The future of the Haldimand Memorial Community Arena and Recreation Complex received a major boost this week as Alnwick/Haldimand Township announced its first significant donations toward the project.
The township has received an anonymous donation of $250,000, along with a second contribution of $125,000 that will be used as part of a matching donation campaign. If fully matched, the campaign could bring the total fundraising impact to $500,000.
CAO Dave Dawson says the donations mark an important step forward for the community.
Dawson says the donations will significantly offset the cost of the arena renewal project.
According to the township, council approved the arena rink slab replacement project in late 2025 following a needs assessment that identified major infrastructure concerns. The contract was awarded earlier this year at a cost of approximately $2.33 million, significantly below the original estimate of $3.7 million. The project includes replacing the structural concrete slab, refrigeration equipment, rink boards and glass, along with the installation of a low-emissivity ceiling.
The fundraising committee is now preparing to launch the matching campaign, giving residents, businesses and community groups an opportunity to increase the impact of their donations.
The campaign builds on the initial donation of $250,000 and will help offset the cost of the arena renewal project.
The arena’s future has been a major community conversation for several years. In late 2024, local donations helped save the hockey season after refrigeration system leaks threatened to keep the ice surface closed. Grafton Minor Hockey pledged up to $60,000 toward repairs, while an anonymous donor contributed an additional $25,000, allowing the facility to remain open while longer-term solutions were explored.
Dawson says the upcoming work itself will amount to a major rebuild of the arena’s ice-making infrastructure.
Township officials say the project is scheduled to be completed in October, with plans to have the upgraded arena ready in time for the 2026-27 ice season.
Dawson says details about the matching campaign will be released in the coming weeks as fundraising efforts continue and work progresses toward having the upgraded arena ready for the 2026-27 ice season.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
