Exciting news for South Guelph! A brand-new South End Community Centre (SECC) is under construction on Poppy Drive (just south of Bishop Macdonell High School). This 160,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility will feature two ice rinks, an aquatic complex, a double gym, an indoor walking track and multipurpose community rooms, all linked by a central lobby. In short, it’s designed to be a focal point for families, sports enthusiasts and active adults across the city. Construction is already underway (with shovels hitting the ground in fall 2023), and the City targets an opening in late 2026. As a Guelph Realtor and local resident, I’m thrilled about what the SECC will bring to our community – and what it means for South Guelph real estate.

Local Update & Community Insight

Local residents are buzzing with excitement about the new SECC. Once complete, the centre will sit on city-owned land at Poppy Drive (south of Clair Road) and connect directly to the existing South End Community Park and Larry Pearson baseball diamonds. In practical terms, that means families can pop over for a morning skate, drop by for swim lessons, or play ball and then hit the gym – all without leaving the neighbourhood. For example, imagine a weekday afternoon: a mom can bring her kids for a 25m lap swim and toddler splash in the teaching pool, while older kids practice hockey on one of the two NHL-sized ice pads Active seniors will love the indoor walking track and drop-in fitness classes, and community groups will enjoy booking one of the bright multipurpose rooms for events or meetings. In short, the SECC is being designed as a true “community living room” that serves people of all ages and interests.

• Twin Ice Pads: Two NHL-size hockey/figure-skating rinks provide space for community hockey leagues, public skating and tournaments (a long-awaited upgrade for South Guelph).

• Aquatic Centre: A 25-metre, 8-lane competition pool alongside a second teaching/leisure pool means plenty of room for lap swims, lessons and family fun in the water.

• Double Gymnasium: Two full-size gym courts for basketball, volleyball, badminton and more – excellent news for indoor sports leagues.

• Indoor Track: A walking/jogging track wrapped around the gym gives active adults and seniors a year-round space for exercise, especially important during our cold winters.

• Multi-Purpose Rooms: Flexible meeting rooms and studios can host classes, community gatherings or kid-friendly programs.

• Green Design: The building is being constructed to net-zero carbon standards (part of Guelph’s green goals), so it will be energy-efficient and sustainable.

All of this is being built as part of a long-range plan. The City of Guelph first envisioned a South End centre decades ago, and it’s finally coming together to meet demand in the fast-growing Clairfields area. In fact, the SECC project has been in city plans since the early 2000s, reflecting the expectation that 16,000+ new residents could move into the south end in coming years. To handle that growth, construction started in late 2023 and the target date for completion is the second half of 2026 (in line with recent City updates). The South End Community Park (adjacent to the site) is scheduled to reopen in spring 2025 as work continues. In other words, the building is going up now, and the facilities will be ready just as new families are moving into the area.

From talking to parents and neighbors around Westminster Woods and Pineridge, there’s real buzz. People I know are already planning their first hockey game or swim at the new centre. One mom told me she can’t wait to take her preschooler to a parent-tot swimming class so close to home. Another neighbor said she’s looking forward to an indoor track for winter exercise, since stepping outside in January can be tough. There’s something here for everyone: teens and young adults get sports and rec space; parents get a place for their kids to learn new skills; older adults get fitness options; and community groups get flexible event space. I’m hearing genuine enthusiasm – locals feel proud that long-awaited plans are becoming reality.

Impact on South Guelph Real Estate

What does all this mean for Guelph real estate? In short, it’s a win for home buyers and sellers in the area. Proximity to parks, pools, rinks and recreation facilities is a big draw for buyers – especially young families and active retirees. Studies show that neighborhoods with high-quality amenities (like new community centres and parks) tend to be more in demand, as buyers “seek a balance between a comfortable home and an active lifestyle” In practical terms, that often translates into stronger interest and steady pricing for homes near these amenities. Guelph real estate trends generally reflect this pattern: people pay a premium to live near schools, trails and recreation centres.

Specifically, South Guelph areas around the new SECC – such as Westminster Woods, Pineridge, Clairfields and the surrounding subdivisions – may see rising appeal. Imagine a couple house-hunting in Westminster Woods: having the SECC just minutes away (for hockey practice, swimming lessons, community events or simple morning walks) could easily be the tie-breaker. This kind of amenity helps a neighborhood feel connected and vibrant, which is attractive on listing photos and virtual tours. In fact, one Realtor’s analysis notes that high-quality recreation amenities can “positively impact property values” by making a community more desirable. While no one should buy a home just for one future attraction, being close to this $115.5-million, 160,000-sq-ft community centre definitely adds to a property’s lifestyle appeal.

For sellers, this means a great conversation starter: “Did you know the new South End Community Centre is opening in 2026, just a few blocks away?” It signals growing infrastructure and community investment. For buyers, it means finding a home that will serve their family well for years to come – whether that’s quick access to swimming lessons, skate rentals, or hosting birthday parties in a meeting room. Active adults looking to stay fit will love having classes and indoor track on their doorstep, adding to long-term satisfaction with their home choice. In short, the SECC makes South Guelph neighborhoods more attractive, which can help maintain home values and demand as our market evolves.

As a longtime Guelph realtor and neighborhood resident, I’m excited to see the SECC take shape – and I’m here to help you navigate its impact on your real estate plans. If you’re interested in South Guelph homes for sale, or curious how this new community centre factors into buying or selling decisions, let’s connect. I can provide up-to-date insight on South Guelph real estate trends, walk you through listings near the SECC site, and help you make the most of this exciting development.

Whether you want to buy a home close to the future pool and rink, or you plan to list your house and highlight the SECC as a nearby perk, I’m here as your trusted local guide. Please reach out to me, Varsha Pasel – your Guelph Realtor – for personalized advice. I’d love to talk through your goals and show you what neighborhoods like Westminster Woods and Pineridge have to offer in light of this new community hub. The South End Community Centre is a game-changer for our area, and together we can make the most of the opportunities it brings to Guelph real estate! Email: admin@varshapasel.com