Ontario Investing More Than $12 Million to Build and Upgrade Community Centres in Eastern Ontario

NEWS RELEASE

Province’s investment includes $10 million for a new recreation complex in Russell Township

September 22, 2025
Premier's Office
Sports

View the full Press Conference Video

RUSSELL — The Ontario government is investing $12.2 million to protect jobs and 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), a provincewide initiative to revitalize local facilities, grow the economy and promote active, healthy living across Ontario.

“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.

CSRIF is a key part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario workers, businesses and families by unleashing the economy and getting more shovels in the ground, with a historic $200 billion investment to build highways, hospitals, transit, schools and other critical infrastructure across the province.

Quick Facts

• CSRIF is an application-based program. It supports municipalities, Indigenous communities and non-profit organizations through two streams: one for repairing and rehabilitating existing sport and recreation facilities and spaces and another for building new or transformative sport and recreation infrastructure.
• Each year, Ontario invests $32 million in community recreation programs to help achieve active, healthy communities across the province, including Ontario’s After School Program, the Inclusive Grassroots Recreation program and the Ontario Amateur Sport Fund.
• Sport contributes more than $7.5 billion to Ontario’s economy every year, creating tens of thousands of meaningful and good-paying jobs in every corner of the province. 

Quotes

"This new recreation complex in Russell Township will be a fantastic investment in the health, wellness and future of our community. With the support of the provincial government with a $10 million contribution from the Ministry of Sport, this project will provide a state-of-the-art facility where residents of all ages can stay active, develop their talents and build connections. This funding highlights the province’s commitment to investing in local communities and ensuring everyone has access to quality recreational opportunities. I’m proud to see Russell Township take another step forward in fostering a vibrant and healthy community for generations to come."

- Stéphane Sarrazin
MPP, Glengarry—Prescott—Russell

"We are very thankful for this investment in the St-Isidore Recreation Centre’s arena from the Province of Ontario. This funding comes at a crucial time, as municipalities work hard to stretch every dollar while caring for aging infrastructure. Recreation facilities like ours are essential for health, well-being and bringing the community together. These essential upgrades will help extend the lifespan of our well-used arena, benefiting not only our residents but also the broader region that relies on it for sports, recreation and events."

- Francis Brière
Mayor, The Nation Municipality

"This grant will allow the Town to repair the roof of the Robert Hartley Sports Complex, thereby extending its lifespan. Thanks to the grant of $866,500, these repairs will ensure the continuation of quality facilities and a variety of programs for our community and surrounding areas. They will also help maintain the complex as an important sports and community attraction."

- Robert Lefebvre
Mayor, Town of Hawkesbury

"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."

- Mario Zanth
Mayor, City of Clarence-Rockland

Additional Resources

• Learn more about other sport and recreation infrastructure projects announced under CSRIF
• Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund
• Ontario Builds: our infrastructure plan
• 2025 Ontario Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario

Media Contacts

Hannah Jensen
Premier's Office
Hannah.Jensen2@ontario.ca

Wesley Austin
Minister Lumsden’s Office
Wesley.Austin@ontario.ca

Media Relations
Communications Branch
SPORT.Media@ontario.ca