Canada Healthy Communities Initiative

Public spaces are a big part of what makes communities safe, vibrant, and connected. They enable a feeling of belonging, places where we return to in work and play, and where we make new connections.

 

Community Foundations of Canada (CFC) and Canadian Urban Institute are partnering to deliver the new Canada Healthy Communities Initiative (CHCI) with local community foundations. The CHCI is a $31 million investment from the Government of Canada that will support communities as they adapt public spaces for the new realities of the pandemic.

 

Round Two: Applications open May 14 - June 25, 2021

Applications for Round 1 are now closed. We have received a significant volume of applications for the first round of the Healthy Communities Initiative. Reviews are currently underway and applicants will receive an update of when they can expect results.

The CHCI will help communities respond to immediate needs caused by the pandemic and help with recovery programs.

Funding will support small-scale local projects to adapt public infrastructure to COVID-19. Funding ranging from $5,000-$100,000 is available for projects that:

  • create safe and vibrant public spaces,
  • improve mobility options and/or
  • provide innovative digital solutions to connect people and improve health.

A total of $970,000 is available for the BC Central, North and Vancouver Island Region. 40% will be allocated through the first funding call and 60% through the second.

Applications for large projects ranging from $100,000 to 250,000 are also open, check here for more details.

More Information:

Projects must:

  • respond to identified needs arising from impacts of COVID-19;
  • create and adapt public spaces, and programming and services for public spaces in the public interest;
  • engage the community;
  • serve and be accessible to the public and/or a community disproportionately impacted by COVID-19; and,
  • fall within the three CHCI theme areas.

Who is eligible to apply for CHCI?

  • municipalities and local or regional governments
  • municipally-owned corporations
  • indigenous governing bodies, including a band council, a First Nation, Inuit or Metis government, or Tribal council
  • federally or provincially incorporated not-for-profits

CHCI themes:

  1. Safe & vibrant public spaces
    • community projects that create and adapt public spaces, and programming and services for public spaces that improves open spaces, parks, commercial main streets, and access to other amenities
    • community projects that adapt public spaces to meet public health guidance
  2. Improved mobility options
    • community projects that deliver a range of transportation and mobility options or adaptations that permit physical distancing through solutions that increase safe social connectivity, walkability, bike-ability and access to public transit
    • community projects that improve pedestrian and cyclist safety through roadway, sidewalk or crosswalk improvements and adaptations
  3. Digital solutions
    • community projects that provide digital solutions that use data and technology in innovative ways to connect people and improve health
    • community projects that use digital technologies and solutions to encourage citizen engagement, use open data, online platforms or physical digital devices for public benefit

 

Apply Now

Questions?

The Canada Healthy Communities Initiative for the BC Central, North and Vancouver Island Region is being co-led by the Prince George Community Foundation with the support of Community Foundations across the Region.

Contact: Mindy Stroet, Director of Development at Prince George Community Foundation

250-562-7772