Commentary, Opinion

‘The little engine that could’: A little history of the Beeton Arena and Community Centre

June 24, 2026   ·   0 Comments

At a recent council meeting, town staff brought forward the Parks and Recreation Master Plan for review.

The plan also included the initial findings for the proposed Beeton Community Centre. Many Beeton residents filled the Council Chambers and spoke with desire and passion about the new proposal.

The Fund For A New Community Centre in Beeton (FAB) organization was spearheaded by Chair Ray Lisk in 2009 (if I remember the date correctly), and whose family was part of the original farmers and families who spearheaded and built the original Arena from 1946 to 1947.

Ray soon gathered up volunteers to help him get started with his vision to raise funds for the new centre. His initial FAB Team consisted of Kim Ellison, Bert Platt, Charlie Lisk, and Jeff McCoy, who were the first directors. Val Boucher was our secretary, keeping us organized and meetings on track. Russ Woodward was treasurer and entertainment; Pat Cranston represented the BAA; Jim and Bob Milligan sat on our committee as members, as did Jim Cerswell with Scott Mitchel, Dan Boucher, Tracey Andrews, Tracy Gannon, and Shaun Gannon; Bert was also our historian; and I served as vice chair.

Ron Pegg was a great supporter from the beginning, a well-known coach for many sports teams over the years, including hockey, baseball, basketball, track & field, and soccer, resulting in several champions.

Ron also received the Queen’s Jubilee medal for contributions to his community and to Canada.

This was our initial members list, as I remember.

Many other residents joined us later, making a great contribution to the cause. Our FAB group achieved much, raising close to $300,000 through many activities and sponsorships, including golf tournaments, banquets, comedy evenings, events, and more.

Members also travelled to other town community centers to record information, such as what activities worked well for them, view their designs and collect various ideas. We eventually commissioned an architect to draft up drawings for a new community centre. We could not have done this without the support and kind help we received from the Milligan family, Jim and Nancy, who offered their home for most of our FAB meetings. 

As an aside, Beeton produced several famous NHL players, including Jim Rutherford, Wayne Carleton, Larry Gould, Johnny Gould and Warren Holmes, to name a few. I guess I’m telling this story to show what a little village like Beeton could and did do through their passion and love for their arena, community centre and the families and residents who live there.

Many of the people who supported FAB were also there in the early 80s when the first call for help went out for the Beeton Arena and Community Centre, which needed major repairs.

The then-formed Beeton Arena Renovation Fund, or BARF (yup!), raised over $190,000, extending the arena’s life.

Wendy and I moved to Beeton in 1978, when its population was approximately 890. We held our 25th wedding anniversary (party) there, where it seemed half the town showed up! 

I played hockey in the Friday Night League for 23 years in this arena. The history, residents, and families of this town are unique, and they have shown extraordinary support for their much-loved centre over the decades. 

Now, at last, after 20 years of lobbying and hard work, council finally approved the building of a new community centre and arena in Beeton last Wednesday! A centre which will support the needs of the Beeton residents and the Town of New Tecumseth for many years to come. 

Today, “The little engine that could, did!”

Alan Masters

Ward 4 Councillor

New Tecumseth

Readers Comments (0)