Friday, July 18, 2025
The Government of Ontario announced the investment of $1 million to support the Town of Arnprior’s Nick Smith Centre Arena Revitalization Project through the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF).
“On behalf of Premier Doug Ford and Minister Neil Lumsden, Ontario’s Minister of Sport, it is my privilege to announce that the Province of Ontario will be investing over $2 million through Ontario’s Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund across the riding of Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke,” said Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MPP Billy Denault. “I’m especially proud to make this announcement right here at the Nick Smith Centre with the Town of Arnprior receiving $1 million through this fund to support their Arena Revitalization Project.”
The NSC Arena Revitalization Project will complete required replacement of the aging infrastructure, improve accessibility and create new meeting and storage spaces. The $7-million investment into the Town’s cornerstone for recreation and community events will see the arena pads and its refrigeration piping replaced, new arena boards, glass and netting, new arena stands with accessibility improvements, new rubber flooring, retrofits to audience comfort heating, equitable storage space for user groups, meeting rooms and a climate control public mezzanine that provides viewing into both arenas.
“The Town of Arnprior is grateful for the province’s investment in recreation and well-being in our community,” said Mayor Lisa McGee. “The Nick Smith Centre has long served as the recreation hub for Arnprior and surrounding communities playing a vital role in sports, recreation activities, events and a lifetime of memories. This revitalization project ensures this facility will support the needs of our growing municipality and continue to make the Nick Smith Centre a key economic driver for the Ottawa Valley.”
Featured image: (L to R) Councillor Ted Strike, Councillor Tom Burnette, Councillor Chris Couper, County Councillor Dan Lynch, MPP Billy Denault, Mayor Lisa McGee, Councillor Lynn Clouthier, and Councillor Chris Toner. (Town of Arnprior)
