South Huron Recreation Renewal Projects

At the Regular Council meeting on June 7, 2021, Council approved a renovation and retrofit of the South Huron Recreation Centre (SHRC) that will help promote and sustain multi-generational programs and services at the facility (See the news release June 9, 2021: Council Greenlights SHRC Project)

The Municipality has undertaken a review of the facility and is proposing a renovation and retrofit that will include two phases. 

The first phase, scheduled for construction in 2022, will enhance ice user experiences, increase comfort and optimal viewing for patrons, while improving the overall accessibility within the main areas of the facility.

The first phase (as approved) includes the following general parameters:

• Dressing room addition consisting of 6 new dressing rooms, 1 officials’ room, 1 mechanical and electrical room and a connecting corridor
• New dasher board and netting system
• Expansion of existing warm room to open concept lobby
• Front entrance improvements
• Incorporation of existing offices and entrances
• Addition of washrooms that meet AODA standards
• Upgrades to existing kitchen
• Site development 

The total allocated construction budget is $4,500,000 plus HST.

At the Regular Council meeting on February 16, 2021, Council passed motion #039-2021 "That the Stephen Arena remain open and continue to operate as an arena". This work is necessary to continue operations at the Stephen Arena. This project will diversify the facility to meet future program demand. 

To support Council's motion:

• The necessary capital upgrades were included in the adopted 2022 budget. 
• At the Regular Council meeting on September 7, 2021, Council approved the submission of a funding application to the Ontario Trillium Foundation's Community Building Fund (Capital Stream) for improvements at the Stephen Township Arena, requesting a funding of $500,000.  (See Staff report seeking OTF application approval: September 7, 2021)
• South Huron's application to the Ontario Trillium Foundation was successful has been awarded funding of up to $500,000 (See Ontario Trillium Foundation Community Building Fund Capital - Grants Award: South Huron) 
  • See South Huron News release: $500,000 OTF Grant gives Stephen Township Arena new life

It was identified that significant work is needed to continue operations at the arena, while diversifying the facility to meet future program demands. 

The capital upgrades scheduled for construction in 2022 were included in the approved budget and includes the following general parameters:

• Rink slab replacement (existing sand floor to concrete)
• Replacement of dasher boards and glass
• Replacement of major components of the original arena refrigeration plant
• Front entrance improvements to meet AODA standards

The total amount approved by Council for the Stephen Township Arena Renewal project is $2,000,000.