Sunderland Memorial Arena Renovation Project Update November 13, 2026

As the Sunderland Memorial Arena Renovation Project continues to progress, the Township remains committed to working closely with the Sunderland Lions Club and arena user groups to monitor progress and support the project's successful completion.

As this project moves into the final stages, it is important to note that there are minimum life safety and building safety requirements to be met under the Ontario Building Code, that prior to our Chief Building Official being able to provide us with an Occupancy permit for the building, need to be satisfied.  

There are no compromises when it comes to the safety of our residents, user groups, and staff that will be inside the building on an ongoing basis. Testing and reporting on life safety measures and subsequent construction stage reporting are being worked on and are in the process towards completion. Upon completion of these items and wherein an Occupancy permit has been obtained, the Township then can allow staff to start training on the new ice plant equipment, install ice and complete any remaining finishing touches. 

Following an onsite meeting that included the Sunderland Lions Club, Brock Minor Hockey Association and the Sunderland Ringette Association, it was agreed to continue with the two-arena ice schedule until January 2, 2027. After which a full three-arena ice schedule will take effect. 

Quotes

“Brock Minor Hockey Association is excited to see the Sunderland Memorial Arena nearing completion and looks forward to welcoming our players and families back to this important community facility. We appreciate the continued collaboration with Township staff, the Sunderland Lions Club, and fellow user groups as we work toward a safe reopening and a return to a full three-arena schedule in January.”

—    Matt Gross, President, Brock Minor Hockey Association

“The SRA is looking forward to welcoming the ringette community to the new Sunderland Memorial Arena.”

—    Amanada Keeler, President, Sunderland Ringette Association

"After a productive on-site meeting with numerous user groups, the Sunderland Lions Club, staff, Regional Councillor Frank, engineers, our project manager and contractors, I am excited that the grand opening is set for the 19th of December and the first tournament will take place on the 20th of December. I would like to thank everybody for their patience and understanding as we work through the final stage of this historic investment into recreation in the Township of Brock"

—   Mayor Jubb 

“The Sunderland Lions Club and its companion organization, the Sunderland Lions Charitable Foundation, have worked diligently with the Township of Brock for some 15 years to bring this project to fruition, first by securing Federal and Provincial government funding and then by confirming funding sources from the Township itself.  Our Lions Club and Charitable Foundation then turned to the residents, businesses and organizations of Sunderland and beyond to raise the final $1 million that was required to proceed.  The response was truly amazing, and we are overjoyed that the doors to our newly expanded and renovated Sunderland Memorial Arena will soon be open to the Community"

—   Ralph Maleus, Lions Foundation Chair

The Township appreciates the patience, understanding, and support of residents, user groups, and project partners throughout this transformative project. The investment being made today will provide a modernized, more accessible, and more sustainable recreation facility that will serve the community for many years to come. 

Project highlights and pictures of construction updates can always be found at www.townshipofbrock.ca/sunderlandarena.