ONTARIO-The Ontario government says it 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 according to the province.
“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.
To date, this fund has supported 94 projects across Ontario through two streams:
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- Stream 1: Repairs and rehabilitates existing sport and recreation facilities.
- Stream 2: Builds new and transformative facilities, including replacements for aging infrastructure.
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.”
In 2023, the sport and recreation sector provided an estimated $3.25 billion to our economy and accounted for approximately 42,000 jobs.
