Chippewas of Nawash Break Ground on Neyaashiinigmiing Community Arena Opening in 2026
Construction has begun on a new sprung building style community arena; backed by Bruce Power, Kinectrics, and partners, it is set to open in 2026.
The Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation have broken ground on a new arena in Neyaashiinigmiing, with completion expected in 2026.
The facility will include an ice pad, seating for 250 spectators, six change rooms, concession areas, accessible washrooms, and office and reception space. It is planned as a year-round venue for hockey, lacrosse, and other community activities.
Councillor and outgoing Chief Greg Nadjiwon said the arena has been a long-standing goal. ““Our community has always been very sports-minded, and the hockey team was well known in the area — they were called the Cape Croker boys.”
“After all these years, everyone wanted an arena here, and we are over the moon that it’s finally being built so their grandchildren will have a place to play,” he said.
Chief Darlene Johnston highlighted the role of sports in fostering youth development. “Our Elders teach us that the Youth are our future. In order for them to thrive physically, mentally, and spiritually, they need opportunities for community-based recreation which will teach them teamwork, stamina, and strength,” she said.
“These young ones, nurtured with the gift of sport, will find their place in the world with pride. Our community says ‘Chi-miigwech’ to Bruce Power and Kinectrics for their generous and timely donation,” Johnston added.
Funding for the project includes more than $1 million in financial contributions, in-kind services, and technical support from Bruce Power, along with $500,000 from Kinectrics. Additional support will come from Bruce Power’s Gamzook’aamin aakoziwin partnership with the Saugeen Ojibway Nation.
The structure will be a sprung building, selected after reviewing several options and visiting a similar arena in Piikani Nation, Alberta. Artas Engineering, Makwa-Dewar, and Makwa Development are involved in the design, with BLT Construction leading the build.
Makwa Development President Scott Lee, a former Nawash Chief and Council member, said the project builds on decades of community-led efforts to develop local sports facilities, starting with outdoor ice surfaces in the 1960s.
Nawash Community Arena Project at a Glance:
Opening in 2026 with seating for 250, ice pad, six change rooms, a concession, accessible washrooms, and office space.
Funded with $1M+ from Bruce Power and $500K from Kinectrics, plus support from Bruce Power’s partnership with the Saugeen Ojibway Nation.
Designed by Artas Engineering, Makwa-Dewar, and Makwa Development; built by BLT Construction.
“A new arena was identified as a need by the Nawash Community and Bruce Power and its employees are honoured to work alongside Nawash in bringing this vision to life,” said James Scongack, Bruce Power’s Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice-President.