Council for the Town of Goderich has adopted an operating agreement with a committee of local service groups to run the Memorial Arena moving forward.
The Goderich Memorial Community Committee, a non-profit formed earlier this year by groups including the local Lions Club, Kinsmen, Rotary, Optimists, Legion, Knights of Columbus, and more, already entered into a lease agreement for the shuttered arena with the Town in February.
The goal is a phased reopening of the building, which was closed in 2025 due to aging infrastructure concerns, as a multi-purpose community hub.
Councillor John Thompson said it's amazing that they've gotten to this point.
"I never dreamed that we would be where we are, with a group coming forward, willing to take that building on and make it a community centre," he said. "Have there been some surprises? Sure there have, nobody has ever done this before. But I'm left with the feeling that we have to give them the opportunity to give this a try, because the option of tear it down didn't seem to be a popular choice."
The five-year operating agreement includes a one time payment from the Town of $140,000 for renovations to get the centre ready to reopen, $148,000 for HVAC replacement and water repairs, and annual contributions of $60,000.
Councillor Allison Segeren said the town isn't the only one putting money into these efforts.
"I'm not up to speed on the current capital funding that that organization is doing... but they do have skin in the game," she said. "Each of those service clubs have put in a lot of their own funds to support getting that building open-ready. I think it's important to acknowledge not only the work that they've done, but that they have financial commitments that have taken place as well."
The committee said it's hoping to reopen the centre sometime this year.
Three members of council - Liz Petrie, Randy Carroll, and Leah Noel - recused themselves from the discussion due to their involvement with the clubs.
Members of the Goderich Memorial Community Committee have begun fundraising efforts to help support the centre's operation moving forward. To contribute, visit their website.
