News
Contribute to the Renewal of the Framework for Recreation in Canada
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The Framework for Recreation in Canada is being renewed, and we need your expertise! As a parks and recreation professional, your perspective is invaluable in shaping the future of recreation across the country. The renewed Framework will guide the sector in addressing key issues such as climate resilience, inclusivity, workforce development, and more.
This is your chance to ensure the Framework reflects the needs and challenges you face in your community. Participate in one of the upcoming virtual or in-person consultations, or share your thoughts via a survey. Together, we can create a framework that will strengthen the recreation and parks sector for generations to come.
To help shape the renewed Framework, there are two survey options:
- A short version (10 min) for quick input: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NPY7TJ7
- A long version (30 min) for deeper engagement: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7RFGRQK
As a token of appreciation, all survey participants who complete the survey will be entered into a draw to win one of two $100 Canadian Tire gift cards. The survey is open until May 19, 2025.
Learn more about the Framework here: https://www.cpra.ca/framework
EDIA Highlight: LEARNINGO - Community, Recreation & Education Society
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"One of the best things about LEARNINGO is how much the staff love my son." - Parent of a LEARNINGO program participant.
This month, we are celebrating the efforts of Recreation Nova Scotia member LEARNINGO, a non-profit dedicated to creating opportunities for people with autism and diverse needs. LEARNINGO helps individuals build education, recreation, and independent living skills to ensure community inclusion. The organization has three types of programming: collaborative schooling, peer-to-peer learning, and professional training opportunities. Our story will focus on LEARNINGO's PLT program – Peers Learning Together.
LEARNINGO's PLT program addresses a lack of structured support, trained staff and individual accommodations. These issues create barriers for people with autism and diverse support needs to access recreational programs. LEARNINGO created this program in 2016 to bridge this gap and offer a safe, engaging and supportive space for participants to build skills in a way that meets their needs. The Peers Learning Together program combines learning opportunities with recreational programming for participants to develop lifelong skills while enjoying community and belonging.
The PLT program leaves a lasting impact on participants in various ways. Through hands-on recreation, participants can gain skills like improved social confidence, emotional regulation, motor coordination and independence. Attendees can make friends and new community connections. The program also helps reduce barriers to recreation by having trained and experienced staff, accommodations that are individual to each person, and activities that ensure all participants can fully engage.
The program has a significant impact on the families of participants. LEARNINGO's Executive Director Emily Robar says that families gain reliable support: "[PLT] gives parents and caregivers peace of mind in knowing their child is in a nurturing environment designed for success." Emily shared some positive feedback LEARNINGO has received from families: "One of the best things about LEARNINGO is how much the staff love my son. They are some of the only people other than immediate family members who see his many skills, sense of humour, and wonderful personality traits that aren't immediately obvious to most. When he is at the program, I am at complete ease knowing he is not just safe, but adored."
Emily says that although the PLT program has seen lots of success and positive feedback, it isn't without its challenges. Access and affordability for families is an ongoing challenge, as well as hiring and retaining skilled staff who understand behavior support, sensory needs, and individualized accommodations. Facility use is also a challenge for the program, as specialized space is needed, which requires staff to set up and tear down equipment each time. There is also a high demand for the PLT program, which has created a waitlist for participation. Emily says they haven't let these challenges hold back the program: "Expanding PLT requires additional funding, staffing, and space. Despite these challenges, PLT remains a vital and in-demand program, continually evolving to meet the community's needs."
One method of addressing these challenges has been accessing partnerships and funding. LEARNINGO has created a facility partnership with HRM Recreation, which provides space for programs at the Sackville Sports Stadium and Captain William Spry Community Centre. The program receives funding from two national programs. "We receive annual funding from Canadian Tire Jumpstart, which helps ensure accessibility and purchase new and exciting equipment that enhances our program offerings. Additionally, ParticipACTION Community Challenges provide funding, allowing us to organize special field trips," says Emily.
In addition to providing valuable programming to people with diverse needs, LEARNINGO is also committed to learning more. Emily says organizers are interested in ways to refine and improve PLT: "We've had a placement student research the parents' perceptions of the program, which has provided valuable insights into its impact and areas for growth. We invite others to explore this research to better understand how PLT is making a difference in the lives of families."
To learn more about the impact of the Peers Learning Together program and other LEARNINGO offerings, visit learning.org/caregiver-perspectives/
CPRA Green Jobs 2025 Now Open
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CPRA is thrilled to announce that grant applications for the Green Jobs Initiative, a program that empowers youth by creating meaningful job placements, is now open!
The program will provide direct financial support (via 50% wage subsidies) to local governments (municipalities, Indigenous communities, etc.) and other sector organizations to support nearly 140 jobs focusing on green career-related activities.
By empowering youth with job opportunities and fostering environmental stewardship, we contribute to their personal growth, advance community priorities, and create a sustainable future for our communities and our planet.
All 2025 applications are due Friday, April 11, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. EDT.
To learn more about the program, please visit http://greenjobsinitiative.ca or contact your regional project manager.
Or fill out your application if you are ready to apply.
Organizations will be notified of their application status on Friday, May 2, 2025.
This program is funded by the Government of Canada.
Anti- Racism Summit
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ANTI-RACISM CHARTER SIGNATORIES MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Recreation Nova Scotia is excited to announce our first-ever Anti-Racism Summit.
This summit is a free opportunity for signatories of the Anti-Racism Charter in Recreation, helping us move from commitment to action.
Date: May 15, 2025
Location: Rath Eastlink Community Centre, Truro
Stay tuned for more details and registration
Not a signatory but want to be involved?
We’re looking for passionate individuals to help make this groundbreaking event successful. Whether you want to present, set up an informational kiosk, or contribute as a sponsor, your involvement fosters meaningful dialogue and action against racism in our communities.
Please complete this form by March 21, 2025, to let us know how you'd like to be involved!
EDIA Highlight: Municipality of the District of Chester Becomes Rainbow Registered
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Kerri Jack
This month, Recreation Nova Scotia proudly celebrates the Municipality of the District of Chester for achieving the 2SLGBTI+ Chamber of Commerce Rainbow Registered Accreditation Program in January 2025. As one of only 65 registered organizations in Nova Scotia, the Municipality is the first government body to complete this significant program. Among them are other accredited organizations such as Scotiabank Centre, Discovery Centre, the Kentville Visitor Centre, Africville Heritage Trust, the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, and Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site, all contributing to a diverse and inclusive community.
The 2SLGBTI+ Chamber of Commerce is a national organization that passionately advocates, educates and empowers the 2SLGBTQI+ business community to grow. With core values rooted in community, collaboration, diversity, equity, integrity, bravery, and boldness, they are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment. The Rainbow Registered Accreditation Program for 2SLGBTI+ Friendly Spaces, a partnership between Canada's 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) and Tourism HR Canada, honours businesses and organizations that adhere to high-quality standards. By earning and displaying the Rainbow Registered symbol, these businesses proudly demonstrate their commitment to making 2SLGBTQI+ customers feel welcomed and accepted.
Shelley Rafuse, Founding Director of Lunenburg County Pride, says, "It signifies that a business, organization, or Municipality has met rigorous standards for being inclusive, supportive, and welcoming to 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals through the recognitions of safe spaces, the encouragement of diversity within the community, support for queer economic growth, and building trust, visibility, and allyship. Overall, this is progress forward, which is always a welcome change."
Accreditation is a four-step process that includes reviewing program requirements, completing an application, undergoing an assessment stage, and finalizing a report and next steps. The Municipality of the District of Chester has proudly demonstrated its commitment to meeting the standards for accreditation through its thoughtful policies, dedicated training, and community participation. Chester Community Economic Development Officer Ashley Marlin highlights the significance of this initiative, stating, "It was important for us to clearly show that our Municipal organization, staff, and buildings are safe and welcoming." As a testament to this commitment, the Municipality proudly displays the Rainbow Registered logo and information at all municipal building entrances, inviting everyone to experience a culture of inclusion and safety.
Ashley Marlin, the Chester Community Economic Development Officer, expresses her admiration for the 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce, highlighting their steadfast commitment to empowering others, saying, "They want you to succeed. They will walk you through the process and have fantastic resources to share with you." This support and guidance from the Chamber make the accreditation journey achievable and inspiring.
"As a queer individual within the municipality, on a personal level, my hope is it will foster more support, educational opportunities, local engagement in inclusive partnerships and events and advocacy/awareness for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights," adds Rafuse
To discover more about the 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce Rainbow Registered Accreditation Program, visit their website at https://cglcc.ca/.
Remembering Robin Norrie
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On February 12, the Nova Scotia recreation sector lost a dear friend, colleague and advocate. Robin Norrie worked for almost 40 years, serving the people of Nova Scotia at all three levels of government.
We remember Robin as a constant champion of our sector's power and potential. Robin often led from the back, engaging in quiet conversations, elevating her colleagues, and working hard behind closed doors to create movement and recognition for recreation in our province. As an NSCC Instructor, Robin loved teaching her students about the fundamentals of recreation, encouraging them to shine brightly and step into the sector with excitement.
Often described as humble, kind, caring and passionate, it was an easy decision for the RNS Board of Directors to honour Robin as last year’s Lifetime Membership recipient. In her acceptance speech, Robin talked about the many relationships she had made throughout her time as a recreation professional and spoke with joy and gratitude, inspiring us all to continue serving our communities with pride knowing we are making a difference.
We will continue to remember Robin’s strength and friendship and work to honour the legacy she has left for us. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Robin’s loved ones; we share her loss with you.