The Ontario government is now accepting applications for the new Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF). Announced as part of the 2024 Budget: Building a Better Ontario, the province is investing $200 million through the fund to help communities revitalize existing community sport and recreation infrastructure and build new facilities.
"Today's announcement is just one example of how we are working shoulder-to-shoulder with our municipal partners to ensure they have the infrastructure and support their growing communities need," said Premier Doug Ford. "By working together, we can build growing, healthy and complete communities across Ontario and ensure people have access to the services and recreational opportunities they need to thrive."
Premier Ford announced the intake of the CSRIF during his remarks at the 2024 Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference in Ottawa.
Ontario's investments in new and upgraded sport and recreation infrastructure makes it easier for people to create healthier, more active lifestyles, makes sports more accessible, and helps more communities across the province host local, national and international events and competitions.
Starting August 19, applications are open to municipalities, Indigenous communities, non-profit organizations and (for new builds only) for-profit organizations, through two streams:
- Stream 1: Repairing and upgrading existing sports and recreation facilities into more accessible, state-of the art facilities that better meet the community's needs. Eligible projects will receive between $150,000 and $1 million and must be completed within twenty-four months. The deadline to submit applications is October 29, 2024.
- Stream 2: Building new and transformative sports and recreation facilities, including replacing existing facilities that have reached the end of their lifespan. Eligible projects will receive up to $10 million and must be completed no later than March 31, 2027. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until funding has been fully allocated.
More information about eligibility is available in the application guidelines.
"The launch of this new fund is one more way our government is helping to build stronger communities where people can live, work, play and thrive," said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. "Participation in sport and recreation offers many benefits, and by extending the lifespan of local spaces and supporting the construction of new facilities, we're ensuring that youth, seniors, families and all Ontarians will have the opportunity to stay active in their community for decades to come."
Investing in new and improved sport and recreation facilities through the 2024 Budget: Building a Better Ontario will continue to support the province's growing population and ensure that all Ontarians have access to opportunities to thrive.
Quick Facts
- The Ontario government is hosting an information webinar on August 27, 2024, to help prospective applicants navigate the application process.
- For general program inquiries, more information on the webinar and to register, please email: CSRIF@ontario.ca.
- For additional assistance and questions about eligibility, prospective applicants may also contact their local regional development advisor.
- To apply for CSRIF funding, please visit: Ontario.ca/communitysportfund
- The sport and recreation sector contributed an estimated $2.6 billion to Ontario's economy in 2021 and accounted for approximately 38,000 jobs.
Quotes
"This announcement is exciting news for municipalities across Ontario, while our government continues to build critical infrastructure, we understand communities need places to gather for recreation. The fund will support a growing population by investing in new and revitalized sport, recreation and community facilities for youth and families."
- Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance
"We commend the province for making this key funding investment to support recreation infrastructure across Ontario. Supportive funding programs are the difference-maker that ensure successful renewal and/or rebuilding of community recreation facilities. As Ontario grows, dedicated infrastructure investment in our sector ensures that recreation remains a public good and supports livable and healthy communities."
- Kim Gavine, CEO, Parks and Recreation Ontario
"More than ever before, we are seeing record demand for sport and recreation funding in communities across Ontario. With the support of the new Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund, we can meet these needs head-on as we continue to build an inclusive and accessible sport landscape for all kids."
- Marco Di Buono, PhD, President, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities
"This new funding opportunity to support the revitalization of sport and recreation facilities across the province, will have a positive impact for people with disabilities to remove barriers to participation. By ensuring older or newly built facilities are accessible and up to current AODA standards, it will ensure that no facility excludes people with a disability because of physical barriers. This is an important first step to offer and provide parasport and adapted recreation programming that is available and welcoming to all!"
- James Murphy, Executive Director, ParaSport Ontario
"Jays Care has a longstanding history of infrastructure investments focused on building spaces where communities can connect and kids can grow. Through our Field Of Dreams program, Jays Care has proudly invested $15 million in more than 160 community diamonds. We believe the Ontario government's Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund is an important commitment in prioritizing recreational infrastructure for children and families across the province. This infrastructure support will give kids across Ontario safe spaces where they can play, learn, and find a sense of belonging in their local communities."
- Robert Witchel, Executive Director, Jays Care Foundation
"Canadian Sport Institute Ontario commends the Government of Ontario in launching a new Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund. This funding will allow more high-performance athletes to train at home in Ontario on their path to representing Canada on the world stage. We have seen the successes that can come from having world-class sport facilities in the province, including World Records like that of swimmer Summer McIntosh who trained at Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre, and Olympic Gold Medals like that of track cyclist Kelsey Mitchell who trains at Mattamy National Cycling Centre in Milton, both legacies of the Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan Am Games. Thank you to Premier Ford and Minister Lumsden for their vision for sport and sport infrastructure in the province, and their continued support in making the Ontario sport system stronger at all levels of play."
- Debbie Low, Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Sport Institute Ontario
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