As Canadians continue to adapt to the realities of COVID-19, local governments and community partners across the country are adapting their spaces and services to keep residents safe and healthy, support economic recovery, create jobs, and build vibrant, resilient communities.

Today, the Shuswap Community Foundation and the Prince George Community Foundation are announcing $394,868 in funding to support 18 projects in the Central, North & Vancouver Island Region of BC as part of the first round of the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative. Through the $31-million Canada Healthy Communities Initiative, the Government of Canada, alongside Community Foundations of Canada, is building safer spaces and ensuring a higher quality of life for people across the country, by helping communities adapt to the challenges presented by COVID-19.

The BC Central, Northern & Vancouver Island Community Foundations are supporting the following projects as part of the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative Round 1:

  • $ 5,945 was invested to fund Mackenzie Public Library for their tablet lending library.
  • $ 6,950 to the Pacific Board Culture Society for their Mobile Skate Parks for Indigenous Communities.
  • $ 7,000 to Squamish Nation for the Swxw7mesh Community Gathering Gazebos project.
  • $ 9,000 to Southern Gulf Islands Community Resource Centre Society for the Feeding the People of the Southern Gulf Islands initiative.
  • $ 11,000 to Bread for Life Centre for their Outdoor Seating Area project.
  • $ 13,500 to the YMCA of Northern BC for their Communication & Connection for Complex Care Residents and Loved Ones project.
  • $ 16,600 to Thetis Island Community Association for Forbes Hall.
  • $ 18,000 to the Lake Trail Community Education Society for their Lake Trail Community Garden and Outdoor Hub.
  • $ 22,800 to Wrinch Memorial Foundation Society for the Hazelton Community Garden Revitalization project.
  • $ 24,752 to the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations for their Community Through Cabins project.
  • $ 25,000 to the Kamloops Food Policy Council for the Butler Urban Farm: A Health Promoting Public Space project.
  • $ 30,000 to the Village of Ashcroft for the Ashcroft Downtown Community Garden project.
  • $ 34,093 to the Ladysmith Family & Friends Society for their Sheltering Vulnerable Families.
  • $ 38,400 to Houston Link to Learning for their Community Garden Project.
  • $ 42,643 to the Fort Nelson First Nation for their Together, Under one Roof initiative.
  • $ 56,960 to the Stewart Community Connections Society for their Backyard Connections Project.
  • $ 27,225 to Qqs Projects Society for the Ksts ppuws: Haizaqv Community Food Security initiative.
  • $ 5,000 to Graham Island East Coast Farmer’s Institute: Queen Charlotte Farmers Market for their Mobility Ramps & Covered Outdoor Vendor Spaces.

“The projects we’re announcing today demonstrates the creativity and commitment of communities and community partners across Canada to respond to the unique needs of their residents and create a high quality of life for them as they continue to remain vigilant in this pandemic. Through these projects, and the many more that will be announced in the coming weeks, the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative will help Canadians and their families enjoy safer, more vibrant, and inclusive communities now and into the future. It’s through investments in infrastructure that we’re working to ensure outcomes with triple benefits – growing our economy, fighting climate change, and reducing social inequality and ensuring a better quality of life of all Canadians.” 

The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

“COVID-19 has put a serious strain on cities and towns across our country, impacting the way our neighbourhoods look, work, and feel. In response, the Government of Canada has introduced the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative, designed to bring joy back to our streets in a safe and innovative way. We’ve seen many innovative projects, like the ones announced today, roll in from across the country and we’re excited to see how they enhance the lives of Canadians from coast to coast to coast.”

Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and Member of Parliament for Halifax

Mindy Stroet, Director of Development for the Prince George Community Foundation & Roger Parenteau, Manager of the Shuswap Community Foundation stated, “Communities know best what kind of projects have the greatest impact for their residents and local economies as they respond to the unique challenges presented by COVID-19. That is why it’s great to see so many projects supported across our region that will directly benefit residents.  Through the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative, we are proud to support community-driven solutions that allow Canadians to safely participate in daily social and economic activities.”

To learn more about this program or to apply for Round 2 click here.  Round 2 is open until 5:00 pm PST Friday, June 25th, 2021.