 million, funded entirely through assessment growth, which includes new property taxes collected from new development.

You can learn more about the planning and construction of the MURC by reading the media release the Town shared, and the reports presented to Council. 

Media Releases

Jan. 17, 2024 - Georgina's new Multi-Use Recreation Complex to open March 2
Nov. 10, 2021 - Groundbreaking ceremony for new Multi-Use Recreation Complex 
June 23, 2021 - Town moves forward with construction of Multi-Use Recreation Complex 
Nov. 28, 2019 - Georgina reveals design for new Multi-Use Recreation Complex 
May 11, 2018 - Billboard marks MURC future site - May 11, 2018 

Project updates and reports

Monthly project updates

• January 2024 MURC project Council update
• November 2023 MURC project Council update
• September 2023 MURC project Council update
• August 2023 MURC project Council update
• July 2023 MURC project Council update
• June 2023 MURC project Council update  Multi-use path
• May 2023 MURC project Council update
• April 2023 MURC project Council update
• March 2023 MURC project Council update
• February 2023 MURC project Council update
• November 2022 MURC project Council update
• September 2022 MURC project Council update
• August 2022 MURC project Council update
• June 2022 MURC project Council update
• April 2022 MURC project Council update
• March 2022 MURC project Council update
• January 2022 MURC project Council update
• November 2021 MURC project Council update
• October 2021 MURC project Council update

Council reports

• June 23, 2021 - Council report - Multi-Use Recreation Complex construction services (3.13 MB)
• June 23, 2021 - Presentation - Multi-Use Recreation Complex presentation  (5.55 MB)
• June 23, 2021 - Council resolutions - Council resolutions (82.19 KB)
• Nov. 27, 2019 - Presentation - Multi-Use Recreation Complex Council Presentation (32.07 MB)
• Nov. 27, 2019 - Council report - Multi-Use Recreation Complex schematic design reveal (337.41 KB)
• Sept. 25, 2019 - Council report - Multi-Use Recreation Complex concept design (480.94 KB)
• Sept. 25, 2019 - Presentation - Concept designs (1.38 MB)
• May 8, 2019 - Council report - YMCA-GTA partnership options (2.42 MB)
• May 1, 2019 - Council report - Award of contract for architect (297.96 KB)
• May 1, 2019 - Presentation - Perkins + Will presentation (12.78 MB)
• Sept. 12, 2018 - Council report - Award of contract for project management services (183.81 KB)
• Aug. 15, 2018 - Council report - Endorsement of steering committee for Civic Centre and MURC projects (300.21 KB)
• March 2, 2018 - Agenda/Minutes - Agenda, minutes, presentation, archived broadcast
• Sept 20, 2017 - Council report - Expression of interest results and land status update (56.66 KB)
• July 19, 2017 - Council report - Land assessment and project update (31.14 KB)
• Apr. 26, 2017 - Council report - Land requirements (30.48 KB)
• Apr. 26, 2017 - Council report - West Park update (42.03 KB)
• Jan. 27, 2017 - Council report - Hemson DC Background Study Report (1.58 MB)
• Jan. 10, 2017 - Presentation - MURC update (145.21 KB)
• July 5, 2016 - Presentation - MURC report update (394.15 KB)
• June 15, 2016 - Council report - MURC update (52.58 KB)
• Sept. 9, 2015 - Council report - MURC partnership analysis update (22.39 KB)
• May 14, 2014 - Council report - Recreation facility needs study (5.32 MB)
• May 14, 2014​​​​​​ - ​Council report - Facility needs study final report (31.48 KB)
• May 14, 2014​​​​​​ - Presentation - Recreation facility needs study (751.54 KB)

To view the Council agendas and meeting minutes, visit the Agendas, meeting minutes and broadcast archives webpage.

Concept design

On Nov. 27, 2019, the design for the new MURC was revealed at the Town Council meeting. 

Concept design for the MURC

Public input sessions

Multi-Use Recreation Complex - May 27 and June 4, 2019 

Business case for the MURC

Business case for the Multi-Use Recreation Complex - Nov. 16, 2018 

Attachments

• 2019 Project Steering Committee - Updated Project Steering Committee (145.84 KB)
• MURC site concept - Four hectare future sports field (101.5 KB)
• MURC site concept - Four hectare MURC with Civic Centre  (92.95 KB)
• MURC site concept - Ten hectare future sports field (101.48 KB)

Growth projections for Georgina show that by 2031, the population will grow significantly, with much of that growth occurring in Keswick. Placing the facility close to the majority of users optimizes use and reduces travel distances, making it more environmentally friendly.

In 2014, the Town conducted a Recreation Facility Needs Study that included extensive research, data evaluation, and public consultation. Surveys, public information centres, and discussions with key stakeholders, including sports groups, hall boards, seniors, Council and staff, informed the facility's development. In 2018 and 2019, the Town developed the concept plan, with public consultation playing a key role.

Single-purpose or stand-alone facilities are more expensive to build and operate. Municipalities throughout Ontario now build multi-use facilities because they are the most cost-effective way to meet community recreational needs.

Georgina and East Gwillimbury consulted each other on their recreation facility plans to ensure informed decision-making. East Gwillimbury is planning a Health and Active Living Plaza (HALP), which will be built once its population reaches 40,000 residents.

In 2018, Council directed staff to review, with public input, the proposed 10,000-square-foot library within the MURC. The estimated cost was $4 to $4.5 million, based on a square footage cost of $400 to $450.

A 2016 study identified a need for an additional 15,000 square feet of library space to meet the growing needs of the community. The Library Board's strategic plan determined that a branch in south Keswick was necessary. The new branch, integrated into the MURC, offers digital literacy and community programming space. It also provides additional children’s programming, which is in high demand.

Most new public libraries are part of community hubs rather than stand-alone buildings, as this design is more cost-effective, convenient for residents, and allows for shared space. Expanding the existing Keswick branch was not feasible or cost-effective.

Construction began in November 2021 and was completed in the fourth quarter of 2023. The official opening took place on March 2, 2024.