New funding to encourage physical activity at all levels of sport

The Government of Ontario released its budget for 2021 yesterday afternoon, which included a significant investment in sport and community infrastructure through the newly-established Strategic Priorities and Infrastructure Fund. This fund is targeted to address both deficits and aging infrastructure in Ontario.

“Athletics Canada applauds the Government of Ontario’s announcement yesterday of investing $200 million in sports facilities infrastructure,” said Athletics Canada’s Chief Executive Officer David Bedford. “In April 2020, Athletics Canada submitted to the Government of Canada seven projects from communities across Ontario that are shovel-ready, including new and upgraded facilities. Additionally, Athletics Canada is building the business case for a new National Training Centre in Toronto as a consequence of the removal of the 2015 Pan American Games track from York University. We stand ready to work with the Government of Ontario on the delivery of these projects for the betterment of communities across the province.”

The Strategic Priorities and Infrastructure Fund will focus on two key areas – building multi-purpose facilities for community, culture and recreation purposes, and the renovation and rehabilitation of sport and community infrastructure.

Wednesday’s announcement came on the heels of its commitment to invest more than $15 million to support grassroots activities, sport and recreation organizations and high-performance athletes through the SPORT4ONTARIO program, funding for Provincial Sport Organizations to support their member clubs, and the Quest for Gold Canada program targeted at elite athletes.

For more on the 2021 Ontario Budget, and what this means for sport and recreation – one of the hardest hit sectors throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, visit budget.ontario.ca.