Brock eyes provincial funding for Foster Hewitt Community Centre upgrades

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

BROCK: The Foster Hewitt Memorial Community Centre, in Beaverton, could be in line for a major facelift, as Brock Township looks to tap into a new provincial funding program.

Township council approved an application for up to $1 million, through the Ontario government’s Community Sports and Recreation Infrastructure Fund, during its Monday, September 28th meeting. This following a report on the matter from Wayne Ward, Brock’s Director of Parks, Recreation, and Facilities.

The funding could help Brock tackle a long list of repairs and upgrades at the Beaverton facility, which remains a key gathering place for ice sports, community events, autumn fairs, fundraisers, and private functions.

The proposed work ranges from replacing the arena’s aging dasher boards and glass to major upgrades to the: ice-making system, accessibility improvements, new lighting, and renovations to the auditorium.

Mayor Mike Jubb said, the timing is right for Brock to turn its attention to the Beaverton facility, following major work elsewhere in the township.

“Now that the major Sunderland Renovation and Expansion Project is coming to completion, as well as the significant Rick MacLeish Memorial Community Centre renovations also completed, we will now be focusing on improvements to the Foster Hewitt Memorial Community Centre,” Mayor Jubb said.

The Foster Hewitt facility has seen a number of improvements in recent years, including: replacement lighting, renovations and an expansion of the upstairs kitchen and auditorium, as well as work on ice-making and maintenance equipment.

However, considerable work remains.

The proposed grant application includes: replacement of two compressors, the brine pump, glycol loops, and condenser unit, along with new LED lighting over the ice surface.

The arena’s dasher boards, gates, glass, player benches, timekeeper bench, and penalty boxes would also be replaced, with staff proposing a new layout which would place the player benches on the same side as the penalty boxes and timekeeper area.

The auditorium could also receive new flooring, lighting, and ceiling tiles.

Accessibility is another focus of the proposed project, with upgrades planned for the accessible washrooms and main entrance. The work would incorporate: powered doors, locking mechanisms, call buttons, and new fixtures.

The wish list also includes: a new sound system for the arena, improved internet and Wi-Fi throughout the building, new exterior signage, and a fresh coat of paint to bring the facility’s appearance in line with the Sunderland Memorial Arena.

Exterior lighting would also be replaced with LED fixtures, designed to meet dark-sky standards.

Mayor Jubb said, the township has already been planning for a larger renovation of the Beaverton facility.

“Over the last couple years, the municipality partnered with the Beaverton Lions Club to complete renovations of the upstairs auditorium,” he said. “In addition, a major renovation and Expansion Project was included in our Development Charge reserve study.”

That means a portion of development charge revenue, from new building permits, is being set aside for future work at the community centre.

The provincial grant could help Brock move ahead with some of those improvements sooner, while reducing the amount which would ultimately have to come from municipal taxpayers.

The Community Sports and Recreation Infrastructure Fund is a $500-million provincial program, aimed at helping municipalities, Indigenous communities, and non-profit organizations repair, rehabilitate, and improve recreational facilities.

The first funding stream provides between $100,000 and $1 million, and the province will be covering up to 50 percent of eligible project costs.

The Beaverton Arena Reserve was estimated at $768,853, as of December 31st, 2026. Any municipal contribution to the proposed project would be kept within that reserve.

“Given the extreme pressures all municipalities are facing with cost pressures, this grant program, if successful, would be of great assistance to Brock and take some pressure off of the tax levy,” Mayor Jubb stated.

The application deadline is December 22nd.

If successful, Brock would have 24 months from approval to complete the work, and all projects are required to be completed no later than March 31st, 2029.

There is no guarantee the township will receive funding, but staff told council they believe the comprehensive application could improve Brock’s chances of success.