Over $1.6 Million to Build North Bay’s First Cricket Ground
July 17, 2025NORTH BAY – Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing, announced that the Ontario government is investing $1,675,000 for North Bay’s first Cricket ground. This investment is part of the province’s $200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF), a province-wide initiative that helps communities revitalize local facilities, grow the economy, and promote active, healthy living across Ontario.
“We are thrilled to congratulate the City of North Bay on receiving this funding to build new cricket grounds through the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure,” said MPP Vic Fedeli. “By increasing sport and recreational opportunities for families, our government is committed to investing in vibrant, healthy communities here in Nipissing and across Ontario.”
This project will establish a regulation-sized cricket pitch to cater to the recreational needs of North Bay’s diverse population. It will help attract and retain new residents, fostering community engagement. It will also enhance sport tourism, benefiting the local hospitality industry.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the Province of Ontario for this investment through the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund,” said Mayor Peter Chirico. “We’re proud to support the growth of cricket in North Bay and look forward to the opportunities that our first regulation-sized cricket grounds will bring. This project will strengthen community connections and enhance recreational opportunities for all.
“At a time when Ontario families are facing rising costs due to tariffs, our government is proud to support organizations focused on delivering better services for people while breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for children and young people,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. “With investments in infrastructure like this, we are protecting Ontario jobs, strengthening our communities and building a more resilient and self-reliant economy.”
CSRIF is a key part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario workers, businesses and families by unleashing the economy and getting more shovels in the ground, with a historic $200 billion investment to build highways, hospitals, transit, schools and other critical infrastructure across the province.
QUICK FACTS
- The Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF) is an application-based program providing a $200 million investment over two years. It supports municipalities, Indigenous communities, and non-profit organizations, through two streams: one for repairing and rehabilitating existing sport and recreation facilities and spaces, and another for building new or transformative sport and recreation infrastructure.
- Each year, Ontario invests $32 million in community recreation programs to help achieve active, healthy communities across the province, including Ontario’s After School Program, the Inclusive Grassroots Recreation program and the Ontario Amateur Sport Fund.
- Sport contributes more than $7.5 billion to Ontario’s economy every year, creating tens of thousands of meaningful and good-paying jobs in every corner of the province.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES