Canada Healthy Communities Initiative

ICLEI Canada is taking part in a new Healthy Communities Initiative

COVID-19 has seriously impacted our access and use of public spaces which are the glue to our communities. They are a big part of what makes communities safe, vibrant and connected.

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. We are proud to be working with Community Foundations of Canada and the Canadian Urban Institute with the support of the Government of Canada to support organizations that are showing creativity and resourcefulness in creating solutions that enable people to connect and access public spaces safely while still respecting public health measures. Organizations can apply from February 9, 2021, at 1:00 PM EST until March 9, 2021, at 5:00 PM PST. A second application period for funding will take place starting in May 2021. Visit healthycommunitiesinitiative.ca to find out more about how to apply, explore resources for applicants and sign up for community mobilization sessions.

About the Healthy Communities Initiative

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.

Healthy Communities Initiative projects will create safe and vibrant public spaces, improve mobility options and provide innovative digital solutions to connect people and improve health.

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. Local governments, charities, Indigenous communities and nonprofits are all welcome to apply for funding.

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.

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.

Application Process

Organizations can apply to the Healthy Communities Initiative starting February 9, 2021, at 1:00 PM EST through March 9, 2021, at 5:00 PM PST.

Visit healthycommunitiesinitiative.ca to find out more about how to apply, explore resources for applicants and sign up for community mobilization sessions.

ICLEI Canada Takes Part in CHCI

ICLEI Canada is excited to be teaming up with Community Foundations of Canada and other partners to fund projects through the Healthy Communities Initiative.

Stay tuned or contact us for more information on how you and your organization can participate in the Healthy Communities Initiative.

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Photo Credits: Photo of person walking on road by Leo Cardelli from Pexels, lens ball on ground by Mac Mullins from Pexels, blue jeans by VisionPic.net