Ontario Invests $9.1M to Revitalize Loyalist Township’s W.J. Henderson Recreation Centrev
Facility renewal to include new aquatic centre, arena upgrades, and economic boost through the province’s $200M sport infrastructure fund
LOYALIST TOWNSHIP — Ontario is investing more than $9.1 million to renew and modernize the aging W.J. Henderson Recreation Centre, the community’s central hub for sport and recreation for nearly 50 years. The funding comes through the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF), part of the province’s broader $200 million commitment to strengthening community infrastructure across Ontario.
The investment will support the construction of a brand-new aquatic facility, as well as upgrades to the centre’s arena and general improvements to extend the lifespan of the building and reduce operational costs.
“With investments in infrastructure like this, we are protecting Ontario jobs, strengthening our communities and building a more resilient and self-reliant economy,” said Minister of Sport Neil Lumsden.
Home to approximately 75,000 people and set to grow, Loyalist Township has been preparing for this moment for more than a decade. Once revitalized, the W.J. Henderson Centre will be able to host international, national, and provincial sporting events, bringing increased tourism and economic activity to the region.
“This facility has served our community for generations, and thanks to this investment, it will continue to do so for decades to come,” said MPP Ric Bresee (Hastings–Lennox and Addington). “I’m proud to be part of a government that recognizes the long-term value of community infrastructure.”
Loyalist Township Mayor Jim Hegadorn emphasized the project’s wide-ranging benefits, from increased accessibility and inclusive programming to broader community engagement.
“The revitalized Recreation Centre will bring lasting benefits to many members of our growing regional community,” said Hegadorn. “It ensures residents of all ages and abilities can stay active, engaged and connected.”
Supporting Community Growth and Wellness
Built in the early 1970s in Amherstview, the facility has long served as a focal point for recreation in the region. The new upgrades will align the centre with the needs of a growing and diversifying population while also improving energy efficiency and functionality.
The CSRIF supports municipalities, Indigenous communities, and non-profits with two program streams: one focused on repairing or rehabilitating existing spaces, and another aimed at building new or transformative recreation infrastructure. It is part of Ontario’s larger $200 billion infrastructure plan, which includes investments in hospitals, highways, schools, and transit systems across the province.
With sport contributing over $7.5 billion annually to Ontario’s economy, projects like this one also play a role in sustaining meaningful jobs and building healthier, more active communities.
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