New H.G.R. Mews Community Centre

The new H.G.R. Mews Community Centre will open September 2025. Further details, including specific program dates, opening events and other important transitional information, will be shared as we get closer to September. 

A September opening will help minimize disruption to current recreation programs and allow time for staff to complete training and finalize logistical preparations, ensuring a smooth and successful transition to the new facility.

This state-of-the-art facility represents a significant investment in the health, recreation and sustainability of our community. You can learn more about the new facility below. The City will also post updates and transitional information to this page as it becomes available.  

On this page, you can learn more about amenities, accessibility features and everything you need to know about the move to the new facility.

About the Facility

Spanning 60,000 square feet, the new H.G.R. Mews Community Centre offers a wide range of amenities designed to meet the diverse needs of our residents. When entering the facility, you will be greeted by a large and welcoming reception area, with secure access to building spaces.

The facility has dedicated spaces for the BGC of St. John's and the REAL Program. In addition, the facility houses the City’s recreation staff from the former H.G.R. Mews Community Centre and a leased space on Crosbie Place into one centralized space.

Below are some photos and descriptions of the standout features in the new facility. Photo credit: Lindsay Construction. 

Pool Area

The pool is located on the second floor of the building and includes a number of standout features:

• A 25-metre, six-lane swimming pool with a rock climbing wall in the deep end of the pool.
• A leisure pool with a bubble bench and interactive water features.
• A steam room (hours of operation align with the pool schedule). 
• Electric switchable glass in the pool viewing area for privacy.
• A large aquatic viewing area on the second floor with access to pool deck seating.
• Inclusive and accessible gender neutral changerooms and separate male and female changerooms are located near the main pool. Barrier-free washrooms, plenty of showers and lockers are available for pool users.

Walking Track

The 100 meter indoor walking track overlooks the gym area and has three lanes, one acting as a passing lane. 

Full-Size Gymnasium

On the first floor, there is a large, full sized gymnasium equipped with hardwood floors, which is great for sports like basketball, pickleball, volleyball, soccer and other sports activities depending on physical requirements.

Convertible Courts

Two convertible courts are available for squash, handball or racquetball. A spectator viewing and seating area is located outside the courts and coin operated lockers are available. 

Multi-Purpose Space

There are two multi-purpose rooms with an operable partition wall and shared kitchen to accommodate functions such as family reunions, birthdays, wedding/baby showers, etc.

Accessible Features

The new facility is equipped with a number of accessibility features, including:

• Accessible parking and drop off (10 spaces, as well as a van stall)
• Accessible, gender-neutral washrooms and change spaces
• Automated entrance
• Adult size change table
• Child size change tables
• Elevator
• Courtesy wheelchair
• Lower service counter
• Assistive listening device
• Large print wayfinding signage with text, symbols and braille in a matte finish
• Color contrasting transition edging on the stairs
• Private customer service area available upon request
• Child protection seats in changing area
• Zero depth beach entry to leisure pool
• Ramped entry to lap pool
• Water wheelchair
• Canadian Tire Jumpstart Inclusive Playground
• Accessible community garden
• Metrobus stop (route information to be provided prior to opening)

Outdoor Amenities 

Canadian Tire Jumpstart Playground

At over 11,000 square feet, this is the largest inclusive play space in St. John’s welcoming kids of all abilities to play. The play space was built using universal design principles and with input from the City’s Inclusion Advisory Committee. From double-wide ramps to barrier and transfer-free equipment, it is thoughtfully designed to accommodate physical, cognitive and sensory disabilities. For all features visit the Canadian Tire Jumpstart Playground webpage. 

Community Garden

Coming Soon! The new H.G.R. Mews Community Centre will include an accessible community garden. Stay tuned for more details.

Transition Information

The City will provide further details on impacts to recreational programming during the transition as we get closer to September.