Big investment coming to Char-Lan Recreation Centre in Williamstown

The heart of South Glengarry’s community life is getting a serious upgrade. Thanks to nearly $1 million in provincial funding, the Char-Lan Recreation Centre in Williamstown will soon undergo critical improvements that promise to keep local families active — and connected — for many years ahead.

This injection of $924,360 is part of Ontario’s ambitious Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF), a $200 million initiative aimed at repairing and rejuvenating recreation spaces across the province. Whether it’s fixing up well-used facilities or building entirely new venues, CSRIF is designed to create healthy, active communities and support local economies all at once.

“The Char-Lan Recreation Centre is a vibrant hub that brings our families and friends together for activities and events all year long,” said Nolan Quinn, MPP for Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry. “Through this investment, our government is supporting vital upgrades and improvements to the recreation centre so Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry residents can stay active and connected for decades to come.”

Keeping local jobs strong and kids on the ice

The project goes well beyond a simple facelift. Plans include replacing the arena’s aging roof, siding, and insulation, as well as upgrading doors, ventilation openings and installing a new dehumidifier. Together, these improvements will extend the life of the building, boost energy efficiency, and help maintain better temperature and moisture control — a must for any busy rink.

And the benefits stretch well past the arena walls. Investments like these protect local jobs tied to construction and maintenance, while strengthening the long-term prospects of small businesses that rely on a thriving local hub.

Ontario’s Minister of Sport, Neil Lumsden, highlighted how projects like this fit into the province’s bigger push to build a more self-reliant economy and keep life affordable.

“At a time when Ontario families are facing rising costs due to tariffs, our government is proud to support organizations focused on delivering better services for people while breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for children and young people,” Lumsden said. “With investments in infrastructure like this, we are protecting Ontario jobs, strengthening our communities and building a more resilient and self-reliant economy.”

More than just bricks and boards

For many in South Glengarry, the Char-Lan Recreation Centre isn’t simply a building — it’s a piece of who they are.

“This funding is wonderful news for our community. Thanks to the support of the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund, the Township of South Glengarry can move forward with an important project at the Char-Lan Recreation Centre,” said Mayor Lachlan McDonald. “Our recreation centre is more than just a building; it’s where our children learn to skate, where we gather for local events, and where countless memories are made. The Township is grateful to the province for investing in the spaces that bring our community together.”

A broader game plan for Ontario

The Char-Lan project is just one example of how sport and recreation are helping to fuel Ontario’s economy. In fact, sports contribute over $7.5 billion annually, creating tens of thousands of good jobs in every corner of the province. On top of CSRIF, Ontario invests about $32 million every year into local recreation programs — from after-school activities and inclusive grassroots sports to funding for amateur athletes.

All of this is part of the province’s massive $200 billion infrastructure plan, which also includes building highways, hospitals, transit systems and schools, to keep communities thriving and workers employed.

With the upcoming improvements at Char-Lan, Williamstown families can look forward to skating, hockey, community events and countless shared moments in a space that’s safer, more energy-efficient, and ready for the future.