Words We Use glossary

Benefits of Recreation is a term used in our field to recognize that recreation contributes to positive personal, social, environmental and economic outcomes. 

The Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines combine physical activity and sedentary behaviour guidelines and include sleep, showing the important interrelationship between all three behaviours.

The 2025-2035 Canadian Sport Policy guides and inspires everyone to work together to create sport environments that focus on people, reflect shared values, and enhance the health and culture of Canada and its communities.

Updated September 2025

Capital Budget is a budget for building, and in some cases maintaining, a permanent facility, structure, space or large piece of equipment.

Capital Expenses refer to costs for building or establishing a permanent facility, structure, space or equipment.

Community Building in recreation settings is focused on supporting and empowering people to build relationships and a culture that enriches lives, promotes active and healthy lifestyles, and provides opportunities for individual and community growth.

Community Capacity is a combination of a community’s commitment, resources, and skills. It takes leadership and effort to incrementally influence community capacity. Strengthening community capacity builds skills and relationships that foster health and well-being.

A Community Recreation Plan connects to local government plans, reflects community values and interests, gives consideration to the available resources, and answers three questions: Where are we now? Where would we like to be? How are we going to get there? A plan prioritizes actions based on the current state of recreation and a practical vision of the future and justifies the investment of resources into recreation infrastructure, services and programs.

Community-Driven Recreation recognizes that people, parents, teens, coaches, and volunteers are the informal leaders who make recreation happen; activities are meaningful and accessible when they are created by the community for its own benefit.

Cultural Activities reflect local heritage, social traditions and popular trends.