UJA Federation of Greater Toronto is thrilled to announce the opening of a state-of-the-art arena in York Region!
Directly connected to the Schwartz/Reisman Centre, the Honey and Barry Memorial Arena is 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 z”l 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 was 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.
To read more about what this stellar new facility in Vaughan has to offer, please visit the official website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has an arena been 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 was the arena’s construction funded?
The arena has been 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 has not provided any funding to 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 has also not posed any additional costs to taxpayers.
Where is the new arena located?
The arena is located 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 North America with an ice rink attached.
What does the arena contain?
This facility is comprised of two NHL-sized ice surfaces (200x85 feet)—one with seating for 400 people and the other for 150 people. There are six change rooms for each rink, a mini rink with real ice, and heated viewing lounges and food services.
Do 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 are accessible to all local residents, including Jewish community members and people of all faiths and cultures.
What is the projected timeline for completion?
Construction began just after summer 2023 and this incredible new facility is projected to open in August 2025.
How can I find out more about programming or information on ice rentals?
For more information on programming and ice rentals, please visit the Honey and Barry Memorial Arena’s official website.