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Ontario Investing Nearly $30 Million to Strengthen Community Spaces Across the Province

OAKVILLE — The Ontario government is investing nearly $30 million this year through the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) to help over 300 non‑profit organizations, First Nations communities and small municipalities improve facilities and community spaces across the province. These investments will support innovative programs that promote active lifestyles, support arts, culture and heritage, and expand opportunities for children and youth across the province. This funding delivers on the government’s plan to protect Ontario by making strategic investments to strengthen local services, create good-paying jobs and ensure families have safe, modern spaces to gather, learn and connect.

“Our government is investing in the facilities that bring people together every day, from arenas and community centres to arts, culture and recreation spaces,” said Zee Hamid, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “Today’s investment will support local jobs, strengthen community organizations and ensure families have safe, accessible places to gather, stay active and enjoy local events together.”

OTF Capital grants provide investments of up to $200,000 for projects that improve community infrastructure, including equipment purchases, new construction, renovations, retrofits and repairs to existing facilities.

Projects being funded through this year’s program include:

  • Accessibility upgrades at a recreation facility in Milton to improve access for people of all abilities and support greater participation in sport and community activities.
  • Construction of an accessible greenhouse and garden in Burlington to help people with developmental disabilities build skills, foster independence and strengthen community connections through inclusive outdoor programming.
  • Improvements to a Francophone community hub in Huronia, including accessible entrances, safer infrastructure and modern digital signage, to reduce barriers and strengthen an important French-language cultural space.
  • Installation of a new energy-efficient HVAC system at a recreation centre in Oakville to improve comfort, lower emissions and provide a safer environment for members and visitors.
  • More accessible entrances, kitchen facilities and washrooms, along with new smart board technology, at a community resource centre in Sudbury to support greater independence and participation for people with disabilities.

OTF has also launched a new funding program to strengthen the capacity of the non-profit sector. The new Sector grant stream will support projects that help non-profit organizations in Ontario respond to changing community needs and access alternative funding opportunities. Eligible organizations can apply for grants ranging from $50,000 to $300,000 per year for one, two or three years. Applications are open until October 14, 2026.

“Communities directly benefit when local spaces are accessible, safe, and equipped to help non-profits deliver programs and services people need. With support from OTF’s Capital grant stream and the Government of Ontario, this investment will fund capital improvements that benefit thousands of Ontarians,” said Bob Chant, Board Chair of the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

Since 2018, Ontario has invested over $887 million in more than 8,000 projects through OTF’s funding programs, creating more than 12,000 full‑time jobs and generating over $1.3 billion in economic benefits for communities across the province. For more information and a list of Capital grant recipients, visit the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s website.

Quick Facts

  • OTF, an agency of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, helps build healthy, vibrant communities across Ontario by investing in community‑based initiatives and strengthening the impact of the province’s non‑profit sector.
  • Applicants can apply for funding of $10,000 to $200,000 over 12 months through OTF’s Capital grant stream to update buildings, enhance physical spaces, and purchase fixed and non-fixed equipment.