Cambridge’s next major community hub now has a name. The new multi-purpose facility on track to open in early 2027 will be called the Beneva Recreation Complex, city and corporate officials confirmed on Thursday.
Funding and naming details
The name follows a $5.2-million sponsorship arrangement that involves the Gore Mutual Insurance Foundation and Gore Mutual, which is set to integrate with Beneva next year. Officials say the total contribution breaks down into two parts: $4 million earmarked by the Gore Mutual Insurance Foundation for community projects and programs, and roughly $1.2 million allocated for naming rights.
| Item | Amount (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Community projects and programs | $4,000,000 |
| Naming rights | $1,200,000 |
| Total | $5,200,000 |
What the complex will offer
When complete, the new facility will include a number of amenities for local residents and user groups, including:
- a 10-lane swimming pool suitable for lane swimming and aquatic programming;
- a three-court gymnasium for community sports and rentals;
- an indoor walking and running track;
- a new branch of the Cambridge Public Library.
Reactions from city and corporate leaders
Mayor Jan Liggett described the centre as a major community investment and expressed gratitude to the insurance foundation and Gore Mutual for their role in supporting the project. In remarks reported by the city, she said the investment reflects the company’s roots in Cambridge and even quipped about staging a friendly competition with the Gore team in the pool.
“The Cambridge Recreation Complex is one of the most significant community investments in the city’s history, and we are grateful to the Gore Mutual Insurance Foundation and Gore Mutual for their continued commitment to Cambridge,”
Neil Parkinson, chair of both the Gore Mutual Board of Directors and the Gore Mutual Insurance Foundation, framed the contribution as part of a longer history of local engagement. With the planned integration into Beneva, he said the gift is intended to maintain a community focus as the insurers combine operations. Parkinson’s remarks emphasised an ongoing commitment to employees and neighbours the company has served for more than 180 years.
Local implications
For Cambridge residents, the sponsorship brings additional programming funding alongside a permanent name on a civic building. The $4-million portion destined for community projects could support programs, subsidised access, or capital improvements connected to the new complex; council and the foundation will determine specifics as the project progresses.
The facility’s projected early-2027 completion date means residents and local user groups should expect booking opportunities and program announcements later this year or early next. City staff will also need to settle details such as operational funding, rental rates, and library programming that will accompany the new branch.
As the transition from Gore Mutual to Beneva proceeds, the naming also signals corporate continuity in local philanthropy and a visible corporate presence in Cambridge’s built environment.
The Beneva Recreation Complex will join other municipal services as a central site for sport, leisure and library services in Cambridge. City residents will be watching for timelines on construction milestones, opening events and the rollout of community-funded initiatives promised through the sponsorship.
