N.L. earmarking $4.5M for sports funding — on top of $50M Canada Games price tag

CBC
·2-min read
Culture Minister Steve Crocker was an early supporter of a tomb of the unknown soldier for the Newfoundland National War Memorial in St. John's. (Terry Roberts/CBC - image credit)
Culture Minister Steve Crocker was an early supporter of a tomb of the unknown soldier for the Newfoundland National War Memorial in St. John's. (Terry Roberts/CBC - image credit)
Culture Minister Steve Crocker was an early supporter of a tomb of the unknown soldier for the Newfoundland National War Memorial in St. John's.
Culture Minister Steve Crocker was an early supporter of a tomb of the unknown soldier for the Newfoundland National War Memorial in St. John's.

Recreation Minister Steve Crocker says extra cash for sports programming across the province aims to get residents moving. (Terry Roberts/CBC)

The government of Newfoundland and Labrador said Wednesday it plans to spend $4.5 million on sport and recreation programs in the province this year, on top of $50 million already earmarked for the Canada Games this summer.

Last month, Premier Andrew Furey announced that 2025 will be what his government calls the "year of sport," following 2024's focus on arts funding.

In a news release Monday, the province said it was setting aside an unspecified total for several community recreation funds, noting the money would go toward applicants needing upgrades for equipment or new programming, among other eligible expenses.

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On Wednesday, Department of Recreation spokesperson Emily-Jane Gillingham confirmed in an email the new funding amount totals $4.5 million.

Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation Minister Steve Crocker told reporters Tuesday the year will be focused on community support, volunteering, women and inclusivity in the sports and recreation domain.

"It's about celebrating sport in this province, showing Newfoundlanders and Labradorians what options are out there for participation in sport, and increasing physical activity," said Crocker.

The empty Aquarena pool is expected to be refilled early in 2025.
The empty Aquarena pool is expected to be refilled early in 2025.

Provincial government funding is going towards preparing facilities, like the Aquarena, for the Canada Games. (Rich Blenkinsopp/Memorial University)

The initiative involves five new funding streams that will dole out packets of cash for free skates and swims at community facilities, upgraded infrastructure in rec centres, and new events and recreation projects.

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"This suite of programs creates a fulsome approach to celebrating and supporting sport and recreation in our province," said Crocker.

Canada Games is year's capstone event

The incoming Canada Games will headline the government's year of sport.

The games are slated to begin in St. John's in August, and come with an additional $50-million price tag for upgrades and preparations.

Crocker said those investments will result in "legacy infrastructure" for the public to use for decades to come, and includes the new Fortis Canada Games complex, updated tennis facilities and renovations to Memorial Unievrsity's Aquarena.

The Aquarena is still being renovated, which has spurred questions about whether it will be ready in time for the games.

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However, Crocker said he has no reason to believe it won't be.

"The pool is in really good shape," said Crocker. "We're very confident that the Aquarena will be ready to go."

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