Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Financing: Sector Perspectives and Key Considerations

Toronto, Ontario, June 24, 2026 –

In response to a recent Building Ontario Fund market sounding exercise on sport and recreation infrastructure, the Ontario Recreation Facilities Association (ORFA) provides a joint sector response in collaboration with Parks and Recreation Ontario (PRO) and the Ontario Nonprofit Network (ONN).

The opportunity to provide a collaborative response to innovative financing approaches to address growing infrastructure needs across the province was very much appreciated. Collectively representing municipalities, recreation providers, facility operators, and nonprofit organizations, we share a commitment to ensuring high-quality sport and recreation infrastructure remains sustainable, affordable, accessible, and responsive to the needs of Ontario communities.

As Building Ontario Fund (BOF) considers future involvement in sport and recreation infrastructure financing, the following key considerations were raised as part of the marketing sounding exercise:

• Sport and Recreation Facilities are Vital Infrastructure
  
• Sector Expertise Must Inform Future Planning
  
• Financing Models Must Reflect the Realities of Ontario Communities
  
• Investment Should Strengthen Community-Based Sport and Recreation
  

For more information, contact: John Milton, ORFA Chief Administrative Officer, EMAIL John, 416-426-7062

The Ontario Recreation Facilities Association provides leadership in professional development, and in products and services for its members who operate and manage recreation facilities in municipalities, educational institutions, government agencies, First Nations communities and in the private recreation sector.