The Recreation Facility Development Grant program helps develop facilities where community members participate in quality sport, physical activity and recreation. The program includes the Rink Revitalization Fund (RRF), which helps organizations that operate rinks to invest in needed repairs and upgrades. This program is for projects with total project value over $30,000. Eligible projects may apply for up to two-thirds of the total project cost, to a maximum request of $150,000.

Program Objectives

• Improve quality of life for Nova Scotians through sport, physical activity and recreation
• Support development of effective and integrated system of high-quality recreation opportunities
• Help develop facilities that promote active living and public participation in sport and physical recreation
• Advance equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility in recreation facilities
• Support sustainability and revitalization of recreation infrastructure across Nova Scotia

Eligible Project Types

• Facility development: Recreation centres, pools, rinks, athletic fields, parks, playgrounds, and enhancements to schools for community use and other recreation facilities that promote active living
• Rink Revitalization Fund (RRF): Assists organizations who operate rinks or arenas to invest in revitalization or upgrading of arena/rink infrastructure. Outdoor rinks are considered eligible if it is an investment in permanent infrastructure
• Upgrades and repairs: Capital conservation work involving repair and/or replacement needs that form part of the recreation facility's structural or operational integrity
• Large equipment: Purchase of large permanent furnishings or equipment essential to facility operations (e.g., soccer goals, ice resurfacer, ice plant components)
• Multi-year projects: For large-scale projects that take several years to complete (major renovations or construction), applicants must submit a multi-year development plan and outline phases of development with pertinent details. Applicants may reapply for funding each year during the length of the project. Funding in one year does not guarantee funding in subsequent years.

Key Requirements

Facility must have recreation, sport and/or physical activity as its primary function and must be open to all members of the public at reasonable times, at either no cost or at a reasonable rate.

Applicants must own the property or facility where work will take place OR maintain a long-term lease of at least five years with the owner of the property. Proof of ownership or lease required as part of application.

Only eligible project expenses incurred after application is submitted and/or after applicant has opened a file with CCTH Regional Manager are eligible for reimbursement. Applying or opening a file is not a guarantee of funding.

Applicants can request no more than 2/3 of estimated total project cost.

Total provincial government contribution cannot be more than 75% of total project costs.

Project end dates should be before March 31 of the following calendar year (e.g., project submitted for funding in February 2025 should end before March 31, 2026).

Important Notes

• This grant is highly competitive. Applicants are encouraged to base their funding requests on financial need rather than the maximum amount. An eligible organization may receive one grant per year, per project.
• This program is for projects with total project value over $30,000. For projects under $30,000, see Community Recreation Capital Grant.