The Ontario government is providing $12.6 million in funding to upgrade recreation facilities across northeastern Ontario, with the largest share – $10 million – going toward Greater Sudbury’s long-awaited Valley East Twin-Pad Multipurpose Sports Complex. Provincial funding supports arena upgrades, economic growth The funding, announced Friday by Minister of Sport Neil Lumsden and Minister of Northern Economic Development George Pirie, is part of the province’s $200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund. The Greater Sudbury project, estimated at nearly $50 million, will feature two NHL-sized accessible rinks, a multipurpose gymnasium, daycare facilities, a café and administrative offices, positioning it as a community hub and potential event venue. “The Twin Pads we have been talking about for over a decade now, but the city has always said we would only advance it if we had other levels of government funding,” said Greater Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre. “The province of Ontario established a $200 million fund for the whole province – we received 5% of that fund for Sudbury alone. That is the $10 million, which is really a recognition, I believe, by the province of the importance of Sudbury to the overall economy of Ontario.” Sport as an economic and social driver Minister Lumsden emphasized the broader impact of recreational investments, particularly in northern communities. “I feel real strong that sport does so much more than just having people running around a field – it makes a big difference in communities,” he said. “Especially on the sport tourism side, which drives revenue back into a community for weekends at a time. People don’t always think about that, but it’s important to all the businesses here.” The province framed the funding as part of its strategy to counter rising costs while promoting active living and economic resilience. “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,” Lumsden said in a news release on July 18. Smaller communities benefitting from repairs, upgrades Beyond Sudbury, the new sports infrastructure funding allocations include: Philip Goodwin, the executive director of Kashechewan First Nation, highlighted the significance of the funding for his remote community. “In a fly-in access community, having an operational arena is critical to bring people together through hockey tournaments, cultural events, and community gatherings,” he said. “These much-needed repairs mean our children, youth, families, and the wider community will continue to have a safe and welcoming space.” Northern priorities and long-term vision Minister Pirie tied the investments to broader regional development goals. “By investing in important community spaces, our government is helping to ensure our northern communities have the resources to support their health and well-being now and in the future,” he said. Bill Rosenberg, MPP for Algoma-Manitoulin, echoed the sentiment, framing sports infrastructure as a tool for social cohesion. “Investing in community sports isn’t just about physical activity; it’s about cultivating connection, inclusivity, and pride across generations,” he said. Next steps for Sudbury’s twin-pad With provincial funding secured, Sudbury’s twin-pad complex is expected to move forward after years of delays. The city will now focus on finalizing design and construction timelines, with the goal of creating a facility that serves both athletes and families. The Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund program remains open to applications from municipalities, Indigenous communities, and nonprofits seeking support for repairs or new builds. Ontario’s total infrastructure spending under the fund is part of a larger $200 billion provincial commitment to highways, hospitals, and other critical projects. With files from CTVNorthernOntario.ca journalist Alana Everson
