North Frontenac wins grant sweepstakes and will upgrade Clar Mill Rink

Jeff Green | Jun 19, 2025

North Frontenac Township staff learned last week that their application for a grant for the reconstruction of the Plevna Rink, including the addition of a roof, was successful. The grant comes from the Ontario Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund, a $200 million, three-year program that was announced in the 2024 provincial budget.

The grant is for $310,473, and since the granting program is designed as a cost sharing initiative, the township is investing as much as $367,000 on the project, which has a budget of $693,861 (including a 10% contingency)

Community groups have also done fundraising to contribute to the project. The Hockey Moms and Dads have raised over $14,000, the Clar Mill hall committee $500, and the Ompah Youth Group over $1,600.

Brooke Ross, Manager of Community Development, completed and submitted the application, and said she is “ecstatic” to announce that the application was successful.

The rink is a 4-season township asset, serving as an ice rink in the winter, and in the spring, fall and summer as pickleball courts, basketball court, ball hockey, and is also used for events such as summer fest, private events, and more.

The project includes the full demolition of existing rink, boards, and asphalt, followed by hoe ramming and clearing trees back to enlarge the area, the installation of a new concrete slab, new rink boards & netting, line painting, etc. Crews will then install a new roof and new electrical/lighting.

A new surface will enhance the pickleball courts, a sport that has become popular in North Frontenac as it is in other communities.

The roof will enhance the facility year-round, provide shelter from snow and wind in the winter, and rain in the summer.

“The closest rink/pickleball courts are over 50kms away from Plevna and it is not manageable for many of our residents to travel this far. This project will enhance sport, recreation and events for many years to come and will extend the playing seasons as well as rain, shine or snow playing/activities,” said Brooke Ross.

Ross also noted that the support from the Hockey Moms and Dads is particularly heartening as they have been raising money for years in order to be ready to support installing a roof over the rink.

The project will be constructed to accessibility standards, providing more inclusive, all-ages access.

The new facility is expected to augment the economy of Plevna by bringing people into the community for games and other events.

“This is a great news story,” said North Frontenac Mayor Gerry Lichty.  It was a collective effort.  Thank you to staff, council and MPP John Jordan for their hard work to help make this happen.”