Premier Doug Ford Opens Applications for $500 Million Ontario Community Sport and Arena Fund

TORONTO, ON — Premier Doug Ford and Minister of Sport Neil Lumsden announced that municipal application portals are officially open for the $500 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF), delivering provincial capital to build, repair, and modernize community recreation centers across Ontario.

Modernizing Local Arenas, Community Pools, and Indoor Sports Complexes

The funding initiative provides up to $10 million per municipality through two funding streams: Stream 1 for major transformational new community centers, and Stream 2 for municipal arena refrigeration upgrades, energy-efficient LED rink lighting, and accessibility retrofits in existing facilities. The program directly addresses aging municipal recreation infrastructure, ensuring families and youth athletes in growing communities have modern, safe athletic facilities.

Premier Ford affirmed that local community arenas and pools are the beating heart of Ontario towns, ensuring that young people stay active, healthy, and connected.

Association of Municipalities of Ontario and Sports Bodies Praise

The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) praised the fund for easing heavy municipal capital borrowing burdens for recreation complexes.

Minor hockey and youth swimming federations celebrated the arena refrigeration upgrade grants for extending ice pad seasons.

Application Submission Window

Municipalities and non-profit sports organizations can submit grant proposals through the provincial portal through October 29, 2026.