Arena Floor Project Bringing Communities Together Across Lambton County

Construction crews are hard at work in Alvinston as the community's arena floor replacement project continues to move forward.

The $2 million Alvinston Arena Floor Project will replace the aging arena floor and critical ice plant equipment at the Brooke-Alvinston-Inwood Community Centre Complex (BAICCC), helping ensure the nearly 50-year-old facility can continue serving residents for decades to come.

While many people know the facility for its recreational activities, community leaders say its impact extends far beyond the ice surface.

The complex regularly hosts agricultural symposiums, community fundraisers, meetings, family celebrations, service club gatherings, and countless other activities that bring people together throughout the year. In a municipality with deep agricultural roots, the BAICCC has long served as a gathering place for farmers, families, volunteers, local businesses, and community organizations.

The project received a major boost through Ontario's Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund, which contributed $1 million toward the initiative. Community fundraising efforts continue to help close the remaining funding gap through donations, sponsorships, and special events.

An upcoming exhibition game featuring the London Knights and Erie Otters is expected to bring additional attention to the campaign.

The game is set to take place on August 29, with all proceeds supporting the Alvinston Arena Floor Fund. Because construction will still be underway at the Alvinston arena, the game will be hosted at the East Lambton Community Complex in Watford.

Brooke-Alvinston Mayor Dave Ferguson says the partnership reflects the strong spirit of cooperation that exists throughout the region.

“This exhibition game highlights what can be accomplished when professional sports organizations, municipalities, and communities come together,” said Mayor Dave Ferguson. “We are extremely grateful to the London Knights and Warwick Council for helping bring attention and momentum to this important project.”

London Knights General Manager and co-owner Mark Hunter, who has deep roots in Lambton County, says supporting community facilities is important to the future of the game.

“Community arenas are where the love of hockey begins,” said Hunter. “They’re about much more than the sport itself—they bring people together and create opportunities for young people and families. We’re proud to support the Alvinston Arena Floor Project and the community behind it.” 

The exhibition game is expected to attract hockey fans from across Southwestern Ontario while helping raise awareness and support for a facility that serves a much broader purpose than recreation alone.

As construction progresses, organizers say the project is about more than replacing an arena floor. It is about preserving a community hub that supports recreation, agriculture, community events, local businesses, and the connections that help rural communities thrive.

For more information about the Alvinston Arena Floor Fund, sponsorship opportunities, or to make a donation, contact arena@brookealvinston.com or call 519-898-2173.

Strengthening the community — one layer at a time.

photos provided by the Municipality of Brooke-Alvinston