Welcome to the Ivor MacDonald Memorial Arena

The Ivor MacDonald Memorial Arena in Thorburn is a go-to spot for the community, giving more than 10,000 people in Pictou East a place to play sports, stay active, and come together. With everything from youth teams and school programs to pickleball, fitness classes, and local events, it’s always busy with something for everyone.

The Ivor MacDonald Memorial Arena, located in Thorburn, is vital to the community. It serves as a central hub for sports, recreation, and social events, supporting over 10,000 residents in Pictou East. The arena tenants include Pictou County Minor Hockey Association teams, East Pictou Silver Blades Figure Skating, Pictou County Lacrosse and their Junior B Generals team, Thorburn Pickleball Club, Golden Hawks Women’s Fitness and is also home base for the East Pictou Rural Fair. The arena is used by school programs, public skating, and pickup hockey leagues and is a popular venue for family gatherings, fundraisers, and community events. The arena promotes physical fitness, teamwork, leadership, and volunteerism which strengthens the community. Its history and ongoing support from local families and fundraising efforts highlight its role as an important community landmark.