in Chatsworth, Grey Highlands, Southgate, West Grey
June 13, 2025
Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Paul Vickers announced on June 13, that the Flesherton Arena is to receive funding from Ontario’s Ministry of Sport, through the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF) . Two other municipalities in Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound were also chosen to receive funds including the Bayshore Community Centre in Owen Sound and six recreation facilities across Georgian Bluffs. The total amount of the announcement topped $2 million for recreation infrastructure in communities across the riding.
$294,450 will revitalize the Flesherton Arena with upgrades to the arena ice cooling system, water and wastewater system, fire suppression and electrical systems, and sporting floor. The project also includes enhancements to site accessibility.
“This is a great day for communities and athletes across Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound,” said Vickers, the first-term Member of Provincial Parliament. “From grassroots community sport facilities to an OHL-caliber arena, these investments will not only support our local athletes and sporting organizations, but our local economy as well. I want to thank Minister Lumsden, our Minister of Sport, for these investments.
“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 for people while breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for children and young people,” said Minister Lumsden.
Ian Boddy, Mayor of the City of Owen Sound, added “The Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre is at the heart of sport, recreation, and community life in Owen Sound and the surrounding area. We’re grateful for the generous support from the Province through the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund.”
Sue Carleton, Mayor of the Township of Georgian Bluffs, is thankful to the Ministry of Sport for supporting six projects in her community. “With this funding support, we’re investing in places where neighbours gather, children play, and memories are made. From Kemble to Sarawak, and from Shallow Lake to Balmy Beach, this commitment to revitalizing our shared spaces reflects our dedication to healthy, active, and connected communities. We are grateful to the Ontario Ministry of Sport for recognizing the importance of local recreation, and we look forward to seeing these spaces come to life for families across Georgian Bluffs.”
The CSRIF is a two year, $200-million program with two streams – repairing or upgrading existing recreation infrastructure and building new recreation infrastructure. Across the province, the CSRIF is supporting nearly 100 projects. The three projects in Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound are scheduled to be completed by December 31, 2026, with work on the Bayshore Community Centre scheduled to be completed by September 2025.
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