Bayshore Arena Renovation Project Receives $915,000 in Provincial Funding

The City of Owen Sound is thrilled to share that it was successful in its grant application to receive funding for the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre Ice Pad and Arena Board and Glass Replacement project, as announced earlier today by Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Paul Vickers. The project will receive up to $915,000 from the Ontario Ministry of Sport’s Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund. 

The Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre is a City-owned and operated facility that is home to the Owen Sound Attack Major Junior Hockey Club and the North Stars Junior and Senior Lacrosse teams, as well as many minor sports groups. The building is a popular venue for conferences, trade shows, concerts, weddings and other community events. 

The J.D. McArthur Arena within the Bayshore requires critical capital repairs to replace the more than 40-year-old ice pad, boards, glass and safety netting, as well as upgrades to the associated mechanical systems. The grant will cover approximately half of the total project cost. 

The City gratefully acknowledges the many user groups who provided letters of support and adjusted their schedules and locations during construction—an inspiring show of community spirit and teamwork.

Work on the project began in May 2025 with the removal of the arena boards and glass. The rink and upper concourse are closed to the public until early September. The Attack box office and merchandise store, as well as community hall rentals, remain open. 

For more information, please contact Ryan Gowan, Manager of Arena Operations at 519-376-3594 ext. 4222 or email rgowan@owensound.ca.

Quotes:

“I think every young hockey player in our region dreams of one day suiting up for the Owen Sound Attack in the Bayshore Community Centre! This critical investment to upgrade and modernize the Bayshore facility will go a long way to supporting hockey and lacrosse teams in the Owen Sound community, which will help inspire our next generation of young athletes.”

— MPP Paul Vickers, Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound

“The Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre is at the heart of sport, recreation, and community life for the Owen Sound area. We’re grateful for the generous support from the Province through the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund. This grant enables the essential upgrades in the J.D. McArthur Arena floor and boards, ensuring safety, accessibility, and enjoyment for all users.”

— Mayor Ian Boddy, City of Owen Sound 

Quick Facts:

• The Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund is a $200 million capital funding program designed to revitalize existing community sport and recreation infrastructure and support the construction of new facilities across the province.
• The Bayshore Arena Floor and Boards Replacement project is included in the City’s 2025-2029 Multi-year Capital Plan. Work began in May and is scheduled for completion by early September 2025.

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