The Government of Canada has launched the first application intake for projects under the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative, which is helping support a green and resilient recovery for communities across the country.

The federal government is funding eligible projects that fall under three main themes: creating safe and vibrant public spaces, improving mobility options, and digital solutions. The goal is to fund projects that can quickly help communities adapt to the challenges presented by COVID-19 as they continue to navigate the pandemic.

“Local communities are on the front lines of the pandemic and best understand their needs. Today, we’re inviting local organizations to pitch community-led ideas to improve neighbourhood life during COVID-19 and beyond — from pop-up bike paths and pathways to community gardens, outdoor art installations and WiFi hubs,” said Catherine McKenna, Ministry of Infrastructure and Communities.

Projects could include widening sidewalks and adding signage to support physical distancing in busy areas, expanding community gardens and farmers’ markets to increase access to healthy and affordable food, building pop-up lanes for bikes, scooters, and personal mobility devices to allow people to move around their communities safely, or developing apps or other digital tools to allow residents to safely access services remotely.

“Communities have moved quickly over the past year to find new ways for people to connect and support one another while responding to changing public health requirements,” said Mary Rowe, president and CEO of the Canadian Urban Institute. “The Canada Healthy Communities Initiative will support that kind of innovation and help communities, and community-based organizations, create more equitable, resilient and livable cities while continuing to respond to the realities of COVID-19.”

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The Canada Healthy Communities Initiative was created to help communities adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic and create safe ways for residents to access services and enjoy the outdoors.

Community Foundations of Canada was selected through an open call for applications to implement a national project over a two year period. Together with its partners, including the Canadian Urban Institute, it will work with pan-Canadian networks to manage the funding process and serve the distinct needs of communities across Canada, including equity-seeking groups interested in applying.

Applicants can apply for funding ranging from $5,000 to $250,000 for eligible projects, within an overall envelope of $31 million in federal government funding.  Local governments and a variety of community-led organizations are eligible to apply, including  charities, Indigenous communities, and registered non-profit organizations.

The application period for the first round of funding will close on March 9, 2021 at 5:00PM PST.

For further information, click here:

Infrastructure Canada: Canada Healthy Communities Initiative

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