$200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund supporting economic growth and building healthier communities
The Ontario government is investing $10 million to protect jobs and support the construction of the South Bowmanville Recreation Centre in the Municipality of Clarington. This project is part of the $200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF) — a provincewide initiative to help communities revitalize local facilities, grow the economy and promote active, healthy living across Ontario.
“Our government is proud to support projects that deliver better services for people, while creating more opportunities for children, families and seniors to stay active,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. “The transformation of the South Bowmanville Recreation Centre into a state-of-the-art, multi-purpose facility will protect local jobs and serve as a catalyst for economic growth by attracting major sporting events to the region, helping build a more resilient and self-reliant economy.”
The government’s $10 million investment will help develop the facility into a dynamic community hub for sport and recreation. Key additions include a FIBA-standard double gymnasium, a 25-m lap pool and therapeutic tank, a FIFA-size indoor turf field, five new multi-purpose spaces and an over-850-square metre outdoor refrigerated skating trail. These upgrades will support over 50,000 users annually and will accommodate growing demand for basketball, swimming, skating and soccer, while also enhancing programming for all ages — from youth day camps to rehabilitation-focused aquatic therapy for seniors. With the capacity to host competitions, this facility will unlock opportunities for Clarington to leverage the fast-growing sport tourism sector, boosting the economy and supporting local businesses.
“This modern multi-sport destination is designed to welcome everyone, from first-timers finding their groove to our homegrown athletes chasing greatness. Picture epic weekend tournaments, kids’ first swim lessons, early morning yoga, and family skates along Durham Region’s first outdoor refrigerated trail, one of the longest in Ontario. With so much more to experience, this is where generations of awesome memories will be made,” said Adrian Foster, Mayor of Clarington. “The South Bowmanville Recreation Centre is a shining example of what’s possible when we dream big and plan smart. Thank you to the province for believing in our vision and investing in a healthy, happy, and growing Clarington.”
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.
Quick Facts
- The Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF) is an application-based program. 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
