Parks and Recreation Ontario is a non-profit association that advances the health, social, and environmental benefits of quality recreation and parks through evidence-based practices, resources and collaborative partnerships.

Latest News


2023 PRO Aquatics Conference and Trade Show
The aquatics industry's biggest professional development event of the year is here! We're back in-person for a two day conference where you can learn from thought leaders, reconnect with colleagues, and get inspired! Learn more about the event and register today! READ MORE


2023 PRO Educational Forum and Trade Show

After three long years of virtual events and online meetings, we're back in person! The 2023 PRO Educational Forum features over 30 concurrent sessions, two plenaries, and active sessions that frame thought leadership on engagement, sustainability, operations, management, and more. Come back to the PRO Forum to connect, learn, and engage!
 


Announcement: Resignation of PRO CEO

It is with mixed emotions that PRO's Board of Directors announces that Jenn Wilson will be stepping down as CEO to focus on her family's well-being as they naviagte a time of immense change. The Board expresses its gratitude for Jenn's contributions to the organization and wishes her all the best in her future endeavours. 
 


Read PRO's Submission on Bill 23

On November 17, 2022, PRO developed a written submission to the Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure, and Cultural Policy outlining Bill 23's impact on communities, conservation authorities, and parks and recreation. 


Bill 23: The More Homes Built Faster Act

With the intent of increasing the supply of housing in the province, the Ontario government has introduced Bill 23, theMore Homes Built Faster Act, 2022. This Bill aims to minimize barriers to housing development by proposing significant changes to several pieces of provincial legislation. 

The impact of this on parks and recreation services will be significant.  Read our preliminary analysis. 


PRO Statement on Incoming CEO

Parks and Recreation Ontario (PRO) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jenn Wilson as Chief Executive Officer, effective September 6, 2022. Her appointment follows the retirement of current PRO CEO, Cathy Denyer.


2021 PRO Annual Report
Parks and Recreation Ontario (PRO) is pleased to release the 2021 PRO Annual Report.  In this report, you will read about the challenges and opportunities that PRO faced in 2021. 
We are committed to continual growth and improvement so that we can meet the needs of our sector and ensure that all Ontarians receive equitable access to parks and recreation. Read more here.


CPRA Briefing: Federal Budget

On April 7, 2022, the federal budget was tabled by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland. The $452B budget was several hundred pages shorter than last year, and as the Minister noted, “our ability to spend is not infinite.” This new budget commits over $55B in new spending. Read More here.

Oak Park Neighbourhood becomes a HIGH FIVE Accredited Organization

Congratulations to Oak Park Neighbourhood Centre on becoming a HIGH FIVE Accredited Organization! Oak Park Neighbourhood Centre is a community-based agency founded in 1999 serving over 3000 individuals in Oakville. The organization supports the community through diverse programs and resources to relieve poverty, offer educational opportunities, and provide recreational and social programs. 

 


PRO Statement on the Kamloops Indian Residential School 
Parks and Recreation Ontario (PRO) offers our deepest condolences to the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation and to the families of the 215 children found at the site of a former residential school in Kamloops, British Columbia.

 

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