The Ontario government is now accepting applications for the new Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF).

Announced as part of its most recent budget, 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.

Applications are now 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.

“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.”

The sport and recreation sector contributed an estimated $2.6 billion to Ontario’s economy in 2021 and accounted for approximately 38,000 jobs.