The Planning Assistance Program (Nova Scotia) provides up to $10,000 (covering 50% of project costs) to help organizations and municipalities access professional expertise for planning, designing, and researching sport and recreation facilities. The program supports feasibility studies, facility planning, design concepts, and technical assessments to improve long-term infrastructure development.

Planning Assistance Program – Sport and Recreation Facility Planning Support (Nova Scotia)

The Planning Assistance Program, delivered by Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage (CCTH), supports community organizations and municipalities in Nova Scotia by funding access to professional planning, design, and research expertise. The program strengthens sport and recreation infrastructure by enabling informed decision-making and effective facility development.

Program Overview and Objectives

The program is designed to support the planning and development of sport and recreation facilities, including both new and existing infrastructure. It focuses on providing funding for professional expertise required to assess, design, and improve facilities that promote physical activity and community well-being.

The core objective is to ensure that organizations can undertake structured planning processes that lead to sustainable and well-designed facilities.

Funding Amount and Structure

• Funding covers up to 50% of total project costs
• Maximum grant amount: $10,000

Applicants must contribute the remaining project costs from other sources.

Who is Eligible?

The program is open to a range of community-focused organizations and institutions in Nova Scotia.

Eligible applicants include:

• Registered associations and non-profit societies with active Joint Stocks status
• Mi’kmaq Band Councils
• Municipalities and villages
• Post-secondary institutions and schools with facilities available for community use

Applicants must demonstrate that the facility serves public sport and recreation needs.

Eligible Projects and Activities

The program supports projects that involve professional expertise for planning, design, and research. Eligible activities include:

Facility Planning

• Needs assessments
• Feasibility studies
• Master planning
• Facility operation plans

Design and Development

• Schematic designs for new or renovated facilities
• Landscaping concepts
• Preliminary cost estimates

Research and Analysis

• Data collection and research studies
• Problem-solving and decision-support analysis

Technical Assessments

• Building audits by professional consultants
• Life cycle planning and component replacement forecasting

Projects must contribute to improved facility planning, development, or management.

How the Program Works

The Planning Assistance Program provides cost-shared funding to enable access to qualified professionals such as planners, architects, and consultants.

The process typically involves:

1. Identifying planning or design needs for a facility
2. Engaging professional expertise for assessment or design
3. Conducting structured planning or research activities
4. Using findings to guide future development or upgrades

This approach ensures that projects are based on evidence, technical analysis, and long-term planning principles.

Why This Program Matters

The program plays a key role in improving community sport and recreation infrastructure.

• Supports better-designed and more sustainable facilities
• Encourages evidence-based planning and decision-making
• Helps communities prepare for future investments and upgrades
• Strengthens access to recreation and physical activity spaces
• Promotes long-term facility management and efficiency

By investing in planning, the program reduces risks and improves outcomes for future infrastructure projects.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to prepare a strong application:

1. Confirm eligibility as an organization or municipality in Nova Scotia
2. Identify the planning, design, or research needs of your facility
3. Define a clear project scope and objectives
4. Obtain quotes or estimates for professional services
5. Prepare a budget showing total costs and matching contributions
6. Demonstrate how the project will improve facility development or management
7. Submit the application through the CCTH process

Ensure that the application clearly explains the value of professional expertise in achieving project goals.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting projects without a clear planning or research component
• Providing vague project descriptions or objectives
• Failing to demonstrate community benefit
• Not showing how results will inform future development
• Ignoring the cost-sharing requirement

Strong applications are clear, structured, and aligned with long-term planning outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the maximum funding available?
Up to $10,000, covering 50% of total project costs.

Who can apply for the program?
Eligible applicants include non-profits, municipalities, Mi’kmaq Band Councils, and educational institutions with community-use facilities.

What types of projects are supported?
Planning, design, research, and technical assessment projects related to sport and recreation facilities.

Can funding be used for construction?
No, the program focuses on planning and professional expertise, not construction costs.

Are both new and existing facilities eligible?
Yes, the program supports planning for both new developments and improvements to existing facilities.

Why is professional expertise required?
It ensures that planning and design decisions are technically sound and support long-term sustainability.

Is cost-sharing mandatory?
Yes, applicants must cover at least 50% of the project costs.

Conclusion

The Planning Assistance Program provides essential support for organizations and municipalities to access professional expertise in facility planning and design. By focusing on structured planning, research, and technical assessments, the program helps build sustainable, efficient, and community-focused sport and recreation facilities across Nova Scotia.