Community celebration marks reopening of upgraded facility
MEDIA RELEASE
Ilderton, Ontario, March 12, 2024 - The Municipality of Middlesex Centre celebrated the official reopening of the Ilderton Arena on Thursday, marking the completion of major facility upgrades made possible in part by a $1 million investment from the Province of Ontario.
Community members gathered at the arena for a reopening celebration featuring showcases by the Ice Dance Academy of Montreal (Ontario–Komoka) and the Ilderton Skating Club, an exhibition game by the Ilderton Minor Hockey Association, free public skating, and behind‑the‑scenes tours.
The celebration included a ribbon cutting ceremony and remarks from Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport, Steve Pinsonneault, MPP for Lambton–Kent–Middlesex, and Mayor Aina DeViet of the Municipality of Middlesex Centre.
The event highlighted the completion of renovations that will allow the arena to continue serving as a central hub for sports, recreation, and community life in Ilderton.
Provincial funding, provided through Ontario’s Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF), supported essential repairs and upgrades as part of a $4 million renovation project. With construction now complete, the improvements extend the lifespan of the facility while enhancing accessibility, energy efficiency and safety for users.
Completed upgrades include a modernized refrigeration plant, renovated lobby and dressing rooms, accessible washrooms, and new rink boards and glass designed to improve safety for players and spectators.
The Municipality thanked residents, user groups, and project partners for their patience throughout construction and welcomed the community back to the fully upgraded Ilderton Arena.
Quotes
“Our government is protecting the future of Ontario communities by investing in the local spaces where people come together to play, grow and stay active. Through the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund, we are helping revitalize facilities like the Ilderton Arena so they can continue serving residents, families and people of all ages for years to come.”
– Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport
“Today’s grand reopening of the Ilderton Arena is a great milestone for this community. Through the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund, our government was proud to support these upgrades so families can continue to gather, stay active, and enjoy this important local facility for years to come.”
– Steve Pinsonneault, MPP for Lambton–Kent–Middlesex
“The Ilderton Arena is truly the heart of this village and an important gathering place for residents of all ages. We are grateful for the Province of Ontario’s investment, which helped make these much‑needed upgrades possible and ensures the arena will continue to serve our community for years to come.”
– Mayor Aina DeViet, Municipality of Middlesex Centre
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Photo (left to right): Cllr Frank Berze; Hon. Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport; Cllr Sue Cates; Deputy Mayor John Brennan; Mayor Aina DeViet; MPP Steve Pinsonneault; Cllr Jean Coles; and Cllr Wayne Shipley.
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Media Contact:
Heather Kepran
Municipality of Middlesex Centre