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Neil Lumsden Apr 1 2026

Province expands grant program for sports and recreation facilities

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Municipalities and organizations are being encouraged to get their plans ready.

A new round of funding through the province’s Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund is about to be released.

The program offers funding to repair or upgrade existing sport and recreation facilities or build new ones.

The Ford government is adding another $300 million to the fund, bumping it to $500 million.

Sport Minister Neil Lumsden says it is the largest investment since it was created two years ago.

“With this expanded investment, we help more communities modernize aging facilities, build new infrastructure, and ensure people have high-quality spaces to play, train, and stay active,” says Lumsden.

Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy says it will help enhance and expand sport and recreation facilities.

“And will also create jobs and help communities unlock economic opportunities that come from hosting local, national, and international sporting events and competitions,” says Bethlenfalvy.

An initial round of funding supported nearly 100 projects, including the construction of 17 new facilities.

The province intends to release further details regarding eligibility and the application guidelines at a later date.

“To everyone who is planning and putting in an application, I will say this: it’s competitive. Bring your A game,” says Lumsden.

Doug Ford - carbon tax referendum Feb 13 2024

Ontario accepting applications for carbon storage projects

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The province of Ontario is rolling out its framework for commercial-scale carbon storage.

Carbon storage involves injecting captured carbon dioxide in rocks deep underground to prevent it from entering the atmosphere.

Applications for funding of carbon storage projects are open now. Those interested in submitting applications can learn more by contacting carbonstorage@ontario.ca or calling 519-873-4634.

Ontario has been researching and developing a carbon storage framework since 2022. It expects this relatively new technology to create over 4,000 jobs and save industries nearly $1 billion.

“Carbon storage is a tried and trusted technology in Canada and around the world and Ontario is ready to take a safe and responsible approach to unlocking this new opportunity for workers and businesses,” said Mike Harris, Minister of Natural Resources. “Our government is moving forward with strong environmental protections and clear rules that protect our environment while also protecting our economic advantage, supporting good-paying jobs and ensuring Ontario remains competitive around the world.”

The government says it will continue to work closely with industry stakeholders, municipalities, Indigenous communities, landowners and the public to ensure the framework remains effective.

Greg Rickford visits Fort Frances pool Aug 2024 (5)

Fort Frances council delays decision on new grant writer

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It could be a first in northwestern Ontario.

The town of Fort Frances is considering the hiring of a grant writer to source out funding and oversee its use.

It is now done by existing staff.

Chief Administrative Officer Marcel Michaels says the new position would alleviate their workload.

“I look at the wage we pay, like our manager and the administrative roles that are tied to grant writing,” says Michaels.

“And to me, I would rather pay somebody and try to extrapolate all of the administrative duties away from our high-level thinking administrator and make them focus on growth and development in this community.”

Operations and Facilities Manager Travis Rob notes that he worked on about 20 grants last year, and has 13 open files that will occupy much of his time over the next month to complete the required reporting.

Major Ontario cities, including Toronto, Ottawa, Mississauga, London, Kingston, and St. Thomas, have dedicated grant writers or utilize contract services.

Councillor Wendy Brunetta says she spoke to seven municipalities and found that only one was considering a similar position.

She says she is not opposed to the idea but notes there has been some discussion about a regional service being created for northwestern Ontario communities.

“In fact, during some discussions that I had with other mayors, we’ve talked about possibly looking at NOMA (Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association) having some ability to provide a service to municipalities in the form of final edits and things like that,” says Brunetta.

Council has agreed to delay making a final decision until next month while Brunetta gathers more information from the regional municipal lobby group.

Administration has included the position in the 2026 operating budget that is also scheduled for council approval next month.