Our Strategic Outlook
This document outlines the strategic foundations of the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA). These foundations are rooted in the Framework for Recreation in Canada. Strategic actions are organized under three overarching areas of strategic focus: sector collaboration and leadership, support and development, and advocacy and influence. To bring these actions to life, the CPRA professional team develops an annual work plan which is reviewed monthly. Progress is presented to the CPRA Board of Directors at regular intervals throughout the year.
About Us
Our Purpose
To champion the vital contribution the recreation and parks sector makes towards creating healthy, vibrant, and resilient communities across Canada.
Our Future
A Canada where vibrant public spaces, parks, programs, and services thrive, enrich every community, and enhance the wellbeing of all who live in Canada.
Our Approach
Sector Collaboration and Leadership (Community)
We convene, connect, and create a community of practitioners, municipalities, and individuals, empowering them to strengthen local recreation and parks efforts through partnership and engagement.
Support and Development (Resources)
We provide essential knowledge, tools, and funding programs—such as Green Jobs, the National Safe Swimming Recovery Program, and Reaching Each and Every One—to support effective planning, management, and innovation, empowering communities and increasing equitable access to recreation and parks opportunities.
Advocacy and Influence (Voice)
We advocate for public policies that yield healthy, vibrant, accessible parks, public spaces, programs, and services, which improve community health, vitality, and resilience.
Our Pledge
We pledge to foster collaboration, share resources, and build connections that empower communities to thrive and create a healthier, more resilient Canada. Through the development, promotion, and implementation of public policies and initiatives, we commit to enhancing lives, sustaining our sector, and protecting our shared natural and community resources.
Our Alliance
CPRA exists to advance the national interests of the recreation and parks sector in Canada in service of enhancing individual and community wellbeing, sustaining our sector, and protecting our shared natural and community resources.
We are committed to supporting our members—the 13 provincial and territorial recreation and parks associations. By bringing these associations and their extensive networks together, CPRA connects with over 95% of Canadian municipalities, amplifying our collective impact across the country.
Our Values
Recreation and Parks
Championing recreation and parks as a public good, essential to public health, quality of life, and social connection.
Recreation and Parks Professionals
Honouring the dedication, expertise, and passion of the professionals who bring our programs, facilities, and communities to life. Their invaluable contributions are the foundation to creating a brighter, more sustainable world where we can live, work, play, and thrive—a world we are proud to pass on to future generations.
Inclusion and Equity
Creating accessible recreation and parks opportunities for all. We are committed to fostering an environment where participants, professionals, practitioners, and volunteers have equal opportunities to participate fully.
Sustainability
Advocating for sustainability in all aspects of recreation and parks, including the sustainability of the sector itself. We are well-positioned to contribute to a wide range of issues, including mitigating climate change, enhancing climate resilience, and contributing to the economy through the creation of green jobs.
Measuring Impact
Measuring the profound contribution recreation and parks make to public health, social cohesion, and our overall wellbeing.
Areas of Focus
The Canadian Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA) is committed to advancing the recreation and parks sector across Canada by focusing on three key areas: Sector Collaboration and Leadership; Support and Development; and Advocacy and Influence. These pillars reflect our purpose of championing the role recreation and parks play in fostering community wellbeing, inclusion, and quality of life for all who live in Canada.
Through sector Collaboration and Leadership, we unite and empower professionals across Canada to drive meaningful connections and build a thriving network. Through Support and Development, we equip the sector with essential resources, training, and research to address new challenges and opportunities. Through Advocacy and Influence, we amplify the sector’s voice to ensure our sector is appropriately considered by policymakers in the national public policy discussion.
Together, these strategic areas guide our work, ensuring CPRA continues to make a lasting, positive impact for communities nationwide.
Explore the Areas of Focus below.
Community
- Host annual membership meetings, sector conferences, and workshops to foster unity and collaboration across the recreation and parks sector in Canada.
- Work with members to develop and promote workforce development initiatives that attract and retain sector professionals to meet the workforce demands of the sector.
- Promote CPRA Connect as a centralized knowledge hub that facilitates information sharing and innovation across the sector.
- Strengthen partnerships with related organizations and stakeholders to enhance sector-wide collaboration and impact.
- Engage with international partners.
Resource
- Pursue and secure federal funding that helps the sector deliver value to the communities we serve while also advancing federal public policy priorities.
- Lead efforts to renew the Framework for Recreation in Canada and support sector professionals in its implementation.
- Develop and distribute data and resources to sector professionals so they have the tools they need to advance our shared sector priorities.
- Organize webinars and training sessions that address current trends and challenges in the sector.
- Formulate partnerships with academic institutions to advance workforce development and to foster research and innovation within the recreation and parks sector.
Voice
- Engage with policymakers through regular meetings and briefings to ensure the needs and perspectives of the recreation and parks sector are represented in the public policy conversation.
- Host annual CPRA Day on the Hill to facilitate direct dialogue between sector leaders and policymakers.
- Launch targeted advocacy campaigns that raise awareness about the value of recreation and parks among policymakers.
- Identify, conduct, and disseminate research that supports our advocacy efforts and highlights the sector's contributions to public health and community wellbeing.
- Play a leadership role in aligning our federal, provincial/territorial, and municipal advocacy efforts.
Learn More
Our Strategic Outlook highlights the values, priorities, and focus areas driving our efforts to support recreation and parks across Canada. If you’d like to explore the full Strategic Outlook in detail, click below to download or read it.
Download the Strategic Outlook 2025-2028
Additionally, don’t miss the opportunity to contribute to the Framework for Recreation in Canada Renewal, which shapes the future of recreation and parks by addressing today’s pressing challenges like climate change, demographic shifts, and community resilience. Learn more and share your input here.
Finally, check out our 2025 Pre-Budget Submission to see how CPRA is advocating for critical investments in recreation and parks that benefit communities nationwide. Read the submission and join the conversation here.
Advocacy Priorities
In our continuous effort to champion the recreation and parks sector, the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA) has identified several key advocacy priorities that are critical to advancing our mission and enhancing the impact of our work. The list of priorities is informed by a combination of valuable feedback received from our members, initiatives already underway, and the recommendations in CPRA’s pre-budget submission shared with the Finance Committee in advance of the development of Budget 24. These priorities align with sector needs and objectives, ensuring that our efforts contribute constructively to broader public objectives while directly benefiting communities across Canada. By addressing these priorities, CPRA aims to lead transformative change and advocate effectively for policies that support the sector and by extension, the health and wellbeing of Canadians and the communities in which they live. By definition, this list of advocacy priorities is fluid and flexible based on the evolving landscape.
Renew the Framework for Recreation in Canada
Status: In progress
Objective: Funding has been secured to renew the Framework for Recreation in Canada, ensuring it continues to guide and elevate recreation and parks practices across the nation, aligning them with current needs and future aspirations. Renewal process should include a national gathering. Get involved.
Host a Symposium on Equitable Access to Parks
Status: In progress
Objective: Secured funding from Parks Canada aimed at convening sector professionals and leading experts from Canada and around the world to discuss equitable access to parks, planning is underway. Learn more.
Secure Investment in Recreation and Parks Infrastructure
Status: In progress
Objective: Ensure federal budgets include an explicit investment in recreation and parks infrastructure and that federal/provincial
bilateral agreements reflect that investment.
Objective: Influence infrastructure bilateral agreements with Provincial/Territorial governments to ensure recreational infrastructure is appropriately prioritized in a way that reflects the contribution it makes to building healthy, vibrant, and resilient communities.
Administrate Community Sport Programming Funds
Status: In progress
Objective: Administer a portion of the $15 million investment over two years, starting in 2024-25, allocated by the Department of Canadian Heritage to support community sport programming and reduce barriers to sport participation, enhancing access and inclusivity.
Workforce Development
Status: In progress
Objective: Obtain continued funding through the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy to support the ongoing applications and programs that offer employment opportunities and skills development in the recreation and parks sector.
Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program
Status: In progress
Objective: Play a significant role in the administration of the $500 million investment over five years, starting in 2024-25, allocated by Infrastructure Canada to enhance the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program, facilitating more sustainable and inclusive community projects.
Objective: Develop a compelling business case to advocate for increased investment in the GICB program, underscoring the value and impact of expanded funding on community infrastructure and sustainability.