‘More than an investment in a building’: Work, fundraising continue on $2.3M Grafton arena renovation
By editor/reporter Sarah Hyatt
With the community rallying around a multi-million-dollar renovation at the Haldimand Community Memorial Arena in Grafton, the project is expected to cross the finish line this year.
The Township of Alnwick/Haldimand has described the $2.3-million Grafton arena renovation project as “a new chapter” for the long-time community gathering place.
And solid progress is being made on the replacement of the arena’s ice pad and related upgrades, said the township, in a recent update.
“We’re on schedule to have the ice in for the 2026–27 ice season, marking an exciting new chapter for this much-loved community facility,” said the township, in its latest update. (Most of the work was initially targeted to be completed by the end of October after starting up in May.)
The project underway has been described as extensive – and earlier, concerns at the aging facility even prompted a temporary suspension of the ice season before again, the community stepped up to help with some repairs.
“The approval of the arena renovation is really about people – our families, our youth, our seniors, our local teams, and everyone who calls this community home,” explained Mayor John Logel, earlier this year, as council advanced with a plan to tackle upgrades.
The Haldimand Memorial Arena and Recreational Complex Fundraising Ad Hoc Committee has said that these repairs are not luxury upgrades, but instead critical to keep the ice surface and centre operational for years to come.
“They are essential repairs required to keep the doors open, maintain basic operations and ensure the building remains open for the public,” explained the committee earlier. “Without these repairs, the risk isn’t inconvenience – it’s closure.”
But with the community’s support, instead, families and residents will once again be welcomed back to the veterans’ memorial arena this fall.
From demolition and replacement of existing concrete rink slab, to upgrades to refrigeration and cooling systems and installation of new rink boards and glass, as well as work on a low-emissivity ceiling to help insulate the building and improve energy efficiency and ice quality, it’s been a massive undertaking, which is still ongoing.
“This project is more than an investment in a building – it is an investment in the experiences, memories and opportunities that bring our community together,” added the township, in its latest update.
“Together, these improvements will help create a better ice surface, improve energy efficiency, extend the ice season, and enhance the overall arena experience for the many residents, families, athletes and community groups who use the facility,” explained township staff.
And the community has played a huge role in this success story so far, with residents, businesses, partners, anonymous donors and more stepping up to support the project.
Through these folks’ efforts and donations, close to $330,000 had been raised at press deadline.
This includes a donor who helped kick-start fundraising with a $250,000 contribution and who also pledged to match the next $125,000 raised dollar-for-dollar, noted township officials.
Meanwhile, the Grafton Minor Hockey Association also chipped in $40,000 and then there was an anonymous $10,000 donor. Another $7,000 was raised through a breakfast sponsored by the Men’s Breakfast Club at St. George’s Anglican Church, and $9,000 raised by the Alnwick/Haldimand Ratepayers’ Association through a summer mini market event.
Additional community and business donations tallied more than $13,170 at press deadline.
And according to the township, if another $45,900 is raised, the matching campaign spearheaded by the anonymous donor will be “unlocked” and an additional $125,000 can go towards fundraising efforts; thus, later also decreasing borrowing expenditures.
“This will bring us to $500,000 in contributions toward the arena project,” noted the township.
Township of Alnwick/Haldimand council approved moving forward with arena upgrades, along with a project financing plan and the construction contract, back at the end of April. The total project cost reported at that time was $2,332,000, plus HST.
The council-approved financing strategy was meant to balance “fiscal responsibility with project certainty.”
Council decided on pursuing a combination of community fundraising and long-term debenture financing through Infrastructure Ontario to advance upgrades. Officials also earlier stated that to support cash flow during construction, the township may temporarily use reserves, but that those would be replenished after debenture funds and/or donations are received.
“For years, this arena has been a gathering place where friendships are formed, kids learn teamwork, and neighbours come together to cheer, celebrate and connect,” noted Logel, following council approvals. “By moving forward with this renovation, we’re making sure that this space continues to serve our community for many years to come.”
He also noted that this project will ultimately create a safer and more welcoming, reliable and accessible facility.
“The renovations will provide a reorganization of the players’ benches, penalty boxes and (the) times keeper box (which) will allow for better interaction during games,” explained Logel. “Just as importantly, we’re upgrading the building in a way that’s more energy-efficient and environmentally-responsible, because taking care of our shared spaces also means taking care of our future.”
Residents can learn more about the project and fundraising efforts via www.ahtwp.ca/donate-to-the-arena.
Even for those who don’t regularly use the arena, they know its role as a gathering point and a symbol of community connection, added project officials, while noting that as a memorial arena dedicated to veterans, maintaining this facility also preserves an important piece of local history.
Whether small or larger, contributions are ultimately helping protect a community asset that serves all residents regardless of age, interest or background, and the facility that has done just this quietly for generations, explained the township.
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