$200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund Supporting Economic Growth and Building Healthier Communities
NEWS
July 8, 2025
NIAGARA FALLS – The Ontario government is investing over $11.1 million to protect jobs, upgrade the Chippawa Willoughby Memorial Arena and support other improvements to sport and recreation facilities across Niagara. These projects are part of the $200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund - a provincewide initiative to revitalize local facilities, grow the economy and promote active, healthy living across Ontario.
"This significant provincial investment through the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund will help repair and upgrade three key sport and recreation facilities across Niagara," said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West.
"Today's announcement is great news for residents in Niagara Falls, as well as community members and athletes who participate in programs and utilize the facilities at the YMCA of Niagara in Welland and Niagara Olympic Club in St. Catharines."
"At a time when Ontario families are facing rising costs, our government is proud to support projects that deliver better services for people while breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for children and young people," said Hon. 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 government's $10 million investment to upgrade the Chippawa Willoughby Memorial Arena will include the construction of a new NHL-sized ice pad, seven changerooms, more spectator seating and a new community hub, with an accessible library and multi-generational programming. These upgrades will allow the arena to host more community events and expand access to sport and recreation for residents, including those in the 1,100 new homes planned for the surrounding area.
"This major investment will change lives for generations in Niagara Falls," said Jim Diodati, Mayor of the City of Niagara Falls.
"It will be a cornerstone for recreation, learning and community connection."
In addition, the province is investing:
- $420,000 to retrofit the Niagara Centre YMCA with energy-efficient LED lighting and replace two rooftop HVAC units. These upgrades will lower operating costs, reduce energy use and improve indoor air quality, supporting a healthier environment for the community.
- $698,000 to support the renewal of the Niagara Olympic Club’s track and field infrastructure in St. Catharines. This investment will strengthen the club’s ability to increase community participation, develop new revenue streams and improve the guest experience for both training and competition.
The Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund 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:
- The Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund 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.
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