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.
In a news release, the government stated that 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.
“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.”
Last May, the Toronto Blue Jays awarded Burk’s Falls $50,000 under its Field of Dreams program. The funds will go toward extensive improvements to Knights Brothers Park including repairing and replacing sections of fencing that are collapsing and upgrading the aging dugouts. New benches and bleachers will also be purchased.
“Jays Care has a longstanding history of infrastructure investments focused on building spaces where communities can connect and kids can grow,” said Robert Witchel, executive director of the Jays Care Foundation. “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.”
Starting August 19th, 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.
The Ontario government is hosting an information webinar on August 27, 2024, to help prospective applicants navigate the application process. Application guidelines are now available online. For general program inquiries, more information on the webinar and to register, please email: CSRIF@ontario.ca.
To apply for CSRIF funding go to the Government of Ontario’s website.
