News

• RInC Funding Announced
  Hundreds of Ontario's recreation facilities, parks, and playing fields will receive a much needed injection of funds through the Recreation Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program and the Ontario Recreation Program (Ontario REC). The federal and provincial governments announced today that they will invest more than $380 million in 758 projects across the province over the next two years. Read more.

• Parks, Trails and Recreation receive significant support through Provincial/Federal; Infrastructure Funding
  Parks and Recreation Ontario congratulates the provincial and federal governments for the recent investments in parks, trails and recreation infrastructure through the Building Canada - Communities Component. Recreation infrastructure received 43% of the total investment in the Building Canada Fund. On June 5, the provincial and federal governments also announced the Infrastructure Stimulus Funding, which allocated $94.7 million (provincial and federal $) to parks and trails. To read the full article, click here. Click here for a complete list of projects that were funded through Building Canada and the Infrastructure Stimulus fund.

• Active Healthy Kids Canada Report Card
  Active Healthy Kids Canada has released its fifth Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth. This year, the focus of the report is on the important role physical activity plays in facilitating learning and academic performance. Children who are more physically active showed improved memory, concentration and attention span – leading to better results in school. The report card also highlights inequities in physical activity – especially for low-income children and youth and those with disabilities. Active Healthy Kids Canada has produced both the full report card and a “short form” which provides useful statistics and information.
  
  To download the report card, please visit the Active Healthy Kids Canada website.

• The Impact of Ontario Harmonized Sales Tax on the Sport and Recreation Sector
  In the 2009 Ontario Budget, Finance Minister Duncan announced tax reforms in Ontario that would include a new blending of the current Ontario Retail Sales Tax (RST at 8%) and the federal Goods and Services Tax (GST at 5%).  The government plans to implement the new harmonized, "value-added tax" in July 2010, pending passage of a Bill in the Provincial Legislature and an agreement with the Federal Government.

  While the impetus for the new harmonization is aimed at making Ontario more economically competitive, the effects of this new harmonized tax will be detrimental for the sport and recreation sector, including municipal, for-profit and not-for-profit service delivery.

  Allied stakeholders in the sport, recreation and health sector in Ontario are working collaboratively to address this issue with the Provincial Government.  The position of these stakeholders is that the imposition of a tax on sport and recreation programs and facility rentals is at odds with Ontario Government’s policies aimed at reducing poverty, curbing youth violence and encouraging Ontarians to lead healthier lifestyles.  Read more about the impact of the tax on sport and recreation.

• June is Recreation and Parks Month
  Join the growing movement to celebrate the benefits and values of recreation in everyday life. Visit the June is Recreation and Parks website to become an ambassador and to register your June is events.

• Charter for Recreation and Parks
  In conjunction with June is Recreation and Parks Month, Parks and Recreation Ontario is pleased to launch the first Charter for Recreation and Parks in Ontario.

  Recreation and parks services contribute to the quality of life in our communities, the health of Ontarians and to the sustainability of our environment. In every community, recreation and parks makes a real and measurable impact on the lives of Ontarians. Research has shown that recreation and parks contributes to physical and mental health, acts as a protective factor for youth-at-risk and helps improve the circumstances for those living in poverty.
  
  We must ensure that there is equitable access for all Ontarians, that our infrastructure and programs are responsive to community needs, and that our parks are protected.
  
  This is why a “Charter for Recreation and Parks in Ontario” was created. While every community in Ontario is unique, there are common goals that all communities should strive to achieve to ensure that all of their citizens are able to enjoy the significant benefits provided by recreation and parks.
  
  This charter supports a community’s commitment to ensuring that their citizens’ right to recreation and parks services is met.

  Click here to download your copy of the Charter for Recreation and Parks.
  To order hard copies of the charter or a poster, please download an order form.
  

Training and Development

• Download Forum PowerPoint Sessions
  Click here to download PowerPoint presentations from the 2009 PRO Educational Forum.
  
  
• Canadian Playground Safety Institute - May - October, 2009
  September 28-29, Sudbury/North Bay - practical only (in conjunction with online theory)
  October 20-23, Toronto - theory and practical
  The certification component of the Canadian Playground Safety Institute teaches its students to: document all problems with play equipment; enter inspection records into a permanent playground file; put in place an action plan to eliminate play equipment faults; and to document when the necessary remedial action has been completed. For more information on the courses, please visit:
  www.prontario.org/profile/cpsi_spring_2009.pdf
  
  
• Learn more about partnering with PRO to present a professional development session in your community. Click here to read our guidelines.