Memorial Arena to be repurposed as the Goderich Memorial Community Centre

Goderich Memorial Arena will soon become the Goderich Memorial Community Centre after years of deliberation on what to do with the unused space.

Following years of workshops, studies and discussions, it has been decided that the arena will be repurposed as a community centre.

The Goderich Memorial Community Centre will be operated by a Board of Directors under a newly formed non-profit corporation, with the assistance of Quinn Ross and his team at the Ross Firm. This newly formed non-profit corporation will have approved governance policies in place, and additional operational policies will be developed as the organisation grows.

According to Matt Hoy, Chair of the Goderich Memorial Community Committee, the Board consists of one representative from each participating service group in Goderich, with each group selecting its own member.

Additionally, three community members were appointed following a public call for individuals interested in serving on the Board.

Current representation includes Kinsmen, Rotary, Kinettes, Legion Branch 109, Ladies Auxiliary, IODE and Lions.

“The Board brings a wide range of expertise, including financial management, governance, senior business leadership, community service, and fundraising experience,” explained Hoy.

“Many members have extensive histories of successful community involvement. Goderich is fortunate to have such dedicated and skilled individuals guiding this initiative.”

With Memorial Arena no longer in operation, the Town of Goderich sought a sustainable direction for the site while considering community needs and building off the Town’s vision for multi-use community spaces.

After a comprehensive study was completed, including public workshops and stakeholder engagement, three options were presented to Town Council: Do nothing or sell the property, demolish and prepare the site for new use, or reuse and repurpose the building.

Town Council agreed to repurpose the building as it supports both short-term use and long-term redevelopment potential.

It was recommended that while repurposing the building, this be done through phases beginning with essential repairs and safety upgrades, followed by incremental reconfiguration of interior spaces. Eventually the façade and rooftop would receive enhancements.

Each participating service group is contributing $20,000 for a total of $140,000 to help fund the repurposing of the building.

This amount has been matched by the Town of Goderich. The Town has also committed $60,000 annually to support the facility.

Hoy says this partnership is a win for both the municipality and the community.

“The Town will spend significantly less supporting the repurposed building than it would maintaining it in its current state, or demolishing it,” Hoy commented.

“Ongoing municipal support is comparable to funding provided to other cultural and community organisations in Goderich.”

The building remains owned by the Town and is being leased to the Goderich Memorial Community Committee for management.

Should the initiative not succeed, the facility would revert fully to the Town.

“Any upgrades made will enhance a municipally owned asset,” added Hoy.

Upgrades have not yet begun, but the Board is currently obtaining tenders and finalising cost estimates for the initial phase of required work.

While the necessary upgrades have been identified, Hoy says the Board is focused on developing the most efficient systems that integrate with the building’s existing infrastructure.

“As a volunteer-driven community initiative, repairs and improvements can be completed more cost-effectively than through municipal processes,” Hoy explained.

“We hope to offer some portions of the building for use by mid-summer 2026.”

Hoy says this will be a multi-year project, and progress will move forward responsibly and as funding allows.

According to Hoy, the final programming mix has not been determined in reference to what the community centre will offer to residents.

Previous municipal focus groups have provided recommendations, and those insights will be carefully considered, but ultimately, programming decisions will be made by the Board of Directors.

Potential uses may include space for service and community groups, indoor farmers’ markets, trade show, concerts, indoor sports or community events and gatherings.

“The Board will ensure that any programming is financially sustainable and responsive to community needs,” Hoy added.

He stresses that the facility is not intended to duplicate services already provided elsewhere in the community, such as those offered at the YMCA or other recreation spaces.

There will be no ice surface, as that would be a cost-effective use of the building.

“The goal is to complement, not compete with existing services and enhance opportunities for residents in Goderich and the surrounding area,” Hoy said.

Repurposing the Goderich Memorial Arena preserves a building with deep historical and community significance.

The facility has long served as a site for elections, a venue for major community celebrations, a gathering place for town meetings, a disaster relief hub following the 2011 tornado, as well as a hockey arena to host the beloved Young Canada Week tournament for many years.

“As a memorial building, it represents the sacrifices made for Canada and holds strong sentimental value within the community,” remarked Hoy.

According to the committee, this community centre is expected to play a significant role during Goderich’s Bicentennial celebrations in 2027, including potential concerts and fundraising events welcoming both current and former residents of ‘The Prettiest Town in Canada’.

Hoy explains that this is not a precedented idea. Communities like Bayfield have successfully repurposed former arenas into thriving community spaces.

“Forward-thinking residents build many of the institutions we now value, including our YMCA, beautiful library, modern medical centre, and regional hospital,” said Hoy.

“This initiative continues that tradition.”

Hoy stresses that it is important to clarify that the Goderich Memorial Community Committee is leasing the building only. Ownership remains with the Town of Goderich.

The parking lot will continue to be municipally owned. A shared-use agreement will be established, as both the Committee and Bannister Park will utilise the space.

“As with any small community project, rumours can circulate,” remarked Hoy.

“Residents are encouraged to rely on official announcements from the Committee regarding financial standing, commitments, and final programming decisions.

“Many elements are still being determined, and the Board remains open to adjusting direction based on community needs.”

While this is an exciting time for Goderich, Hoy reiterates that expectations must be realistic. This will be a multi-year project and will proceed responsibly, based on available funding.

The goal is long-term sustainability rather than rapid transformation.

“Rome wasn’t built in a day,” added Hoy.

“The Board is committed to doing this properly to ensure the facility serves generations to come.”

Residents can expect future opportunities to get involved, whether through volunteering or supporting fundraising initiatives.

“This project reflects the forward-thinking spirit that continues to define our community,” concluded Hoy.