$200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund supporting economic growth and building healthier communities
The Ontario government is investing over $9.1 million to protect jobs and support the renewal of the W.J. Henderson Recreation Centre in Loyalist Township. This project is part of the $200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF) — a provincewide initiative to help communities revitalize local facilities, grow the economy and promote active, healthy living across Ontario.
“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 Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. “With investments in infrastructure like this, we are protecting Ontario jobs, strengthening our communities and building a more resilient and self-reliant economy.”
Built nearly 50 years ago, the facility is a central hub for the community’s approximately 75,000 people — a number that is expected to increase as Loyalist Township and the surrounding area continue to grow. The government’s investment will support construction of a new aquatic facility, upgrades to the arena and general improvements to reduce operating costs and extend the life of the recreation centre. Once complete, the revitalization will unlock new opportunities to host international, national and provincial sporting events — attracting more visitors and providing a boost to the local economy.
“As a result of the nearly $9.2 million investment from the Province through the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund, Loyalist Township will be able to upgrade aging infrastructure at the W.J. Henderson Recreation Centre, enhance accessibility and expand programming — ensuring that residents of all ages and abilities can stay active, engaged and connected,” said Loyalist Township Mayor Jim Hegadorn. “The revitalized Recreation Centre will bring lasting benefits to many members of our growing regional community.”
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.
Quick Facts
- Learn more about the W.J. Henderson Recreation Centre Renewal – Project Overview — WJ Henderson Renewal Project
- 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.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
