Ontario Invests $12.6 Million in Northern Recreation Infrastructure, Anchored by New Sudbury Sports Complex

Provincewide Community Fund Supports Health, Jobs, and Economic Growth Across Northeastern Ontario

The Ontario government is investing over $12.6 million to upgrade and expand community sports and recreation facilities across Northeastern Ontario, including a major contribution toward a new state-of-the-art twin-pad sports complex in Greater Sudbury.

The funding comes through the $200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF) — part of the province’s economic and community development strategy aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles, strengthening community ties, and creating good jobs.

$10 Million for Sudbury’s New Community Hub

Leading the slate of investments is a $10 million grant to help build the Valley East Twin Pad Multipurpose Sports Complex, which will include:

• Two NHL-sized accessible rinks

• 18 changerooms

• Multipurpose gymnasium

• Daycare centre

• Administrative offices

• Heated viewing area and public concourse

• Café and concession facilities

The new complex is expected to function not only as a sports venue but also as a community hub and world-class events facility, supporting job creation and future economic growth.

“This $10 million contribution will help us deliver a modern, inclusive and accessible facility,” said Paul Lefebvre, Mayor of Greater Sudbury. “With strong provincial support, we’re building not just a sports complex, but a true community hub for generations to come.”

Additional Projects Funded in Northeastern Ontario

Beyond Sudbury, the province is also supporting critical upgrades to several other facilities:

• $1 million for a new CO₂ refrigeration system at the Espanola Arena, increasing energy efficiency.

• $614,600 to repair the Kashechewan Arena, including a new roof, washroom upgrades, and lighting improvements.

• $585,250 to renovate the Markstay-Warren Multiplex, expanding community programming like pickleball, Zumba, and floor hockey.

• $484,100 for a new roof at the Don Shepherdson Memorial Arena in Temiskaming Shores, boosting facility longevity.

A Provincial Commitment to Healthy Living

According to Minister of Sport Neil Lumsden, the investments come at a critical time for families facing rising costs. “With infrastructure like this, we are protecting jobs, strengthening communities, and building a more resilient and self-reliant economy,” Lumsden said.

Minister of Northern Economic Development George Pirie echoed the sentiment: “This is a great announcement for our Greater Sudbury Region and other northern communities. These investments ensure our communities have the resources to support health and well-being now and in the future.”

The CSRIF supports municipalities, Indigenous communities, and non-profits with projects that revitalize existing recreation spaces or create new transformative infrastructure. The fund aligns with the Ontario government’s broader $200 billion infrastructure plan to modernize highways, hospitals, schools, and public spaces across the province.

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