Ontario Investing $3 Million to Build Canada’s First Dedicated Goalball Court
September 11, 2025
$200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund supporting economic growth and building healthier communities
MACTIER — The Ontario government is investing $3.2 million in two projects to protect jobs and support the construction of Canada’s first purpose-built goalball court at the Canadian National Institute for the Blind’s (CNIB) Lake Joseph Centre in Muskoka, and upgrades to the Métis Nation of Ontario’s Children and Youth Camp in Burk’s Falls. These projects are part of the $200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF), a provincewide initiative to revitalize local facilities, grow the economy and promote active, healthy living across Ontario.
“Our government is proud to support organizations that are breaking down barriers for those who are blind or have low vision, empowering people and strengthening communities across our province,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. “These investments in the CNIB and the Métis Nation of Ontario will create more opportunities for youth, families and seniors to participate in sport and recreation, give athletes the chance to train and compete closer to home — all while protecting local jobs and building a more resilient economy.”
With Ontario’s support, CNIB is building a new multi-purpose facility at CNIB Lake Joe, which will include a goalball court, featuring specialized flooring and acoustic sound panels designed for athletes who are blind or have low vision, along with an accessible fitness centre and a teaching kitchen. The centre will serve local, regional and national goalball teams, providing a permanent home for training and competition. Once complete, the facility will offer a wide range of programs designed for recreational and competitive goalball players, as well as other adaptive sports and community activities to expand opportunities for people with sight loss to participate in sport.
“With a new purpose-built facility, CNIB Lake Joe is opening the door to accessible sport and recreation in ways that have long been missing for our community,” said Angela Bonfanti, President & CEO of CNIB. “We are grateful to the Government of Ontario and the Ministry of Sport for this important investment. By supporting CNIB Lake Joe, they are committing to a path forward for accessible sport and ensuring that children, youth, adults, and families who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision can take part in the joy of recreation, sport, and community in a truly inclusive environment. Accessible sport changes lives. It builds confidence, fosters independence, and creates a sense of belonging. This investment will help CNIB Lake Joe expand its seasons and programs and create a lasting legacy of inclusion for generations to come.”
In addition, the province is investing over $230,000 to support repairs and upgrades to the Métis Nation of Ontario’s Children and Youth Camp in Burk’s Falls. The project will expand amenities and improve accessibility, transforming the facility into a hub for children’s and youth community events, sports and cultural programming. The camp will promote Métis heritage while creating a welcoming space for young people to connect and thrive.
“Being on the land and water is at the heart of Métis culture. It’s where teachings are passed down and connections are made,” said Sharon Cadeau, Interim Chair of the Métis Nation of Ontario. “Through Ontario’s Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund, we’re creating an accessible waterfront at our ELCC Culture and Language Camp in Burk’s Falls, so that more Métis children, families, and Elders can gather in safety, in dignity, and with a true sense of belonging.”
CSRIF is a key part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario workers, businesses and families by unleashing the economy and getting more shovels in the ground, with a historic $200 billion investment to build highways, hospitals, transit, schools and other critical infrastructure across the province.
Quick Facts
- The Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF) is an application-based program. It supports municipalities, Indigenous communities and non-profit organizations through two streams: one for repairing and rehabilitating existing sport and recreation facilities and spaces, and another for building new or transformative sport and recreation infrastructure.
- Each year, Ontario invests $32 million in community recreation programs to help achieve active, healthy communities across the province, including Ontario’s After School Program, the Inclusive Grassroots Recreation program and the Ontario Amateur Sport Fund.
- Sport contributes more than $7.5 billion to Ontario’s economy every year, creating tens of thousands of meaningful and good-paying jobs in every corner of the province.
Quotes
“Providing sport and recreational opportunities for everyone is very important to the health of our communities and the future of our youth. I’m proud to see our government investing in infrastructure in Parry Sound-Muskoka that will allow children to participate in sports and activities that they might not otherwise be able to. It’s also exciting to have Canada’s first dedicated goalball court right here in Parry Sound-Muskoka. Thank you to the CNIB Lake Joe and the Métis Nation of Ontario for addressing the needs for these projects and providing safe, inclusive spaces for all of our youth.”
– Graydon Smith
MPP for Parry-Sound Muskoka
“Sport has a powerful ability to help all Ontarians be involved in our communities. Our government is honoured to partner with CNIB in the development of Canada’s first dedicated goalball court.”
– Raymond Cho
Minister for Seniors and Accessibility
“Goalball is such a unique sport for blind and visually impaired athletes and it can be tremendously hard to find a spot to train and play. I’m truly hoping this opportunity will help us reach other children and youth and expose them to the sport of goalball, and hopefully help us grow our program across Ontario and Canada. I wish I had access to something as significant as this when I first became involved in this sport. “
– Amy Burk
Captain of the Canadian Women’s Goalball Team
“This investment of funding awarded to the CNIB to build Canada’s first purpose-built goalball court is a huge win for these parasport athletes to have a world class facility to practice, train, and host future competitions! Investing in sport infrastructure that includes adapted sport ensures opportunities for ALL and promotes pathways for participation for improved para athlete development at all stages, from grassroots to international competition.”
– James Murphy
Executive Director, Parasport Ontario
“This facility will allow the Ontario Blind Sports Association (OBSA) the opportunity to expand its programs and introduce the sport of goalball to multiple blind and visually impaired individuals in a fun and a safe environment. It will also save our staff and referees the time it takes to assemble a goalball court, cutting and measuring string, buying tape, and layering the gym floors. This facility will add to the sport accessibility, inclusivity, and diversity.”
– Randa Gohary
OBSA Executive
Additional Resources
Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund
2025 Ontario Budget – A Plan to Protect Ontario