​​​​Funding will help expand access to hockey and skating opportunities while reducing barriers to participation

BRAMPTON, ON (June 24, 2026) – The City of Brampton is receiving a $200,000 donation from the Hockey Canada Foundation to support enhancements at the Sandalwood Park outdoor rinks​, helping increase access to hockey and recreational skating opportunities for residents.The Hockey Canada Foundation’s $200,000 donation will support enhancements at Brampton’s Sandalwood Park outdoor rinks, strengthening the space as a community hub for hockey, skating and recreation. Credit: City of Brampton​

The funding will support improvements aimed at strengthening the Sandalwood rinks as a community gathering space while helping make the sport more accessible and inclusive for residents of all ages and skill levels. Planned enhancements include exploring the implementation of a skate lending program to help reduce financial barriers and encourage greater participation in hockey and skating activities, integrating public art into the space and adding a sound system.

The Sandalwood Park NHL-standard outdoor ice rinks officially opened in February 2026 and have quickly become a vibrant recreation destination in northwest Brampton. Located at 130 Conestoga Drive, the facility features two NHL-standard outdoor ice rinks designed to support community skating, organized sports, tournaments and year-round recreation opportunities.

The rinks include professional-quality features such as NHL-standard boards and goals, protective netting, divider curtains for practices and events, a weatherproof digital scoreboard, LED floodlighting and a chiller system with an ice resurfacing machine to help maintain consistent ice quality throughout the winter season.

In addition to winter skating and hockey programming, the space is designed for multi-season use, including ball hockey and other recreational activities during the warmer months. The Sandalwood rinks are part of the City’s ongoing investment in modern recreation infrastructure that supports healthy, connected and complete communities.

Strengthening recreation opportunities in Brampton

Brampton continues to invest in accessible, high-quality recreation spaces that support active living, youth engagement and community connection across one of Canada’s fastest-growing large cities.​

Residents across Brampton have access to 36 community centres, seniors’ centres, arenas, halls and recreational facilities, along with 875 parks, 348 playgrounds and 335 outdoor sports fields located throughout the city. 

The City continues to prioritize recreation accessibility and inclusion through investments in community infrastructure, subsidy programs and initiatives that help reduce barriers to participation for residents of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.

For more information, visit brampton.ca/sandalwoodrinks.​

Quotes

“The Sandalwood rinks have already become an important community gathering space for residents and families in Brampton. This generous donation from the Hockey Canada Foundation will help create even more opportunities for residents to access and enjoy hockey and recreational skating, while reducing barriers to participation for those who may not otherwise have the equipment or resources to get involved.” - Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton​

“Access to ice remains one of the most common barriers to entry to hockey and we are excited that through this donation, more residents and families will have the opportunity to enjoy our National Winter Sport at the Sandalwood Park rinks. We thank Mayor Brown, Members of Council and the City of Brampton for their partnership and support to grow the game.” - Dean McIntosh, Senior Vice-President of Revenue, Fan Experience and Community Impact, Hockey Canada​