The Jim Durrell Recreation Centre was the backdrop for today’s City of Ottawa event to recognize the Ontario Lottery and Gaming (OLG) Corporation for its continued support for many community projects across the city. The rink renovations to the Jim Peplinski Arena and Walkley Arena are examples of facility projects benefiting from this support this year.
The City receives more than $5.5 million annually from OLG, which is generated through slots and table game revenue from the Rideau Carleton Casino, Future Hard Rock. This contribution is placed in the City’s general revenue account and is used to reinvest in services and initiatives to benefit residents.
To date, Ottawa has received nearly $100 million in non-tax gaming revenue from OLG since slots gaming has been hosted at the Rideau Carleton Casino, Future Hard Rock.
A portion of the funding from April 2022 to March 2023 was invested in recreation infrastructure projects, such as playgrounds, community centres and arenas. The Jim Durrell Recreation Centre renovation was one of the benefactors of this partial funding. The other arenas and recreation complexes included:
- Bell Arena
- Bob MacQuarrie-Orléans Recreation Complex
- CardelRec Recreation Complex
- Cavanagh Sensplex Arena
- Dovercourt Recreation Centre
- Fred G. Barrett Arena
- Lois Kemp Arena
- Navan Memorial Centre
- Pinecrest Recreation Complex
- Richcraft Recreation Complex
- Richmond Arena
- Sandy Hill Arena
- Splash Wave Pool
- Walter Baker Sports Centre
In many of these projects, a portion of the funding went towards repairing or replacing roof infrastructure, flooring and exterior windows and doors. These investments make our recreational facilities more comfortable for the individual user and more energy efficient and cost effective for the City as a whole.
The renewal work in the Jim Durrell Recreation Centre included replacing the concrete ice slabs and in-slab refrigeration piping in Jim Peplinski Arena and Walkley Arena. The cooling system supporting both arenas was also converted from brine to glycol.
The funding also invested towards enhancing city facilities for cultural services, long-term care and Ottawa Fire Services.
Quotes
“Investing in our recreational facilities and community projects enhances community pride, fosters a sense of ownership and encourages people to come together. The funds received from the OLG will continue to help upgrade, maintain, and enhance facilities like the Jim Durrell Recreation Centre and many others.”
Mayor Mark Sutcliffe
“Arenas are hubs that bring our community and our families together. A huge thank you to OLG for its support in helping bring ice hockey, ringette and more back to the Jim Durrell Recreation Centre.”
Alta Vista Ward Councillor Marty Carr
“OLG is proud to be a vital part of the City of Ottawa. Each and every year, 100 per cent of OLG profits are reinvested in Ontario to support provincial priorities. From critical infrastructure to important local programs, to community festivals, OLG’s profits are hard at work in Ottawa and all across our province to build stronger communities. Today we are seeing firsthand how a share of the gaming revenue from Rideau Carleton Casino, Future Hard Rock is contributing to communities across the City. When you play at an Ontario casino, you play for Ontario.”
Kathleen Devine, OLG’s Senior Municipal Relations Manager
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