Recreation is vital to the health and well-being of individuals, and strengthens communities by encouraging volunteer involvement and providing constructive activities for youth. The $4 billion that Ontarians spend annually on recreation, sport and fitness has a powerful impact on job creation and the economy.

To maximize these social and economic benefits, the ministry promotes participation in recreation at the community level. Funding is provided for programs to reach children and youth, increase physical activity and expand local sport opportunities. Workshops help communities reinforce their capabilities to meet the recreation needs of their residents.

At the provincial level, the ministry partners with provincial recreation organizations and encourages them to lower barriers to participation and increase their self-sufficiency. A key priority is to improve the quality of sport and recreation programs for children and youth.

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• Communities in Action Fund
  The Communities In Action Fund (CIAF) aims to help bring about a physical activity and community sport culture in Ontario by helping local and provincial not-for-profit organizations provide and enhance opportunities for physical activity through community sport and recreation.
• Trails for Life
  Trails for Life is a provincial grants program with a commitment to provide up to $440,000 in grants annually for the next five years.
  
• Ontario Trails Strategy
  The Ontario Trails Strategy is a long-term plan that establishes strategic directions for planning, managing, promoting and using trails in Ontario.
• Provincial Recreation Organizations
  Provincial Recreation Organizations (PROs) are non-profit incorporated organizations with a mandate to provide recreation programs and/or leadership and skills training for the recreation sector.
• Youth at Risk
  During 1994-95 a national study entitled "Impact and Benefits of Physical Activity and Recreation on Canadian Youth" examined the role that physical activity, recreation plays in the development of youth, and youth-related risk factors.