Shovels in the ground for Sunderland Memorial Arena revitalization

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

BROCK: The rain may have been steady, but it couldn’t dampen the excitement in Sunderland, on Thursday, September 4th, as shovels struck the earth to officially kick off the long-anticipated Sunderland Arena Project.

For residents, community groups, and leaders alike, the groundbreaking ceremony marked more than the start of construction, it signalled a new era for one of Brock Township’s most beloved gathering spaces.

“It’s a proud day for Sunderland and for the Township of Brock,” said Mayor Mike Jubb, standing beside local officials and group club members as they posed with shovels. “This is more than just an arena project, it’s an investment in the future of our community. Generations of families will benefit from these upgrades, whether they’re coming to skate, play hockey, or gather for events.”

The Sunderland Memorial Arena, which has stood at the heart of the village for decades, is far more than a sheet of ice. Since it first opened, it has been the backdrop to countless hockey games, figure skating shows, community events, and family celebrations. Every spring, the arena also fills with music lovers, when Canadian band Blue Rodeo rolls into town for their highly anticipated concert, a tradition which draws fans from across the region and helps cement the arena’s place as a true community hub.

“This arena has always been a place where families come together, and this project ensures tradition will continue, in a safe, welcoming, and accessible facility,” said, Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock MPP, Laurie Scott. “It’s about strengthening community ties and contributing to the health and well-being of residents.”

The revitalization project includes: an accessible ice surface (78 x 190 feet); six new dressing rooms, two of which will be fully accessible; and a re-imagined community centre space and lobby, designed to better serve residents of all ages. Local leaders stressed, these improvements will not only modernize the building but also ensure it remains inclusive and sustainable for decades to come.

Durham MP, Jacob Mantle noted, the importance of preserving the arena’s legacy while ensuring it can meet future needs. “This is about building a stronger future for Brock Township,” he said. “An investment in recreation is an investment in health, wellness, and quality of life for families in our region.”

Funding for the project reflects a true partnership between governments and the community. The Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, a joint federal and provincial initiative, provided $5.5 million. The Sunderland Lions Club, whose fingerprints are on nearly every major improvement to the arena since its earliest days, committed $1 million. The Foster Hewitt Foundation added $25,000.

For the Lions, who have been tireless supporters of the arena, the groundbreaking was a moment of pride. “For decades, the Lions have been committed to supporting this community, and this project represents the culmination of years of dedication,” said Don Gordon, Sunderland Lions Club president. “We are proud to see this dream becoming a reality, and we look forward to watching this arena serve our residents for generations to come.”

As the first shovels of dirt were turned, there was a shared sense, Sunderland was celebrating more than the start of construction. It was also a nod to the past, the teams, families, and events which built the arena’s legacy, and a promise for the future. With construction now underway, residents can look forward to a revitalized arena which will remain the beating heart of the community for decades to come.