New Refrigeration System Approved to Secure Future of Blackstock Arena

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

SCUGOG: The future of the Blackstock Arena took a significant step forward, recently, as Scugog Council approved the purchase and installation of a new permanent refrigeration plant for the historic facility.

The issue dominated discussions, during the Monday, May 25th council meeting, when members of the newly formed Blackstock Community Arena Development Committee presented a five-year vision for the arena and outlined fundraising plans, aimed at helping secure the facility’s long-term future.

Council later reviewed a detailed staff report and follow-up memorandum, prepared by Shawna Cornish, Manager of Parks and Recreation, and Grant Taylor, Director of Public Works and Recreation, recommending the Township proceed with the project.

The total cost of the new refrigeration plant is estimated at approximately $980,000 to $1 million. Township staff noted, the replacement is essential to maintaining arena operations and ensuring the facility can continue serving local residents and user groups.

The project has received strong backing from the Blackstock Minor Hockey community, which helped secure a $50,000 contribution through the Kraft Hockeyville program. In total, the Blackstock Arena Planning and Development Committee has committed to fundraising 20 percent of the project cost, or roughly $196,000. The remaining funding will come from the Township’s Development Charges Reserve Fund and Major Facilities Reserve Fund.

Mayor Wilma Wotten praised the collaboration between volunteers and the municipality, during Monday’s meeting.

“I want to thank the Blackstock Minor Hockey group and the broader community for their strong advocacy in support of the arena and for securing the Kraft Hockeyville funding,” said Mayor Wotten. “Their ongoing commitment to fundraising demonstrates the power of community groups working in partnership with the Township, to invest in and enhance our shared facilities. This new ice plant helps secure the long-term future of the arena, ensuring it continues to serve residents for years to come.”

According to the staff memorandum, the refrigeration plant replacement represents a critical investment, regardless of whether the existing arena is eventually renovated further or replaced with a larger future facility. Staff explained, the proposed refrigeration equipment is intentionally oversized, so it could potentially support future expansion or even a new regulation-size ice surface, if council chooses to pursue that option in coming years.

The report also outlined broader concerns with the condition of the Blackstock Recreation Complex. A 2023 Building Condition Assessment identified several major infrastructure needs, including roof replacement, structural repairs, exterior restoration, electrical upgrades, and continued mechanical improvements, throughout both the banquet hall and arena portions of the complex.

Among the more pressing concerns are: deteriorating roof systems, aging structural components, and ongoing building envelope issues contributing to moisture damage. Sense Engineering has already been retained, to prepare design and tender documents for structural and roof repairs, with estimates for roof and structural work across the facility, reaching approximately $600,000.

Staff emphasized, replacing the refrigeration plant is the highest priority in maintaining uninterrupted arena operations, while broader long-term planning continues.

Council also approved the creation of a Blackstock Arena Development Reserve Fund, to hold donations collected by the committee and allow charitable receipts to be issued through the Township.

Township staff will now move forward with the procurement process for the new refrigeration system.

The decision was viewed by many in attendance as a strong sign of commitment from Council, community volunteers, and local user groups determined to preserve an important recreational hub for Blackstock residents.

“This is about protecting a community asset which generations of families rely on,” committee member, Mike Blakey told The Standard, following the evening’s presentation. “The arena is more than just ice, it’s where the community comes together.”