RUSSELL — The Ontario government is investing $12.2 million in community infrastructure across eastern Ontario, funding the construction of a new recreation complex in Russell Township and upgrades to three other municipal facilities. The announcement, made Monday, is part of the province’s $200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF), which aims to revitalize local facilities, boost the economy and promote healthy, active living across Ontario.
Premier Doug Ford highlighted the Russell Township project as a flagship initiative under the plan. “Our government is proud to support the construction of the new Russell Township Recreation Complex, which will benefit the community for years to come,” Ford said. “With our more than $200 billion infrastructure plan, we’re going to continue to support our communities and protect our province’s economy and workers by building for the future.”
Russell Township Complex: A Regional Anchor
The Russell Township Recreation Complex will feature a 25-metre, six-lane indoor pool, a 10,000-square-foot community hall, and three ice rinks suitable for hockey, figure skating, broomball and ringette. Officials expect the facility to attract nearly 600,000 visits annually once completed, providing year-round opportunities for sport and recreation.
Programming at the centre will include swimming lessons, fitness classes and public skating. The township also anticipates new economic benefits, including job creation and the ability to host tournaments and regional competitions.
“This historic $10 million investment from the province — the largest grant ever awarded to Russell Township — clearly recognizes the value this recreation complex brings to our township and the wider region,” said Mike Tarnowski, Mayor of Russell Township. “The strong support from residents, neighbouring communities and our provincial partners has helped make this possible. This proud and defining moment shows what can be achieved through leadership, collaboration and a shared vision for community well-being.”
Investments in Clarence-Rockland, Hawkesbury and The Nation
In addition to the Russell Township project, three other communities will receive provincial support to modernize existing facilities:
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City of Clarence-Rockland: $360,700 to replace the HVAC system at the Clarence-Rockland Arena, improving energy efficiency and comfort for users.
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Town of Hawkesbury: $866,500 to replace the rooftop at the Robert Hartley Sports Complex, extending the life of the facility and preserving it as a regional attraction.
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The Nation Municipality: $962,500 to rehabilitate the St-Isidore Arena, preserving a key community space and broadening recreational opportunities.
Local leaders welcomed the funding as essential for maintaining infrastructure and supporting community well-being.
“This grant will allow the Town to repair the roof of the Robert Hartley Sports Complex, thereby extending its lifespan,” said Robert Lefebvre, Mayor of Hawkesbury. “These repairs will ensure the continuation of quality facilities and a variety of programs for our community and surrounding areas.”
Francis Brière, Mayor of The Nation Municipality, said: “We are very thankful for this investment in the St-Isidore Recreation Centre’s arena from the Province of Ontario. This funding comes at a crucial time, as municipalities work hard to stretch every dollar while caring for aging infrastructure.”
Clarence-Rockland Mayor Mario Zanth added: “A modern arena is more than just a sports facility: it is an essential gathering place that fosters social cohesion, youth development and community well-being.”
Broader Infrastructure Strategy
The funding is delivered through CSRIF, which supports both the rehabilitation of aging sport and recreation facilities and the construction of new or transformative infrastructure projects. Ontario also invests $32 million annually in community recreation programs such as the Inclusive Grassroots Recreation Program, the Ontario Amateur Sport Fund and the After School Program.
Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport, said investments like these serve multiple goals. “At a time when Ontario families are facing rising costs due to tariffs, our government is proud to support municipalities and organizations focused on delivering better services for people while creating opportunities for people of all ages to stay active,” he said. “With investments in infrastructure like this, we are protecting Ontario jobs, strengthening our communities and building a more resilient and self-reliant economy.”
Stéphane Sarrazin, MPP for Glengarry—Prescott—Russell, praised the provincial commitment to his riding. “This new recreation complex in Russell Township will be a fantastic investment in the health, wellness and future of our community,” he said. “This project will provide a state-of-the-art facility where residents of all ages can stay active, develop their talents and build connections.”
Sport as an Economic Driver
According to the province, sport contributes more than $7.5 billion annually to Ontario’s economy and supports tens of thousands of jobs. The CSRIF funding is positioned not only as a means to improve local quality of life but also as part of the government’s larger economic growth strategy, which includes $200 billion in infrastructure investments spanning highways, transit, hospitals and schools.
By strengthening recreational infrastructure, the government hopes to create opportunities for residents to engage in healthy lifestyles while supporting economic resilience across Ontario communities.
