Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Province of Ontario is helping Collingwood raise the roof—literally—over the outdoor rink at Central Park, 200 Hume Street, with $980,600 through the province’s $200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF). Funding supports local facility improvements, economic growth, and active, healthy living across Ontario.
The Central Park outdoor rink hosts daily programs including public and open skating, figure skating, parent-and-tot sessions, and recreational pickup hockey for all ages. During the warmer months, the facility transforms to accommodate sports like pickleball and a variety of camps, ensuring year-round activity for residents.
Adding a roof will enhance the site’s functionality by extending the ice season, increasing reliable operating hours, boosting rental revenues, and reducing demand for indoor rinks. Construction is expected to be complete by the end of 2025, just in time for the outdoor skating season. The total project budget is $1.94 million.
“This investment is an important step in extending the use of the rink during the winter months, while also ensuring it can be enjoyed year-round for a wide range of community activities,” said Brian Saunderson, MPP for Simcoe–Grey. “The outdoor rink has long been a cornerstone of Collingwood’s recreational infrastructure, and I am proud that our government is partnering with the Town of Collingwood to strengthen and protect this valuable community asset.”
The project also aligns with Collingwood’s 2024–2028 Community-Based Strategic Plan, which envisions an inclusive community promoting healthy, active lifestyles within a vibrant waterfront setting. Recreation facilities like the Central Park rink support public health, social well-being, and community engagement, contributing to the Town’s broader goals of fostering a connected, active, and inclusive community.
