Press Release – Ontario Upgrading Three Facilities Across Elgin-Middlesex-London
July 8, 2025
Ontario Upgrading Three Facilities Across Elgin-Middlesex-London
June 13, 2025
$200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund supporting economic growth and building healthier communities
ELGIN-MIDDLESEX-LONDON — The Ontario government is investing nearly $3,000,000 to protect jobs and upgrade three facilities in Elgin-Middlesex-London. 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.
The City of London will receive $1,000,000 for the repair and rehabilitation of Silverwoods Arena and Community Centre. The Municipality of Thames Centre will also receive $1,000,000 for the renovation and enhancement of the FlightExec Centre Ice Rink. The Town of Aylmer will receive $650,035 towards the repair and replacement of the roof, HVAC, and refrigeration systems at the East Elgin Community Complex.
“This is outstanding news for Elgin-Middlesex-London,” said Rob Flack, MPP for Elgin-Middlesex-London. “Whether it’s kids learning to skate, families coming together, or local teams competing, these spaces promote healthy, active living and strengthen our communities. I’m proud to see our government investing in infrastructure that improves facilities, support jobs, and keep these spaces running for years to come.”
The Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF) plays a vital role in helping municipalities and local organizations upgrade aging facilities, expand access to recreation, and support long-term community development. In regions like Elgin-Middlesex-London, where recreational spaces are central to community life, this funding ensures that residents of all ages have safe, modern places to stay active and engaged. These investments not only improve quality of life but also boost local economies through job creation, tourism, and increased use of public spaces.
“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.
“We are very grateful to the Government of Ontario for this investment to support the redevelopment of Silverwoods Arena into a year-round community centre which allows the City of London to increase community space available for our high demand direct recreation and sport programming, community rentals, and events”, said Josh Morgan, Mayor of London. “By working together, we are able to ensure that this location continues to serve Londoners with opportunities to be active and engaged in the community.”
“After 50 years with the CANUSA rink, it’s time to re-invest in building something new,” said Thames Centre Mayor Sharron McMillan. “We are proud to partner with the provincial government to provide local residents of all ages with a safer place to play and skate for decades to come.”
“This investment protects a cornerstone of Aylmer and Malahide’s social life, one that hosts everything from minor hockey to high-school graduations, and keeps it thriving for decades to come”, said Jack Couckuyt, Mayor of Aylmer. “Aylmer Council and the people of Aylmer are grateful to our provincial partners for making it possible to lower our energy costs, extend the building’s lifespan and ensure that residents of every age continue to gather, play and celebrate at EECC.”
“As proud co-owners, Malahide views the EECC as a vital hub for sport and social activity—especially for our 9,500 residents, including youth and senior”, said Dominique Giguère, Mayor of the Township of Malahide. “This investment will help demonstrate Malahide’s commitment to providing affordable, accessible, and community-focused recreation opportunities.”
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
Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund