Sport and recreation facilities are the heart of many Alberta communities. They serve as places for people of all ages to gather, build connections and enjoy being active together. Alberta’s communities need effective, up-to-date sport and recreation infrastructure to remain healthy, vibrant and actively engaged in the sports they love.
Alberta’s government recognizes the invaluable role that sport and recreational facilities play in fostering community well-being and promoting an active lifestyle, which is why Budget 2024 is directing $30 million through the new Active Communities Initiative to support recreational facilities in every corner of our province.
“Across Alberta, the local skating rinks, indoor soccer fields and rec centres are the hubs of their communities. They are gathering places where people of all ages and backgrounds can build social bonds, create a sense of belonging and enjoy the benefits of being active. Through the Active Communities Initiative, we’re building healthier families and more resilient communities by helping to create and improve spaces so that more Albertans can be more active more often.”
"It’s incredibly important for Albertans to have access to affordable sport and recreation opportunities. I’m proud Alberta’s government is making this a reality by supporting our communities through the Active Communities Initiative.”
The Active Communities Initiative is open to eligible community groups, non-profit organizations and societies, and First Nations and Metis Settlements that wish to build or enhance spaces that support sport and recreation in their communities. The grant is intended for small and mid-sized projects, including indoor and outdoor skating rinks, community pools, indoor turf centres, pickle ball courts, and other sport and recreational facilities.
“By creating the Active Communities Initiative, the Government of Alberta is showing it understands the importance of investment in sport, physical activity and recreation for the health and well-being of our communities. The infrastructure this program will support ensures there’s space so more Albertans can participate in the sport they love.”
The Active Communities Initiative is a fund-matching program and has two streams for prospective projects:
- Stream 1 funds projects from a minimum of $100,000 to a maximum of $500,000.
- Stream 2 funds projects from a minimum of $500,001 to a maximum of $1,500,000.
Larger-scale sport and recreation infrastructure projects will continue to be funded through the Capital Plan.
“Physical activity and involvement in sport improves the physical, social and emotional well-being of all those who participate. The impact of the Active Communities Initiative on communities like Lethbridge should not be understated – it’ll help ensure there are spaces for folks to come together and be active, creating happier, healthier communities across Alberta.”
The Active Communities Initiative is the first grant program focused exclusively on funding sport and recreation infrastructure in Alberta. Beginning May 2024, eligible organizations can submit an expression of interest before submitting a more detailed package during the second round of applications.
“The Lethbridge Soccer Association and the Servus Sport Centre are grateful for the Government of Alberta’s support of sport and recreation. The Active Community Initiative will help keep sport and recreation spaces like ours functional, safe and up-to-date so that more and more users can benefit from our facilities.”