Sunderland Arena set for bigger ice and more dressing rooms

DARRYL KNIGHT The Standard

BROCK: The long-awaited renovation and expansion of the Sunderland Memorial Arena is set to move forward, after Brock Township Council awarded the construction contract to Gerr Construction Ltd. of Clarington, at a special meeting, on Wednesday, August 13th.

The $8.04 million contract (including non-refundable HST) will see the arena undergo major upgrades and expansions, designed to modernize the facility and extend its lifespan for decades to come.

“This is an exciting day for Sunderland and for all of Brock Township,” said Mayor Mike Jubb, following the unanimous 6–0 vote. “The arena has been a community hub for generations, and this investment ensures it will continue to serve our residents, athletes and visitors for many more years. We’ve been working toward this for a long time, and now we’re ready to get shovels in the ground.”

According to Mayor Jubb, the playing surface will be expanded, from its current dimensions of 70 feet by 170 feet to approximately 78 feet by 190 feet. “That’s a significant increase,” he noted. “It will allow us to host more events, attract more tournaments, and give our athletes more space to perform.” The project will also see the facility grow to six dressing rooms, a feature which had been in question during the design and tender process but is now confirmed.

The project will be funded through a combination of sources, including $5.49 million from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP), $3.06 million from development charges, a $1 million donation from the Sunderland Lions Club, $625,221 from the township’s arena reserve fund, and a $25,000 donation from the Foster Hewitt Foundation.

Gerr Construction submitted the lowest of five bids, received through an invited tender process, coming in under the project’s approved $10.2 million budget. Township staff noted, Gerr Construction’s bid met the budget, including contingencies, ensuring all planned upgrades and features can proceed without scaling back.

“This is a huge win for the residents of Sunderland,” said, Ward 5 Councillor, Lynn Campbell. “The arena is more than just a building, it’s where kids learn to skate, where families gather, and where the community comes together. I’m thrilled to see this project moving ahead.”

The Sunderland Arena Project has been in the works for several years. A Request for Pre-Qualification process, for a general contractor, was completed in May of 2025, with five firms shortlisted. Following the August 6th bid deadline, Gerr Construction’s proposal was recommended by township staff.

According to Brock’s Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities, Wayne Ward, the renovations will replace and upgrade critical infrastructure, some of which will be funded by other levels of government, and will position the arena as a sustainable community asset for the future.

Construction timelines will be posted on the township’s website as they are finalized, with work expected to begin later this year.