Brock councillors backs early ice plan for Cannington Arena in 2026

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

BROCK: Early ice will arrive at the Rick MacLeish Memorial Community Centre, in Cannington, beginning with the 2026–2027 season, following a decision by Brock Council at its October 27th meeting.

The move comes after months of discussion and consultation with local sports organizations, agricultural societies, and community groups, about how to balance ice availability with long-standing fall fair traditions.

Representatives were heard from delegations from Brock Minor Hockey Association, Sunderland Ringette Association, Beaverton Agricultural Society, Sunderland Agricultural Society, and several members of the public. Each group shared perspectives on how early ice would affect programming, community events, and the township’s arenas.

After reviewing a detailed staff report, outlining four potential options, councillors selected Option 3, directing staff to make the necessary capital improvements at the Cannington arena, to support early ice installation for the autumn of 2026 and beyond.

Under the approved resolution, staff will proceed with: capital upgrades to the Rick MacLeish Memorial Community Centre; draw from the Cannington Arena Reserve, to fund the improvements; begin procurement for the required equipment, and include additional staffing costs in the 2026 municipal budget. The upgrades, including insulation and refrigeration system improvements, are expected to cost approximately $375,000, funded entirely from the Cannington Arena Reserve, with no tax levy impact.

Mayor Mike Jubb, who declared a conflict of interest, due to his role as a fair board member, followed the meeting virtually. “Although I was not in attendance at last night’s council meeting, I was able to watch some of the meeting virtually,” said Mr. Jubb. “Council opted to move forward with insulation and refrigeration updates at the Rick MacLeish Memorial Community Centre. It was noted, these funds will come from the dedicated Cannington Arena reserve and will be completed in time for regular ice installation, for the 2026/27 season. It was also discussed by council, this would accommodate the request from minor hockey, for ice installation beginning at the end of August, and it was also noted, this decision would not affect the autumn fairs, or the Beaverton Lions car draw.”

The early ice issue has been under review since September, when Brock Minor Hockey requested ice be ready for use, by the Tuesday after Labour Day in 2026. Agricultural societies in Beaverton and Sunderland raised concerns about the impact on their annual fall fairs, prompting council to direct staff to meet with all affected user groups.

Those discussions helped shape the staff report which presented four options. While Beaverton and Sunderland arenas were considered, both are used for fall fair events. The Cannington arena was identified as the most practical option, as it avoids scheduling conflicts while meeting the community’s need for earlier ice time.

“I was very pleased with the turnout by representatives of our two fair boards, Sunderland Ringette and Brock Wild,” said Councillor Lynn Campbell. “The speakers all made good points. I supported the motion, moved by Councillor Peter Frank and seconded by Councillor Angela Canavan, to upgrade Cannington for early ice and to keep this arena operational in the future, when Beaverton arena is closed for renovation, as per our DC study. We need two rinks, at all times, for our ice users. This compromise will ensure early ice is available locally, without disrupting the tradition of our fall fairs who use the facilities. Plus, the Beaverton Lions car draw can be held in the Beaverton arena, as always. Only half of the Cannington arena reserves will be required, to insulate the building and upgrade the ice plant, so there’s no tax levy impact. I feel this is a win-win solution to satisfy all community groups.”

Upgrades to the Rick MacLeish Memorial Community Centre, in Cannington, are expected to begin in 2026, with early ice installation targeted for late August, of that year. Updates on the project will be made available as work proceeds.