Refresh MacTier

Thank You to Everyone Whom Attended the

 MacTier Memorial Arena and Community Centre Town Hall on July 10!

About 50 residents attended this meeting on Friday, July 10 and heard updates from Township staff on plans for the MacTier Memorial Arena and Community Centre. Missed it? Download the presentation.

Key Themes From the Meeting

• The Township is investing in the Mactier Memorial Arena and Community Centre, including the ice surface
• Local residents highly value the MacTier Memorial Arena & Community Centre, including its ice surface.
• In response to community feedback, the Township of Georgian Bay shared it will keep the arena and ice surface open.
• The Arena is seen as a gathering place that supports children, families, seniors, and the broader identity of MacTier. The Township recognizes that this is not solely a financial decision, it is a decision about community priorities and pride.

Operational and Capital Investments

• The 2026 budget includes capital work and operational investments, including a recreational coordinator with responsibility for the Arena and other programming across the Township. This role has been filled.
• An online booking system is being tested to make booking the space more streamlined and responsive to community needs.
• As well, the Township has developed an approach to support local volunteers in using the space to provide programs and events the community can enjoy.
• Council has been presented with the Facility Condition Assessment of each facility, and as part of our Asset Management Plan, we are required to ensure we maintain our infrastructure.
• The facility requires about $250,000 annually to operate and will require about $390,000 per year in capital investments for the next 15 years. Currently the Arena generates a little less $40,000 per year in revenues.
• Township staff are also working on $1 million in grant applications, with supporting municipal funding, to help fund additional facility upgrades beyond the capital plan. This includes improvements to the change rooms to meet minor hockey requirements, kitchen improvements, IT upgrades and more.
• It is hoped that investments and community collaboration will provide continual improvement in the facility and its usage.

Looking Ahead

The future success of the MacTier Memorial Arena & Community Centre will depend on continued collaboration between the Township, community organizations, volunteers, user groups, and residents.

• The community has expressed strong interest in improving the Arena through better programming, events and stronger partnerships that can make the Arena more sustainable and financially manageable over the long-run.
• Working together the Township hopes to find solutions that can address practical challenges in ways that are feasible for the space.

New Refresh MacTIer Advisory Committee to Play a Key Role

• Council’s newly formed Refresh MacTier Advisory Committee (RMAC), which includes members of the MacTier community and Council, will play a key role in informing the future of the facility.
• Investments or future plans will need to balance both the role the Arena plays in community life and the Township’s broader responsibility to manage public funds and infrastructure responsibly.
• Through the Committee and other partners, the Township will strive to listen, share information, and work with the community to strengthen the facility’s future.
• We know this discussion matters deeply to the community, and we appreciate everyone taking the time to participate.

Refresh MacTier

Refresh MacTier is an initiative focused on enhancing the vitality, attractiveness, and long-term sustainability of MacTier. Through collaboration between residents, businesses, community organizations, and the Township of Georgian Bay, the initiative aims to identify opportunities that strengthen the community while preserving the character and charm that make MacTier unique.

Whether through beautification projects, community engagement, economic development opportunities, or public space improvements, Refresh MacTier is about creating a shared vision for the future.

Together, we're shaping the next chapter of MacTier.

Why Refresh MacTier?

MacTier is a vibrant and resilient community with a rich history and strong community spirit. As the community continues to evolve, there is an opportunity to build upon its strengths while identifying ways to enhance public spaces, support local businesses, attract visitors, and improve quality of life for residents.

The Refresh MacTier initiative seeks to:

• Strengthen community pride
• Enhance public spaces and amenities
• Support economic growth and local business development
• Improve the appearance and functionality of community areas
• Encourage community participation and collaboration
• Create a shared vision for future improvements

Refresh MacTier Advisory Committee

The Refresh MacTier Committee is a volunteer advisory committee established by Township Council to support the goals of the Refresh MacTier initiative.

The Committee works collaboratively with Township staff, Council, community organizations, businesses, and residents to:

• Identify opportunities for community enhancement
• Review and prioritize proposed projects
• Encourage public participation
• Support the implementation of community initiatives
• Provide recommendations to Council

The Refresh MacTier Advisory Committee meets monthly. The agendas and meeting schedule is available by visiting the Council Portal.