More than $12.2 million for recreation projects in Eastern Ontario was announced on Monday, September 22, by Premier Doug Ford, along with Minister of Sport Neil Lumsden, and Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Glengarry-Prescott-Russell Stéphane Sarrazin. Investments include support for the new recreational facility in Russell, as well as more than $2 million to modernize facilities in Hawkesbury, St-Isidore, and Clarence-Rockland.
Ford and Lumsden said they are investing a total of $12.2 million to protect jobs and build community infrastructure in the region. The investment will support the construction of the Russell Township Recreation Complex (RTRC) and the revitalization of three other community centres.
The RTRC received $10 million for the construction of a facility that will feature a 25-metre six-lane indoor pool, a 10,000 square-foot community hall, and three ice rinks. The centre expects nearly 600,000 visits per year.
In addition, the Ontario government is investing $360,700 to replace the HVAC system at the Clarence-Rockland Arena, $866,500 to replace the roof at the Robert Hartley Sports Complex in Hawkesbury, and $962,500 to support the St-Isidore Arena rehabilitation project.
Russell Township Mayor Mike Tarnowski welcomed the collaboration among the various municipalities, stating, “The support we see at the regional level is matched today by the presence of our provincial leaders.”
“Your presence here speaks volumes not only about the strength of our partnership with the province, but also about our shared commitment to building strong, resilient communities,” Tarnowski said. “This is the largest grant ever awarded to Russell Township,” he added.
Francis Brière, Mayor of The Nation, highlighted, “The funding comes at a crucial time, as municipalities work hard to stretch every dollar while caring for aging infrastructure. These essential upgrades will help extend the lifespan of our well-used arena, benefiting not only our residents, but also the broader region that relies on it for sports, recreation, and events.”
Hawkesbury Mayor Robert Lefebvre said, “Thanks to the grant, repairs to the roof of the Robert Hartley Sports Complex will ensure the continuation of quality facilities and a variety of programs for our community and surrounding areas.”
Lumsden said that the investment comes at a time when Ontario families continue to face rising costs due to U.S. tariffs, and “with investments in infrastructure like this, we are protecting Ontario jobs, strengthening our communities, and building a more resilient and self-reliant economy.”
Ford said, “The government has a plan to protect Ontario workers, families, and businesses who call this province home. We are building an Ontario that is more competitive, more resilient, and more self-reliant.”
“We’re cutting red tape and keeping taxes low—in fact, I’ve never raised a tax during my time as Premier,” Ford said.
“This type of investment does not happen without the support of all the mayors, the warden, and their councillors. I can’t wait to get back here to Russell and cut the ribbon once the facility is complete,” he concluded.
