As appeared in The Chronicle Herald
Saturday, January 24th, 2009

Sport infrastructure needs to be a priority

In the past month there has been much discussion on the billions of dollars that the federal, provincial, and municipal governments are preparing to spend on infrastructure in hopes of stimulating our economy. Within Nova Scotia, there has been talk of projects—both large and small—in communities across the province.

We would like to ensure that sport and recreation infrastructure is not only considered in this context, but prioritized. Our current infrastructure deficit means that today in every community across this province there are sport and recreation facilities that are outdated, inefficient, and in need of repair to better meet the demands of the public. These are the facilities that community activities and functions are built around, like our rinks, community gymnasiums, and our outdoor fields. Although the provincial government continues to make efforts to address this infrastructure deficit, the reality remains that without significant federal and municipal investments, we will not solve this problem.

In the context of the billions of dollars that are being contemplated in the upcoming federal budget, consider that the Department of Health Promotion and Protection, in 2005 determined that the current sport and recreation facility infrastructure deficit in Nova Scotia would require between $88 to $93 million to be eliminated. Some of these projects are large but most are smaller in nature and in dollars, and are often overlooked in our infrastructure renewal strategies.

Why should sport and recreation be prioritized? Because of the big return on investment. We know that children who take part in sport, recreation and physical activity are much more likely to live healthy lives, much more likely to do well in school, and much less likely to come into contact with the justice system, to name only a few of the many benefits our sector provides. Instead of having to spend this infrastructure funding on new hospitals and jails, wouldn’t it be nice if we required less of them? Investing in sport and recreation infrastructure can help make that happen.

We now have an opportunity to significantly address Nova Scotia’s sport and recreation infrastructure deficit. It may be the best one we ever have. Investment in the health and welfare of our communities isn’t only a good idea because of our current economic situation, it’s always a good idea. We need to ensure that developing sport and recreation infrastructure of all sizes makes this list. Nova Scotians who currently enjoy sport and physical activity and believe in the development of vibrant communities across the province should contact their elected officials and make their priorities clear. Let’s make investments that help build a healthier, more productive Nova Scotia.

Jamie Ferguson CEO Sport Nova Scotia

Ken Bagnell President Canadian Sport Centre Atlantic