$200K donation will help bring more hockey and rink enhancements to Brampton, city says

A $200,000 gift will help increase access to hockey and skating, along with rink enhancements in Brampton.

The donation comes from the Hockey Canada Foundation, a registered Canadian charity and not-for-profit organization working to remove barriers to the game and better equip kids, parents, and coaches with the tools they need.

A motion going to Brampton City Council on Wednesday says the money will be used “to support enhancements at the Sandalwood rinks,” and the Sandalwood Park Fieldhouse project.

The Sandalwood rinks are a pair of NHL-sized outdoor rinks designed for drop-in skating in the winter, and repurposed for ball hockey and other sports in the summer.

“The development of a permanent facility will improve accessibility, operational functionality, user comfort and the overall experience for residents and visitors utilizing the outdoor amenities to support additional facility programming including tournaments, games and events,” the city says of the fieldhouse project.

The funds will also increase access to hockey and skating opportunities at the Sandalwood rinks, “strengthen the rinks as a community gathering space,” and a “skate lending program” to reduce financial barriers, the motion reads.

If passed, city staff will be directed to out all required project work ahead of this year’s hockey season.