MPP Rob Flack was joined by Neil Lumsden, Ontario’s Minister of Sport and City officials to announce a provincial investment of up to $1 million through the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund to support the City of London’s Silverwood Arena Redevelopment Project.
This investment will help transform London’s Silverwood Arena into a modern, multi-purpose and fully accessible community centre.
“Silverwood has been part of London’s story for decades, and this investment marks the start of an exciting new chapter,” says Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and MPP of Elgin—Middlesex—London. “By supporting its transformation into a fully accessible, year-round community centre, we’re helping to build a space where families, youth and residents of all abilities can stay active and feel connected. This is exactly the kind of smart, community-focused investment our government is proud to make.”
“At a time when Ontario families are facing rising costs due to tariffs, our government is proud to support projects that deliver better services for people while creating opportunities for communities to stay active,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. “With investments like this in Silverwood Arena, we are protecting jobs, strengthening our communities, and building a more resilient and self-reliant economy — all while supporting the wellbeing of future generations.”
The Silverwood facility, originally built in 1963 as an open-air hockey rink, was decommissioned as an ice arena in 2018. The redevelopment project is transforming the site into a unique city-wide recreation destination, including a year-round dry pad for sports and programming, accessible washrooms and entrances, introduction of HVAC and roofing systems and multi-use community spaces.
"The Silverwood Arena Redevelopment Project is delivering a healthier, active London while sustainably rejuvenating our city's public spaces," said London Mayor Josh Morgan. "This investment from the province reflects our strong relationship as Silverwood is restored to its role at the heart of the neighbourhood, becoming a community centre all Londoners can be proud of."
The project, now nearing 60% design completion, is scheduled to begin phased construction in 2025. The redeveloped facility will open to the public in 2027.
Once complete, Silverwood will operate as a full-service recreation centre open 12 months a year, 7 days a week. It will offer a variety of drop-in and registered programs, youth sports, rentals and events.
The Silverwood Redevelopment will also incorporate key sustainability and accessibility upgrades, including enhanced thermal insulation and larger washrooms ensuring the space can serve all Londoners now and for generations to come.
To learn more about the Silverwood Redevelopment Project, visit: Silverwoods Park & Arena/Community Centre Redevelopment | Get Involved London