Town celebrates opening of expanded Sixteen Mile Sports Complex

The community was all smiles on Saturday, May 30 as thousands of residents came out to celebrate the opening of the expanded Sixteen Mile Sports Complex. The event marked a major milestone for this vibrant community hub that brings parks, recreation, culture and learning together in one place.

The free, family-friendly celebration featured an official ribbon cutting and a full day of activities, including pickleball, yoga, lacrosse, face painting and more. Visitors explored the new spaces, took part in a scavenger hunt, enjoyed programming inside the library, and experienced a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities across the 79 hectare site.

Building on the original ice rinks that opened in 2010, the expanded complex now includes a 65,000 square foot community centre with a fitness centre, gymnasium and a variety of program spaces. Aquatic facilities are scheduled to open in summer 2026. 

The site also features an 18,000 square foot Oakville Public Library branch with modern study, creative and community gathering spaces. These include a Children's Area, Discovery Zone, Community Living Room, second‑floor Mezzanine, and multiple work and study spots including the Laptop Bar and dedicated Quiet Study Room.

The branch also offers a wide range of materials and resources, including a large, brand-new print and digital collection, an expanded Library of Things, public access computers, and free Wi-Fi.

Designed to support active living and outdoor play, the site includes a playground, bike pump track, all-wheel park, outdoor fitness station, cricket and sports fields, and a dog park. Additional park amenities will open in summer 2026, including fully accessible outdoor courts for basketball, pickleball, tennis and beach volleyball. Together, these features enhance the parks and recreation experience for residents of all ages and abilities.

The expanded Sixteen Mile Sports Complex strengthens Oakville’s commitment to building healthy, connected and active communities. With new spaces to play, learn and gather, the complex will continue to bring residents together and enrich community life well into the future.

To learn more about the newly expanded facility and to see photos from the event, visit the Sixteen Mile Sports Complex page.

Quotes:

“It felt good to see thousands of smiling faces at Saturday's opening celebration. We have achieved a long-held goal of having a distinct community centre in each of our seven wards for all residents to enjoy. We have not just caught up with growth, we are forging ahead, and residents are enjoying the now fully completed Sixteen Mile Sports Complex in addition to the ice arenas we opened in 2010.”

- Mayor Rob Burton

“This is an important milestone for the Town of Oakville, for the Oakville Public Library, and for the many residents and families who will use this space for generations to come. It is also a reflection of what we can achieve when we plan thoughtfully, work collaboratively, and invest in the future of our community. Libraries are not a thing of the past. They are one of the most important pathways to the future. They are places where children discover the joy of reading, where students find support and inspiration, where newcomers connect with their community, where seniors stay engaged, and where residents of all ages come together to learn, create, explore, and belong. This new Oakville Public Library branch reflects that future beautifully.”

- Jeff Knoll, Chair of the Oakville Public Library and Ward 5 Councillor

Key facts:

• Sixteen Mile Sports Complex welcomes more than one million visits each year.
• The complex also includes one Olympic-sized ice rink and three NHL-sized ice pads.
• It has hosted the Centennial Cup, Autumn Classic International and the Grand Slam of Curling, and will welcome Hockey Canada’s U17 World Challenge in November 2026.
• The facility is home to Skate Oakville, the Oakville Blades, the Oakville Rangers and the Oakville Hornets.
• It hosts one of Canada’s largest minor hockey tournaments, the Rangers Winter Classic.
• The expansion incorporates geothermal systems and energy efficient design aligned with LEED and net zero goals.