Port Hope Racquet Club receives over $680,000 to renovate and expand courts, boosting recreation opportunities for all seasons
The Ontario government is investing $682,239 to protect jobs and support the expansion and rehabilitation of tennis courts at the Port Hope Racquet Club.
This investment is part of the province’s $200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CRIF), a provincewide initiative that helps communities revitalize local facilities, grow the economy and promote active, healthy living across Ontario.
“Investing in the Port Hope Racquet Club means expanding access to recreation and creating more opportunities for people to stay active throughout the year,” said David Piccini, MPP for Northumberland-Peterborough South.
“This funding will help strengthen local infrastructure and ensure families and residents have a high-quality space to play and connect year-round.”
The funding will support the expansion of the facility from three tennis courts to four, renovations to existing courts, and the addition of a seasonal structure to allow for year-round use. These upgrades will help meet community demand, increase participation in local recreation, and support active living for residents of all ages.
“At a time when Ontario families are facing rising costs due to tariffs, our government is proud to support organizations focused on delivering better services for people while breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for children and young people,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport.
“With investments in infrastructure like this, we are protecting Ontario jobs, strengthening our communities and building a more resilient and self-reliant economy.”
CSRIF is a key part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario workers, businesses and families by unleashing the economy and getting more shovels in the ground, with a historic $200 billion investment to build highways, hospitals, transit, schools and other critical infrastructure across the province.
“This project exemplifies the power of collaboration, showcasing the partnership between our Municipality and the Port Hope Racquet Club. Together, we are committed to fostering an environment of healthy and active living, enhancing accessibility in sports for all ages and abilities, and strengthening our community’s ability to host sporting events year-round, both locally and beyond.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry of Sport for their crucial support, and to Minister Piccini for his unwavering dedication to the betterment of our community. We are excited to see this facility become an even greater hub of sport, community, and connection.”
– Mayor Olena Hankivsky, PhD, Municipality of Port Hope
“Receiving the Ontario CRIF Grant so that we can repair and upgrade the tennis facilities in Port Hope will open limitless possibilities and opportunities within our community – we know that movement is key to both physical and mental fitness at any age, and tennis is a sport for life. Having access to a year-round, quality facility will truly be a game changer for Northumberland County.”
– Gillian Smith-Clark, President, Port Hope Racquet Club
Quick Facts
• The Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) is an application-based program providing a $200 million investment over two years. It supports municipalities, Indigenous communities, and non-profit organizations, through two streams: one for repairing and rehabilitating existing sport and recreation facilities and spaces, and another for building new or transformative sport and recreation infrastructure.
• Each year, Ontario invests $32 million in community recreation programs to help achieve active, healthy communities across the province, including Ontario’s After School Program, the Inclusive Grassroots Recreation program and the Ontario Amateur Sport Fund.
• Sport contributes more than $7.5 billion to Ontario’s economy every year, creating tens of thousands of meaningful and good-paying jobs in every corner of the province.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
