News
Sharing Back: What We Heard from Nova Scotia in the Renewal of the Framework for Recreation in Canada
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In October 2024, during 'CPRA Day' at the RNS Conference, Recreation Nova Scotia members shared their views to help shape the renewal of the Framework for Recreation in Canada. This large in-person consultation in Antigonish, led by Canadian Parks & Recreation Association, added to data from subsequent surveys as well as focus groups focused on emerging priorities and specific sub-groups. Nova Scotia was represented in focus groups on topics such as the arts within recreation and recreation's role in responding to emergencies such as wildfires.
Nova Scotia voices played an important role in identifying the opportunities and challenges facing our sector today. This makes up a part of the national consultation process that engaged more than 2,500 participants. Through this process, several messages emerged:
- The renewed Framework must be practical and actionable—with tools and examples that front-line practitioners can use.
- There is strong support for shared national measurements that demonstrate the value of recreation and help align our work with public health, education, and climate priorities.
- Participants emphasised the need to strengthen collaboration across sectors—from housing and health to education and the environment.
- Recreation must be recognized and funded as a vital public service, not just an optional add-on.
- Equity, belonging, and accessibility need to be built in from the start, ensuring that programs, spaces, and staffing reflect the diversity of our communities.
- The Framework must be flexible and adaptable, ready to respond to challenges like climate change, mental wellness, workforce development, and affordability.
- Lastly, there was an importance placed on both land and water-based recreation, affordable access to facilities, and understanding and emphasising the essential role recreation plays in supporting community health and resilience
These contributions are now shaping the next phase of the Framework renewal, which will focus on creating tools, shared measurements, and a model to help make this information actionable for the sector.
We extend our thanks to all who participated in-person and online. You are helping to ensure that the renewed Framework reflects both national priorities and the unique realities of recreation and parks in Nova Scotia.
Access the pdf Full Summary of Findings(9.81 MB)
Stay up to date on the Renewal of the Framework for Recreation in Canada
Help Us Bring Your Recreation Stories to Parliament Hill
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We can't do this without your voice!
On behalf of RNS, Graham & Rachel (RNS Exec. Director and CPRA Board Rep.) will be joining colleagues from across the country for a coordinated day of federal advocacy in Ottawa this November. As part of this important effort, delegates will meet with Ministers, Members of Parliament, and senior federal officials to advance the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association’s (CPRA) pre-budget recommendations.
We’re looking to bring real stories from Nova Scotia to the table. Stories that illustrate how CPRA’s recommendations resonate in your community and how national action could support local impact.
Our Ask:
We want to hear about your community’s "emblems” - a story, facility, person, or program that symbolizes the role of recreation in your area.
We’re collecting local examples to support national priorities:
- Recreation infrastructure renewal
- Crisis response & recovery
- Youth employment through recreation
- A national strategy for parks & recreation
Any questions?
Email Fawn at
EDIA Highlight: The Nova Scotia Junior Girls Surf Program
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"Our daughter had such an incredible experience with Girls on Boards this year. This was her second year learning to surf, and it was so special to see her confidence grow—not only in her own surfing, but also in her ability to support others through the Youth Mentor Clinic. Being able to help teach girls really boosted her awareness of the ocean and her belief in herself. She always looks forward to the next surf night or clinic at the beautiful Mavillette Beach, and she loves being in the water surrounded by such a positive group of girls. I especially value how the multi-age group setting shows that girls of all ages can learn from one another, no matter their experience or age." - Parent
The Surfing Association of Nova Scotia (SANS), founded in 1987, is a community-based, non-profit organization dedicated to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and enjoyable surf culture throughout the province. As a Nova Scotia, Mi'kma'ki, recognized Provincial Sport Organization (PSO) and Provincial Recreation Organization (PRO), SANS supports both recreational and competitive surfing, as well as coastal stewardship and improved access to Nova Scotia's beaches.
SANS also plays a role in expanding access to surfing for underserved communities. Throughout recent years, their programming, supported by national and provincial funding, brought surf and ocean literacy sessions to Mi'kmaw, Black, and newcomer youth across regions, including Unama'ki, Kespukwik, and Kjipuktuk. Additionally, this past summer, SANS launched a junior girls' surf program, supported by Canadian Women & Sport, to foster gender equity in sport—creating opportunities for young female and non-binary surfers to build skills and confidence.
Over several weeks, participants engaged in a series of surf practices that went beyond skill-building in the water. These consistent gatherings enabled youth to form deep bonds, steadily improve their surfing skills, and develop both self-confidence and a sense of empowerment over time. Each session was facilitated by EDIA and ISA Adaptive Surf Instruction-certified SANS Board Members, who each brought expertise in both technical coaching and inclusive mentorship. The youth in Kespukwik were trained as Youth Surf Mentors and helped plan and lead surfing activities for other girls, youth, and organizations in their community (namely SHYFT House and Autism NS).
Participants were provided with equipment, food, water, and program supplies—including changing ponchos to facilitate frequent changes between wetsuits and dry clothes. Reflection activities and group discussions encouraged personal growth, while shared meals and gatherings fostered connection and celebration.
This program culminated in a weekend surf retreat in Unama'ki, where families were invited to join. This retreat offered intensive skill development, furthered peer bonding, and maximized impact through community connection. For some youth, the program also included earning Bronze Star certifications and ILS Surf and Ocean Rescue certification, equipping them with nationally recognized lifesaving and leadership skills.
Programs such as this are vital: in Canadian university sport, women account for only 26% of head coaches for women's teams, 18% of mixed-gender teams, and just 3% of men's teams. By centering equity and empowerment at the grassroots level, SANS is helping to shift these systemic disparities and inspire the next generation of diverse surf and recreation leaders in Mi'kma'ki.
The junior girls' and non-binary youth surf program fostered growth in participants both on and off the waves. Youth were able to gain confidence not only in surfing techniques but also in expressing themselves socially within the group. Providing a consistent, safe and inclusive space was central to the program's success. By ensuring that participants felt respected, supported, and seen, SANS created a space where youth could explore leadership, decision-making, and teamwork without fear of judgement or bias. This nurturing environment strengthened participants' sense of belonging, highlighting the importance of community and peer support in sustaining engagement with sport.
The program also made women and non-male leaders visible in action. Seeing SANS' women board members actively guiding, coaching, and mentoring demonstrated to youth that leadership is attainable and not confined by gender. This modeling presented participants with new possibilities for themselves, encouraging them to envision future roles in surf culture and beyond.
SANS was able to deliver the junior girls' surf program through partnerships with: Clare Girls On Boards/The Good Wave Project, Richmond County Recreation, Autism NS Southwest Chapter and SHYFT House, resources from Canadian Women & Sport – Gender Equity in Coaching and Playbook; and funding from Canadian Women & Sport, the Province of Nova Scotia's Active Community Fund and Canadian Tire JumpStart.
For those looking to facilitate similar recreation programs, the SANS leaders shared the following advice: "Start by listening to and consulting with the youth and the communities you intend to serve. Too often, programs are designed based on assumptions rather than actual needs, which can unintentionally create gaps, insensitivity, or barriers to participation. Engaging participants in co-design—asking them what support, resources, and experiences would be most meaningful—ensures the program is relevant, accessible, and empowering from the outset."
It is also crucial to provide safe and inclusive spaces where participants feel respected and empowered to take risks, make mistakes, and express themselves genuinely. Prioritizing flexibility, reflection, and responsiveness throughout programming cultivates an ongoing dialogue with participants, ensuring that their evolving needs are met.
Do you have a promising practice or success story you would like to share with the recreation sector? Contact Kerri Jack at
Survey - Community Use of Schools
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With leadership from colleagues in the South Shore, Valley, and CCTH, Recreation Nova Scotia is gathering insights on community use of schools.
Our goal is to better understand the challenges and differences in how recreation departments and groups can access school facilities. In order to build a clear picture across the province, we are looking for municipal recreation departments to complete a survey for schools in their area.
To capture these differences effectively, we ask that that this survey is completed once per school.
By building a clear picture across the province, collectively we can work to identify solutions to improve access. Data will be collected by RNS and shared with regions upon request. Deadline for submissions is 7th November 2025.
EDIA Highlight: CCOA Friendship Festival
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"We had the chance to catch up with old friends and create some wonderful new friendships along the way." – Friendship Festival Participant.
This summer, Corridor Community Options for Adults (CCOA) hosted a Friendship Festival, a celebration of inclusion, connection, and fun. Held at the Nine Mile River Community Hall, the festival brought together participants from CCOA's group homes, Independent Living Support program, Youth Program, as well as guests from the Community Association of People for REAL Enterprise (CAPRE) and New Boundaries.
CCOA is a not-for-profit organization located in Enfield, Nova Scotia. CCOA supports adults with intellectual disabilities through programming, recreation, and social enterprises such as Rick's Riches Thrift Store and Wood Products Manufacturing. CCOA has served the community of East Hants and beyond since opening in the 1970s. The organization offers a variety of programs and services, all dedicated to fostering independence and improving the quality of life for its participants.
The CCOA's Friendship Festival was organized and held to help foster opportunities for its participants to build meaningful friendships throughout the province. The event gave staff valuable experience, allowing them to network with colleagues and professionals from similar organizations.
Attendees were able to enjoy activities throughout the day, such as basketball, games, sidewalk chalk art, bubble fun, and the ever-popular friendship bracelet station. Pizza was donated by a local business for lunch, followed by a make-your-own sundae bar. The festivities ended with a dance party, celebrating new friendships and lasting memories.
For participants, the festival provided a safe, welcoming space to build meaningful connections and practice social skills in a fun, inclusive environment. One participant shared, "It was such a heartwarming day filled with laughter, connection, and joy. We had the chance to catch up with old friends and create some wonderful new friendships along the way." Another said, "I never want to leave, I'm having so much fun!"
Looking ahead, CCOA hopes the Friendship Festival will serve as an inspiration for others to create inclusive events in their communities. As project lead, Jana Hunt reflected, the key is to choose accessible, adaptable activities and connect with local partners, "The goal is to create a fun and pressure-free space where everyone can participate."
The Friendship Festival was more than just a day of fun—it was a testament to the power of community, inclusion, and the simple joy of friendship.
Do you have a promising practice or success story you would like to share with the recreation sector? Contact Kerri Jack at
Province-wide Parks & Trails Restrictions
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As of 4 pm on August 5, 2025, the Province of Nova Scotia has enacted a woods closure under the Forests Act, restricting all travel in wooded areas. This includes Crown and private lands, to reduce wildfire risk under the extremely dry conditions we have experienced.
What the Woods Closure Means:
- No hiking, camping, fishing, or vehicular access in any wooded area
- Applies to public and private lands – landowners can use trails on their own land, but cannot host others to use the wooded areas on their properties
- Areas like beaches and some open parks remain open, but trail systems within woodlands are off limits
Impacts on Recreation and Guidance for the Sector:
- Inform program participants and community members that wooded trails are closed until the proclamation is rescinded
- Identify areas that remain accessible and encourage outdoor recreation in these spaces, such as beaches, open parks, and maintained trails outside of woodlands
- Where possible, seek alternatives for programming settings for continuity, such as alternative open spaces not affected by the proclamation
- Remind staff, volunteers, and community members of the intent behind closures – protection of natural spaces, given the extremely dry conditions
- Stay informed via the Province’s Burn Map
To help guide your next steps, here are some examples of recreation department actions and statements from August 5, 2025:
- Town of Bridgewater: https://www.bridgewater.ca/news-events/latest-news/3564-parks-and-trails-closure-information
- Town of Kentville: https://kentville.ca/news/announcements/05-08-2025/new-provincial-restrictions-trail-use-and-access-woodlands-august-5
- Halifax Regional Municipality: https://www.halifax.ca/home/news/residents-advised-restrictions-woods-municipal-park-spaces
Here are some air quality index resources:
The forests, trail systems, and natural areas of Nova Scotia support recreation and leisure programming all year-round, but particularly in the summer months. We recognize the challenge that this presents to the work of the recreation sector, as well as all those community members who rely upon these outdoor spaces for supporting mental health, social connection, and promoting physical activity. However, by complying with the current proclamation, we play our role in protecting the people and places we care about and ensuring the safety of the woodlands for future activity once the restrictions are lifted and well beyond.
Full Nova Scotia News Release: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2025/08/05/travel-activities-woods-restricted-prevent-wildfires