A New Healthy Initiative for Our Community
COVID-19 has seriously impacted our access and use of public spaces. This is especially true in communities that are already experiencing vulnerability as a result of systemic inequalities.
Organizations have shown creativity and resourcefulness in improvising temporary and longer-lasting solutions that enable people to connect and access public spaces safely while still respecting public health measures, including social distancing and mask-wearing.
About the Healthy Communities Initiative (CHCI)
In Maple Ridge, public spaces are the glue to our community. They are a big part of what makes our community feel safe, vibrant and connected. As a community foundation, the Healthy Communities Initiative will allow us to continue creating inclusive spaces and connections that foster belonging.
The Healthy Communities Initiative is a $31 million investment from the Government of Canada to support communities as they create and adapt public spaces to respond to the new realities of COVID-19.
Funding can be used for adapting public spaces, or for programming or services that respond to COVID-19 and serve the public or a community disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Organizations are encouraged to engage the community when designing their projects.
Our community foundation looks forward to supporting projects in the BC South Region that will create safe and vibrant public spaces, improve mobility options and provide innovative digital solutions to connect people and improve health.
ROUND 1 HAS NOW CLOSED
Click Here to See Canada-Wide Round 1 Results
Click Here to Learn About Funded BC Southern Projects
Creating safe and vibrant public spaces: Projects that create safe and vibrant public spaces improve open spaces, parks, commercial main streets, and access to other public spaces. For example, these projects could create new pedestrian zones, revitalize an alleyway or build a pop-up ice rink.
Improving mobility options: Projects that improve mobility options provide transportation options or adaptations for people to stay safe and physically distant while walking, biking or using public transit access. For example, these projects could add social distancing markings on sidewalks or create traffic calming pop-ups.
Digital solutions: Projects that provide digital solutions use data and technology in innovative ways to connect people, improve health or facilitate public engagement. For example, these projects could install free public wifi hotspots, develop a mental wellbeing app or use an online platform to create virtual town halls.
With funding between $5,000 and $250,000, the Healthy Communities Initiative aims to support local efforts to develop small-scale infrastructure solutions, programming and services for communities across Canada.
Whether it’s pop-up bike paths, community gardens, art installations or Wi-Fi hot spots or other programs and services, Canadians want to be able to work, play and learn in safe, vibrant and inclusive communities.
Local governments, charities, Indigenous communities and nonprofits are all welcome to apply for funding.
Some communities, including low-income and marginalized communities, feel the pandemic’s impacts more than others. Some lack public spaces they can access safely. This funding aims to help address that.
ROUND 2 IS NOW CLOSED, STAY TUNED FOR ROUND 2 RESULTS!