Healthy Communities Initiative - Community Foundation of the North Okanagan

COVID-19 has seriously impacted our access and use of public spaces which are the glue to our communities. They are a big part of what makes communities safe, vibrant and connected.

The Healthy Communities Initiative is a $31 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. We are proud to be working with CFC and the Government of Canada and other BC Community Foundations in Southern BC to provide $1,562,140 of funding to support organizations that are showing creativity and resourcefulness in creating solutions that enable people to connect and access public spaces safely while still respecting public health measures.

The focus is to support projects that will create safe and vibrant public spaces, improve mobility options and provide innovative digital solutions to connect people and improve health.

Applicant Resources

Apply Here

There are two rounds of applications being accepted:
Round 1 – February 9th – March 9th, 2021 – CLOSED
Round 2 – May 14th – June 25th, 2021

Visit Community Foundation South Okanagan’s page for local information and resources and to find out more about how to apply, explore resources for applicants and sign up for community mobilization sessions, visit canadahealthycommunitiesinitiative.ca

Southern BC Hub Leads:
Funded By:
In Partnership with:

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Creating safe and vibrant public spaces: Projects that create safe and vibrant public spaces improve open spaces, parks, commercial main streets, and access to other public spaces. For example, these projects could create new pedestrian zones, revitalize an alleyway or build a pop-up ice rink.	Improving mobility options: Projects that improve mobility options provide transportation options or adaptations for people to stay safe and physically distant while walking, biking or using public transit access. For example, these projects could add social distancing markings on sidewalks or create traffic calming pop-ups.	Digital solutions: Projects that provide digital solutions use data and technology in innovative ways to connect people, improve health or facilitate public engagement. For example, these projects could install free public wifi hotspots, develop a mental wellbeing app or use an online platform to create virtual town halls.