Public spaces are the glue to our communities: they enable a feeling of belonging, of social cohesion and encourage our sense of collective identity. COVID-19 has seriously constrained our access and use of these spaces in communities across Canada. Impacts of the virus have also been extraordinarily uneven, underscoring inequalities across communities and disproportionately impacting those who are already experiencing vulnerability as a result of systemic inequalities.
In the face of these challenges, communities have been extraordinarily resourceful and resilient in improvising temporary and longer-lasting solutions to the challenges of COVID-19. Many are undertaking work for immediate needs but also thinking about how to build pandemic-resilient spaces for the future. We are seeing new digital solutions, that allow people and communities to feel connected, safe and healthy all while respecting public health measures and norms such as physical distancing and mask-wearing.
The Healthy Communities Initiative will provide funding to a broad range of organizations, including local governments, charities, Indigenous communities and nonprofits, for projects, programming and services that help communities :
create safe and vibrant public spaces
improve mobility options
provide innovative digital solutions
The application deadline for the Healthy Communities Initiative has now closed. Results are available here.
See the interactive map and dive into the projects taking place in your community.
The Canada Healthy Communities Initiative partners are experts in building vibrant, equitable and livable public spaces and include: the Canadian Urban Institute, 880 Cities, Park People, Vivre en Ville, MaRS, Canadian CED Network, ICLEI, Network for the Advancement of Black Communities, the National Association of Friendship Centres and Jay Pitter Placemaking.
Applicant guide for the Healthy Communities Initiative that supports communities as they create and adapt public spaces, and programming and services for public spaces to respond to ongoing needs arising from COVID-19 over the next two years. This will fund small-scale infrastructure projects to create safer, more vibrant and inclusive communities.
Document provided from Canada's Healthy Communities Initiative on how to lead an equitable adjudication process.
A recording of the launch event on February 9, 2021 for Canada's Healthy Communities Initiative.
Projects funded through the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative (CHCI), activated by Community Foundations of Canada, can only be made to Eligible Organizations. Community-led organizations or community groups not listed as eligible may indirectly apply to the CHCI by entering into an intermediary relationship or by finding a collaborator on the project who is an eligible…
Budget template for Canada's Healthy Communities Initiative.
This webinar is designed to help applicants through the process of applying to the Healthy Communities Initiative.
