Loyalist Township Approves Naming Rights for Arena Spaces at Revitalized W.J. Henderson Recreation Centre
September 10, 2025 – Loyalist Township — At last night’s Council meeting, Loyalist Township Council approved naming rights agreements for two interior spaces at the W.J. Henderson Recreation Centre: The Brookland Homes Arena and the Amherstview Golf Course Timekeepers Box.
The W.J. Henderson Recreation Centre, originally opened in 1976, is currently undergoing a multi-million dollar renewal to transform it into a modern, accessible, and sustainable facility. Once complete, the revitalized Centre will include:
An 8-lane, 25-metre competition pool
A warm-water leisure pool
Updated arena infrastructure
Fully accessible change rooms
Green energy upgrades
A new Indigenous Legacy Space in partnership with the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund
Brookland Homes Arena
John Armitage of Brookland Homes
John Armitage, President of Brookland Homes, has demonstrated his strong commitment to the community with a $400,000 donation securing naming rights for the arena. The 10-year naming rights agreement will take effect on January 1, 2026. In addition to this generous contribution, Mr. Armitage is also serving as the Chair of the Revitalization Campaign, helping to lead community fundraising efforts for the project. A long-time supporter of recreation, infrastructure, and charitable initiatives in Loyalist and the surrounding area, Mr. Armitage shared:
“It’s a privilege to help lead this campaign for a place that means so much to so many. I’m proud to have made my own leadership gift and to be joined by volunteers who are equally committed to ensuring that the W.J. Henderson Recreation Centre remains a place where every generation can feel welcome, included, and active.”
Amherstview Golf Course Arena Timekeepers Box
Donald Thomas of Amherstview Golf Club presents a cheque to campaign volunteers Denyse Dorr and Eric Tremblay
Council also approved a naming rights agreement with Amherstview Golf Course for the arena timekeepers box. Owners Carolyn Proderick-Thomas, Joe Rishaur, Lisa Rishaur, Larry McKeown, Paul Proderick and Amy Hollywood have made a five-year commitment of $25,000, reflecting Amherstview Golf Course’s long-standing support for community recreation in Loyalist Township.
“We’re proud to support recreational spaces that bring our community together.Our children learned to skate and played hockey at the W.J. Henderson Recreation Centre, so we understand firsthand how important these facilities are for local families. Supporting the timekeepers box through this sponsorship is our way of giving back to a place that gave so much to us. We believe in the power of recreation to build strong, connected communities—and we’re excited to be part of revitalizing this important centre for future generations.”
Both the Brookland Homes Arena and the Amherstview Golf Course Arena Timekeepers Box will be officially dedicated at a community event in October.
Building a Better Future
The renewal of the W.J. Henderson Recreation Centre is supported by funding from the federal and provincial governments, a partnership with the City of Kingston, and a local fundraising initiative. The Revitalization Campaign aims to raise $2 million, including $200,000 through community fundraising.
Naming rights opportunities are still available for a variety of interior spaces within the Centre. Community members and businesses interested in contributing to the future of recreation in Loyalist Township are encouraged to get involved.
For more information about the W.J. Henderson Recreation Centre Revitalization Campaign and naming opportunities, visit www.wjrenewal.ca