Collingwood, ON [04 September 2025] - The Province is helping raise the roof over the outdoor rink at Central Park, 200 Hume Street. MPP Brian Saunderson announced this afternoon that Collingwood is receiving $980,600.00 as part of the province’s $200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF), an initiative that helps communities revitalize local facilities, grow the economy and promote active, healthy living across Ontario.
The outdoor rink at Central Park in Collingwood is used extensively for a wide range of community programs and services. During the winter months, the rink hosts daily programs, including public and open skating, figure skating, parent-and-tot sessions, and recreational pickup hockey for all age groups, providing a hub for residents to engage in outdoor activities. In the spring, summer, and fall, it transitions to accommodate sports like pickleball, as well as various camps, ensuring year-round use and activity. The facility already sees approximately 50,000 users annually.
Building a roof over the rink will further maximize the facility's use, increase reliable operating hours & functionality year-round, extend the ice season, increase rental revenues, and reduce demand for indoor rinks.
“This investment is an important step in extending the use of the rink during the winter months, while also ensuring it can be enjoyed year-round for a wide range of community activities. The outdoor rink has long been a cornerstone of Collingwood’s recreational infrastructure, and I am proud that our government is partnering with the Town of Collingwood to strengthen and protect this valuable community asset,” says Brian Saunderson, MPP, Simcoe-Grey.
“Thank you to MPP Brian Saunderson for the continued support and investment in the Town of Collingwood’s infrastructure and facilities that benefit Collingwood residents. We are incredibly grateful to the province for this vital investment in a much-needed roof over Collingwood’s Central Park outdoor rink, which benefits many user groups, families and individuals who enjoy activities such as pickleball, basketball, hockey, figure skating, recreational skating, and even roller skating!” says Mayor Yvonne Hamlin. “I can’t wait to see Collingwood residents enjoying the use of the outdoor rink year-round. Play on Collingwood!”
The construction of the new roof is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, in time for the outdoor skating season. The total project budget is $1,936,000.
Supporting the Community Based Strategic Plan
The Town's 2024-2028 Community-Based Strategic Plan outlines the vision of Collingwood as an inclusive community that offers a healthy and active lifestyle in a beautiful waterfront setting, anchored by a responsible government, strong business and nonprofit networks, and an animated downtown. The operation of a community recreation facility supports this vision and subsequent strategic goals by promoting public health, social well-being, and community engagement, all of which are core municipal objectives. Recreation facilities offer spaces for residents to engage in physical activities, sports, cultural events, and social interactions, thereby enhancing the overall quality of life. These facilities contribute to the Town’s goals of fostering a connected, inclusive community while supporting the health and wellness of residents of all ages.