The Healthy Communities Initiative is a $31 million investment from the Government of Canada to transform public spaces in response to COVID-19.

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 portal is now closed and Round 2 applicants will receive results by September 27th, 2021. 

Healthy Communities Initiative: Round 1 Results

See the interactive map and dive into the projects taking place in your community.

Learn more about the CHCI partners

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.