Media Release: Township Receives First Major Donations Toward Haldimand Community Memorial Arena and Recreation Complex Project
June 15, 2026
For Immediate Release
Grafton, ON - The Township of Alnwick/Haldimand is pleased to announce the receipt of its first significant donations in support of the Haldimand Memorial Community Arena and Recreation Complex project.
Today, the Township confirms that it has received an anonymous donation in the amount of $250,000, marking an important milestone in the community fundraising effort for the arena project.
In addition, the Township has received a second donation in the amount of $125,000 to be designated as part of a matching donation campaign. This generous commitment will help launch a future fundraising campaign, encouraging community members, businesses, and organizations to maximize the impact of their contributions toward this important community initiative.
Township staff will continue to work closely with the Haldimand Memorial Community Arena and Recreation Complex Fundraising Committee to develop the matching donation campaign and prepare supporting promotional materials that will be shared with the public in the coming weeks.
The Township would also like to recognize and thank the dedicated volunteers of the Haldimand Memorial Community Arena and Recreation Complex Fundraising Committee for their hard work, commitment, and enthusiasm. Their countless hours of planning, community engagement, fundraising efforts, development of promotional materials, and through their strong collaboration with staff, have helped build momentum for this project and have been instrumental in reaching this important milestone.
“This is an exciting moment for our community. These first major donations are a testament to the belief that residents and supporters have in this project. We are incredibly thankful to our donors, staff, and fundraising committee volunteers whose dedication continues to move this project forward. Together, we are building something that will benefit our community for many years to come.” – Mayor John Logel
“The Township is extremely grateful for these generous investments in the future of our community. On behalf of staff, I thank the donors for their support of the project. These donations demonstrate confidence in the project and highlight the strong community support that continues to grow around the vision for a modern, sustainable recreation facility that will serve residents for generations to come.” – CAO/Fire Chief Dave Dawson
For more information regarding the fundraising campaign, public donation opportunities, and the Haldimand Memorial Community Arena and Recreation Complex projects, please visit: www.ahtwp.ca/arena-fundraising
Arena Rink Slab Project Details:
Following the completion of a Needs Assessment Study completed by Sierra Planning and Consulting in May 2025, Township Council authorized the Arena Rink Slab (Floor) Replacement Project for the Haldimand Community Memorial Arena in November 2025. Following the acceptance of the project financing plan and a competitive bidding process, the Township awarded the contract to JJ McGuire General Contractors in April 2026 for the completion of the replacement of the Grafton Arena Rink Slab, including the demolition and replacement of the structural concrete slab, refrigeration equipment, rink boards and glass, and installation of a low emissivity ceiling for a cost of $2,332,000 (+ HST). The project is scheduled for completion in October 2026 in time for the 2026-2027 ice season.
Media Contact:
Dave Dawson, CAO/Fire Chief
Township of Alnwick/Haldimand
10836 County Road 2, Grafton, Ontario K0K 2G0
Phone: 905-349-2822
Email: ddawson@ahtwp.ca
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