Question Period Note: Sport and Recreation Infrastructure

In recent years there are several sport organizations in Canada that have voiced concern with the condition of high performance training facilities. Many sites originated from past Olympic, Paralympic or Panam/Parapan or Canada Games and they are now in need of renewal and refurbishment. Some sport organizations are turning to other countries to train in more modern facilities.

• Our Government believes that quality sport and recreation spaces in our communities are an essential element of getting Canadians to be more active and to support training needs for our athletes.
• We will continue to seek opportunities to invest in sport infrastructure through the efforts being led at Infrastructure Canada or other initiatives that may come forward.

• Funding for Sport infrastructure construction and renovation projects does not fall under the Sport Canada mandate, with the exception of facilities required for the hosting of the Canada Games and international major multisport games.
• Access to safe and appropriate sport and recreational infrastructure is a key element to promoting healthy and active lifestyles for Canadians, particularly Canadian youth. Sport and recreational infrastructure often serve as community hubs which are important for the social well-being of Canadian communities.
• A 2016 study by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities showed that sport and recreation facilities were in the poorest physical condition of all asset categories assessed. Replacement value of assets in very poor, poor, and fair condition are estimated at $9 billion.
• Budget 2017 confirmed the investment of $81 billion over 11 years for infrastructure, starting in 2017 2018.
• Within the $81 billion investment, funds are set aside for Bilateral Agreements with Provinces and Territories for Cultural and Recreational Infrastructure at $50 million/year from 2018-2019 to 2021 2022, $67 million in 2022-2023, $130 million in 2023-2024, $195 million in 2024-2025, $225 million in 2025-2026, $250 million in 2026-2027 and $280 million in 2027-2028. The total for the Bilateral Agreements is $1.347 billion over 11 years.
• Infrastructure Canada has launched an implementation tracker for all initiatives, and will be coordinating with all departments on Ministerial F-P/T engagement so that they too can help feed timely information to Ministers.

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