Renovations to the Herbert H. Carnegie Centennial Centre will include a new rink slab and benches, an elevator and upgrades to washrooms and dressing rooms. (Jim Mason / OJHL photo)

The home of the Ontario Junior Hockey League’s North York Rangers is getting a $2.8-million facelift.

The governments of Canada, Ontario and the City of Toronto announced Jan. 21 they will chip into the project to repair and upgrade North York’s Herbert H. Carnegie Centennial Centre, near Finch Avenue and Bathurst Street.

Ottawa is investing more than $1.1 million through the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream (CCRIS) of the Investing in Canada plan, while Ontario is providing $944,187, and Toronto is spending $757,051.

The project will include repairs and upgrades to improve the quality, accessibility and lifespan of the arena. This includes the replacement of the existing rink slab, windows, doors, frames, flooring, Zamboni slab, millwork, benches, electrical and mechanical systems, plumbing fixtures, interior and exterior signage and security systems, as well as upgrades to the washrooms and change rooms. A new elevator to the second floor of the arena will also be installed.

"Investing in community, culture, and recreational infrastructure is essential to creating communities that are inclusive and sustainable,” said York Centre MP Ya'ara Saks in a news release. “The improvements to the Herbert H. Carnegie Arena ensure the facility is more accessible to the users and visitors who enjoy sporting and social activities on-site."

The ‘North York Centennial Centre’ was built in 1966. The arena was renamed in 2001 in honour of the humanitarian efforts of the late semi-pro hockey player Herbert H. Carnegie. As a Black player, he was unable to play in the NHL. However, he went on to start a hockey school in 1955, which provides bursaries for post-secondary education.

Carnegie died in 2012 at age 92. He has been inducted into 12 halls of fame, including the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame earlier this month. He is also a recipient of the Order of Ontario, the Order of Canada, and the Queen’s Silver, Golden, and Diamond Jubilee medals.

"My father was overwhelmed with the outpouring of the community when this arena was named in his honour in 2001,” said Bernice Carnegie in the release. “We, the Carnegie family, continue to feel a sense of pride in knowing his many humanitarian contributions were valued with this lasting tribute to his memory."

The arena and the Rangers hosted the national Centennial Cup Jr. A finals in 1980 and 1983. The Rangers won the ’83 title in four straight games over the Abbotsford Flyers (BCHL).

-courtesy toronto.com