Madawaska Valley Celebrates $200,000 OTF Grant from Ontario Government at Combermere Rink

On Saturday, local MPP Billy Denault joined members of council, staff, and the public in Madawaska Valley to celebrate the $200,000 Capital grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). The grant was used to completely rehabilitate the aged Combermere Outdoor Rink with a new pad and boards for all-season use of the recreational facility.

"As someone who grew up at my local arena and pool, I know how important these recreation facilities are to our rural community,” said Billy Denault, MPP for Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke. “That's why this investment and the continued support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation is essential to our community. This investment will be used well by the municipality to expand offerings to the residents of Combermere and beyond for generations to come."

This past summer, the Township completed the rehabilitation thanks to this $200,000 Capital grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. The old wooden boards and uneven pad were removed, and new boards and a new pad installed. The new pad was painted with multi-sport court lines to allow the facility to see use when ice is not in for playing basketball, pickleball, or ball hockey. Of significance, player’s benches and shelters are back after being destroyed during the 2006 tornado and never rebuilt. The Combermere Recreation Committee, a volunteer-driven Committee of Council, donated $25,000 towards the project from proceeds from events held in the community.

"On behalf of the Township of Madawaska Valley, we're thrilled to be the recipients of funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to complete this important project and allow year-round recreation to thrive in Combermere,” said David Shulist, Mayor for the Township of Madawaska Valley. “We're also so grateful to the Combermere Recreation Committee for their donation, the result of countless volunteer hours in our communities. I'm looking forward to lacing up my skates on the new rink this winter.”

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. In 2025-26, OTF invested nearly $107M into 746 community projects. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.