$906,573.00 being provided to projects in Central, North, & Vancouver Island Regions of BC for community-led infrastructure projects as part of the Government of Canada’s Healthy Communities Initiative
Prince George: Prince George Community Foundation
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, Prince George Community Foundation is announcing $906,573 in funding to support 17 projects in the Central, North, & Vancouver Island Region of BC as part of the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative. Through the $60-million Initiative, the Government of Canada, alongside Community Foundations of Canada, is building safer spaces and improving quality of life for people across the country by helping communities adapt to the challenges presented by COVID-19. There are over 1000 projects taking place across the country, including in every province and territory.
The BC Central, Northern & Vancouver Island Community Foundations are supporting the following projects as part of the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative:
● Bread of Life Centre in Port Alberni ($35,901): provide nutritious meals to those that need it.
● Bulkley Valley Regional Pool & Recreation ($45,963): update their facilities.
● Corporation of the Village of Burns Lake ($25,030): build a dual-season sport court.
● The Charlie Lake Parent Advisory Committee ($5,767): replace a playground.
● Cortes Community Housing Society ($99,000): support The Pod: A mobile Community Resource Centre & Connectivity Hub.
● Deer Crossing the Art Farm ($50,000): support the Inventia Project.
● District of Squamish ($99,891): revitalizing community spaces to be accessible.
● Esquimalt Community Arts Hub ($40,000): support the Esquimalt Mural Festival.
● Kamloops Naturalist Club ($15,000): support Sustainability Stories: Building Community Resiliency through Storytelling.
● Parksville & District Historical Society ($94,500): convert an open-air structure into an active community space.
● Peace Liard Regional Arts Council ($9,250): enhance their programming through digital means.
● Prince George Cycling Club ($45,963): revitalize trails at Pidherny Recreational site.
● Revelstoke Arts Council ($30,000): support Art Galleries – permanent outdoor art galleries.
● Roberts Creek Community Association ($65,000): build a wheelchair accessible outdoor patio.
● Stewart Community Connections Society ($100,000): support the Stewart Active Living Initative.
● Vancouver Adaptive Snow Sports ($90,000): support the creation of the Pocket Instructor Training App.
● Vancouver Island Regional Library ($7,061): support the creation of the Library Mural in the Diana Krall Plaza.
“The investment announced today in support of the Prince George Community Foundation will go a long way toward keeping people safe and healthy. The Government of Canada is proudly committed to helping our communities as they navigate the impacts of COVID-19. These projects announced today through the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative will ensure communities stay connected and resilient.”
The Honourable Dr. Hedy Fry, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities.
“The Government of Canada is committed to working with our trusted community foundations to invest in projects that make our communities more vibrant, liveable, and inclusive. The funding announced, including for projects in Squamish, Gibsons, and Roberts Creek, will help build safer, healthier, and more accessible communities across the province. These investments will open up new and enhance existing gathering spaces, creating jobs and building resilient local economies.”
Patrick Weiler, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country.
“Public spaces are the glue to our communities: they enable a feeling of belonging and of social cohesion. They are a big part of what makes communities safe, vibrant and connected. As Central, North, & Vancouver Island Regions of BC face increased isolation due to COVID-19, these projects from the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative will help our community to connect safely and will benefit the mental and physical well-being of our residents.”
Mindy Stroet, Director of Development for the Prince George Community Foundation
Media Contacts:
Mindy Stroet, CFRE
Director of Development
Prince George Community Foundation
Lead BC Central, Northern & Vancouver
Island Hub
mindy.stroet@pgcf.ca
Ph. 250.562.7772
About CHCI:
About the Healthy Communities Initiative
The Healthy Communities Initiative is a $60 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 is being used to adapt public spaces to 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.
With funding between $5,000 and $250,000, the Healthy Communities Initiative supports local efforts to develop small-scale infrastructure solutions, programming and services for communities across Canada.
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.
Local governments, charities, Indigenous communities and non-profits have all been supported through the Healthy Communities Initiative.
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.
The latest round of funded projects were selected from the reviews previously carried out by community foundations from coast to coast to coast.
Associated links
Canada Healthy Communities Initiative: healthycommunitiesinitiative.ca
Infrastructure Canada: Canada Healthy Communities Initiative: https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/chci-iccs/index-eng.html
