The province is investing $1 million in COVID-19 related emergency support for non-profit recreation facilities.
Government says these centres have been hard hit by the pandemic as many have experienced significant revenue loss after being forced to close due to public health restrictions.
Communities, Culture, and Heritage is contributing $800,000 to the emergency fund while the Office of Mental Health will invest $200,000.
“Recreation facilities support the mental health and physical well-being of citizens and their communities,” said Communities, Culture, and Heritage Minister Suzanne Lohnes-Croft in a news release. “These facilities promote social inclusion and connection and serve as important community hubs for youth and adults. We want to ensure they can continue that role into the future.”
These facilities also experienced lost rentals and cancelled events, increased cleaning and maintenance expenses, staff layoffs, and limited ability to fundraise.
Government says the money will help with operational expenses to ensure these facilities can keep their doors open.
Facilities will be assessed based on their overhead costs in relation to their revenue loss, and could include non-profit owned and operated rec arenas, rinks, pools, curling clubs, multiplexes, community recreation centres, and other multi-purpose facilities
The emergency investment is classified as a one-time, application-based program with eligibility centered around proven need.
