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CTV News
3 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Sudbury's Valley East twin-pad arena gets $10M in provincial funding
The Minister of Sport announced $10 million for a state-of-the-art facility in Valley East featuring two NHL-sized accessible rinks and a multipurpose gymnasium The Ontario government is providing $12.6 million in funding to upgrade recreation facilities across northeastern Ontario, with the largest share – $10 million – going toward Greater Sudbury's long-awaited Valley East Twin-Pad Multipurpose Sports Complex. Neil Lumsden Ontario Minister of Sport Neil Lumsden announced $12.6 million in funding to upgrade recreation facilities across northeastern Ontario while in Greater Sudbury, Ont., on July 18, 2025. (Neil Lumsden/X) Provincial funding supports arena upgrades, economic growth The funding, announced Friday by Minister of Sport Neil Lumsden and Minister of Northern Economic Development George Pirie, is part of the province's $200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund. The Greater Sudbury project, estimated at nearly $50 million, will feature two NHL-sized accessible rinks, a multipurpose gymnasium, daycare facilities, a café and administrative offices, positioning it as a community hub and potential event venue. 'The Twin Pads we have been talking about for over a decade now, but the city has always said we would only advance it if we had other levels of government funding,' said Greater Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre. 'The province of Ontario established a $200 million fund for the whole province – we received 5% of that fund for Sudbury alone. That is the $10 million, which is really a recognition, I believe, by the province of the importance of Sudbury to the overall economy of Ontario.' Sport as an economic and social driver Minister Lumsden emphasized the broader impact of recreational investments, particularly in northern communities. 'I feel real strong that sport does so much more than just having people running around a field – it makes a big difference in communities,' he said. 'Especially on the sport tourism side, which drives revenue back into a community for weekends at a time. People don't always think about that, but it's important to all the businesses here.' Funding announcement - Sudbury - July 18 The Ontario government is providing $12.6 million in funding to upgrade recreation facilities across northeastern Ontario – including $10 million going toward Greater Sudbury's Valley East Twin-Pad Multipurpose Sports Complex. Greater Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre, Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Bill Rosenberg, Ontario Minister of Sport Neil Lumsden and Minister of Northern Economic Development George Pirie are shown at the announcement in Greater Sudbury, Ont., on July 18, 2025. (Neil Lumsden/X) The province framed the funding as part of its strategy to counter rising costs while promoting active living and economic resilience. '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,' Lumsden said in a news release on July 18. Smaller communities benefitting from repairs, upgrades Beyond Sudbury, the new sports infrastructure funding allocations include: $1 million to replace the aging refrigeration system at Espanola Arena with an energy-efficient CO₂ system. to replace the aging refrigeration system at with an energy-efficient CO₂ system. $614,600 for critical repairs at Kashechewan Arena , including roof replacement and safety upgrades. for critical repairs at , including roof replacement and safety upgrades. $585,250 for renovations at Markstay-Warren's Multiplex to expand programming like pickleball and Zumba. for renovations at to expand programming like pickleball and Zumba. $484,100 to replace the roof at Temiskaming Shores' Don Shepherdson Memorial Arena. Philip Goodwin, the executive director of Kashechewan First Nation, highlighted the significance of the funding for his remote community. 'In a fly-in access community, having an operational arena is critical to bring people together through hockey tournaments, cultural events, and community gatherings,' he said. 'These much-needed repairs mean our children, youth, families, and the wider community will continue to have a safe and welcoming space.' Northern priorities and long-term vision Minister Pirie tied the investments to broader regional development goals. 'By investing in important community spaces, our government is helping to ensure our northern communities have the resources to support their health and well-being now and in the future,' he said. Funding announcement - Sudbury - July 18 Ontario Minister of Sport Neil Lumsden, alongside Minister of Northern Economic Development George Pirie and Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Bill Rosenberg announced $12.6 million in funding to upgrade recreation facilities across northeastern Ontario while in Greater Sudbury, Ont., on July 18, 2025. (Neil Lumsden/X) Bill Rosenberg, MPP for Algoma-Manitoulin, echoed the sentiment, framing sports infrastructure as a tool for social cohesion. 'Investing in community sports isn't just about physical activity; it's about cultivating connection, inclusivity, and pride across generations,' he said. Next steps for Sudbury's twin-pad With provincial funding secured, Sudbury's twin-pad complex is expected to move forward after years of delays. The city will now focus on finalizing design and construction timelines, with the goal of creating a facility that serves both athletes and families. The Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund program remains open to applications from municipalities, Indigenous communities, and nonprofits seeking support for repairs or new builds. Ontario's total infrastructure spending under the fund is part of a larger $200 billion provincial commitment to highways, hospitals, and other critical projects. With files from journalist Alana Everson
CTV News
06-07-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
Tornado risk, severe storms prompt warnings in northeastern Ont.
has all the weather details you need to know for northeastern Ontario and what to expect for the next seven days. Environment Canada issued tornado watches were issued for Timmins, Cochrane, Englehart, Iroquois Falls, Kirkland Lake, Temagami and Temiskaming Shores, with conditions favourable for severe thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes, wind gusts up to 100 km/h, toonie-sized hail, and intense rainfall exceeding 50 mm per hour. 'Severe thunderstorms can produce tornadoes,' the enviromental agency warned, advising residents to seek shelter in a basement or interior room if a tornado develops. Enviroment Canada Ontario Map - July 5 Environment Canada has issued tornado watches and thunderstand warnings across northeastern Ontario. (Red - Warnings, Yellow - Watches and Grey - Special Weather Statements) This map shows warnings and watches as of 8:15 p.m. on July 5, 2025. (Enviroment Canada) Emergency Management Ontario echoed the warnings, urging people to avoid mobile homes and vehicles during severe weather. 'This is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation,' Environment Canada stated in its alert, urging residents to take immediate cover if threatening weather approaches. Thunderstorm warning also in effect in some areas Meanwhile, severe thunderstorm warnings were issued for the Kirkland Lake and Englehart on Saturday evening as a dangerous storm system brought heavy rain and powerful winds to northeastern Ontario. Kirkland Lake, Ont., on July 5, 2025 at about 7:30 p.m. A severe storm passes through Kirkland Lake, Ont., on July 5, 2025 at about 7:30 p.m. (Ontario Storm Watchers/Facebook) As of 8:11 p.m. meteorologists tracked a line of severe thunderstorms stretching from Kinabik Lake to 15 kilometres northwest of Argyle Lake, moving east at 45 km/h. The storm was capable of producing wind gusts up to 90 km/h and rainfall exceeding 50 mm, raising concerns of flash flooding and reduced visibility. Affected locations included Kirkland Lake, Argyle Lake, Barris Lake, Beaver House Lake, Diamond Lake, Grassy Lake, Kenaja Lake, Kenogami Lake, Kearns, Kinabik Lake, Misema Lake, North Arm, Northlands Park, Sesekinika Lake, Slim Lake, Virginiatown and Watabeag Lake. Residents were advised to monitor Environment Canada for updates and report severe weather to ONstorm@ or via social media using #ONStorm. More preparedness information is available on the Government of Ontario website.
CTV News
30-06-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
Northeastern Ont. communities under thunderstorm warning
Severe thunderstorm warnings and watches have been issued in northeastern Ontario. More heavy rain could be on the way in areas across northeastern Ontario on Monday, with severe thunderstorm warnings in place in the French River area. Locations impacted by the warning include West Nipissing, Mashkinonje Provincial Park, Bear Lake, Shanty Bay, Lac Viau, Monetville, Warren Bay, Hugel, West Bay, Notre Dame du Lac, Northwest Bay, Middle West Bay, Verner, Five Mile Bay, Field, Cache Bay and Sturgeon Falls. Severe thunderstorm watches are in place in areas around Greater Sudbury, North Bay, Powassan and Mattawa. 'This line of severe thunderstorms is located from 11 kilometres southwest of Glen Afton to Noëlville, moving east at 45 km/h,' Environment Canada said. 'Damage to roofs, fences, soft shelters or trees is likely.' Wind gusts could reach as high as 90 km/h and hail up to 2.5 cm in diametre is possible. Severe thunderstorm warnings are issued when imminent or occurring thunderstorms are expected to produce damaging hail, wind or rain. The warning and watches remain in place until late Monday evening.
CTV News
27-06-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
Mattawa and area under a flood watch
has all the weather details you need to know for northeastern Ontario and what to expect for the next seven days. The Ministry of Natural Resources in the North Bay District said Friday that a flood watch is in effect for the residents in Papineau-Cameron Township, Mattawan Township and the Town of Mattawa on the Ottawa River until July 4. 'In addition to last weekend's storm event, which brought significant precipitation and an increase in water levels and flows, the current weather forecast includes additional rainfall and the possibility of thunderstorms,' a news release Friday said. Remain vigilant 'Residents are advised to remain vigilant and exercise caution around rivers and streams. Water levels and river flows are expected to stay high as the precipitation moves through the watershed.' Affected residents are urged to ' protect and secure any vulnerable property in proximity to rivers and lakes, closely monitor developing conditions and regularly check for updated messages.' Showers and thunderstorms will be moving through the northeast region Friday and over the weekend as it moves eastward through Ontario. Between 10-20 mm of rain is expected to fall in the coming days, with an additional 5-10 mm of rain expected if thunderstorms occur. Water levels are elevated after 50-80 mm fell last weekend. Check current conditions by clicking here. Environment Canada bulletins can be accessed here.
CTV News
26-06-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
Northern Ont. communities under heavy rain warning
has all the weather details you need to know for northeastern Ontario and what to expect for the next seven days. has all the weather details you need to know for northeastern Ontario and what to expect for the next seven days. Environment Canada has issued a heavy rain warning for areas in and near North Bay, Powassan and Mattawa, with as much as 50 mm of rain expected Friday. Greater Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie are under special weather statements because of fears of heavy rains in those areas. The rain is expected Friday morning and will continue through the evening. 'Heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected on Friday as a low-pressure system tracks east across the region,' the warning said. 'The ground, already near saturation, has little ability to absorb further rainfall.' Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible. Watch for possible washouts near rivers, creeks and culverts. Keep children and pets away from creeks and river banks. For information concerning flooding, visit for the latest details.
