Rosseau, Ontario – Rosseau Lake College is proud to announce the grand opening of its highly anticipated Recreation Centre, a cutting-edge facility designed to enhance student life and promote physical well-being. The official ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on January 25, 2025, with students, faculty, alumni, and community members in attendance.

As Head of School Dave Krocker said in his address, the day was about more than just opening the doors of a building, it was about opening the doors to new opportunities, new experiences, and new ways for our students to grow and thrive.

“At the heart of everything we do is our commitment to the students we serve,” says Krocker. “This recreation center will be a place where students can challenge themselves, develop skills, form connections with peers, and build lifelong memories.”

The centre increases the indoor space for teaching, recreation, fitness, and sports specific training. It also allows for a broader range of varsity sports, including hosting teams and coaching from the GTA and southern Ontario. The $4.3 million project received a principal donation of $2 million, the largest single gift in the school’s history.  Featuring a modern fitness area, a multi-purpose gymnasium, dedicated wellness spaces, and collaborative student lounges, the facility aims to serve as a hub for both physical activity and community engagement.

The centre is also a first for the region, providing a venue for private events, community events, and conferences. We see is as an investment in the future of Rosseau and the region, one that will draw interest and inspire further initiatives in infrastructure, athletics, and culture.

The Recreation Centre provides a venue for:

• Sports-specific training
• Team competition
• Wellness programs
• Formal and informal gatherings
• RLC and community events
• Indigenous events & gatherings

 The main gym area can be used as either a basketball court, four badminton courts or two volleyball courts.  

• Full size basketball court which can also be used as two half basketball courts with side-mounted nets or a full-sized volleyball court
• Fixtures for badminton and pickleball
• Retractable bleachers for spectators
• Reception area
• Team areas for gathering/learning
• Strength and conditioning space 
• Barrier-free washrooms
• Universal shower, change rooms 
• Outdoor seating/learning areas

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About RLC 

Rosseau Lake College (RLC) is a co-educational day and boarding school located on Lake Rosseau in the village of Rosseau, Ontario, Canada. It offers education for students in Grades 7 to 12 and is known for its small student population, which fosters close relationships between students and faculty. The school was founded in 1967 and is situated on a picturesque 56-acre lakefront campus in the Muskoka region. Originally established as an all-boys boarding school named Rosseau Lake School, it became co-educational in 1983. Today it draws students from across Canada and around the world, with more than 20 different nationalities represented in the student population each year.

The school was founded to challenge conventional learning methods by allowing students an opportunity to live and learn actively through meaningful engagement with others and the natural environment. That foundation, based in outdoor education, has been augmented over the decades in distinctive ways, most obviously through the establishment of outtrips, The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, Round Square, Discovery Days, and the Seven Generations Initiative.  A feature of the school is its location away from urban centres. The site was once the Eaton family summer estate, and there are structures that remain from that time, including Lady Eaton’s log cabin, which was her retreat from the bustle of the mansion.

Our greatest distinction within independent schooling—and many would argue our greatest advantage—is scale. When people talk about small schools, they’re typically thinking of enrolments of a few hundred. Today at 121 students, we’re the smallest independent school in Canada. That’s intentional. Our students benefit from being visible and known to all staff, peers, mentors, and parent volunteers.

Key Features

Academic and Experiential Learning: RLC emphasizes outdoor education and experiential learning, integrating environmental awareness and outdoor activities like paddling, climbing, and exploring ecosystems into its curriculum. This approach aims to develop transferable skills, curiosity, and a strong sense of identity among students.

Small Class Sizes: Classes typically range from 10 to 15 students, ensuring personalized attention and meaningful engagement.

Sports and Co-Curricular Activities: Sports are mandatory, with options such as soccer, volleyball, basketball, Nordic skiing, and sailing.

Cultural Foundations: Programs like Seven Generations and Rosseau Roots are integrated into the curriculum to promote values, relationships, and a connection to the land.