Open
Recreation Infrastructure Program
Last Update: March 23, 2026
British Columbia, Canada
Supports construction and enhancement of community recreational infrastructure
Grant and Funding
Overview
The Recreation Infrastructure Program provides grants of up to $300,000 to support the construction, rehabilitation, or material enhancement of recreational infrastructure. Eligible activities include developing arenas, pools, fitness facilities, sports fields, and other community recreation assets to promote job creation and economic growth.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increasing community impact
- Reduce the ecological footprint
- Supporting volunteer engagement
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 300,000 $
- Up to 70% of project cost
Timeline
- Closing date : April 30, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
Location
- British Columbia
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Rural or Northern Residents
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- All industries
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
Activities funded
- Construction of new recreational facilities, such as arenas, gymnasiums, or fitness centres.
- Rehabilitation or major upgrades of existing recreational spaces, including pools and sports fields.
- Material enhancement of facilities like curling rinks, stadiums, or exhibition grounds.
- Development or improvement of outdoor amenities such as campgrounds, marinas, boat launches, and backcountry trail networks.
- Establishment or upgrading of recreation infrastructure to support increased sports tourism and resident attraction.
Eligibility
- The applicant must be located within Northern Development’s service region.
- Eligible applicants include local governments, registered not-for-profits, registered First Nation bands, or wholly owned First Nation development corporations.
- The project must involve the construction, rehabilitation, or material enhancement of recreational infrastructure (excluding routine maintenance).
- A resolution of support from the appropriate local or First Nations government must be obtained and submitted.
- The application must include all required supporting documents, including a detailed project budget, verification of other funding sources, and recent financial statements.
Who is eligible?
- Local governments within Northern Development’s service region
- Registered not-for-profit organizations within Northern Development’s service region
- Registered First Nation bands within Northern Development’s service region
- Wholly owned First Nation development corporations within Northern Development’s service region
Who is not eligible
- Organizations not located within Northern Development’s service region.
- Private businesses that are not local governments, registered not-for-profits, registered First Nation bands, or wholly owned First Nation development corporations.
Eligible expenses
- Capital expenditures directly required for project implementation
- Contractor fees
- Incremental third-party project management
- Rental of tools and equipment for construction work
- Wages for direct project labour (with required supporting documentation)
- Employer portion of CPP, EI, and pension contributions (up to 9.85%) related to direct project labour
- PST (Provincial Sales Tax)
- In-kind (volunteer) labour contributions (valued at approved hourly rates, with documentation)
- Internal equipment use (e.g., heavy equipment or machinery owned by the applicant, with documentation)
- Monetized donations of materials, equipment, or services from third parties (with receipts and confirmation)
Eligible geographic areas
- Applicants located within Northern Development’s service region.
Selection criteria
- Strength and completeness of the application and supporting documentation.
- Achievement of mandatory key deliverables: job creation and revenue generation.
- Level of financial contribution from both Northern Development and the applicant.
- Alignment with strategic factors, including impact on local employment, community support, and regional priorities.
- Evidence of ongoing management and sustainability of the completed infrastructure project.
Additional information
- Applications are assessed tri-annually; late submissions move to the next funding cycle.
- Key deliverable reporting forms are required for one or two years after final payment, depending on grant amount.
- Additional applications for the same facility cannot be submitted until reporting requirements from prior projects are fulfilled.
- All required documents must be submitted electronically using the Online Application System.
Contacts
info@northerndevelopment.bc.ca
250-561-2525
