Across Newfoundland and Labrador, municipal leaders are confronting a distinct set of challenges regarding the long-term viability and strategic modernization of public recreation, parks, and sport infrastructure. The province’s geographic dispersion coupled with demographic shifts places significant pressure on local governments, service districts, and Indigenous governments to manage public infrastructure. This task is further amplified by the overarching provincial commitment to transform Newfoundland and Labrador into one of the healthiest provinces in Canada by 2031. It is also highlighted that since the province historically experiences high rates of physical inactivity and associated chronic health conditions, public recreation spaces are increasingly evaluated not merely as leisure amenities, but as essential infrastructure for preventative healthcare.

To support municipal decision-makers in navigating these complexities, CAN Active Insights can provide the concrete information and rationale for supporting actions. As a national data platform that helps leaders in the sport, physical activity, recreation, and parks sector make confident, evidence-based planning decisions, CAN Active Insights is an accessible and reliable tool that can practically be used across the province. The platform integrates data on infrastructure, participation, movement, community needs, and economic impact into one centralized, easy-to-use system, making it easier to find, connect, and analyze multiple datasets in one place.

Capital Optimization and Changing Demands

The allocation of capital within Newfoundland and Labrador requires rigorous justification, as municipal councils must routinely balance recreation investments against competing mandates. Recent engagement sessions for the provincial Active Living Action Plan highlighted critical gaps within the current recreation landscape, noting that many aging facilities lack accessible washrooms and changing spaces. As well, a widespread lack of municipal transit options often prevents residents in outlying areas from accessing centralized recreation hubs.

Local governments are using programs such as the Municipal Capital Works program and the Active Living and Wellness Fund (formerly the Active NL Fund) to address these systemic deficiencies. That said, access to provincial infrastructure dollars is not uniform across the province; recent changes to the Multi-Year Capital Works program have limited guaranteed multi-year funding to the province’s seven largest municipalities, leaving the remaining fifteen to compete annually for support. For smaller municipalities, demonstrating precise community value and projected usage rates through platforms like CAN Active Insights is becoming less a best practice and more a competitive necessity, as councils are increasingly required to demonstrate the quantitative impact of these developments.

The pressure to adapt is intensified by shifting recreation patterns. While traditional, organized team sports remain culturally significant, there is a rising demand for unstructured, year-round physical activities and accessible outdoor spaces. This shift requires existing parks, recreation, and sport infrastructure to be reconfigured.

Eliminating Information Silos Across Jurisdictions

Within the sector, one of the constant barriers towards efficient infrastructure planning has been the fragmented nature of data collection across various administrative bodies and jurisdictions. Steve Martin, Executive Director of Recreation NL, said that bringing information together across jurisdictions can help Newfoundland and Labrador better understand the needs of communities across the province and make stronger, more informed decisions about recreation infrastructure.

“One of the challenges we face is that valuable information often exists in different places: across municipalities, schools, sport organizations, and other community groups,” Martin said. “When we can bring that information together, we get a much clearer picture of what’s happening across Newfoundland and Labrador. It allows us to better understand where the gaps are, where communities have similar needs, and where investment can make the biggest difference. Having that shared understanding is an important step toward working together to strengthen recreation opportunities for people across the province.”

Centralizing this data into one source is particularly timely, given the recent implementation of the provincial Daily Physical Activity Policy within K-12 schools, an initiative that encourages greater collaboration between educational institutions and community recreation providers. By bringing this data together, CAN Active Insights enables small and mid-sized Newfoundland and Labrador municipalities to compare their facility capacities and participation rates against demographically similar communities across Canada, providing a clearer rationale for targeted provincial and federal infrastructure grants.

Quantitative Proof for Public Infrastructure Investments

To support these localized efforts, Martin Sampson, CEO of the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA), emphasized that the increased use of CAN Active Insights by municipalities represents an important shift toward data-driven decision-making. At the provincial level, the platform assists policymakers in determining how capital allocations can be distributed to maximize public health returns, while municipalities can use the data to identify specific service gaps within their jurisdictions.

“The recreation and parks sector is at a point of modernization. As communities make decisions about infrastructure and services, we need to understand how those investments contribute to the health and wellbeing of residents,” Sampson said. “CAN Active Insights gives recreation leaders the evidence to make that case, to show how the right facilities, in the right places, supported by strong programming, help people be more active, improve their mental and physical health, build social connections, and create stronger, more resilient communities.”

CAN Active Insights is a by the sector, for the sector platform developed in partnership between CPRA, the Canadian Fitness and Lifestyle Research Institute (CFLRI), and the Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC). With support from the project’s technology partner ActiveXchange, CAN Active Insights brings together data from previous national initiatives, including Measuring Impact, to model the broader socioeconomic returns of infrastructure and programming. These models translate abstract concepts of community well-being into estimated indicators, including projected reductions in regional healthcare burdens, increases in civic volunteerism, and heightened localized economic activity.

Movement Data

The inclusion of privacy-compliant, aggregated mobility and location data within the platform offers a sophisticated method for assessing how residents interact with public spaces. CAN Active Insights fosters the move beyond traditional tracking mechanisms such as manual gate turnstiles or trail counters to provide information on dwell time, visitor origin, direction and speed of travel, and more.

In a province characterized by centralized regional service hubs, understanding user mobility is critical for developing sustainable programming. When movement data demonstrates that a recreational facility located in a hub town is heavily utilized by residents commuting from adjacent unincorporated communities or local service districts, it provides a concrete foundation for decision-making.

For more information, please visit www.canactiveinsights.ca or contact info@cpra.ca to learn more.

The Recreation NL Aquatic Committee invites to you to an Aquatic Engagement Call on Wednesday, June 17 from 9:30-11am

Join us for an update from the Recreation NL Aquatic Committee, roundtable discussion, and presentation.

Summer Aquatic Practices – presented by Peter Cameron, City of St. John’s

Aquatics activities during summer can be daunting for organizations and staff to ensure that participants are safe. Hear how the City of St. John’s manages day camp visits to the pool and the best practices to prepare.

Register Here!

Homegrown Provincial Frontline Recreation Leadership Training for Children Programming in Newfoundland and Labrador

Frontline recreation leaders play a vital role in delivering safe, inclusive, and engaging programs for children and youth. However, there is currently a gap in training and no consistent access to high-quality training in many of our communities, especially smaller municipalities, and remote communities.

Recreation NL is working with Anchored Beginning – Early Years Consulting to develop a Frontline Recreation Leadership Training to strengthen programs and support recreation leaders across the province. Annette Drake with Anchored Beginning brings 25+ years of experience in children and youth programming, in both recreation and licensed early learning environments.

This initiative aims to:

✔ Establish a provincial standard for frontline recreation leader training

✔ Integrate inclusive, play-based, and trauma-informed practices that reflect the diversity of our communities

✔ Equip leaders with practical tools to create safe, engaging, and equitable recreation experiences

✔ Develop an adaptable training framework aligned with national recreation principles, including the Framework for Recreation in Canada

We need your input

To ensure this training meets the needs of all communities throughout the province, we are seeking input from recreation and sport professionals, leaders, organizations, municipalities, Indigenous governments, and community partners.

Your experience and perspective are important

Help us create a training framework that supports recreation leaders and strengthens recreation opportunities for children across the province.

• Survey – key questions we need your assistance with, please complete by July 10: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FrontlineTraining2026
• Email – send your thoughts and comments to us at: frontlinetraining2026@gmail.com

Celebrated annually in June, Recreation Month is dedicated to reinstating the importance of actively participating in recreation throughout various communities in the province. It is a fun and exciting way to celebrate recreation and promote its many benefits to individuals, families and communities.

To help you and your organization/community celebrate in June, Recreation NL has developed promotional items, social media challenges and resources.

Resources: Please find all promotional materials here.

Have your municipal council officially proclaim June 2026 as Recreation Month. Here you will find a sample Recreation Month Proclamation.

Whether you plan to organize special events or highlight existing activities, contact us and we will promote it through our website and social media sites (please tag Rec NL in all of your posts!).

St. John’s, NL – Retired Recreation Newfoundland and Labrador Executive Director, Gary Milley, has been named the recipient of the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA) President’s Award of Distinction and the Premier’s Medal for Arts, Heritage, Sport and Recreation.

Both awards recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the parks and recreation sector at the local, provincial, and national levels across Canada.

Gary Milley’s lifelong dedication to recreation and community development spans more than four decades. His leadership and volunteer involvement have helped shape recreation, wellness, and physical activity initiatives throughout Newfoundland and Labrador and across the country.

Highlights of Gary Milley’s Contributions

• Began his community leadership journey with the Boys and Girls Club in 1968
• Served as President of the provincial Boys and Girls Club Board and on the National Board of Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada
• Founding member and long-serving Chair of Tidy Towns of Newfoundland and Labrador
• Held leadership roles with Recreation Newfoundland and Labrador, including Regional Director and Treasurer
• Served on numerous provincial and national wellness and recreation committees and advisory networks
• Played a key role in developing Newfoundland and Labrador’s first Recreation and Sport Strategy (2007)
• Supported recreation leadership education through the College of the North Atlantic Community Recreation Leadership Program
• Received honorary membership from Recreation Newfoundland and Labrador for 40 years of service

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“For more than four decades, Gary Milley has demonstrated exemplary leadership and an enduring commitment to recreation, wellness, and community development at the local, provincial, and national levels. He is well-deserving of both prestigious awards,” said Jerry Knee, President of Recreation Newfoundland and Labrador.

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Media Contact

Pamela Sheppard
Communications Specialist
Recreation Newfoundland and Labrador
PamelaSheppard@recreationnl.com

Recreation NL is hosting an Inclusive Day Camp Webinar Series

This members only webinar series is designed to strengthen the capacity of recreation professionals and volunteers to create welcoming, accessible, and inclusive day camp environments for all participants. Through practical strategies, real-world examples, and knowledge-sharing, the series supports staff in building confidence, understanding diverse needs, and removing barriers to participation. Ultimately, the goal is to enhance the quality of day camp experiences so that every child and youth feels valued, supported, and able to fully participate.

Find further details about each webinar and to register, please follow the links below:

Presenter Megan Wall, Easter Seals NL: Wednesday April 29, 2026

https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/7c254fd9-3da9-47d3-b0ac-66f07d74d525@c5161bb9-5ee1-4869-9674-57eacfa6d172

Presenter Gillian Batten, Memorial University: Wednesday May 6, 2026

https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/27f9fff8-9360-4de9-9d60-1352711b0119@c5161bb9-5ee1-4869-9674-57eacfa6d172

Presenter Kristen Winter, Autism Society NL: Wednesday May 13, 2026

https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/0dcda242-1bd7-416d-820a-71c146b84fd5@c5161bb9-5ee1-4869-9674-57eacfa6d172

RNL Connects is coming to a region near you!

Join us for a series of FREE regional meetings bringing together recreation practitioners and volunteers from across Newfoundland and Labrador to connect, collaborate, and share ideas for the future of recreation in our province.

These sessions offer meaningful discussions, professional development, and opportunities to help shape what’s next for recreation in your community.

Western Regional Meeting
Tuesday, April 21
Marina Redmond Centre (Multi-Purpose Room)
Practitioners: 1PM–4PM | Volunteers: 5PM–8PM
Meet & Greet Social: 4PM–5PM (all welcome!)
🔗 Register: https://recreationnl.wildapricot.org/event-6621786

Eastern Regional Meeting
Thursday, April 29
Manuels River Interpretation Centre (Conception Bay South)
Practitioners: 1PM–4PM | Volunteers: 5PM–8PM
Meet & Greet Social: 4PM–5PM (all welcome!)
🔗 Register: https://recreationnl.wildapricot.org/event-6621776

Labrador Regional Meeting (in association with Sport NL)
Tuesday, June 9 – Wednesday, June 10
E. J. Broomfield Arena Community Room
Time: TBD
Registration details coming soon!

Central Regional Meeting
Thursday, June 18
Steele Community Centre, Gander
Practitioners: 1PM–4PM | Volunteers: 5PM–8PM
Meet & Greet Social: 4PM–5PM (all welcome!)
🔗 Register: https://recreationnl.wildapricot.org/event-6666775

Don’t miss this chance to connect with others in the recreation sector, share your voice, and be part of shaping the future of recreation in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Annual General Meeting- In Person and Virtual
Location: Jag Hotel- 115 George St. West, St. John’s, NL
Date: May 5, 2026
Time: 1:00pm-3:00pm

Registration Link: https://recreationnl.wildapricot.org/event-6625804

RECREATION NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR INC. operating as Recreation NL will hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 from 1:00pm-3:00pm (NDT) at The Jag Hotel. Members will have the option to attend the AGM through in-person or through a live stream (stream details will be provided at a later date to those registered). For those attending in-person, check-in will begin at 12:30pm from The Jag Hotel Lobby.

2026 Board of Directors- Available Positions and Election Information

Recreation NL will host its 2026 Board of Directors Elections during each upcoming RNL Connects Regional Meeting.

In accordance with the Recreation NL Constitution (2025), the following positions are available for nomination and election:

Director at Large- Eastern
Director at Large- Western
Director at Large- Central
Director at Large- Labrador

Nomination Period

For those interested in serving as a Director at Large (Regional) on the Recreation NL Board of Directors, the nomination period is now officially open. Individuals wishing to be considered, must be nominated by completing the following nomination form.

Nominations will be accepted until Friday, April 10 at 4:00 PM. Completed nomination forms can be submitted the following ways:

In-Person: Recreation NL Office- 1296A Kenmount Road, Paradise
Mail: Recreation NL, 1296A Kenmount Road, Paradise, NL A1L1N3
E-Mail: info@recreationnl.com

In accordance with Recreation NL By-Laws and Constitution, any members seeking nomination after this deadline will be required to be nominated from the floor at their respective RNL Connects Regional Meeting.

Recreation NL Connects Regional Meeting Details and Registration

To register for a Rec NL Connects Regional Meeting please click HERE.

Questions- If you have any questions regarding the upcoming election of Regional Directors please contact the Rec NL Executive Director by emailing stevemartin@recreationl.com

Recreation NL Election Locations

Find all Election Locations and further information about the Rec NL Regional Connects Meetings HERE.

The third edition of the ParticipACTION Report Card on Physical Activity for Adults, Moving Beyond Stagnation: Elevating Physical Activity in Canada – the most up-to-date and comprehensive assessment of physical activity in Canada – highlights that the physical activity levels of adults living in Canada have been low for years. It reveals that only 46% meet physical activity guidelines and that just 22% of communities (of at least 1,000 people) in Canada have a formal strategy for physical activity and sport.

At a time when Canada is striving to build resilience, reduce public spending and unite people from coast to coast to coast, these findings are more than just data — they’re a call to action and a foundation for progress that we need to build upon. Movement underpins public health, economic growth and social connection, and reaching a plateau in physical activity levels reveals the truth: physical activity must be made a national priority.

How do we move beyond stagnation and leverage physical activity as both a personal well-being tool and a powerful policy solution?

Read the 2025 ParticipACTION Report Card on Physical Activity for Adults to find out!

Aquatic Supervisor – Bruce II Sports Centre

The Bruce II Sports Centre is looking for a positive and self-motivated individual with a strong work ethic, who works well in a team-oriented environment. Salary: Competitive Salary (starting at $28.00 / hr) with benefits

Qualifications:

• National Lifeguard Certification (Lifesaving Society)
• Standard First Aid
• Lifesaving Society Instructors Course & Certified Pool Operators Course would be an asset

Responsibilities / Task:

• Responsible for maintaining water quality in all recreational water supplies operated by the Town of Channel-Port aux Basques
• Trouble shoot issues with recreation filtration and chlorination equipment
• Teach Lifesaving Society Swim program
• Guard recreational swims
• Supervise part-time lifeguard staff to ensure guidelines and pool rules are followed and enforced
• Backwash and adjust chlorine, alkalinity, calcium and PH
• Restock chemicals required for water sanitation and clarity
• Calibrate automated chemical feed equipment (add chemicals manually if necessary)
• Clean and tidy pool decks and locker rooms with lifeguard staff
• Set up pool area for various activities
• Teaches First Aid classes
• Book pool rentals and schedule public and private lessons
• Produce sales reports
• Reports to Recreation Director

Work Schedule: 40 hours/ week, 8:00am – 5:00pm

Deadline: Friday, October 24, 2025 at 4:00pm

Applications should be forwarded to: Andrew Davis, Recreation Director Email: adavis@portauxbasques.ca

For further information please contact the Bruce II Sports Centre at 709-695-3592