Latest news with #NeilLumsden
CTV News
01-08-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Ontario pledges $1 million to revitalize London's Silverwood Arena
From left to right: Minister of Housing and Local Affairs and local MPP Rob Flack, Ontario Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Neil Lumsden, Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis, Ward 1 Councillor Hadleigh McAlister, and Ward 8 Councillor Steve Lehman seen in London, Ont. on July 31, 2025. (Reta Ismail/CTV News London) A once-popular east-end arena is getting a second life, thanks to a provincial investment of up to $1 million announced Thursday. Ontario Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sport Neil Lumsden and Minister of Housing and Affairs and local MPP Rob Flack were in London to reveal the funding, which will go toward the transformation of the decommissioned Silverwood Arena into a modern, year-round community hub. 'It's the centre point of a lot of families,' said Lumsden. 'You need a place to go, whether it's hockey, recreation, or swimming. Not only does it bring community together, but it adds value to youth as they grow up.' The Silverwood facility, originally built in 1963 and shut down in 2018, is currently about 60 per cent through its design phase. Construction is expected to begin in 2025, with completion targeted for 2027. Once complete, the redeveloped facility will include a dry sports pad, accessible washrooms and entrances, new HVAC and roofing systems, and flexible multi-use community spaces. 'This investment will help us transition Silverwood into a year-round community centre,' said John-Paul McGonigle, the City of London's director of recreation and sport. 'It aligns well with the goals of the province's Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund.' City officials emphasized the project's focus on community wellness, sustainability, and economic resilience. The design incorporates energy-efficient systems and accessibility features to ensure the facility meets modern standards. The city said Silverwood Arena will offer a wide range of programs, rentals, youth sports and events, serving not only the surrounding Hamilton Road neighbourhood but the wider London area as well. 'A big day for the community. It's great to see this investment, in an aging facility,' said Ward 1 Councillor Hadleigh McAlister. 'This means so much to the community. Generations of people at Hamilton Road have used it. I mean, it's not just for this area, obviously, this will serve London because we have a big demand for recreational facilities.'
CTV News
20-07-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Sudbury's Valley East twin-pad arena gets $10M in provincial funding
The Minister of Sport announced $10 million for a state-of-the-art facility in Valley East featuring two NHL-sized accessible rinks and a multipurpose gymnasium The Ontario government is providing $12.6 million in funding to upgrade recreation facilities across northeastern Ontario, with the largest share – $10 million – going toward Greater Sudbury's long-awaited Valley East Twin-Pad Multipurpose Sports Complex. Neil Lumsden Ontario Minister of Sport Neil Lumsden announced $12.6 million in funding to upgrade recreation facilities across northeastern Ontario while in Greater Sudbury, Ont., on July 18, 2025. (Neil Lumsden/X) Provincial funding supports arena upgrades, economic growth The funding, announced Friday by Minister of Sport Neil Lumsden and Minister of Northern Economic Development George Pirie, is part of the province's $200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund. The Greater Sudbury project, estimated at nearly $50 million, will feature two NHL-sized accessible rinks, a multipurpose gymnasium, daycare facilities, a café and administrative offices, positioning it as a community hub and potential event venue. 'The Twin Pads we have been talking about for over a decade now, but the city has always said we would only advance it if we had other levels of government funding,' said Greater Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre. 'The province of Ontario established a $200 million fund for the whole province – we received 5% of that fund for Sudbury alone. That is the $10 million, which is really a recognition, I believe, by the province of the importance of Sudbury to the overall economy of Ontario.' Sport as an economic and social driver Minister Lumsden emphasized the broader impact of recreational investments, particularly in northern communities. 'I feel real strong that sport does so much more than just having people running around a field – it makes a big difference in communities,' he said. 'Especially on the sport tourism side, which drives revenue back into a community for weekends at a time. People don't always think about that, but it's important to all the businesses here.' Funding announcement - Sudbury - July 18 The Ontario government is providing $12.6 million in funding to upgrade recreation facilities across northeastern Ontario – including $10 million going toward Greater Sudbury's Valley East Twin-Pad Multipurpose Sports Complex. Greater Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre, Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Bill Rosenberg, Ontario Minister of Sport Neil Lumsden and Minister of Northern Economic Development George Pirie are shown at the announcement in Greater Sudbury, Ont., on July 18, 2025. (Neil Lumsden/X) The province framed the funding as part of its strategy to counter rising costs while promoting active living and economic resilience. 'At a time when Ontario families are facing rising costs due to tariffs, our government is proud to support organizations focused on delivering better services,' Lumsden said in a news release on July 18. Smaller communities benefitting from repairs, upgrades Beyond Sudbury, the new sports infrastructure funding allocations include: $1 million to replace the aging refrigeration system at Espanola Arena with an energy-efficient CO₂ system. to replace the aging refrigeration system at with an energy-efficient CO₂ system. $614,600 for critical repairs at Kashechewan Arena , including roof replacement and safety upgrades. for critical repairs at , including roof replacement and safety upgrades. $585,250 for renovations at Markstay-Warren's Multiplex to expand programming like pickleball and Zumba. for renovations at to expand programming like pickleball and Zumba. $484,100 to replace the roof at Temiskaming Shores' Don Shepherdson Memorial Arena. Philip Goodwin, the executive director of Kashechewan First Nation, highlighted the significance of the funding for his remote community. 'In a fly-in access community, having an operational arena is critical to bring people together through hockey tournaments, cultural events, and community gatherings,' he said. 'These much-needed repairs mean our children, youth, families, and the wider community will continue to have a safe and welcoming space.' Northern priorities and long-term vision Minister Pirie tied the investments to broader regional development goals. 'By investing in important community spaces, our government is helping to ensure our northern communities have the resources to support their health and well-being now and in the future,' he said. Funding announcement - Sudbury - July 18 Ontario Minister of Sport Neil Lumsden, alongside Minister of Northern Economic Development George Pirie and Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Bill Rosenberg announced $12.6 million in funding to upgrade recreation facilities across northeastern Ontario while in Greater Sudbury, Ont., on July 18, 2025. (Neil Lumsden/X) Bill Rosenberg, MPP for Algoma-Manitoulin, echoed the sentiment, framing sports infrastructure as a tool for social cohesion. 'Investing in community sports isn't just about physical activity; it's about cultivating connection, inclusivity, and pride across generations,' he said. Next steps for Sudbury's twin-pad With provincial funding secured, Sudbury's twin-pad complex is expected to move forward after years of delays. The city will now focus on finalizing design and construction timelines, with the goal of creating a facility that serves both athletes and families. The Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund program remains open to applications from municipalities, Indigenous communities, and nonprofits seeking support for repairs or new builds. Ontario's total infrastructure spending under the fund is part of a larger $200 billion provincial commitment to highways, hospitals, and other critical projects. With files from journalist Alana Everson
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Kitchener to get $10M from province for rec complex at RBJ Schlegel Park
A recreation complex under construction in Kitchener is getting a $10-million boost in funding from the province. It's part of a $200-million initiative called Ontario's Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund. Previously, the Kitchener recreation complex at RBJ Schlegel Park had already received $8.1 million through Ontario's Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. Construction started April 2024, operating on previous grants, federal and provincial funding as well as development charge revenues. The money will go primarily toward a multi-purpose quad-gymnasium. So far, work has been done in the field house, aquatic centre and parking lots. In an announcement Monday, Ontario's Minister of Sport Neil Lumsden said that the funding isn't just about sports. "It goes beyond the bricks and mortar ... As families face these rising costs due to tariffs, our government is focused on breaking down barriers so that everyone has an opportunity to participate in sports and recreation," he said. Waterloo and Wilmot will also see some funding, bringing the total amount to $11.8 million for Waterloo region. Waterloo will be given $775,000 to go toward revitalizing the Albert McCormick Community Centre, and $380,000 will go to replacing equipment for ice rinks at the Wilmot Recreation Complex. Kitchener mayor Berry Vrbanovic said the investment will help build the gymnasium's capacity for hosting basketball, volleyball, pickleball, badminton and more. Vrbanovic said the complex was meant to be Kitchener's "premier recreation destination" and the structure is the direct result of "countless hours of planning and work." The final beam for the field house, both ceremonial and structural, was signed by key players in the region before being lifted into the sky by the construction crew at the announcement on Monday. "This really speaks to the power of an all government collaborative commitment to work together to build this great city and region," said Vrbanovic. Vrbanovic said construction was projected to end by 2026. Wilmot and Waterloo funding Lumsden said Wilmot and Waterloo both applied for provincial funding to revitalize parts of their recreation centres and their bids "scored very high" in the process. "For those that didn't, hopefully there's an opportunity for those that didn't get recognition to take advantage of the fund at a later date, maybe in the fall," he said. Wilmot Mayor Natasha Salonen said the almost $380,000 going toward ice rink equipment at the Wilmot Recreation Complex is going to benefit people in the community, like their all-girl hockey team the Wolverines. "Although it's not a very exciting-looking investment ... It is one that's keeping our community connected," Salonen said. "I don't know if you heard, but Wilmot's a little tight for money. So this funding comes very well-received at a good time." Waterloo Mayor Dorothy McCabe acknowledged the long history of the Albert McCormick Community Centre and the significance of the funding, which will go toward accessibility features, roof structure, hockey facilities and washrooms. "There's more we want to do at this facility," she said. Lumsden said the ability to invest in local communities is how Ontario will continue to build its residents up during uncertain economic times by creating healthier habits and giving people better spaces to be active. "The better we are at that, the better our health system is going to be ... sports resonate in so many different ways," he said.
Hamilton Spectator
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
East Hamilton rec centre gets $287K for upgrades
The Ubuntu Athletic Centre , a multi-purpose recreation facility in east Hamilton, is receiving funding for upgrades totalling more than $287,000. The Ontario government announced the investment Monday. In a news release, Minister of Sport Neil Lumsden said renovations will improve the Ubuntu centre's 'functionality and hours of operation,' ultimately allowing it to increase by fivefold the number of people it serves in the community — from 1,000 to 5,000 — each year. The centre opened in 2023 at 26 Arrowsmith Rd., near Barton Street East and Centennial Parkway North. It was launched by Empowerment Squared, a local non-profit that 'supports communities through education, mentorship and leadership programs.' The name 'ubuntu' is a Zulu word that means 'humanity toward others.' The upgrade is the first of about 100 such investments under Ontario's $200-million sport and recreation infrastructure fund, said the release. Lumsden said investing in the centre is an example of his government 'delivering better services for people, while breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for children and young people.' At the Ubuntu centre, improvements will include a new, second exit with automatic accessible doors, and expanded restroom facilities. Leo Nupolu Johnson, founder of Empowerment Squared, pictured in February 2024. In the release, Leo Nupolu Johnson of Empowerment Squared called the funding 'a powerful commitment that builds on the vision that our partners began two years ago when we launched the centre.' He added that renovations will allow the centre to 'respond to the overwhelming demand for accessible recreation, especially for historically marginalized communities in Hamilton.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
CTV News
20-05-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Chow's office calls lower estimate for provincial FIFA cash for Toronto a ‘clawback'
The Toronto sign outside city hall is shown in this file photo. (Chris Fox/ Mayor Olivia Chow's office says a new, lower estimate for the amount of money Toronto will receive from the province to offset its costs for hosting six FIFA World Cup games next year amounts to a 'clawback.' Toronto could now be on the hook for more money than expected to host the six games, according to a new report set to go before Toronto City Council this week. Earlier this month, Chow's Executive Committee asked Sharon Bollenbach, the executive director of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Toronto Secretariat, to report directly to City Council on the status of intergovernmental funding related to hosting six of the games. The estimated cost of holding six FIFA matches in the city is $380 million. Of that, the federal government has agreed to kick in $104.3 million, while the province is providing $97 million. The city is picking up $178.7 million of the cost. While the city was hoping that much of the provincial contribution would be in the form of cash to offset tournament expenses, the $97 million also includes services being provided by the province, such as policing, transportation and health care. In a statement, a spokesperson for Ontario's Minister of Sport Neil Lumsden said that the Ford government's 'investment of $97M to support hosting the 2026 FIFA world Cup in Toronto remains unchanged.' 'We are in constant contact with the city to ensure the successful delivery of this once-in-a-lifetime event,' he said. Costs 'substantially higher than budgeted,' says executive director of FIFA World Cup 2026 Toronto Secretariat The cost of some of those provincially-provided services, however, are 'substantially higher than budgeted,' a report from Bollenbach says. In some cases, the provincial services are 'completely unbudgeted' so far, the report states. The latest estimate for provincial services which are still being negotiated pegs those costs at around $39 million, leaving less cash than expected to offset city expenses. 'We understood the province would account for some of their costs in the $97 million they committed, but $40 million is a much larger clawback than expected, and for a broader range of services than expected, such as healthcare,' Chow's office said in a statement to CP24. 'Mayor Chow wishes to continue to negotiation with the province to free up those funds or will alternatively start looking to cut $40 million from the FIFA budget as a result of the provincial funding change.' The estimated provincial costs include $15 million from the Ministry of Health for paramedics and surge capacity; $2.5 million from the Ministry of Sport for project management and staffing; $6.6 million from the Ministry of Transportation for additional transit, free transit for volunteers, and additional security for highways; and $14 million for Ontario Provincial Police costs. The estimate does not include the full cost of provincial services that would be needed in the case of any emergency incidents arising out of the games. 'While negotiations continue to be productive, provincial service costs are still substantially higher than budgeted, and in some cases completely unbudgeted,' Bollenbach wrote. FIFA's World Cup 2026 office in Toronto The entrance to FIFA's World Cup 2026 office in Toronto with a display of match balls from FIFA World Cups dating back to the 1970 men's tournament is shown on Monday Dec. 9, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Neil Davidson Her report did not say exactly how much cash the city could be short due to the higher cost estimates for provincial services. A separate report on procurement for the games found an $18 million funding gap, as of April 25, that the city is hoping to make up through donations, merchandise sales, music royalties, hospitality sales at the stadium, and opportunities around the FIFA Fan Festival. Bollenbach noted that an economic impact assessment conducted by Deloitte Canada estimated the games would contribute billions of dollars to Canada's economy, as well as 'substantial tax revenues' for the federal and provincial governments. 'FWC26 Toronto Secretariat will stay diligent in continuing negotiations with the province to reduce uncertainties around scope and lowering ministry service costs back to the City,' Bollenbach wrote. 'It is staff's intention to maintain as much of the $97 million contribution in cash to offset the City's hosting responsibilities while maintaining the approved budget envelop of $380 million approved by City Council.' The report is set to go before council later this week.
