Ontario Upgrading Surface of Douro-Dummer Community Centre

July 25, 2025

$200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund supporting economic growth and building healthier communities

News, July 25, 2025

Douro— The Ontario government is investing $1 million to replace the floor at the Douro-Dummer Community Centre. This investment is part of the province’s $200 million Community Sport and Recreation infrastructure Fund (CSRIF), a provincewide initiative that helps communities revitalize local facilities, grow the economy and promote active, healthy living across Ontario.

“This $1 million investment from the Ontario government in the Douro-Dummer Community Centre is a game-changer for our residents and a strategic step forward for our community,” said Dave Smith, Member of Provincial Parliament for Peterborough-Kawartha. “It’s not just about replacing an old floor; it’s about transforming this facility into a modern, energy-efficient hub that our community can enjoy year-round. This critical upgrade will significantly reduce operational costs and create a vibrant, accessible space that will serve as the heart of our community for generations to come.” MPP Smith added.

This project involves replacing the arena’s aging ice surface, which is past its prime. The new surface will be significantly more energy-efficient and, with the addition of in-floor heating, will enable year-round use of the facility. These upgrades are expected to substantially reduce the centre’s operational costs and its environmental footprint, aligning perfectly with broader sustainability goals.

“The Douro Community Centre has been the heart of our community for 45 years, and this investment represents the largest commitment to its future since the day it was built. We are thankful to the Province of Ontario and MPP Smith for recognizing how important this space is for our residents, families, and youth. This funding will allow us to preserve and enhance a place that brings our community together.” Said Mayor Heather Watson

“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 breading down barriers and creating opportunities for children and your people,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. “With investments in infrastructure like this, we are protection Ontario jobs, strengthening our communities and building a more resilient and self-reliant economy.”

CSIRF 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.