The Ilderton Arena has officially reopened after major upgrades supported by a provincial grant.
On Thursday, the Municipality of Middlesex Centre held a community celebration to mark the completion of the Ilderton Arena Renovation project. The improvements were made possible in part through a $1 million investment from the Government of Ontario.
Minister of Sports, Neil Lumsden was at the arena to celebrate.
Residents gathered at the arena to celebrate the reopening. The event included performances from the Ice Dance Academy of Montreal’s Ontario–Komoka program and the Ilderton Skating Club. There was also an exhibition game hosted by the Ilderton Minor Hockey Association, along with free public skating and behind-the-scenes tours of the facility.
Lumsden told myFM how important it is to keep arenas and sportscentres open in rural communities and small towns.
Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP Steve Pinsonneault, echoed the ministers comments.
The upgrades were supported through Ontario’s Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund as part of a $4 million renovation project.
Completed improvements include a new refrigeration plant, renovated lobby and dressing rooms, accessible washrooms, and new rink boards and glass designed to improve safety for players and spectators.
Middlesex Centre Mayor, Aina DeViet says the upgrades have been in the works for some time now.
The upgrades will extend the life of the arena while making it more accessible, energy efficient, and safer for everyone who uses it.
She added that the arena will continue to serve as an important hub for sports, recreation, and community activities in Ilderton.
The Ilderton Arena first opened in 1972, will now remain useable and safe for generations to come.
Written by: K. Milhomens