Province invests $12M to build and upgrade community centres in Eastern Ontario

The Government of Ontario announced it is investing $12.2 million to build community infrastructure in eastern Ontario. This investment will support the construction of the new Russell Township Recreation Complex and the revitalization of three other community centres in the region. The projects are part of the $200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF).

“Our government is proud to support the construction of the new Russell Township Recreation Complex, which will benefit the community for years to come,” said Premier Doug Ford. “With our more than $200 billion infrastructure plan, we’re going to continue to support our communities and protect our province’s economy and workers by building for the future.”

The government’s investment will support the construction of the new facility, which features a 25-metre six-lane indoor pool, a 10,000 square-foot community hall and three ice rinks that will accommodate hockey, figure skating, broomball and ringette among other sports. Once complete, the complex will offer a wide range of programming and services that promote active living, including swimming lessons, fitness classes and public skating. The facility will help create jobs and bring significant economic benefit to the region with new opportunities to host tournaments and regional competitions.

“At a time when Ontario families are facing rising costs due to tariffs, our government is proud to support municipalities and organizations focused on delivering better services for people while creating opportunities for people of all ages to stay active,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. “With investments in infrastructure like this, we are protecting Ontario jobs, strengthening our communities and building a more resilient and self-reliant economy.”

The new complex is expected to attract nearly 600,000 visits every year, meeting the growing demand for modern recreational infrastructure and providing residents of all ages with year-round access to sport and recreation opportunities.

“This historic $10 million investment from the province — the largest grant ever awarded to Russell Township — clearly recognizes the value this recreation complex brings to our township and the wider region,” said Mike Tarnowski, Mayor of the Township of Russell. “The strong support from residents, neighbouring communities and our provincial partners has helped make this possible. This proud and defining moment shows what can be achieved through leadership, collaboration and a shared vision for community well-being.”

In addition, the government is investing in three other projects to modernize recreational facilities in the region:

• The City of Clarence-Rockland is receiving $360,700 to replace the HVAC system at the Clarence-Rockland Arena, improving energy efficiency and ensuring a comfortable environment for users.
• The Town of Hawkesbury is receiving $866,500 to replace the rooftop at the Robert Hartley Sports Complex to address aging infrastructure and extend the life of the facility.
• The Nation Municipality is receiving $962,500 to support the rehabilitation of the St-Isidore Arena, helping to preserve a vital community space and increase recreational opportunities for residents.

“A modern arena is more than just a sports facility: it is an essential gathering place that fosters social cohesion, youth development and community well-being. By providing safe, comfortable and energy-efficient facilities, we create an environment that supports sports, cultural events and community activities,” said Mario Zanth, Mayor, City of Clarence-Rockland.

Featured image: (Township of Russell)