The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake has received a $214,000 grant from the Government of Ontario’s Community Building Fund – Capital stream to replace the roof at the Centennial Arena in Virgil, Niagara-on-the-Lake. This grant, delivered by the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), will add 25 years to the roof’s operational lifespan.
“I am very proud to see provincial dollars flowing into the Town and ensuring that residents don't shoulder that burden,” said Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates. “The Centennial Arena is such a crucial part of this community, and securing this provincial funding means that the Arena will be operational and safe for decades to come. This is a big win for the families of Niagara-on-the-Lake as we look to ensuring our community has the resources it needs to match its growth.”
In May of 2018, a Facilities Master Plan was completed by WalterFedy and endorsed by Council in June 2020. This report identified that the Centennial Arena requires a roof replacement by 2023. With the support of this grant, construction is anticipated to take place over the spring and summer months.
"The impact of this Community Building Fund grant cannot be underestimated,” stated Lord Mayor Betty Disero. “This grant allows for needed renovations to be made with no impact to the taxpayer. Thank you to Ontario Trillium Foundation for supporting this project at our arena that is loved by many.”
“A special thank you to Town Staff for applying for this grant to replace the ageing roof structure of the Centennial Arena,” stated CAO Marnie Cluckie. “I am very excited that Niagara-on-the-Lake has received this funding allowing the Town to extend the operational life of the roof by approximately 25 years and maximize the use of this facility. This repair will help ensure that residents and visitors can enjoy this beloved arena and its many programs for years to come.”
Built in 1967, the Centennial Area was the first indoor skating rink to serve the Niagara-on-the-Lake community. The facility provides a safe and clean environment where the public can participate in physical activities with friends and family. The Arena serves the community through recreational and minor hockey, public skating programming, and figure skating lessons from September to April. During the summer, the arena hosts organized lacrosse leagues and provides meeting and event spaces for community functions.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Government of Ontario and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations. Last year, nearly $112M was invested into 1,384 community projects and partnerships to build healthy and vibrant communities and strengthen the impact of Ontario’s non-profit sector. In 2020/21, OTF supported Ontario’s economic recovery by helping non-profit organizations rebuild and recover from the impacts of COVID-19. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
For immediate alerts, follow the Town on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Media Contact:
Marah Minor, Community Engagement and Communications Coordinator
905-468-6458 | communications@notl.com