Both the federal government and the Ontario government along with the City of Toronto will provide funding for major rehabilitation of the Herbert H. Carnegie Centennial Centre in Toronto.

In a news release last week, the Government of Canada said  it will provide $1,134,159 for this project through the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream (CCRIS) of the Investing in Canada plan. The Government of Ontario is providing $944,187, while the City of Toronto is contributing $757,051.

The release notes that the project involves ” repairs and upgrades to improve the quality, accessibility and lifespan of the arena in North York.

” These include the replacement of the existing rink slab, windows, doors, frames, flooring, Zamboni slab, millwork, benches, electrical and mechanical systems, plumbing fixtures, interior and exterior signage and security systems, as well as upgrades to washrooms and change rooms. A new elevator to the second floor of the arena will also be installed.”

In announcing the funding for the project,Ya’ara Saks, Member of Parliament for York Centre,said that ” the improvements to the Herbert H. Carnegie Arena ensure the facility is more accessible to the users and visitors who enjoy sporting and social activities onsite. ”

Formerly known as the North York Centennial Arena, this facility was renamed in 2001 to honour the former hockey star, Herbert H. Carnegie (1919-2012). Born in Toronto, Carnegie was one of the first black semi-professional hockey players in Canada.

 Carnegie who  became a member of both the Order of Ontario and the Order of Canada, founded one of Canada’s first hockey schools,

Robin Martin, Parliamentary Assistant to Ontario’s Minister of Health and Member of Provincial Parliament for Eglinton-Lawrence, said ” more than 60,000 people use the arena every year.

“I look forward to it being upgraded so it can continue to be an important community resource for future generations.”

Toronnto Mayor  John Tory  noted that the funding for the rehabilation  of the Centre “will extend the life of this recreational facility and will ensure that families in the neighbourhood will continue to enjoy the services they rely on.”

Also commenting on the planned   rehabilitation  of  the  Centre was Bernice Carnegie, daughter of the late Herbert Carnegie..

She said the Carnegie family contines to feel ” a sense of pride” in knowing that her father’s  ” humanitarian  contributions ” are valued.