In 2020, the Government of Canada announced up to $1.5 billion in federal funding over five years to establish the GICB program.

On April 16, 2024, the Government of Canada released Budget 2024 which provided a $500 million top-up and extended the program until March 2029.

The GICB Program supports the first pillar of the Strengthened Climate Plan by improving the places Canadians live and gather by cutting pollution (e.g. reducing GHG emissions, increasing energy efficiency, building resiliency to climate change and encouraging new builds to net zero standards), making life more affordable and supporting thousands of good jobs.

The Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program is launching its third intake and will be accepting applications as follows:

Small and medium retrofits

Eligible applicants with small and medium-sized projects to retrofit existing community buildings ranging in total eligible cost from $100,000 to $2,999,999 can apply from August 1, 2024 until October 16, 2024, 15:00 ET.

Large retrofits and new builds

Eligible applicants with large projects to retrofit existing community buildings or projects to build new community buildings with total eligible costs ranging from $3 million to $25 million can apply from September 4, 2024 until October 16, 2024, 15:00 ET.

 For more information about the GICB program and an upcoming webinar please visit https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/gicb-bcvi/index-eng.html#s1

St. John’s, NL – Recreation NL is once again raising the bar on what recreation is in this province! By launching a year-long campaign that focuses on the body, mind, and soul benefits that come from making ‘you’ time, Recreation NL hopes that with the help of province-wide wellness ambassador program, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians will learn more about recreation.

Recreation NL has partnered with community members who will serve as wellness ambassadors throughout the year as they showcase the different recreational activities they offer or are found in their region.

These clips can be found in social media content, paid advertising, and other marketing opportunities throughout the year to promote the wide variety of recreation and wellness activities within the province.

“As part of this program, we wanted to see anything and everything – hiking treks, knitting groups, gardening, music lessons, craft corners, cooking classes, and beyond! Anything that keeps people happy and healthy – That’s Recreation! Showcasing the wellness activities that our recreation members are doing, can help others better understand what recreation really is. It’s also fitting that we launched this campaign within Recreation Month.” says Recreation NL President, Jerry Knee.

Be sure to follow Recreation NL on Facebook, Instagram and X throughout the year to learn more about recreation with our team of ambassadors.

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About Recreation NL: A not-for-profit organization established in 1971 to promote the values and benefits of recreation. Recreation Newfoundland and Labrador envisions a province of engaged communities where all people embrace the benefits of recreation to enhance their quality of life.

Media Contact: Pamela Sheppard – Communications Coordinator for Recreation NL, communication@recreationnl.com

A half day training designed for people responsible for training recreation staff in an organization or simply interested in helping to deliver training to multiple organizations who believe in ensuring recreational programming is inclusive for all! This training provides information on how to create an inclusive environment, how to adapt activities and provides behavioural management techniques.

Once you have a You Can Play Too! Trainer on staff, the delivery of staff training becomes easy and more cost-effective for your organization.

Date: Friday, June 7^th

Time: 9:00am – 12:30pm

Location: Southlands Community Centre, St. John’s

Application Deadline: Friday, May 24^th, 2024

Registration fee for Recreation NL members $200

Registration fee for non-members $250

Once your application is approved, you will receive a registration link for payment.

Click Here for application

Join us Wednesday, January 31 from 2pm-3pm for an Arena Members Meeting. This meeting will be open to all arena-related discussion including upcoming training.

No registration required, find the meeting link on The Rec Zone Calendar

It is with great pleasure that acting President, Jerry Knee announces Steve Martin as the new Executive Director of Recreation NL.

Steve Martin, originally from the Town of Massey Drive on the West Coast, has been immersed in Recreation his whole life and brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and relationships to Recreation NL.

Steve graduated from Memorial University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Physical Education and again in 2008 with a Bachelor of Education from Memorial University. After his time at Memorial, Steve started his teaching career in Makkovik. Steve’s interest in recreation grew while working with the Town of Torbay in 2010 as Recreation and Community Events Coordinator.

Continuing to grow in his career, Steve began working with the Town of Holyrood in 2012 as Director of Recreation. For the past 11 years, Steve has continued to show his drive and commitment to the recreation community.

Steve has worked with Staff, Council, and various stakeholders to inspire a diverse and comprehensive based programming in Holyrood and elevated the needs of the community through the enhancement of festivals, events, developing programs, and infrastructure improvement. Steve continued to champion, promote, and advocate for recreation as an essential element in building a healthy, caring, and vibrant community. One of his greatest achievements in the Town has been working with staff to complete the Salmonier Line Recreational Park Plan, a plan currently in motion to develop and upgrade facilities in a hub location in Holyrood. Steve is a familiar face to Recreation NL serving more than 9 years on the Board of Directors as President, Vice-President, and an Inclusion Rep. Steve has already made a mark within our national stakeholders sitting on the Canadian Parks and Recreation Board of Directors for a total of 4 years.

Steve is proud to call Holyrood home with his family of 4. He enjoys time on the trail, coaching and playing basketball, and continuing to assist groups, volunteers, or practitioners with recreational opportunities.

Welcome to the Recreation NL staff, Steve!

Recreation NL, in partnership with the Government NL Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, is excited to announce the creation of the Active Living Leadership Network.

The goal of this new Leadership Network structure is to enhance Active Living within the province through coordination and collaboration across sectors. The Network approach will facilitate the opportunity for all Active Living resources, communication and services to be connected, supported and leveraged to their utmost ability.

We are inviting individuals such as yourself, from groups and organizations passionate about Active Living and improving the quality of life of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

To join the Active Living Leadership Network, please complete the following form. (one per organization)

St. John’s, NL – The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, recently joined Recreation Newfoundland and Labrador (RNL) in proclaiming June as Recreation Month.

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

“Today we recognize June as Recreation Month. Every year we like to remind people that recreation includes all the activities that bring health and wellness to our lives,” said Steve Martin, President of RNL.

Recreation Month portrays recreation as more than just physical activity. It also encompasses all aspects of social, intellectual, creative, and spiritual pursuits that enhance individual and community wellbeing. “Through this new understanding of recreation, people have access to countless recreational opportunities,” said Martin.

“Recreation is a vital component of overall physical and mental health and well-being,” said Minister Crocker. “Whether it’s through physical exercise like walking, hiking or playing sports, or creative pursuits like crafting, music and art, recreation is a wonderful way for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians of all ages to relax, refresh and revitalize their lives, During Recreation Month I encourage everyone to find new ways to incorporate recreation into their everyday lives and continue to reap the benefits all year round.”

To get involved in Recreation Month, please visit www.recreationnl.com and follow us on social media for great Recreation Month prizes!

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Media Contacts:

Pamela Sheppard – Communications Coordinator for Recreation NL, communication@recreationnl.com
Gina MacArthur – Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, ginamacarthur@gov.nl.ca

Recreation Newfoundland and Labrador (Rec NL) is currently undertaking a series of member engagement activities to prepare for the development of its (2024-2027) strategic plan.  This plan will outline a number of priority goals and objectives to guide Rec NL into the future as per the feedback and recommendations of its members, board members, and staff. This is your opportunity to share your thoughts and perspectives.

As part of this member engagement process, a number of sessions at the upcoming Rec NL Conference have been designed to obtain member feedback and gather information to help guide and inform the strategic planning process.

More specifically, during the roundtable session, recreation practitioners and volunteers will be asked to share their thoughts with respect to:

• What is Rec NL doing well?
• What areas of Rec NL require improvement?
• What opportunities can Rec NL take advantage of?
• What, if anything, might inhibit Rec NL’s progress and growth?

Similarly, during the Regional Meetings, time has been set a side for attendees to discuss where they feel Rec NL should be focusing its energies and efforts over the next three (3) years in each of the following areas:

1. Communications
2. Advocacy
3. Education and training

We encourage and welcome your active participation and are available to answer any of your questions regarding the proposed process.

If you are unable to attend the conference, but would like to share your thoughts and perspectives you can do so by emailing info@recreationnl.com or visiting The Rec Zone discussion board.

St. John’s, NL – This week, two post-secondary students, Katlyn Winters, from Happy Valley-Goose Bay, enrolled in Academy Canada’s Therapeutic Recreation Program and Jessica Davis, from Conception Bay South, enrolled in CNA’s Community Recreation Leadership Program were announced as the 2023 recipients of the Recreation NL Kevin Waterman Student Scholarship.

The Kevin Waterman Student Scholarship is presented annually in memory of Kevin Waterman, an outstanding recreation leader whose career spanned thirty-eight years of dedication and passionate leadership to the recreation sector.

The objective of the Recreation NL student scholarship program is to ensure future quality leadership through the provision of financial support to emerging leaders enrolled in recreation related studies throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

“With increased interest in recreation and wellness, there is a growing need for more professional recreation leaders,” states Steve Martin, President of Recreation NL. “Aiding students in the recreation sector by providing scholarships will help in obtaining more of these leaders.”

He adds, “The 2023 recipients both displayed innovation in their academic work, as well, they demonstrated commitment and leadership in the recreation sector of the province. We are pleased to award Katlyn and Jessica with this scholarship and to have them as members of Recreation NL.”

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Media Contact: Pamela Sheppard – Communications Coordinator for Recreation NL, communication@recreationnl.com