UJA Federation of Greater Toronto is thrilled to announce that a new, state-of-the-art arena will be coming to York Region in 2025!
Directly connected to the Schwartz/Reisman Centre, the Honey and Barry Memorial Arena will be a best-in-class, twin ice pad facility. This arena will be a way to engage people who otherwise might not be connected to community—a dynamic sports arena will be a gateway for local Jewish families to build relationships with other community members, while also connecting with the full range of vibrant Jewish programming at the Schwartz/Reisman Centre. It will also help fill the gap of access to ice pads in the area and connect to other residents of all faiths and cultures over a shared love of sports. Building these kinds of relationships will only help to strengthen Jewish life in York Region.
For decades, Honey and Barry Sherman were beloved leaders for UJA and many causes in the community, bringing exceptional vision, generosity, and passion to making our community an even more vibrant home for all. The arena is entirely funded by a historic donation from Jonathon Sherman in memory of his parents’ legacy as pillars of the Jewish community. In addition to funding the entire project, this extraordinary gift includes affordability measures to engage the community through sports and allow more families struggling with the cost-of-living to access arena programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is an arena being built in York Region?
Jonathon Sherman, in partnership with UJA, strongly believes in the power of sports to engage people who otherwise might not be connected to the community. For local Jewish families, a dynamic new arena will be a gateway to build relationships with other community members while also connecting with the full range of vibrant Jewish programming at the Schwartz/Reisman Centre.
The arena will also build new bridges with the greater community, including residents of all faiths and backgrounds, who will be welcome to enjoy the arena and build a greater affinity with the Jewish community through a shared love of sports. This is especially the case in light of research conducted by the local municipality, which identified major gaps in access to ice pads. The combination of a visionary donor, a dynamic Jewish community campus with available land space, and a vital need in the community is the catalyst for this groundbreaking project.
How is the arena being funded?
The arena is fully funded by a generous donor, Jonathon Sherman, in honour of the memory of his parents, Honey and Barry Sherman. This extraordinary gift includes the full construction of the Honey and Barry Memorial Arena. It also includes the creation of an endowment to engage our community through sports and create subsidies for families of modest means to be able to participate.
UJA’s Annual Campaign is not funding the arena. To the contrary, by generously funding the arena through a model that will enable it to generate an annual surplus, this gift will enable UJA to invest more in community priorities. This project will also pose no additional costs to taxpayers.
Where will the new arena be located?
The arena will be built on the southwest corner of Lebovic Campus Drive and Bathurst Street, on the east side of the campus.
This will be the only JCC in NA with an ice rink attached.
What will the arena contain?
This facility will be comprised of two NHL-sized ice surfaces (200x85 feet)—one with seating for 400 people and the other for 150 people. There will be six change rooms for each rink, as well as heated viewing lounges and food services.
Will I need to be a member of the Schwartz/Reisman Centre to access the arena?
Schwartz/Reisman Centre members will have access to special opportunities at the arena. At the same time, the arena and its programming will be accessible to all local residents, including Jewish community members and people of all faiths and cultures.
What is the projected timeline for completion?
Construction will begin after summer 2023 and this incredible new facility is projected to open in the spring of 2025.
How can I find out more about programming or information on ice rentals?
More details will be announced as this exciting project advances to an anticipated opening in 2025, including information on program opportunities and ice rentals. Stay tuned!