Mayor revokes decision to remove ice at Stoney Creek Arena

Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath is walking back her decision to remove the ice at Stoney Creek Arena after it had been presented as a way to cut costs in the city budget.

Politicians from all levels of government were calling for this decision to be reversed.

It stems from a budget meeting on Friday where the mayor presented a list of cuts in order to hit her 4.25 per budget target for 2026. One of the cuts included removing the ice at the Stoney Creek Arena, which would save around $161,000. That plan has now been scrapped.

Stoney Creek Tigers President Daniel Svedin said he’s happy about this decision.

Horwath posted on X Tuesday reversing her decision, saying “The draft staff proposed budget had inappropriately embedded within it the decommissioning of the ice plant at the Stoney Creek Arena.”

“I have directed staff to ensure the ice plant at the Stony Creek Arena remains included in the proposed 2026 budget so that the arena can continue to serve the community,” further reads the post.

Her message comes a day after Ontario Sport Minister Neil Lumsden released a statement of his own, saying, “there is more to consider than the modest savings projected by this cut.”

Demand for ice time at the arena has been trending upwards since COVID, and it’s unclear whether single-pad facilities like Saltfleet Arena or Rosedale Arena can truly absorb existing and future demand.

Horwath also says she welcomes the opportunity to work with the minister to get funding to help with the rink through the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund.

Stoney Creek Coun. Matt Francis said he plans to bring his own amendments forward during the ongoing budget process.

Svedin says he’s now excited for the big game coming up on Friday to show just how important this arena really is for the community.

CHCH News requested an interview with the mayor today, however her office said the mayor was unavailable.

“In Ontario, with the amount of athletes that are playing, it’s very tough to find ice time and when you do the pricing has gone crazy.”

Matt Roberto is a member of the Stoney Creek Tigers, a mix of people he says including: ex-pros, firefighters, business owners and police officers.

The arena was chosen by club executive because of its history and community support. Roberto says the rink is the busiest it’s ever been and doesn’t understand why removing the ice was even an option.

“It’s such a community-based arena — everybody is excited about this rink and it’s a staple in this community,” said Roberto.

The Stoney Creek Tigers are still going ahead with the rally game at Stoney Creek Arena this Saturday as a way to celebrate the rink staying open and the community support.

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