Grants for Recreation Facilities

A $2-million investment from the Province will help community groups and others make needed upgrades to recreation facilities that will promote healthy communities and support economic growth.

Forty-six projects are receiving funding through the Recreational Facility Development Grant program and the Rink Revitalization Fund. These funds help community groups, municipalities and other not-for-profit organizations develop and improve facilities to increase participation in sport and recreation.

“Healthy communities are a top priority for this government,” said Pat Dunn, Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage. “These grants help Nova Scotians to access services and opportunities close to home and lead healthy, active lifestyles.”

For example, the Porters Lake Community Services Association is receiving $39,600 from the Recreational Facility Development Grant for tennis court renovations. The Digby and Area Recreation Commission is receiving $21,957 from the Rink Revitalization Fund to support repairs such as replacing arena boards, retrofitting dressing rooms and making washrooms and showers more accessible.

Quotes:

“Thanks to this grant funding, the Porters Lake Community Services Association will be able to provide the Porters Lake community with renovated tennis courts that will also include pickleball, which is currently the fastest growing sport. We expect the courts to be enjoyed by a variety of different age groups.”

– Melanie MacIsaac, Treasurer, Porters Lake Community Services Association

“Digby Area Recreation Commission is pleased to receive rink revitalization funding from the Province to help support the goal of maintaining longevity of our year-round facility, the Digby Arena.”

– Sharon MacAlpine, Recreation Director, Digby Area Recreation Commission

Quick Facts:

• the total funding from both programs for the 46 projects is $2,032,924.58
• applications for next year’s grants will open in the fall
• recreation centres and halls, pools, arenas, athletic fields, playgrounds, parks, trails and other facilities that promote sport and physical recreation are eligible for funding under the program

Additional Resources:

The list of 2023-24 funding recipients is at: https://cch.novascotia.ca/sites/default/files/inline/2023-rfd-recipients.pdf

Information on Communities, Culture, Tourism and Culture funding programs:
https://cch.novascotia.ca/investing-in-our-future