The L.E.A.F. Initiative is a Commonwell program to support capacity, resiliency and growth in the communities we call home.

Memorial Arena Park 1959

Municipality of North Perth 330 Wallace Avenue North ListowelN4W 1L3

Target Completion Date: February 28, 2025

What is this project about?

On Saturday, February 28, 1959 about 9am, a peewee hockey game got under way in the Listowel, ON arena. Suddenly, at 9:27am, without any immediate warning, the roof and the walls of the rink section of the arena collapsed with thundering noise.

Seven boys and one adult were killed and thirteen boys were injured. Of those who were on the ice and in the players’ box, only two climbed out of the debris unharmed. Only a small part of the arena remained standing, namely the entrance section at the western end which had interior partitions.

In recognition of this tragedy, we are building a park on the site of the former Listowel Memorial Arena to commemorate the families and community members affected.

The park will include a memorial in the shape of rink boards that will list the victims. Eight bronze skates will be placed at the base of the rink boards. There will be a tree boarder of the park featuring eight flowering trees. The park includes walking trails, a play structure for children, benches and an outdoor rink for the winter time. There will be a list of donors on the donor wall as well.

Why is this project important to the community?

Listowel is a growing community. It is important that we remember the roots and history of this town continue to grow. Listowel is still home to many families of the victims and the survivors. Currently the only memorials for the Listowel Arena Collapse is a window box at the Steve Kerr Memorial Arena in Listowel and a 1959 Badge on all Listowel Minor Hockey jerseys (photo attached). This space will provide a park for children to use. This space will provide a quiet space for reflection. This space will allow for an outdoor rink in the winter time for the spirit and sport of hockey to continue at the Listowel Arena collapse site. This space will allow for a farmers market in the summer months. This will be a space for family and friends to gather.