Recreation Nova Scotia

06/05/2026

As we celebrate June is Recreation Month, we also recognize and honour National Indigenous History Month and Pride Month across the province.

We acknowledge the rich histories, cultures, traditions, and ongoing contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples, whose stewardship of the land and waters continues to shape our communities.

We also celebrate the love and diversity of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and communities, whose contributions strengthen and enrich the recreation and parks sector every day.

We encourage all to learn, listen, and celebrate the social tapestries and experiences that enrich our communities and strengthen our connections to one another.

06/04/2026

As we reflect on an incredible week at the 6th Atlantic Recreation & Facilities Conference last month, we want to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who joined us in Halifax for several days of learning, collaboration, and connection.

Under the theme Powering Possibility: Tools for Today's Recreation and Facility Leaders, recreation and facility professionals from across Atlantic Canada came together to share ideas, explore emerging trends, and strengthen the relationships that help move our sector forward.

From inspiring keynote presentations and educational workshops to facility tours, networking events, and the largest exhibitor showcase ever hosted at Halifax's historic VIA Rail Station, the conference was filled with opportunities to learn and connect.

A special congratulations to Janet Campbell the winner of our Conference Evaluation Submission Draw! Thank you to everyone who completed an evaluation and shared feedback to help us continue improving the conference experience.

We are grateful to our planning committee, presenters, sponsors, exhibitors, volunteers, delegates, and provincial partners whose contributions helped make this event such a success.

The momentum continues!

Mark your calendars for the 7th Atlantic Recreation & Facilities Conference, taking place in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, May 10–12, 2028.

We look forward to welcoming recreation and facility leaders from across the region once again.

Recreation Facility Association of NS
Recreation PEI
Recreation Newfoundland and Labrador
Recreation NB / Loisirs N.-B.

06/03/2026

Join us in celebrating National AccessAbility Week from May 31 to June 6!

This year's theme is "Building a Strong, Accessible Canada".

Let's continue to work together to build a country where everyone has an equal opportunity to reach their full potential.

https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/campaigns/national-accessability-week.html

06/01/2026

June is Recreation Month, and it is here!

June is a time to celebrate the power of recreation to bring people together, support healthy lifestyles, and strengthen communities. Whether it's exploring a local trail, joining a community program, playing a sport, volunteering, connecting with nature, or simply spending time with friends and family, recreation helps us thrive.

This month, we encourage all Nova Scotians to get active, try something new, and celebrate the many ways recreation enriches our lives.

Follow along throughout June! We'll be highlighting community champions and innovative initiatives from across Nova Scotia that are making a difference in communities big and small. Keep an eye out for stories, programs, and events that showcase the impact of recreation across the province.

https://www.recreationns.ns.ca/june-is-recreation-month.html

05/22/2026

Day 2 at the Atlantic Recreation & Facilities Conference was packed with inspiration and innovation that will shape the future of recreation across Atlantic Canada.

We kicked off the day with an energizing keynote from Dr. T.A. Loeffler, reminding us that recreation professionals need to prioritize their own wellness, movement, and connection just as much as the communities we serve.

Throughout the day, attendees explored important topics, including:
- Active outdoor play and risky play opportunities
- Sustainability and innovation in ice sports
- High-performance sports field maintenance
- Safe and successful event planning
- Roundtable discussions on arenas, aquatics, events, and programming

Delegates also had the opportunity to experience Halifax firsthand through behind-the-scenes facility tours, including the Halifax Waterfront, Halifax Commons Pool & Oval, and Dalhousie University recreation facilities.

To wrap up an incredible day, attendees gathered for an on-site comedy social, followed by a game night filled with laughter, networking, and great company.

Thank you to all our speakers, sponsors, and attendees for making Day 2 such a success!

We hope you enjoy the last day of the conference, and for those of you travelling, a safe journey home.

Recreation PEI
Recreation Newfoundland and Labrador
Recreation NB / Loisirs N.-B.
Recreation Facility Association of NS

05/22/2026

05/21/2026

Yesterday set the tone for an incredible week here in Halifax at the ARFC!

Yesterday brought together recreation and facilities professionals from across provinces and there was no shortage of great ideas and connections being shared.

Special thanks to knowledge keeper Sunshine Paul-Martin, MLA Lisa Lachance, MP Shannon Miedema and the Honourable, Dave Ritcey for helping us open our conference.

The day wrapped up with an outstanding Exhibitor Showcase featuring 40+ booths and industry partners showcasing innovative products and services supporting the recreation and facilities sector.

Now we are onto Day 2 - We look forward to another great day of sessions, networking, and inspiration.

Recreation Facility Association of NS
Recreation NB / Loisirs N.-B.
Recreation PEI
Recreation Newfoundland and Labrador

05/19/2026

Safe Travels to Halifax!

We’re excited to welcome delegates to the Westin Nova Scotian for the Atlantic Recreation & Facilities Conference beginning tomorrow.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Program and schedule available here: https://arfc.ca/presentations-call/

Recreation PEI
Recreation Newfoundland and Labrador
Recreation NB / Loisirs N.-B.
Recreation Facility Association of NS

05/15/2026

Let’s take a look at some info in RNS’ May newsletter!

If you haven’t yet, don’t forget to subscribe, https://www.recreationns.ns.ca/newsletter-signup.html

PHOTO 1 - We’re excited to announce the dates for Recreation Nova Scotia’s Annual Conference in the Fundy Region! Join us October 14-15 at the Best Western Truro – Glengarry. Don’t forget to get your nominations in for this years Award Banquette.
www.recreationns.ns.ca/awards.

PHOTO 2 - As organizations and teams prepare for a busy summer season, RNS is offering valuable learning opportunities to help you build supportive environments. From Recreation for Mental Health our to Anti-Racism Training in Recreation, RNS has you covered.
https://campus.recreationns.ns.ca/default.php

PHOTO 3 - Organizations can take the Trans Canada Trail Survey to share perspectives on stewardship, funding, governance, and coordination.
https://www.research.net/r/TrailSectorv4

PHOTO 4 - The ParticipACTION Community Challenge is a national campaign that encourages everyone in Canada to make room to move and get active from June 1 to 30. Learn more about the prizes and participation.
https://www.participaction.com/programs/community-challenge/

PHOTO 5 - Are you hosting an event or series of events this June? Please share anything that your organization is doing to participate in June is Recreation Month 2026, by completing the June is Recreation Month Event Submission form: form.jotform.com/261094198890266. Whether it is something big or small, we would love to highlight it in the calendar on the RNS website!

05/14/2026

Recreation Leaders from Across Atlantic Canada Gathering in Halifax for Regional Conference

The Atlantic Recreation & Facilities Conference (ARFC) is just around the corner, with over 200 recreation and facility professionals convening in Halifax from May 20-22.

With an evolving sector called upon to respond to broader community challenges such as emergency response, housing and homelessness, and impacts of climate change, this conference presents a key moment for sector leaders to learn from each other and build knowledge together across the Atlantic region.

Read more: https://www.recreationns.ns.ca/recreation-leaders-from-across-atlantic-canada-gathering-in-halifax-for-regional-conference-2.html

Recreation Newfoundland and Labrador
Recreation PEI
Recreation NB / Loisirs N.-B.
Recreation Facility Association of NS