Ontario Invests $12.2 Million in Russell Township Recreation Complex and Eastern Ontario Community Facilities

Russell Recreation Complex to Become Regional Hub

Russell, Ontario — The Ontario government has announced a $12.2 million investment to support community sport and recreation infrastructure across eastern Ontario, highlighted by funding for the new Russell Township Recreation Complex. The funding also includes upgrades for three additional community centres in Clarence-Rockland, Hawkesbury, and The Nation Municipality.

The projects are part of the province’s $200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF), which is aimed at revitalizing local facilities, growing the economy, and promoting active living for Ontario residents.

I was in eastern Ontario today to announce $12 million in support for local community centres and sports facilities, including the brand new Russell Township Recreation Complex.

Find out more about how we’re protecting Ontario by building infrastructure and stronger communities:… pic.twitter.com/1lf2LewRsQ

— Doug Ford (@fordnation) September 22, 2025

Russell Township’s new recreation hub

The centrepiece of the investment is the Russell Township Recreation Complex, which will feature:

• A 25-metre, six-lane indoor pool

• A 10,000-square-foot community hall

• Three ice rinks for hockey, figure skating, broomball, ringette, and other sports

The complex is expected to become a major hub for residents, offering programming such as swimming lessons, fitness classes, and public skating. Provincial estimates suggest the facility will attract nearly 600,000 visits annually, bringing a significant boost to local economic activity through tournaments and regional competitions.

Premier Doug Ford emphasized the long-term value of the project.
“Our government is proud to support the construction of the new Russell Township Recreation Complex, which will benefit the community for years to come,” he said.

Russell Township Mayor Mike Tarnowski highlighted the historical significance of the investment.
“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,” Tarnowski said.

Additional investments across eastern Ontario

Alongside the Russell Township project, the province is funding upgrades to existing recreational facilities in three neighbouring communities:

• Clarence-Rockland: $360,700 to replace the HVAC system at the Clarence-Rockland Arena, improving energy efficiency and user comfort.

• Hawkesbury: $866,500 to replace the rooftop at the Robert Hartley Sports Complex, extending the life of the facility.

• The Nation Municipality: $962,500 to rehabilitate the St-Isidore Arena, preserving a key community gathering space.

Neil Lumsden, Ontario’s Minister of Sport, said the projects are timely.
“With investments in infrastructure like this, we are protecting Ontario jobs, strengthening our communities and building a more resilient and self-reliant economy,” he said.

Part of Ontario’s long-term infrastructure plan

The investments align with the province’s broader $200 billion infrastructure plan, which covers highways, hospitals, schools, and transit in addition to recreation facilities. By directing funding toward local infrastructure, the government aims to keep jobs in Ontario while addressing the demand for modern, accessible recreational spaces.

With new construction in Russell and upgrades across the region, provincial leaders say these projects demonstrate the importance of partnership between municipalities, communities, and the province in building healthier, more active futures for Ontarians.

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