Investing in a more active tomorrow

Mar 07, 2025

Alberta’s government has invested $10 million in facilities that increase access to sport and recreation through the Active Communities Initiative.

Sport and recreation facilities are the heart of communities across our province, serving as places to gather, forge friendships and be active together. Alberta’s government recognizes the invaluable role recreation centres play in community well-being, and that Albertans need effective, up-to-date sport and recreation infrastructure to remain healthy, vibrant and actively engaged in the sports they love.

That’s why, in 2024, Alberta’s government launched the Active Communities Initiative, to build and revitalize sport and recreation infrastructure in communities in every corner of the province. In its first year, the Active Communities Initiative invested $10 million in 19 projects across the province.

“I’m proud to be part of a government that understands the importance of sport and recreation, and that is taking steps to support access to sport and recreation across Alberta. I look forward to watching these projects come to fruition, building healthier families and more resilient communities in every corner of our province.”

Joseph Schow, Minister of Tourism and Sport

“Making sport and recreation more affordable and accessible opens the doors for more Albertans to live healthier, more active lives. I’m pleased the Active Communities Initiative supports that, while putting money back in the pockets of families where it’s needed most.”

Nathan Neudorf, Minister of Affordability and Utilities

Grants provided in the first year of the Active Communities Initiative will support the creation of a recreation centre in La Crete and the expansion of the Indus Recreation Centre, as well as the creation and revitalization of indoor and outdoor pickleball and tennis courts, community pools, ski clubs, curling rinks and more in communities across the province.

“Active Communities Initiative funding is essential for our project in La Crete to get off the ground. This long-awaited recreation centre will support the physical and mental health of our growing population year-round for all ages, provide new skills and jobs and help retain the professionals our community needs to continue thriving.”

Annelise Dyck, president, Mackenzie Aquatics Society

“The Active Communities Initiative provides a bridge that connects our proud past with our exciting future! Our facility has been operating with the same capacity for 30 years and with our surrounding communities seeing tremendous growth. We believe the expanded year-round ice arena will offer more opportunities through accessible, inclusive infrastructure that fosters community engagement, volunteerism, active lifestyles and social connectivity.”

Dave Place, representative, Bow Valley Agricultural Society

The Active Communities Initiative is a fund-matching program and has two streams for prospective projects:

• Stream 1 funds projects from a minimum of $100,000 to a maximum of $500,000.
• Stream 2 funds projects from a minimum of $500,001 to a maximum of $1,500,000.

Larger-scale sport and recreation infrastructure projects will continue to be funded through the Capital Plan.

The Active Communities Initiative is Alberta’s first grant program solely dedicated to funding sport and recreation infrastructure. The initiative is open to eligible community groups, non-profit organizations, and societies, including First Nations and Metis Settlements that wish to build or enhance active spaces that support sport and recreational opportunities for their communities. The next round of Active Communities Initiative funding will open in Spring 2025.

Quick facts

• Larger-scale projects supported through the first intake ($500,001 to $1,500,000):
  • Westside Regional Recreation Society – Calgary
  • IQ Tennis and Pickleball Centre – Edmonton
  • Elk Point and District Agricultural Society – Elk Point
  • Bow Valley Agricultural Society – Indus
  • Mackenzie Aquatics Society – Peace River
  • Rocky Mountain Bike Park Society – Rocky Mountain House
  • Edmonton Northwest Zone Basketball Association – St. Albert
  • Vauxhall Academy of Baseball Society – Vauxhall

• Small- and mid-sized projects supported through the first intake (up to $500,000):
  • Athabasca Regional Multiplex Society – Athabasca
  • Greater Forest Lawn 55+ Society – Calgary
  • Winsport – Calgary
  • Rocky Rod and Gun Club – Clearwater County
  • Grande Prairie Pickleball Club – Grande Prairie
  • Hardisty Lakeview Golf Association – Hardisty
  • Medicine Lodge Ski Club – Lacombe County
  • Legal Curling Club – Legal
  • West Sturgeon Agricultural Society – Sturgeon County
  • Sundre Aquatic Centre – Sundre
  • Rotary Club of Whitecourt – Whitecourt

Related information

• Active Communities Initiative

Related news

• Building opportunities for a healthier tomorrow (Dec 12, 2024)
• Building active spaces and brighter futures (May 3, 2024)

NT5