Community partnership takes shape to secure the future of Blackstock Arena

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

SCUGOG: A new partnership, between the municipality and a community-driven committee, is being positioned as a key step toward safeguarding the long-term future of the Blackstock Arena.

During the General Purpose and Administration Committee meeting, on April 13th, members reviewed a staff report from, Manager of Parks and Recreation, Shawna Cornish, outlining a proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Blackstock Arena Planning and Development Committee (BAPDC).

The agreement would formalize a working relationship focused on fundraising for major capital upgrades, including the arena’s aging refrigeration system.

Councillor David LeRoy voiced strong support for the document, calling it both thorough and forward-thinking.

“This is a comprehensive and well-structured agreement,” said Councillor LeRoy. “It really lays out clear expectations, on both sides, and I think it could serve as a model for how we approach similar partnerships in the future.”

The proposed MOU follows a December 2025 delegation, from community members Kirk Swain, Mike Blakey and Rob Harvey, who outlined the formation of the BAPDC and their goal of revitalizing the arena through a collaborative approach.

Since then, staff have met with the group twice, to shape the agreement and define responsibilities.

Under the terms of the MOU, the committee would take the lead on fundraising initiatives, to support capital improvements agreed upon by both parties. A key requirement would see the group contribute 20 per cent of the funding needed for a new refrigeration plant, which is a critical upgrade identified by staff.

Recent operational challenges at the arena have underscored the urgency. During the 2024–2025 ice season, staff dealt with multiple leaks in the existing refrigeration system, requiring repairs and the use of stored Freon.

The long-term solution being explored is a transition to an ammonia-based refrigeration plant, which would help ensure continued operations.

At the same time, the surrounding community has rallied, organizing meetings and brainstorming ways to contribute financially to the arena’s future, momentum which led to the creation of the BAPDC.

The agreement also outlines operational boundaries. The municipality would retain responsibility for staffing and day-to-day management of the arena, while committing to work with the committee on timelines for future projects.

Additional provisions include: regular bi-annual meetings; financial accountability measures, for fundraising efforts; and support from the municipality, such as limited free facility rentals for meetings and events.

Funds raised by the committee would be held in a controlled reserve, designated specifically for arena capital projects.

Ms. Cornish noted, the MOU is based on a precedent template, from the Region of Durham’s legal department, and has been reviewed by the municipality’s CAO.

Beyond the immediate infrastructure needs, the partnership is also seen as a strategic advantage, when pursuing external funding.

“As recreation infrastructure continues to age, municipalities can’t rely solely on government grants,” Ms. Cornish explained, adding collaboration with a not-for-profit group, like the BAPDC, can open doors to additional funding opportunities.

If approved, the next step will see staff continue discussions with the committee, particularly around the refrigeration plant, before bringing forward further recommendations to council.

For now, committee members appeared encouraged, by both the level of community engagement and the structure being put in place to support it, a combination they hope will keep the Blackstock Arena serving residents for generations to come.