Ontario Investing $6.3 Million to Build Multi-Season Arena in Curve Lake First Nation
September 15, 2025
$200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund supporting economic growth and building healthier communities
September 15, 2025
Sport
Table of Contents
- Content
- Quick Facts
- Quotes
- Additional Resources
CURVE LAKE — The Ontario government is investing over $6.3 million to protect jobs and support the construction of a new multi-season covered outdoor arena in Curve Lake First Nation, increasing opportunities for physical activity and organized programs year-round in the community. This project is part of the $200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF), a provincewide initiative to revitalize local facilities, grow the economy and promote active, healthy living across Ontario.
“Our government is proud to support the construction of the new arena in Curve Lake First Nation, which will create more opportunities for children, seniors and families to stay active and connected within their community,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. “With new access to year-round programming, this investment will increase participation in sport and recreation, create local jobs and build stronger community connections.”
The new arena will be designed for year-round use, featuring a covered, refrigerated ice surface alongside essential amenities, including change rooms and accessible washrooms. The arena will provide a central community hub for activities like hockey and figure skating during the winter months, and lacrosse and ball hockey in the warmer seasons. The facility will be available for community programs and events, after-school activities, skill-building workshops, seasonal markets, cultural gatherings and youth leagues.
“This $6.3 million investment through the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund for a new multi-season, covered and refrigerated outdoor arena is a significant step forward for Curve Lake First Nation,” said Chief Laurie Hockaday. “This facility will provide a safe inclusive space for recreation, sport and cultural gatherings year-round, and it will advance our community’s vision and commitment to Health and Wellness.”
CSRIF is a key part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario workers, businesses and families by unleashing the economy and getting more shovels in the ground, with a historic $200 billion investment to build highways, hospitals, transit, schools and other critical infrastructure across the province.
“Community centres move beyond just a space for sports and recreation. They are the heart and souls of communities — bringing together neighbours, camaraderie and healthy living,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation. “A new multi-season arena enables Curve Lake First Nation to provide programming and physical activity spaces year-round — a partnership our government is proud to stand behind.”
Quick Facts
- The Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF) is an application-based program. It supports municipalities, Indigenous communities and non-profit organizations through two streams: one for repairing and rehabilitating existing sport and recreation facilities and spaces and another for building new or transformative sport and recreation infrastructure.
- Each year, Ontario invests $32 million in community recreation programs to help achieve active, healthy communities across the province, including Ontario’s After School Program, the Inclusive Grassroots Recreation program and the Ontario Amateur Sport Fund.
- Sport contributes more than $7.5 billion to Ontario’s economy every year, creating tens of thousands of meaningful and good-paying jobs in every corner of the province.
Quotes
“This investment of over $6.3 million is a fantastic opportunity for Curve Lake First Nation. It’s more than just an arena; it’s a commitment to the health, well-being, and future of this community. By providing a year-round space for sports, cultural events, and community programs, we’re not only creating jobs but also strengthening the bonds that make this community so special. I’m incredibly proud to see our government supporting projects that truly make a difference on the ground.”
– Dave Smith
MPP for Peterborough-Kawartha
“This project is another example of our commitment to working in true partnership with Indigenous communities. The new arena will serve as a vital hub for sport, culture, and community in Curve Lake First Nation.”
– Will Bouma
MPP for Brantford-Brant and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation
Additional Resources
Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund
2025 Ontario Budget – A Plan to Protect Ontario