Lionel E. Lalonde Centre Therapeutic/Leisure Pool

Update – January 21, 2025

In 2024, the Lionel E. Lalonde Centre Therapeutic/Leisure Pool project was paused pending the completion of a comprehensive aquatics review to rationalize and modernize aquatic facilities in Greater Sudbury. On October 8, 2024, the final Aquatic Service and Facility Review report was presented to City Council.

This study recommended that the Lionel E. Lalonde Centre therapeutic/leisure pool project be re-evaluated, and suggested a multi-tank aquatic centre in the service area of the proposed therapeutic pool is a preferred course of action. City Council has directed staff to begin a feasibility study in 2025.

Donations to the Lionel E. Lalonde Centre Therapeutic/Leisure Pool have been held in trust by the City of Greater Sudbury awaiting the advancement of the project. As per the City’s donation policy, funds are now being returned, as the therapeutic/leisure pool will not be proceeding as originally envisioned.

We appreciate your generosity. Should you have any questions regarding the return of the donation, please email leisure.services@greatersudbury.ca or call 311.

The Aquatic Service and Facility Review final report, supporting documents and presentation can be viewed at https://pub-greatersudbury.escribemeetings.com/Meeting.aspx?Id=9e5cfa13-6f62-48b8-83b2-3a556b987e33&Agenda=Agenda&lang=English&Item=39&Tab=attachments.


In November 2013, a consulting team led by Monteith Brown Planning Consultants was retained by the City of Greater Sudbury to prepare a Therapeutic Pool Feasibility Study to identify the potential need for the development of an indoor aquatic facility at the Lionel E. Lalonde Centre in Azilda. The feasibility study explored two types of facilities:

  • Stand-alone therapy pool
  • Multi-use pool (combination of therapy pool and leisure pool)

The January 2014 Therapeutic Pool Feasibility Study recommended a multi-use pool, which would accommodate activities of a stand-alone therapeutic pool as well as swimming lessons and leisure swimming. In June 2014, City Council approved the Parks, Open Space and Leisure Master Plan review, which recommended the provision of a therapeutic/leisure pool at the Lionel E. Lalonde Centre.

The estimated project value is $4.7 million. In April 2019, the City received a $1 million grant from the Government of Canada’s Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) for the project. During 2021 budget deliberations, a business case to construct the Therapeutic/Leisure Pool was approved. In June 2021, a Request for Proposal for architectural services was awarded to Architects Tillmann Ruth Robinson.

About the Therapeutic/Leisure Pool

The aquatic facility will be approximately 7,400 square feet, including pool tank, deck space, change room, studio, control desk, storage and mechanical space.

The pool will offer amenities in Greater Sudbury that are not currently available. It will improve healthy living by creating opportunities to help keep our residents, especially our seniors, more active in a safe and accessible environment.

The low-impact benefits of water rehabilitation will offer citizens of all ages the opportunity to feel better and heal more quickly.

Some Benefits of Pool Therapy

  • Improves joint flexibility: Buoyancy offers an advantage because it reduces the effects of gravity allowing for increased joint range of motion.
  • Improves muscle strength: Water is 600-700 times more resistive than air which allows for strengthening of weakened muscles. Water resists rapid movement, so equipment with increased surface area is used to increase strength in the pool.
  • Decreases pain: Immersion in warm water increases an individual’s comfort by increasing blood supply to sore muscles and promoting relaxation.
  • Improves balance: The uniform pressure of the water along with buoyancy provides support to your body which allows you increased time to react without the fear of falling or getting hurt.

Update – January 21, 2025

In 2024, the Lionel E. Lalonde Centre Therapeutic/Leisure Pool project was paused pending the completion of a comprehensive aquatics review to rationalize and modernize aquatic facilities in Greater Sudbury. On October 8, 2024, the final Aquatic Service and Facility Review report was presented to City Council.

This study recommended that the Lionel E. Lalonde Centre therapeutic/leisure pool project be re-evaluated, and suggested a multi-tank aquatic centre in the service area of the proposed therapeutic pool is a preferred course of action. City Council has directed staff to begin a feasibility study in 2025.

Donations to the Lionel E. Lalonde Centre Therapeutic/Leisure Pool have been held in trust by the City of Greater Sudbury awaiting the advancement of the project. As per the City’s donation policy, funds are now being returned, as the therapeutic/leisure pool will not be proceeding as originally envisioned.

We appreciate your generosity. Should you have any questions regarding the return of the donation, please email leisure.services@greatersudbury.ca or call 311.

The Aquatic Service and Facility Review final report, supporting documents and presentation can be viewed at https://pub-greatersudbury.escribemeetings.com/Meeting.aspx?Id=9e5cfa13-6f62-48b8-83b2-3a556b987e33&Agenda=Agenda&lang=English&Item=39&Tab=attachments.


In November 2013, a consulting team led by Monteith Brown Planning Consultants was retained by the City of Greater Sudbury to prepare a Therapeutic Pool Feasibility Study to identify the potential need for the development of an indoor aquatic facility at the Lionel E. Lalonde Centre in Azilda. The feasibility study explored two types of facilities:

  • Stand-alone therapy pool
  • Multi-use pool (combination of therapy pool and leisure pool)

The January 2014 Therapeutic Pool Feasibility Study recommended a multi-use pool, which would accommodate activities of a stand-alone therapeutic pool as well as swimming lessons and leisure swimming. In June 2014, City Council approved the Parks, Open Space and Leisure Master Plan review, which recommended the provision of a therapeutic/leisure pool at the Lionel E. Lalonde Centre.

The estimated project value is $4.7 million. In April 2019, the City received a $1 million grant from the Government of Canada’s Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) for the project. During 2021 budget deliberations, a business case to construct the Therapeutic/Leisure Pool was approved. In June 2021, a Request for Proposal for architectural services was awarded to Architects Tillmann Ruth Robinson.

About the Therapeutic/Leisure Pool

The aquatic facility will be approximately 7,400 square feet, including pool tank, deck space, change room, studio, control desk, storage and mechanical space.

The pool will offer amenities in Greater Sudbury that are not currently available. It will improve healthy living by creating opportunities to help keep our residents, especially our seniors, more active in a safe and accessible environment.

The low-impact benefits of water rehabilitation will offer citizens of all ages the opportunity to feel better and heal more quickly.

Some Benefits of Pool Therapy

  • Improves joint flexibility: Buoyancy offers an advantage because it reduces the effects of gravity allowing for increased joint range of motion.
  • Improves muscle strength: Water is 600-700 times more resistive than air which allows for strengthening of weakened muscles. Water resists rapid movement, so equipment with increased surface area is used to increase strength in the pool.
  • Decreases pain: Immersion in warm water increases an individual’s comfort by increasing blood supply to sore muscles and promoting relaxation.
  • Improves balance: The uniform pressure of the water along with buoyancy provides support to your body which allows you increased time to react without the fear of falling or getting hurt.
Page last updated: 21 Jan 2025, 02:57 PM