MPP Piccini Celebrates Groundbreaking of Year-Round Tennis Facility in Port Hope

April 30, 2026

PORT HOPE, ON — Today, David Piccini, Member of Provincial Parliament for
Northumberland–Peterborough South, joined the Port Hope Racquet Club in celebrating
a major milestone for sport and recreation in Port Hope as construction begins on a new
year-round indoor tennis facility in Port Hope.

The project, known as Raise the Dome, will expand local access to tennis by
introducing the community’s first indoor courts, allowing athletes and families to play
year-round while strengthening grassroots sport across the region.

Once complete, the dome will be the only dedicated, indoor tennis facility in the
Northumberland, Quinte, and Peterborough regions. Port Hope will become known as a
year-round tennis destination, drawing tennis players of all ages and from different
communities during the fall and winter months.

“This is an incredible investment in Port Hope and in the future of active living in our
community,” said MPP Piccini. “The Raise the Dome initiative reflects the dedication
and vision of the Port Hope Racquet Club and its volunteers. Our government is proud
to support this project, helping ensure that families and athletes have year-round access
to high-quality facilities close to home.”

The Government of Ontario supported the project with more than $680,000 through the
Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF), alongside a $200,000
contribution from Tennis Canada.

“Our government is delivering on our plan to protect Ontario by making historic local
investments that strengthen our communities today and for the future,” said Neil
Lumsden, Minister of Sport. “By investing the Port Hope Racquet Club’s Raise the
Dome project, we are helping to bring year-round sport and recreation opportunities to
residents, while ensuring that athletes and families can access the programs they rely
on.”

The development includes the installation of a dome structure over the courts, the
addition of a fourth court, and key site upgrades. Construction is now underway, with
completion anticipated later this year.
Once finished, the facility will mark a transformative addition to local sport infrastructure,
creating new opportunities for programming, competition, and community engagement.
“On behalf of our Port Hope Racquet Club, I want to extend our deepest gratitude to the
Government of Ontario for their vision and generosity in supporting the development of
our new four-court dome facility.” said Darryl Goodall, President, Port Hope Racquet
Club. “Your investment is not just in infrastructure, but in the growth of our sport, the
strength of our community, and the opportunities we can now offer players of all ages
and abilities year-round.”
PHRC recently announced a new operating partnership with The Supreme Court (TSC),
an organization with extensive experience in tennis programming and facility
management. This partnership will support high-quality programming and operations
from day one.
Community support continues to play a vital role in the project’s success, with
contributions from donors and sponsors helping to enhance programming and ensure
long-term sustainability.
For more information about the Raise the Dome project, visit www.phrc.ca or contact
raisethedome@phrc.ca.

ADDITIONAL QUOTES:

“Today’s soil turning is an exciting milestone for Port Hope and our regional tennis
community. The new Rogers Tennis Dome reflects the strength of our partnership with
the Port Hope Racquet Club and our shared commitment to enhancing local recreation.
With new indoor courts and year-round play, this project builds on the continued
improvements at the Town Park Recreation Centre, supported in part by our provincial
partners, and strengthens opportunities for residents across Port Hope and beyond.”

–Olena Hankivsky, Mayor, Municipality of Port Hope

“Today marks more than the start of construction – it represents a meaningful
investment in community health, inclusion, and year-round recreation. With the addition
of this new tennis dome and four covered courts, residents of Port Hope and
surrounding communities will enjoy greater access to court time in every season. This
initiative creates more opportunities for children, youth, adults, and seniors to stay
active, connected, and engaged throughout the year.”

-Adam Pearson, Deputy Mayor, Municipality of Port Hope

Quick Facts

• First launched in 2024 with an initial investment of $200 million, the Community
  Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF) is a competitive, application
  based program that supports municipalities, Indigenous communities,
  organizations and non-profit organizations.
• As part of the 2026 Ontario Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario, the government
  announced an additional investment of $300 million to expand the Community
  Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF), making this the single largest
  investment in the province’s sport and recreation sector made by the government
  to date.
• This brings total government funding for the program to $500 million, and will
  support local community projects, create good-paying jobs, promote active,
  healthy living and give the next generation of Ontario athletes a place to train and
  grow their skills.
• More information about eligibility and application guidelines on the next intake will
  be released by the Ministry of Sport later this year.