Call for Stream 2: New Builds/Signature New Builds (Canada)

The Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF) Stream 2 provides capital funding for major new or signature sport and recreation infrastructure projects across Ontario. Eligible municipalities, Indigenous communities and organizations, non-profit organizations, and for-profit organizations can receive up to $10 million per project, with higher investments potentially available for qualifying Signature New Builds.

About the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund Stream 2

CSRIF Stream 2 is designed to support significant sport and recreation infrastructure projects that respond to demonstrated community needs and create long-term economic and social benefits.

Unlike Stream 1, which focuses on repairing and rehabilitating existing facilities, Stream 2 supports major new infrastructure and substantial transformation or expansion projects.

The program can support projects that:

• Replace aging or inadequate sport and recreation facilities.
• Transform or significantly expand existing infrastructure.
• Create new facilities that do not currently exist in the province or region.
• Address significant local or regional infrastructure gaps.
• Attract investment and stimulate economic activity.
• Support tourism and community engagement.
• Provide facilities capable of hosting major sporting events.

What Is a Signature New Build?

A Signature New Build is a major infrastructure project that demonstrates exceptional potential through innovative design, significant community benefits, or substantial economic impact.

Projects seeking investment above the standard $10 million maximum may receive special consideration where they demonstrate a strong case for additional provincial investment.

Applicants requesting more than $10 million must provide the required special consideration documentation as part of their application.

Funding Available

CSRIF Stream 2 provides funding of up to $10 million per project.

The maximum provincial contribution depends on the applicant type:

• Indigenous communities and Indigenous not-for-profit organizations: up to 90% of eligible costs.
• Municipalities, local services boards, and not-for-profit organizations: up to 50% of eligible costs.
• For-profit organizations: up to 25% of eligible costs.

Applicants must finance all eligible project costs that are not covered by the provincial contribution.

Higher investments may be considered for qualifying Signature New Builds.

Eligible Project Costs

Funding can support a range of costs directly associated with delivering an eligible infrastructure project.

Eligible expenses may include:

• Project development.
• Construction.
• Project management.
• Transportation.
• Equipment.
• Required project signage.

Applicants should ensure that proposed expenditures are directly connected to the approved project and meet the program’s eligibility requirements.

Who Is Eligible?

CSRIF Stream 2 is open to several categories of applicants, including:

• Ontario municipalities.
• Indigenous communities.
• Indigenous organizations.
• Local service boards.
• Not-for-profit organizations.
• For-profit organizations.

For-profit applicants must operate or manage spaces that provide sport or recreation programming.

Applicants should also demonstrate that they have the legal authority, ownership interest, or appropriate lease arrangements necessary to undertake and manage the proposed infrastructure project.

What Types of Projects Are Prioritized?

Stream 2 is intended for projects with substantial community impact rather than routine improvements.

Strong projects may include proposals that:

• Address a clearly demonstrated infrastructure shortage.
• Replace facilities that are aging or no longer suitable.
• Create new sport or recreation opportunities.
• Expand access for underserved communities.
• Attract visitors and sporting events.
• Generate local economic activity.
• Support tourism.
• Encourage investment in surrounding businesses.
• Improve participation in sport and recreation.
• Deliver long-term community benefits.

Projects should clearly explain why the proposed infrastructure is needed and how it will benefit the community.

Economic and Community Impact

A key feature of Stream 2 is its focus on projects that can generate broader economic and community benefits.

Applicants should explain how their project could:

• Attract visitors to the community.
• Support local businesses.
• Create or sustain employment.
• Encourage tourism.
• Increase participation in sport and recreation.
• Support large sporting events.
• Strengthen community infrastructure.
• Create long-term social and economic value.

Projects with strong evidence of local demand and measurable economic benefits can demonstrate stronger alignment with the objectives of the program.

Project Completion Requirements

Approved projects must be completed within 36 months of approval.

All projects must also be completed no later than March 31, 2030.

Applicants should therefore develop a realistic project schedule covering planning, approvals, construction, procurement, installation, and completion.

Restrictions on Other Ontario Funding

Applicants cannot use other Ontario provincial funding for the same project.

The recipient is responsible for covering all remaining project expenses that are not funded through CSRIF Stream 2.

Applicants should therefore have a clear financing strategy and demonstrate their ability to meet their share of project costs.

Required Application Documents

Applications are submitted through Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON).

Applicants must provide documentation relevant to their organizational and project circumstances, including:

• Completed application form.
• Audited financial statements, except for municipalities.
• Proof of ownership or qualifying lease.
• Proof of legal status.
• Indigenous community resolution for applicable on-reserve projects.
• Corporate structure documentation for for-profit organizations.
• Partnership agreements where applicable.
• Special consideration form for funding requests above $10 million.

Applicants are also encouraged to provide optional supporting materials such as:

• Project plans.
• Architectural or design documents.
• Evidence of financial resources.
• Letters of support.
• Other documentation demonstrating project readiness and community need.

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm applicant eligibility

Determine whether your municipality, Indigenous organization, local service board, non-profit, or for-profit organization meets the Stream 2 eligibility requirements.

Step 2: Identify the infrastructure need

Clearly define the community or regional problem that the proposed infrastructure will address.

Explain whether the project will replace an aging facility, expand existing infrastructure, or create a new type of sport or recreation facility.

Step 3: Develop the project concept

Prepare a clear description of the proposed infrastructure, including its intended users, programming, location, capacity, and expected benefits.

Step 4: Prepare the financial plan

Calculate total project costs and determine the amount of CSRIF funding requested.

Applicants should also identify how they will finance the portion of costs not covered by the provincial contribution.

Step 5: Demonstrate economic and community benefits

Explain how the project will contribute to:

• Local economic growth.
• Tourism.
• Sport participation.
• Community wellbeing.
• Local employment.
• Business activity.
• Hosting sporting events.

Step 6: Gather supporting documents

Collect ownership or lease documents, financial statements, proof of legal status, partnership agreements, project plans, designs, and letters of support as applicable.

Step 7: Submit through Transfer Payment Ontario

Complete and submit the application through Transfer Payment Ontario, ensuring that all mandatory documentation is included.

Important Things to Remember

Applicants should keep the following requirements in mind:

• Funding is available up to $10 million per project.
• Higher investments may be considered for qualifying Signature New Builds.
• Provincial cost-sharing varies by applicant type.
• Projects must be completed within 36 months of approval.
• All projects must be completed by March 31, 2030.
• Other Ontario provincial funding cannot be used for the same project.
• Applicants must cover costs not funded by CSRIF.
• For-profit applicants are eligible for up to 25% provincial cost-sharing.
• Municipalities and eligible non-profits can receive up to 50%.
• Indigenous communities and Indigenous not-for-profits can receive up to 90%.
• Only one eligible application should be submitted according to the program’s intake requirements.

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants can improve their proposals by avoiding the following issues:

• Failing to demonstrate community need: Explain the infrastructure gap using clear evidence and local demand.
• Underestimating project costs: Prepare a realistic and detailed project budget.
• Weak economic impact: Clearly identify how the project will support tourism, businesses, employment, or investment.
• Insufficient financial planning: Demonstrate how the applicant will fund the remaining project costs.
• Missing ownership documentation: Provide evidence of ownership or an appropriate lease.
• Ignoring project timelines: Ensure the project can realistically be completed within 36 months.
• Using overlapping provincial funding: Confirm that other Ontario provincial funding is not being used for the same project.
• Submitting incomplete documents: Review all mandatory requirements before submitting through Transfer Payment Ontario.

Why the Program Matters

Major sport and recreation facilities can serve as important community assets while also contributing to tourism, economic development, physical activity, and social connection.

CSRIF Stream 2 provides substantial provincial investment for communities that need new or significantly improved infrastructure. By supporting projects capable of addressing major infrastructure gaps and attracting sporting events and visitors, the program can help create long-term benefits for both residents and local economies.

For Indigenous communities, municipalities, non-profits, and eligible private organizations, the higher-value funding available through Stream 2 can make large-scale sport and recreation projects more achievable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CSRIF Stream 2?

CSRIF Stream 2 is an Ontario capital funding program supporting major new, expanded, transformed, or signature sport and recreation infrastructure projects.

How much funding is available?

Applicants can receive up to $10 million per project. Higher investments may be considered for qualifying Signature New Builds with exceptional innovation or community and economic impact.

What percentage of costs can the program cover?

Indigenous communities and Indigenous not-for-profit organizations may receive up to 90% of eligible costs. Municipalities, local service boards, and not-for-profit organizations may receive up to 50%, while eligible for-profit organizations may receive up to 25%.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include municipalities, Indigenous communities and organizations, local service boards, not-for-profit organizations, and qualifying for-profit organizations that operate or manage spaces offering sport or recreation programming.

Can a project receive other Ontario provincial funding?

No. Other Ontario provincial funding cannot be used for the same project. Applicants must cover all remaining expenses that are not funded through CSRIF.

How long do projects have to be completed?

Projects must be completed within 36 months of approval and no later than March 31, 2030.

Where are applications submitted?

Applications are submitted through Transfer Payment Ontario and must include the required application form and supporting documentation.

Conclusion

The Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund Stream 2 offers substantial funding for major sport and recreation infrastructure projects that address demonstrated community needs and create lasting economic and social benefits in Ontario. With grants of up to $10 million, and cost-sharing of up to 90% for eligible Indigenous applicants, the program can support ambitious new builds, major expansions, facility transformations, and innovative signature projects.

Applicants should build a strong case around community need, project readiness, financial sustainability, economic impact, accessibility, and long-term public benefit. A well-supported proposal that clearly demonstrates how the infrastructure will strengthen sport, recreation, tourism, and the local economy can be well positioned for consideration under CSRIF Stream 2.