Ontario Investing in Ignace Recreation Centre Upgrades

July 7, 2025

$200 Million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund Supporting Economic Growth and Building Healthier Communities

IGNACE — The Ontario government is investing $935,550 to protect jobs and upgrade the Township of Ignace’s Recreation Centre. This investment is part of the province’s $200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF), a provincewide initiative that helps communities revitalize local facilities, grow the economy and promote active, healthy living across Ontario.

“For communities in the Northwest like Ignace, the local arena isn’t just where team face off – it’s a place where families gather, kids grow, and neighbours come together,” said Greg Rickford, MPP for Kenora–Rainy River. “With the help of targeted support from our government and strong partnerships with local leaders, we’re making sure the Ignace Recreation Centre remains a safe, reliable, and welcoming space for everyone – now and into the future.”

This project will address critical rehabilitation needs at the arena, including roof repairs to prevent leaks, upgrades to mechanical systems for improved moisture control, structural enhancements, and electrical system improvements to improve energy consumption and modernize lighting.

“At a time when Ontario families are facing rising costs due to tariffs, our government is proud to support organizations focused on delivering better services for people while breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for children and young people,” 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.”

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.

“On behalf the Township of Ignace Council, we would like to thank Minister Rickford for his on-going support, hard work and dedication to the communities of Northwestern Ontario,” said Kim Baigrie, Mayor of the Township of Ignace. “Today we are so pleased to have heard great news on the announcement of $935,550 for the enhancements and repairs required at the Ignace Recreation Centre. This Centre truly acts as the heart of our community, hosting and supporting, not only local sport activities, but also acting as a centre of activity and recreation for our residents year-round. In the past, it has also been used as our emergency central area, bringing much value-added uses to Ignace.”

QUICK FACTS

  • The Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF) is an application-based program providing a $200 million investment over two years. 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.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES