Township receives almost $530,000 to upgrade community centres in Ripley and Lucknow

The Ontario government is investing $529,500 to upgrade both the Lucknow Community Centre and the Ripley-Huron Community Centre in the Township of Huron-Kinloss.

This investment is part of the province’s $200-million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF), a province-wide initiative that helps communities revitalize local facilities, grow the economy, and promote active, healthy living across Ontario.

“I’m pleased to see the township receive this well-deserved investment through this fund,” said Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson, Ontario minister of rural affairs. “These upgrades to the two local community centres will ensure that both facilities continue to serve as safe, welcoming, and modern spaces for residents of all ages to gather, stay active, and take pride in their local facilities. This funding demonstrates our government’s commitment to supporting rural infrastructure and enhancing quality of life across Huron-Bruce.”

“We’re grateful to the Province of Ontario for this investment,” said Huron-Kinloss mayor Don Murray. “This funding will allow us to replace the roof of the Lucknow Community Centre, helping preserve the building for another 40-50 years and supporting the local service clubs that manage it. We were proud to support the grant application and aim to complete the project by September. The funding will also support upgrades at the Ripley-Huron Community Centre, including a new ice plant and added storage for user groups.”

“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,” said Ontario sports minister Neil Lumsden. “With investments in infrastructure like this, we are protecting Ontario jobs, strengthening our communities and building a more resilient and self-reliant economy.”

QUICK FACTS
 

• The Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund is an application-based program, providing a $200-million investment over two years. It supports municipalities, Indigenous communities, and non-profit organizations, through two streams: one for repairing and rehabilitating existing sport and recreation facilities and spaces, and another for building new or transformative sport and recreation infrastructure.
• Each year, Ontario invests $32-million in community recreation programs to help achieve active, healthy communities across the province, including Ontario’s After School Program, the Inclusive Grassroots Recreation program, and the Ontario Amateur Sport Fund.
• Sports contribute more than $7.5-billion to Ontario’s economy every year, creating tens of thousands of meaningful and good-paying jobs in every corner of the province.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
 

• Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund
• 2025 Ontario Budget - A Plan to Protect Ontario

Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson (centre) presents a Community Sports and Recreation Infrastructure Fund grant for $529,500 to Huron-Kinloss Township and the Lucknow Community Centre, represented by facilities and parks supervisor Matt McClinchey (left), Barb Van Diepenbeek, Ambrose Redmond, Jonathan Nelson, mayor Don Murray, Paul Zinn, and CAO Jodi MacArthur