Last Updated: August 2025
Purpose: A practical directory of funding sources (federal, provincial/territorial, and private) that support recreation infrastructure, with a focus on accessibility upgrades and inclusive design. Use this to help municipalities and public-sector clients secure funds for projects like Disc Golf Discovery Zones and other barrier‑free amenities.
Map the project to the right stream(s): accessibility retrofit vs. new build vs. active transportation.
Stack funding: pair a major capital grant (e.g., EAF/NOHFC/FedNor/MCW) with smaller accessibility or greening funds (e.g., MAF, TD FEF, TCT Planting) and municipal CCBF.
Prove accessibility: include standards (ACA + provincial), tactile/visual wayfinding, inclusive surfacing, and accessible parking/routes in design and cost estimates.
Readiness: most capital programs favour projects with site control, concept drawings, Class C budgets, community engagement, and council resolutions.
Accessibility compliance: Most programs expect alignment with the Accessible Canada Act (ACA) and applicable provincial standards (e.g., AODA in Ontario, The Accessibility for Manitobans Act, Nova Scotia Accessibility Act, etc.). Build accessibility features and universal design into scope, drawings, specs and budgets.
Link: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/enabling-accessibility-fund.html
What it funds: Built‑environment improvements that remove barriers to accessibility in public spaces (ramps, pathways, accessible play/parks features, wayfinding, washrooms, lighting, etc.).
Who can apply: Municipalities, public institutions, Indigenous governments, nonprofits; private nonprofits that serve the public.
Funding/Range:
Small Projects: typically $10,000–$300,000 (matching often required).
Mid‑Sized Projects: historically $300,000–$3,000,000 (periodic intakes).
Deadlines: Small Projects usually annual intake (spring/summer). Mid‑Sized open periodically (check site).
Link: https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/trans/active-actif-eng.html
What it funds: Planning/design and capital for walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure (multi‑use paths, accessible trails, crossings, traffic calming, wayfinding).
Who can apply: Municipalities and other public authorities; Indigenous applicants.
Funding/Range: Planning/design and capital; cost‑sharing ratios vary by applicant type.
Deadlines: Periodic calls and targeted intakes; check program page.
Link: https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/ccbf-fccc-eng.html
What it funds: Formula allocation to municipalities for eligible categories including recreational infrastructure and active transportation.
Funding/Range: Allocation‑based (varies by municipality).
Deadlines: No fixed deadline—funds flow annually via municipal capital plans.
Link: https://fcm.ca/en/programs/green-municipal-fund
What it funds: Energy retrofits/new builds for community facilities (rec centres, fieldhouses), feasibility studies, pilots; may bundle grants (often to $500k) with low‑interest loans (often up to $10M+).
Who can apply: Municipalities; nonprofits partnered with municipalities.
Deadlines: Ongoing/rolling intakes by stream; check GMF pages.
Link: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/funding/new-horizons-seniors-community-based.html
What it funds: Community‑based projects, including small capital improvements that improve access for seniors.
Funding/Range: Typically up to $25,000 per project (community‑based stream).
Deadlines: Annual national call (usually fall).
Link (Program Framework): https://tctrail.ca/trail-funding-program/trail-funding-program-framework/
What it funds: Maintenance & enhancement of the Trans Canada Trail network; streams vary by year (maintenance, climate resilience, planting).
Funding/Range: Stream‑dependent; e.g., Trail Care micro‑grants often up to ~$1,500; other streams vary (some require matching).
Deadlines: Seasonal/rolling by stream—check current guidelines.
Extras: Planting for Tomorrow (tree/shrub planting on/near TCT sections) typically funds up to 50% of eligible costs.
Co‑op Community Spaces, capital funding for recreation, environmental conservation, urban agriculture.
Link: https://www.communityspaces.ca/
Funding/Range: $25,000–$150,000.
Deadlines: Annual intake (typically opens late winter/early spring).
Canadian Tire Jumpstart, Community Development Grants (programming; occasional strategic infrastructure partnerships).
Link: https://jumpstart.canadiantire.ca/pages/community-development-grants
Funding/Range: Programming grants; intakes run 3x annually. Infrastructure projects are typically by invitation/partnership.
Deadlines: Posted by intake on program page.
TD Friends of the Environment Foundation (TD FEF), small grants for greening, tree planting, naturalization in parks/trails.
Link: https://www.tdfef.com/
Funding/Range: Varies by local chapter (often up to ~$8,000); good for trail‑side planting, shade, biodiversity that complements accessible sites.
Deadlines: Multiple cycles per year; chapter‑specific.
Link: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/gambling-fundraising/grants/capital-projects
What it funds: Capital assets for public benefit (playgrounds, park features, equipment, accessibility retrofits).
Who: Not‑for‑profits; local governments may partner/sponsor.
Funding/Range: Typically up to $250,000.
Deadlines: Annual windows (often June for capital).
Link: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/funding-engagement-permits/funding-grants/active-transportation-infrastructure-grants
What it funds: Accessible walking/wheeling/cycling infrastructure (paths, crossings, traffic calming, end‑of‑trip).
Who: Local governments; Indigenous governments.
Funding/Range: Cost‑shared capital; planning support also available.
Deadlines: Periodic intakes (watch MOTI page).
Link: https://www.northerndevelopment.bc.ca/funding-programs/community-development/recreation-infrastructure/
What it funds: Outdoor and indoor recreation infrastructure in central/northern BC.
Funding/Range: Generally up to $100,000 (varies by stream/region).
Deadlines: Set intake windows (see NDIT page).
Link: https://ourtrust.org/funding/
What it funds: Rec infrastructure and community spaces in the Basin; includes accessibility improvements.
Funding/Range: Varies by program; capital grants commonly five‑ to six‑figure ranges.
Deadlines: Posted per program (several cycles yearly).
Link: https://islandcoastaltrust.ca/
What it funds: Community placemaking and destination development on Vancouver Island & coastal areas (accessible trails, parks, wayfinding).
Funding/Range: Varies by stream; often matching required.
Deadlines: Rolling and/or intake‑based depending on stream.
Link: https://www.alberta.ca/community-facility-enhancement-program
What it funds: Capital projects for community facilities (new builds, upgrades, accessibility retrofits).
Who: Nonprofits; municipalities often as partners/owners.
Funding/Range: Small up to $125,000; Large up to $1,000,000 (matching).
Deadlines: Continuous intake with batch reviews (see guidelines).
Link: https://www.alberta.ca/community-initiatives-program
What it funds: Smaller capital purchases/fixtures and programming; can complement larger CFEP projects.
Funding/Range: Typically up to $75,000.
Deadlines: Multiple intakes per year.
Link: https://www.alberta.ca/local-government-fiscal-framework
What it funds: Capital transfers to municipalities for priority infrastructure, including recreation and active transportation.
Funding/Range: Allocation‑based.
Deadlines: Via municipal budgeting cycle.
Link: https://www.canada.ca/en/prairies-economic-development.html
What it funds: Community infrastructure that drives economic and tourism outcomes (includes accessible trails/parks).
Funding/Range: Contribution amounts vary; typically six‑ or seven‑figure.
Deadlines: Ongoing expressions of interest; project‑based timing.
Link: https://www.sasklotteries.ca/grants/community-grant-program.htm
What it funds: Community sport/culture/recreation initiatives; some small equipment/capital eligible via municipal allocations.
Funding/Range: Varies by municipality (local allocation).
Deadlines: Set locally (annual cycles).
Link: https://www.cifsask.org/grants/community-grant-program/
What it funds: Community wellbeing programs; some minor capital/equipment that supports delivery & access.
Funding/Range: Up to $35,000 (local programs) or up to $50,000 (provincial‑scale); Summer Grant up to $7,500.
Deadlines: Community Grant deadlines twice/year; Summer Grant typically Feb 1.
Link: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/municipal-administration/funding-grants-and-loans
What it funds: Municipal capital programs (incl. recreation); plus CCBF allocations.
Deadlines: Per program/municipal cycle.
Link: https://www.canada.ca/en/prairies-economic-development.html
What it funds: Community/tourism infrastructure with economic impact.
Deadlines: Rolling/EOI‑based by project.
Link: https://www.gov.mb.ca/mr/bldgcomm/index.html
What it funds: Small to medium capital for community facilities and spaces, incl. accessibility upgrades and outdoor amenities.
Funding/Range: Commonly up to $75,000 (small capital); larger strategic projects periodically supported subject to budget.
Deadlines: Annual intake (typically winter/early spring).
Link: https://www.gov.mb.ca/acsc/
What it funds: Capital upgrades/new builds for arts, culture & sport infrastructure (community centres, parks, fields; accessibility).
Funding/Range: Varies by stream; five‑ to seven‑figure contributions possible.
Deadlines: Intakes announced periodically (watch program page).
Link: https://www.gov.mb.ca/fs/accessibility/maf.html
What it funds: Projects that remove barriers and advance accessibility (planning, training, some small capital).
Funding/Range: Commonly $10,000–$50,000.
Deadlines: Annual intake.
Link: https://otf.ca/our-grants/capital-grants
What it funds: Capital improvements to community spaces (accessibility retrofits, equipment, outdoor recreation assets).
Funding/Range: $10,000–$200,000.
Deadlines: Annual application window; check OTF calendar.
Link: https://otf.ca/our-grants/resilient-communities-fund
What it funds: Organizational recovery incl. some equipment/space adaptions that improve access & service.
Funding/Range: Often $10,000–$200,000.
Deadlines: Two windows per year (varies).
Link: https://nohfc.ca/en/nohfc-programs/community-enhancement-program
What it funds: Northern community infrastructure incl. recreation facilities, parks/trails, and accessibility projects.
Funding/Range: Varies by stream/community size; up to 90% for small communities; typical awards six‑ to seven‑figures for capital.
Deadlines: Ongoing intake.
Link: https://fednor.canada.ca/en/funding
What it funds: Community economic infrastructure (incl. recreation/active tourism); Northern ON focus.
Funding/Range: Contribution amounts project‑specific; often six‑ to seven‑figures.
Deadlines: Ongoing EOI/project submissions.
Link: https://www.quebec.ca/education/loisir-sport/programmes-d-aide-financiere-infrastructures
What it funds: Construction/upgrade of recreational & sport infrastructure (indoor/outdoor), including accessibility.
Funding/Range: Cost‑shared; historic calls have supported multi‑million‑dollar projects; provincial share often up to ~66% with caps (varies by call).
Deadlines: Periodic calls; consult MEQ page for the current intake.
Link: https://www.quebec.ca/gouvernement/politiques-orientations/frr
What it funds: Regional/municipal projects that may include small‑ to medium‑scale recreation/placemaking infrastructure with accessibility components.
Funding/Range: Set locally; usually matching required.
Deadlines: Continuous/intake‑based by MRC.
Link: https://www.shq.gouv.qc.ca/pea
What it funds: Small accessibility retrofits for shops and public‑facing establishments; some municipal partnerships possible for main‑street/public realm pilots.
Funding/Range: Varies by intake; typically tens of thousands per site.
Deadlines: Posted per call; check SHQ page.
Link: https://www.gnb.ca/en/topic/tourism-recreation/sport-recreation/inclusive-community-fund.html
What it funds: Facility improvements that increase inclusion and access to recreation and sport.
Funding/Range: Grant caps set by annual guidelines (commonly five‑figure awards).
Deadlines: Regional intakes—contact regional Sport & Recreation consultants; calls posted on GNB site.
Link: https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/rdc.html
What it funds: Strategic community capital projects (often cost‑shared with federal partners).
Funding/Range: Project‑based (often six‑ to seven‑figures for capital).
Deadlines: Project‑driven; contact RDC early.
Link: https://www.gnb.ca/en/topic/tourism-recreation/sport-recreation.html
What it funds: Community physical activity initiatives; some small capital/equipment that removes barriers.
Deadlines: Posted by region/program (multiple cycles annually).
Link: https://novascotia.ca/community-access-ability/
What it funds: Built‑environment accessibility upgrades (entrances, washrooms, pathways, ramps, wayfinding) for public buildings/spaces.
Funding/Range: Cost‑shared; provincial share up to two‑thirds to a cap (varies by year).
Deadlines: Annual intake (typically spring).
Link: https://novascotia.ca/dhw/pasr/recreation-facility-development-grants.asp
What it funds: Planning and capital for community recreation facilities and outdoor amenities.
Funding/Range: Planning grants to ~$25,000; capital contributions commonly up to ~$150,000 (varies by year).
Deadlines: Annual (typically February).
Link: https://novascotia.ca/connect2/
What it funds: Community‑led AT infrastructure and connectivity.
Funding/Range: Project‑dependent; matching expected.
Deadlines: Expression of Interest often Jan; full applications in winter for spring/summer projects.
Link: https://cch.novascotia.ca/community-development-grant
What it funds: Small projects/equipment that enhance community recreation access (complements capital).
Funding/Range: Up to $10,000.
Deadlines: April 1–Dec 1 (with regional April 30 / Jun 30 / Sep 30 intakes in some areas).
Link: https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/service/apply-to-the-active-transportation-fund
What it funds: AT paths, paved shoulders, trail connections, crossings, accessible wayfinding.
Funding/Range: Project‑specific; cost‑sharing typical.
Deadlines: Application periods posted; multiple projects approved each year.
Link: https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/education-and-early-years/cotton-trust-fund-for-public-parks
What it funds: Land development and improvements for public recreation areas (including small park amenities).
Funding/Range: Up to $5,000 (50/50 cost‑share).
Deadlines: Annual call (spring) or until funds exhausted.
Link: https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/transportation-and-infrastructure/canada-community-building-fund-ccbf
What it funds: Municipal allocations; eligible categories include recreation and active transportation.
Deadlines: Per municipal capital plan; no single application deadline.
Link: https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/fisheries-tourism-sport-and-culture/rural-growth-initiative
What it funds: Community projects that strengthen rural life; some place‑based infrastructure/equipment.
Deadlines: Posted by stream (periodic).
Link: https://www.gov.nl.ca/ti/mi/
What it funds: Municipal capital infrastructure, including recreation facilities/parks; provincial/federal cost‑shared.
Funding/Range: Project‑specific; often six‑ to seven‑figure contributions.
Deadlines: Calls announced annually; see Transportation & Infrastructure notices.
Link: https://www.gov.nl.ca/tcar/funding-programs/active-nl/
What it funds: Initiatives and small purchases that increase physical activity and access; can complement larger capital.
Funding/Range: Commonly up to $10,000 (some higher with justification).
Deadlines: Annual intake (spring).
Link: https://www.gov.nl.ca/cssd/grants/age-friendly/
What it funds: Planning and small‑scale improvements that enhance accessibility for seniors in public spaces.
Funding/Range: Typically up to $10,000.
Deadlines: Posted annually.
Link: https://yukon.ca/en/doing-business/funding-and-support-business/apply-funding-community-projects-and-events
What it funds: Projects that deliver long‑term economic and social benefits (including recreation infrastructure, trails, parks).
Funding/Range (tiers):
Tier 1: typically up to $20,000
Tier 2: $20,001–$75,000
Tier 3: $75,001+ (larger capital)
Deadlines: Multiple tiered intake dates each year (e.g., mid‑May; fall/winter for higher tiers).
Link (Projects Fund): https://lotteriesyukon.com/funding-programs/funding-projects
What it funds: Arts, sport & recreation infrastructure/equipment and access initiatives.
Funding/Range: Projects Fund and Opportunity Projects Fund (small grants up to $7,500); larger project caps set in guidelines.
Deadlines: Several cycles per year; rolling for small opportunities.
Link: https://www.cannor.gc.ca/eng/1737490877985/1737490921291
What it funds: Northern economic and tourism infrastructure (including rec/active tourism assets) via contribution agreements.
Funding/Range: Project‑specific (often six‑ to seven‑figures).
Deadlines: EOI/project‑based; watch CanNor notices.
Link: https://www.maca.gov.nt.ca/en/resources
What it funds: Formula‑based annual funding to community governments for public infrastructure, including recreation facilities and parks.
Funding/Range: Allocation‑based by policy.
Deadlines: Integrated into annual municipal capital plans (no public intake).
Link: https://www.maca.gov.nt.ca/en/resources?f%5B0%5D=field_resource_category%3A56
What it funds: Program and small‑capital supports delivered through sport & recreation policy tools; complements CPI for minor works/equipment.
Deadlines: Posted via MACA resources; varies by program.
Link: https://www.maca.gov.nt.ca/sites/maca/files/resources/2023_maca_update_-_final_june_2023.pdf
What it funds: Remaining federal/provincial cost‑shared municipal projects, including recreation; winding down under existing agreements.
Deadlines: As per agreement schedules; project‑driven.
Link: https://www.gov.nu.ca/sites/default/files/policies-legislations/2024-06/Community_Development_Grant_and_Contribution_Policy_05__24.pdf
What it funds: Grants/contributions to municipalities and nonprofits for programs and community infrastructure.
Funding/Range: Policy‑based; project‑specific allocations.
Deadlines: Posted through departmental calls; project‑driven.
Link: https://www.gov.nu.ca/sites/default/files/policies-legislations/2025-04/Sports_and_Recreation_Grants_and_Contributions_Policy.pdf
What it funds: Access‑enhancing equipment and small facility upgrades supporting participation.
Funding/Range: Typically five‑figure caps per program.
Deadlines: Annual calls (e.g., June 30 for certain streams).
Link: https://www.gov.nu.ca/sites/default/files/policies-legislations/2025-04/Community_Transportation_Initiatives_Program_Policy_2025_04_01.docx
What it funds: Community‑led transportation infrastructure improvements (can include accessible trails/connections).
Funding/Range: Project‑specific; matching may be required.
Deadlines: Program‑based calls.
While ACOA often supports community/tourism infrastructure through targeted programs (e.g., Tourism Growth Program), intakes and eligibility vary. Municipalities should contact local ACOA offices to explore fit and timelines.
ACOA info: https://www.canada.ca/en/atlantic-canada-opportunities.html
Funding ranges and dates shift with each budget cycle. Always verify current eligibility, matching ratios, and deadlines on the linked program pages before applying. If an applicable program is missing from our list, please contact us and we'd be happy to add it as a resource!
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