Ontario Investing $300 Million to Build and Upgrade Local Sport and Recreation Facilities
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New funding will revitalize local sports centres, create new jobs and support the next generation of Ontario athletes
News Release | April 31st, 2026
KITCHENER — The Ontario government is investing an additional $300 million in the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF) to build and upgrade sport and recreation facilities across the province. Announced as part of the 2026 Ontario Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario, this brings total government funding for the program to $500 million, and will support local community projects, create good-paying jobs, promote active, healthy living and give the next generation of Ontario athletes a place to train and grow their skills.
“Our government is delivering on our plan to protect Ontario by making historic local investments that strengthen our communities today and for the future,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. “The additional $300 million in the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund will support the construction of new facilities, allowing more families across Ontario to enjoy fun, healthy activities and ensure our local athletes have a place to compete close to home.”
Building on the success of the initial $200 million funding, the new $300 million top-up makes CSRIF the largest investment in the sport and recreation sector in the province’s history. The first round of funding has already supported nearly 100 projects, including the construction of 17 new facilities and the revitalization of 77 more.
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.
More information about eligibility and application guidelines will be released later this year.
“The investments announced today are about creating jobs and building stronger, healthier communities across Ontario,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance. “By enhancing and expanding sport and recreation facilities, we are increasing access, encouraging participation and unlocking new economic opportunities for communities across the province.”
The 2026 Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario outlines how the government is advancing its plan to protect Ontario by making the province one of the most competitive places to invest and do business in the G7, while building a more resilient and self-reliant economy.
Quick Facts
First launched in 2024 with an initial investment of $200 million, the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF) is a competitive, application-based program that supports municipalities, Indigenous communities, organizations and non-profit organizations.
To date, this fund has supported 94 projects across Ontario through two streams:
Stream 1: Repairs and rehabilitates existing sport and recreation facilities.
Stream 2: Builds new and transformative facilities, including replacements for aging infrastructure.
In 2023, the sport and recreation sector provided an estimated $3.25 billion to our economy and accounted for approximately 42,000 jobs.
Quotes
"Investing in modern, accessible sport and recreation spaces helps communities thrive today and sets the foundation for a stronger future. By supporting the renewal of existing facilities and the construction of new ones, our expanded investments will contribute to healthier, more connected neighbourhoods and ensure people of all ages have opportunities to stay active for years to come." - Natalie Pierre Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Sport and MPP for Burlington
"This investment is about more than building arenas and recreation spaces, it’s about strengthening our communities, supporting local sports, and creating good jobs across Ontario. By upgrading and expanding these facilities, we’re giving Ontario families more opportunities to stay active while putting more shovels in the ground to help our communities grow." - Rob Flack Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
"Community and recreational facilities are places where families can play, athletes can train, and people can connect. Through this enhancement to the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund, our government is protecting these community hubs through strategic investments in new and renewed facilities. This additional $300 million investment through our Plan to Protect Ontario will mean more shovels across the province, creating good paying jobs that benefit families and workers and building a stronger more resilient economy." - Mike Harris Member of Provincial Parliament for Kitchener-Conestoga
"Here in Kitchener and across Ontario, we’re seeing growing demand for safe, inclusive spaces where people can come together, stay active, and build strong community connections. This investment is about meeting that moment and supporting projects that reflect the unique needs of local communities while ensuring families, youth, and athletes have access to modern facilities close to home." - Jess Dixon Member of Provincial Parliament for Kitchener South-Hespeler
"Our government remains committed to building healthier, more active communities across the province. With a $19.5 million investment in the New Cambridge Recreation Complex last year, we’re already seeing that commitment in action. I’m proud that the 2026 provincial budget continues to support sport and recreation in Cambridge and across Ontario." - Brian Riddell Member of Provincial Parliament for Cambridge
"Sport has the power to inspire and unite Canadians like nothing else. Investing in sport infrastructure goes beyond building facilities — it ensures athletes at all levels have access to modern, local spaces where they can participate, hone their skills, and reach their full potential. Through Team Canada 2035, the Canadian Olympic Committee is committed to getting 1 million more young people involved in organized sport across the country and elevating Team Canada’s high-performance success, and that starts with critical investments in community spaces like these. We applaud the Ontario government for today’s announcement and for expanding opportunities for athletes across the province." - David Shoemaker CEO and Secretary General, Canadian Olympic Committee
"This significant investment in infrastructure will go a long way towards supporting a vibrant, thriving sport system across the province. Having access to quality, accessible, and nearby facilities is a critical factor in athletes being able to participate in sport and ultimately reach their goals. Thank you to the Ontario government for this important investment in sport and supporting more access for all to experience the power of sport." - Karen O'Neill CEO, Canadian Paralympic Committee
"The impact of this provincial CSRIF funding will go far beyond building high quality recreation spaces in cities like ours. It’s a significant investment in Kitchener and Ontario's up-and-coming athletes who will play, train and compete in cutting-edge facilities like Cowan, while empowering communities to showcase what they have to offer, attract major sporting events and tournaments, and generate meaningful economic activity that strengthens local businesses and supports long term economic resilience." - Berry Vrbanovic Mayor of Kitchener
"AMO welcomes this much-needed new provincial investment in municipal infrastructure. These funds help address pent-up demand for infrastructure funding and contribute to municipalities' ambitious plans to invest more than $250 billion in the next 10 years on local infrastructure, including sports and recreation facilities." - Robin Jones President, Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), Mayor, Village of Westport
"For rural and northern communities, recreation centres are more than just buildings, they are the heart of our communities. ROMA is encouraged to see over forty rural and northern Ontario municipalities already receiving funding through this program. Expanding this funding will help more families access modern, safe, and reliable recreation facilities across the province." - Christa Lowry Chair, Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA), Mayor, Mississippi Mills
"PRO welcomes this additional investment in the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund. This is a significant step forward for sport and recreation in Ontario, as communities face increasing pressure from aging facilities and rising participation demands. Sustained infrastructure funding ensures our sector can continue to provide safe, modern spaces that foster physical activity, social connection, and overall well-being for Ontarians." - Sarah Ane Acting CEO, Parks and Recreation Ontario
"This renewed $300 million funding opportunity to support the revitalization of sport and recreation facilities across the province shows a great commitment by the Ministry of Sport to remove physical barriers to participation. Across Ontario, we have seen the positive impact that the previous funds have provided, ensuring older or newly built facilities are accessible and up to current AODA standards. This continued investment will ensure more facilities remove physical barriers to inclusion for people with disabilities and is an important first step to offer adapted sport programming that is available and welcoming to all!" - James Murphy Executive Director, ParaSport Ontario
"When children and youth have access to recreation spaces, it fosters lifelong participation in sport. Through investments like the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund, Ontario is leading the way in expanding access to recreation and building facilities for the next generation — ensuring more communities can unlock the benefits of sport." - Marco Di Buono President, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities
"We commend the Government of Ontario and the Ministry of Sport for their leadership and commitment demonstrated through the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF). This vital investment — supporting repairs, upgrades, and the construction of new sport and recreation facilities across Ontario — helps ensure that people of all abilities have access to safe, modern, and inclusive places to be active. By extending the lifespan of existing facilities, enhancing accessibility, and fostering healthier, more active communities, the ministry is strengthening sport and recreation at every level. Through CSRIF’s support, local programming grows, participation becomes more affordable and inclusive, and communities gain the capacity to host meaningful sporting events that bring people together. This investment is building a better, more active Ontario for all." - Debbie Low CEO, Canadian Sport Institute Ontario
