City Invites Community to Celebrate the Completion of the Moncrief Construction Sports Centre Upgrades

The City invites residents and visitors to a celebration marking the recent enhancements to the Moncrief Construction Sports Centre (MCSC). Join us in the newly renovated lobby on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 3 p.m. for the official ribbon cutting.

Attendees will enjoy complimentary sandwiches, refreshments, and giveaway merchandise, and can view behind‑the‑scenes project photos from construction.

“It’s wonderful to see the renovations finished and our facility fully back in action. A heartfelt thanks to the community, New Horizons Senior Centre, Kenora Physiotherapy & Sports, and all facility staff for their patience and flexibility using alternate entrances during the project,” says Andrew Smith, General Manager of Recreation and Culture.

The upgrades to the MCSC, one of Kenora’s largest recreational facilities, included:

• Replacing the concrete slab and board system in the Thistle Arena to address end of life infrastructure and incorporate underfloor heating, eliminating heaving beneath the slab, improving ice quality and stability, and extending the lifespan of the arena’s playing surface by an additional 25 to 30 years.
• Upgrading the lobby and relocating the reception area and café spaces.
• An improved layout of the lobby to enhance security and safety, improve access control and staff visibility, and optimize pedestrian flow.
• New accessibility friendly doors for the Thistle Arena.

These upgrades were made possible by the Province of Ontario Strategic Priorities Infrastructure Fund (SPIF), along with support from the City’s Recreation Centre Reserves.

Mayor Poirier shares, ““These upgrades reflect the City and Council’s ongoing commitment to improving Kenora’s infrastructure and ensuring our facilities meet residents’ needs now and into the future. The concrete slab replacement completed in October helped deliver last year’s successful ice season, and the upgraded lobby further enhances the MCSC into a more welcoming, community-oriented space.”

We look forward to gathering on May 19 to celebrate these improvements and to continue enjoying the MCSC as a vibrant, inclusive hub for recreation and connection. The City remains committed to investing in public spaces that support health, wellness, and community spirit.