The Ontario government is investing $4.1M in the Township of Wilmot for the retrofit and renovation of the New Hamburg Arena to create a hybrid facility. The upgraded facility is projected to cost $5.7M and will allow for multi-purpose dryland sport and recreation uses, as well as a dedicated facility space for Wilmot’s local theatre company, The Community Players (TCP). 

This significant capital investment is being supported through the Strategic Priorities Infrastructure Fund (SPIF) – Sport and Community Renewal (SCR) sub-stream. SPIF projects will help meet the demand for long-needed quality recreation and community infrastructure. The SCR substream will enable local economic growth and recovery by creating jobs and supporting local businesses. They will also increase opportunities for residents to participate in local sports, arts and culture, and recreation activities.

“The Township is grateful to see continued investment from our senior government partners towards critical infrastructure projects in Wilmot,” noted Mayor Les Armstrong. “The revitalization of the old New Hamburg Arena into a modernized space supporting both recreation and cultural uses will be a great asset for future generations,” said Armstrong.

Through the application process, Township staff worked collaboratively with TCP, submitting a proposed partnership that would see the project commencing in 2024 and being completed by 2027. The proposed works will include the replacement of the concrete floor slab, HVAC equipment, electrical wiring/panels and plumbing infrastructure where required for code compliance. The project would also see the installation of a fully compliant fire alarm system and elevator, and removal/replacement of old wooden spectator seating. A new addition will include accessible change facilities for dryland sport use, as well as new theatre storage and staging space to accommodate TCP.

“Today’s funding announcement is incredible news for The Community Players of New Hamburg (TCP) and the Wilmot community,” said TCP President Aaron Fewkes. “Thanks to our volunteers past and present, loyal patrons and partners, who return to support TCP year-after-year, our organization is proud to commit at least $250,000 toward the project. One place where rehearsals, storage, creative production, and performances can occur has long been the dream of TCP and today’s news sets in motion a path forward,” said Fewkes.

These investments represent Ontario’s ongoing commitment to getting shovels in the ground on community infrastructure and schools to support the families of Kitchener-Conestoga. “Investing in education and community infrastructure is the smart move for a region that is growing as quickly as Waterloo,” said Mike Harris, Member of Provincial Parliament for Kitchener-Conestoga. “The new childcare and classroom spaces in Baden and modernized New Hamburg Arena facility will provide families in Wilmot with more options for education, recreation, sports, arts and culture and also support the local economy and business recovery.”