The Ontario government has announced a $3.2 million investment to support two community projects, including 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.
The investment is part of the province's $200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF), designed to revitalize local facilities, grow the economy, and promote active, healthy living across Ontario.
A Permanent Home for Goalball
With Ontario's support, CNIB will build a new multi-purpose facility at Lake Joe, featuring a dedicated goalball court with specialized flooring and acoustic sound panels designed for athletes who are blind or have low vision. The facility will also include an accessible fitness centre and a teaching kitchen, expanding programming opportunities for individuals and families living with sight loss.
The centre will serve local, regional, and national goalball teams, providing a permanent home for training and competition. Once completed, it will also host a variety of adaptive sports and community programs to ensure inclusive recreational opportunities.
Accessible sport changes lives. It builds confidence, fosters independence, and creates a sense of belonging, said Angela Bonfanti, President & CEO of CNIB. This investment will help CNIB Lake Joe expand its seasons and programs and create a lasting legacy of inclusion for generations to come.
Supporting Métis Youth and Culture
In addition to the CNIB project, the province is also investing over $230,000 to upgrade the Métis Nation of Ontario's Children and Youth Camp in Burk's Falls. Enhancements will include improved amenities and accessibility, transforming the facility into a hub for children's community events, sports, and cultural programming.
Being on the land and water is at the heart of Métis culture, said Sharon Cadeau, Interim Chair of the Métis Nation of Ontario. Through CSRIF, we're creating an accessible waterfront so that more Métis children, families, and Elders can gather in safety, dignity, and belonging.
Voices from the Community
The announcement has been welcomed by athletes and organizations across Ontario's parasport community:
- Amy Burk, Captain of the Canadian Women's Goalball Team: Goalball is such a unique sport I wish I had access to something as significant as this when I first became involved in the sport.
- James Murphy, Executive Director, Parasport Ontario: This is a huge win for parasport athletes to have a world-class facility to practice, train, and host competitions.
- Randa Gohary, Ontario Blind Sports Association: This facility will allow OBSA to expand programs and introduce goalball to more participants in a safe, accessible environment.
Investing in Inclusive Sport
According to the province, sport contributes over $7.5 billion annually to Ontario's economy and supports tens of thousands of jobs. By funding projects like CNIB Lake Joe's goalball facility and the Métis Nation camp upgrades, the government aims to create stronger, healthier, and more inclusive communities.
Source: Government of Ontario
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