Arena and Community Centre
South River – Machar Arena & Community Centre
Facility Information, Programs, Rentals & Community Events
📍 Arena Entrance
1A Lincoln Avenue
South River, Ontario P0A 1X0
📞 Phone: 705-386-2622
The South River–Machar Arena and Community Centre is an important gathering place for residents and visitors in the Almaguin Highlands region. The facility hosts a wide variety of sports, recreation, cultural events, meetings, and community celebrations throughout the year.
The arena operates with ice from July to March and the community centre space is available year-round for meetings, celebrations, and special events. The facility is designed to accommodate both recreational activities and private rentals, making it a versatile venue for the community.
Community Hall
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The Community Hall is a spacious and flexible venue located on the second floor of the facility. The hall is suitable for a variety of events including meetings, banquets, presentations, workshops, and celebrations.
The hall includes:
• Seating capacity of up to 150 people
• Raised stage area for presentations or performances
• Built-in sound system with speakers
• Projection capability for presentations and videos
• Tables and chairs available for events
• Elevator access to the second-floor space
• Bright and open layout suitable for multiple event setups
The space can easily be arranged for:
• Banquet-style seating
• Conferences and workshops
• Theatre-style presentations
• Community meetings
• Celebrations and receptions
Audio & Presentation System
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The hall includes a built-in audio and presentation system, allowing event organizers to host presentations, performances, and meetings without needing additional equipment.
Features include:
• Wall-mounted hall speakers
• Audio mixer and control system
• Microphone connectivity for speeches and presentations
• Projection system capability for slides, videos, and presentations
This system is ideal for:
• Community presentations
• Workshops and training sessions
• Conferences and meetings
• Cultural performances and events
Commercial Kitchen
The facility includes a fully equipped commercial kitchen, making it suitable for community dinners, catered events, banquets, and large gatherings.
Kitchen features include:
• Commercial electric stove and oven
• Industrial dishwasher
• Large commercial stainless-steel refrigerator
• Additional refrigerator/freezer unit
• Food preparation counters and workspace
• Kitchen island preparation area
• Dishware including plates, bowls, and serving dishes
• Ventilation hood system
• Serving window connecting the kitchen to the hall
The kitchen allows event organizers to prepare and serve food conveniently during community events and private functions.
Community Events
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(Photo courtesy of Women Own Resource Centre Facebook Page – Women’s Day Event 2026)
The Community Centre regularly hosts a wide variety of community events, celebrations, and gatherings.
The flexible layout allows the space to be transformed for different occasions including:
• Community celebrations
• International Women’s Day gatherings
• Banquets and dinners
• Fundraising events
• Public presentations and workshops
• Community meetings and conferences
With its stage, sound system, kitchen, and spacious seating area, the hall is well suited for both formal and casual events.
Snack Bar & Vending Area
The arena also includes a small snack bar and vending area where visitors can purchase refreshments during events and recreational activities.
Available items include:
• Chips and snacks
• Chocolate and candy
• Cold beverages and sports drinks
• Bottled water
The vending area is especially convenient during arena events, hockey games, tournaments, and community programs.
Facility Amenities
The South River–Machar Arena and Community Centre offers:
• Ice arena (seasonal)
• Community hall event space
• Stage for performances and presentations
• Built-in sound and projection system
• Commercial kitchen for event food preparation
• Snack bar and vending machines
• Tables and chairs for events
• Elevator access to second-floor community space
• Clean, accessible, and welcoming environment
Facility Rentals Information
The Community Centre is available for a wide range of private and community events including:
• Weddings and receptions
• Banquets and community dinners
• Meetings and conferences
• Workshops and training sessions
• Fundraising events
• Community celebrations
The following table outlines the current rental rates for the South River–Machar Community Centre and Arena facilities.
| Facility / Service | Description | Capacity / Details | Rental Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Hall | Large event hall with stage, sound system, and projection system. Ideal for community events, weddings, meetings, and celebrations. | Up to 150 people | $35 per hour (minimum 2 hours) |
| Small Meeting Room | Private room suitable for meetings, workshops, and small gatherings. | Small groups | $25 per hour |
| Non-Licensed Event | Hall rental for events where alcohol is not served. | Based on 8 hours | $190 per event |
| Licensed Event | Hall rental for events where alcohol will be served (must follow licensing rules). | Based on 8 hours | $270 per event |
| Commercial Kitchen – Luncheon Use | Kitchen access including coffee pots and refrigerator. | Suitable for light catering or community lunches | $50 per hour |
| Commercial Kitchen – Banquet Use | Full kitchen access including appliances and dinnerware. | Ideal for large catered events and banquets | $160 per hour |
| Ice Surface (Winter) | Arena ice available for skating, hockey, and recreation. | Adult groups | $125 per hour |
| Ice Surface (Youth) | Arena ice for youth programs and teams. | Youth groups | $105 per hour |
| Summer Ice | Ice rental available during summer months. | All ages | $125 per hour |
| Arena Floor (Ice Removed) | Arena floor available for events, markets, sports, or exhibitions when ice is removed. | Large open space | $45 per hour or $350 per day |
| Ball Field | Grounds maintenance fee for kids tee-ball and softball programs. | Youth programs | $2 per child |
| Ball Tournament | Ball field rental for tournaments (Friday–Sunday). | Multi-day events | $375 per event |
| Tennis / Pickleball Courts | Outdoor courts available for public use. | Open recreation | No rental fee |
Note: All rental rates listed below include applicable HST.
To book the facility, schedule ice time, or inquire about availability, please contact the arena directly.
📞 705-386-2622
Please call the facility directly to schedule your event or ice time.
Click to see a list of User fees. Arena and Community Centre Rates 2023-2024
Pickle Ball is available at the arena
Almaguin Minor Hockey Association (boys youth hockey)
Almaguin Gazelles (girls youth hockey)