As part of Budget 2024, the province is directing $30 million through the new Active Communities Initiative to support recreational facilities. (Photo: Government of Alberta on Youtube)

By Christian Oldale

Alberta

Alberta providing $30 million in new sport and recreation funding

May 6, 2024 | 2:45 PM

The province is investing in new funding for sport and recreation facilities in Alberta.

As part of Budget 2024, the province is directing $30 million through the new Active Communities Initiative to support recreational facilities.

Minister of Tourism and Sport Joseph Schow says, “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.”

The grant is intended for small to medium sized projects like skating rinks, community pools and pickleball courts, among others. It will be available to First Nations and Metis settlements, non-profit organizations, and community associations.

Schow, Minister of Affordability and Utilities Nathan Neudorf, and other made the announcement at the Servus Sports Centre in Lethbridge on Friday, May 3, 2024.

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The initiative consists of two streams:

• 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.

Organizations in the province will have the chance to submit an expression of interest late in May, before they move into more extensive applications in phase 2.

Schow says there is some great interest already.

According to the province, the Active Communities Initiative is the first grant program focused exclusively on funding sport and recreation infrastructure in Alberta.