Ontario is opening applications for another $100 million in community sport and recreation infrastructure funding as the province moves ahead with broader investments aimed at supporting municipal growth, housing construction and local economic development.
Premier Doug Ford announced the latest intake of the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF) at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference in Ottawa. Applications opened August 17 and will remain available until December 22, 2026.
The funding is part of a $500 million provincial program supporting the construction, repair and modernization of sport and recreation facilities across Ontario.
“Ontario’s $236 billion investment in infrastructure is providing unprecedented support to municipalities across the province, so we can grow the economy, unlock our resources, protect our workers and build the strongest and most competitive economy in the G7,” said Premier Ford. “Our investments in community and housing-enabling infrastructure, combined with our full cut to the HST on new homes, are building stronger communities and saving families up to $200,000 off the cost of a home.”
Ontario Expands Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund
The province increased CSRIF from $200 million to $500 million in its latest budget, including an additional $300 million commitment to sport and recreation infrastructure.
The program is designed to finance new facilities and upgrades to existing community assets while supporting construction employment, active living and opportunities for Ontario athletes.
The first funding round supported nearly 100 projects, including 17 new facilities and upgrades to 77 existing locations, according to the province. Eligible applicants include municipalities, Indigenous communities and organizations, non-profit groups and, for new construction projects, for-profit organizations.
“Our government’s historic investment in local sport and recreation infrastructure is helping build and upgrade the facilities Ontario families rely on to stay active, healthy and connected. By increasing the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund to $500 million, we’re giving communities the support they need to bring forward bold projects that create jobs, unlock the economic benefits of sport tourism and help the next generation of athletes reach their full potential. This new intake means more communities can put shovels in the ground and get more people in the game,” said Natalie Pierre, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Sport.
Municipal Infrastructure Linked to Economic Growth
Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Rob Flack said infrastructure investment is central to the province’s strategy for supporting communities and attracting economic activity.
“Ontario succeeds when our communities succeed,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “That’s why our government is focused on finding real, practical and innovative solutions that grow our economy, create good-paying jobs and build the infrastructure our communities need to succeed. We know that government works best when we work together, and we’re proud to partner with municipalities across Ontario to cut red tape, unlock growth and create the conditions for investment and opportunity. Together, we’re building a stronger, more competitive Ontario that is ready to succeed today and for generations to come.”
Robin Jones, president of AMO and mayor of the Village of Westport, also welcomed the investment.
“Strong communities need strong infrastructure. Whether it’s the arena where a child learns to skate, the community centre where neighbours come together, or the roads, water and wastewater systems that make new housing possible, municipal infrastructure is the foundation of healthy, growing communities. We welcome these investments and the continued partnership between municipalities and the province to build the communities Ontarians need and deserve.”
Ontario and Canada Commit Billions to Housing-Enabling Infrastructure
The sport infrastructure announcement comes alongside a larger federal-provincial effort targeting housing-related infrastructure.
Canada and Ontario have signed a partnership providing up to $8.8 billion over 10 years for infrastructure needed to support housing construction. Of that amount, $1 billion is being reserved for municipalities that do not levy development charges on new homes.
The funding will flow through a new Non-Development Charge Municipalities Stream under Ontario’s $4 billion Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program. Applications for the new stream are scheduled to open October 29.
“The new Non-Development Charge Municipalities Stream is part of Ontario’s $4 billion MHIP to deliver core infrastructure such as roads, bridges and water systems that will create more jobs, build more homes, maintain existing homes and grow the economy,” said Todd McCarthy, Acting Minister of Infrastructure. “The $1 billion provincial-federal investment will add to the approximately 800,000 new homes already being enabled through MHIP and help even more municipalities get shovels in the ground on housing-enabling infrastructure.”
Further Funding Tied to Development Charge Reductions
The remaining funding of up to $7.8 billion is intended for housing-enabling infrastructure in municipalities that substantially reduce development charges on new homes through Ontario’s Development Charge Reduction Program.
Toronto received the first allocation in June, totalling $1.5 billion, after committing to development charge reductions of between 40 and 60 per cent. The province said further allocations are expected in the coming weeks.
Together, the sport, recreation and housing infrastructure programs represent a significant pipeline of public investment aimed at strengthening municipal assets, supporting construction employment and expanding the infrastructure needed to accommodate Ontario’s growing communities.