Golden Horseshoe Hub takes part in Canada Healthy Communities Initiative

Oakville, Ont., February 10, 2021 – The Golden Horseshoe Hub in Southern Ontario announced today they will work together to distribute $1,840,190 to transform public spaces in response to COVID-19. Funding will flow over two application rounds.

The Hub is led by the Oakville Community Foundation and includes: Brampton and Caledon Community Foundation, Brant County Community Foundation, Burlington Foundation, Community Foundation of Halton North, Hamilton Community Foundation, Community Foundation of Mississauga and Niagara Community Foundation.

This funding is part of the Government of Canada’s new $31 million Healthy Communities Initiative and will support community-led organizations in developing local, small-scale infrastructure projects that respond to the immediate needs arising from COVID-19, while building towards a more pandemic-resilient future.

Starting today, organizations are invited to apply for funding between $5,000 and $250,000 to lead projects that help create safe and vibrant public spaces, improve mobility options, and provide digital solutions to help their neighbourhoods or communities navigate the pandemic and look to build back better in the COVID-19 recovery. This could include projects that adapt crosswalks and access to public transport to allow for safe physical distancing, the creation of community gardens, and art installations, and free wifi in targeted public spaces. A variety of community-led organizations are eligible to apply, including local governments, charities, Indigenous communities, and registered non-profit organizations.

Organizations can apply here for First Round funding from February 9, 2021 until March 9, 2021, at 8:00 PM EST. A second application period for funding will start in May 2021.

“Public spaces are so important to our communities: they encourage a feeling of belonging. They are a big part of what makes communities safe, vibrant and connected,” said Wendy Rinella, CEO, Oakville Community Foundation. “We look forward to supporting projects that will create inclusive and engaging spaces through small-scale infrastructure solutions, programming and services.”