North York arena is getting a major upgrade with help from all levels of government

TORONTO — Today the Ontario government announced a joint venture along with the federal government and the City of Toronto, to make substantial improvements to Herbert H. Carnegie Centennial Centre (formerly North York Centennial Arena).

“The safety and well-being of Canadians are top priorities for the governments of Canada and Ontario. Investments in Ontario’s infrastructure during this extraordinary time provide an opportunity to create jobs, economic growth, and make our communities more sustainable and resilient,” reads the statement from the province.

The project involves repairs and upgrades to improve the quality, accessibility and lifespan of the arena. This includes the replacement of the existing rink slab, windows, doors, frames, flooring, Zamboni slab, millwork, benches, electrical and mechanical systems, plumbing fixtures, interior and exterior signage and security systems, as well as upgrades to washrooms and change rooms. A new elevator to the second floor of the arena will also be installed.

Today,’s announement was made by Ya’ara Saks, Member of Parliament for York Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; Robin Martin, Parliamentary Assistant to Ontario’s Minister of Health and Member of Provincial Parliament for Eglinton—Lawrence, on behalf of the Honourable Laurie Scott, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure; and His Worship John Tory, Mayor of the City of Toronto.

The project will result in improved recreation infrastructure for approximately 60,000 people annually.

Formerly known as the North York Centennial Arena, this facility was renamed in 2001 to honour the former hockey star Herbert H. Carnegie (1919-2012). Born in Toronto, Carnegie was one of the first black semi-professional hockey players in Canada. In 1954, he founded one of Canada’s first hockey schools, and through his work in training young hockey players, Carnegie became a member of both the Order of Ontario and the Order of Canada.

The Government of Canada is investing $1,134,159 in this project through the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream (CCRIS) of the Investing in Canada plan. The Government of Ontario is providing $944,187, while the City of Toronto is contributing $757,051.

All orders of government continue to work together for the people of Ontario to make strategic infrastructure investments in communities across the province when needed most.

Quick Facts

• Through the Investing in Canada plan, the federal government is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
• Across Ontario, the Government of Canada has invested more than $8.1 billion in over 2,750 infrastructure projects.
• Across the province and over the next 10 years, Ontario is investing approximately $320 million and Canada is investing approximately $407 million under the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. This stream supports the construction of new facilities and upgrades to existing facilities that improve community infrastructure (community centres, and libraries), and support upgrades to recreational venues (arenas, and both indoor and outdoor recreational spaces) and cultural spaces (theatres, museums).
• Ontario is investing $10.2 billion under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program to improve public transit; community, culture and recreation; green, and rural and northern community and other priority infrastructure.

Other articles from totimes.ca – otttimes.ca – mtltimes.ca