January 14, 2026
With the opening of the Honey and Barry Memorial Arena, the Vaughan Jewish Community Campus in Vaughan, Ontario, now boasts a purpose-built, all-season facility designed to bring people together through wellness, recreation, inclusivity, and connection. Architecture49 led the design of this new twin-pad arena for the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, carefully integrating it within an evolving campus with a design that responds to both current recreational demand and long-term flexibility.
Designed with flexibility for the future, the arena fits seamlessly into a campus that’s constantly evolving; connected directly to the Community Services Building, which houses the Schwartz Reisman Centre, a Mt. Sinai Hospital satellite Wellness Centre, the Kimel Family Education Centre, and other community programs, the arena strengthens the campus’s role as a dynamic multi-generational civic hub.
The facility includes two NHL-sized ice surfaces arranged in an end-to-end configuration in response to the long and narrow parcel of land to optimize circulation, operational efficiency and sightlines from the second floor Lounge that overlooks both rinks, one with seating for 400 spectators and the other with rink level seating for 150.
Adding to the energy of the space is Gary Roberts Performance, the arena’s anchor tenant. Their 12,500 SF training centre spans two levels and offers on-ice and off-ice fitness for everyone from pro athletes and prospects to passionate amateurs. The arena also supports both organized programming and community access: meeting rooms, offices, a pro shop, concessions, and ample storage. The public lobby and second-floor lounge proudly feature a Hall of Fame honoring Jewish professional hockey players.
In memory of Honey and Barry Sherman, beloved philanthropists known for their commitment to equitable, community-building initiatives, the arena stands as a reflection of their legacy that is made possible by their son, Jonathon Sherman, a gift with a vision rooted in accessibility and belonging.
Architecture49 also reimagined the neighbouring City-owned Wood Valley Park, creating a shared-use outdoor space that complements the arena and wider campus programming. The revitalized park now features a senior soccer field with natural turf, a junior baseball diamond, a multi-use play area, and integrated parking to support day-to-day and event use.
With the Honey and Barry Memorial Arena, the campus adds a bold, contemporary space that’s built to adapt, to welcome, and to serve—now and for generations to come.