Supporting 186 organizations with $46M of capital funding

Over the past two years, a range of critical sports and recreational facilities were forced to shut down or operate at limited capacity due to COVID-19. These organizations and the facilities they operate, such as ice rinks, playgrounds, and recreation centres, enable Ontarians to stay connected, engaged, healthy and active. They play a critical role in the social and economic fabric of Ontario. 

Through the Community Building Fund – Capital stream, 186 non-profits, Indigenous communities and Municipalities will receive funding to help their sport and recreation facilities meet local community need or address public health requirements. Browse the grants awarded list. 

Grants are between $10,000 to $500,000 and will ensure necessary repairs, renovations or retrofitting are completed to existing sport and recreation facilities for the benefit of local communities. Updates include:

• Maximize use of facility and extend operational lifespan 
• Improve accessibility 
• Increase physical distancing  
• Improve air quality 
• Reduce physical contact  

 

“As the impacts of COVID-19 persist across our province, organizations continue to face challenges that limit their ability to maintain and operate their facilities. The capital funding awarded through the Community Building Fund will help address critical enhancements needed to keep facilities open, accessible, and safe for all. OTF is pleased to have implemented this fund on behalf of the Ontario government to support Ontario’s recovery,” said Katharine Bambrick, CEO of the Ontario Trillium Foundation. 

 

Capital project examples 

• Wauzhushk Onigum Nation, with a $395,800 grant, will renovate the community’s only playground to address the local recreational needs of children and their families, and improve safety and longevity of play structure.  
• La Municipalité de Casselman, with a $188,600 grant, will install a low-emissions roof over its skating rink to reduce energy consumption and operation costs. It will also replace safety equipment to provide better spectator protection and reduce player injuries. 
• Youth Ottawa, with a $208,100 grant, will renovate an existing sports facility at the Gil O Julien Park to create a safe space where youth can participate in services that meet their needs. The existing canteen will also be retrofitted into a full kitchen where cooking and nutrition classes will be offered.  
• Boys and Girls Club of Kawartha Lakes (BCG), with a $475,000 grant, will build the only permanent skatepark in Lindsay, Ontario. This project will provide children and youth a space to be active and connected, improving health and well-being.  

Browse the grants awarded list.

Quick facts 

• 186 non-profits, Indigenous communities and Municipalities will receive $46M in funding through the Community Building Fund – Capital stream to help their sport and recreation facilities meet local community need or address public health requirements.  
• The Community Building Fund is part of the 2020 Budget, Ontario’s Action Plan: Protect, Support, Recover.  
• OTF continues to invest in Ontario’s non-profit sector through the Resilient Communities Fund. The fund helps non-profit organizations rebuild their capacity and resiliency, and meet the changing needs of their communities.  
• In 2020, the Resilient Communities Fund was delivered to communities across Ontario, awarding 1,045 grants totalling $83M to non-profit organizations such as museums, recreation facilities, community food centres, conservation programs, mental health programs and multicultural services. 
• By the end of 2021/2022, OTF will have invested an additional $92M into community organizations through the Resilient Communities Fund, contributing to the province’s economic well-being and enriching our cultural fabric.  
• The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations. 

 

**Correction Notice: Original publication on January 17, 2022 cited 168 organizations received a total of $46M though the Community Building Fund – Capital stream. The corrected number of organizations is 186 for $46M.