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 Ministry of Infrastructure and Communities announced $65,000 for two projects in North Bay being led by The Gathering Place, North Bay’s Community Soup Kitchen and Downtown North Bay and Waterfront as part of the first round of the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative.

The Honourable Anthony Rota, Member of Parliament for Nipissing-Timiskaming says, “I’m happy to see two great organizations getting funding for worthwhile projects that will help residents of North Bay and Nipissing-Timiskaming.”

Downtown North Bay and Waterfront will receive $50,000.00 to make small infrastructure improvements at four designated outdoor sites within its current boundaries by installing ambient lighting and paving a multi use parking lot. In tandem these improvements will increase daily foot traffic by promoting outdoor, self-guided interactions that can be shared individually or in a group setting.

Executive Director of Downtown North Bay Amber Livingstone (https://youtu.be/VIRe6qmn-dg) says, “Downtown North Bay & Waterfront is excited that our application to transform public spaces within the Downtown was successful. We look forward to continuing to improve the area for our community members through this project.”

The Gathering Place will receive $15,000.00 to work in co-operation with the Children's Aid Society in building a community garden at a former school playground. The plan is to work with community partners and the city of North Bay to build garden boxes in the playground area, to turn the pavement into green space. The fruit and vegetables produced will then be distributed by our Food Outreach team to various vulnerable population groups within the city of North Bay and surrounding area. 

Gathering Place Executive Director Dennis Chippa (https://youtu.be/n1YPj37mKrU) says, “We are thrilled to be starting this project with a new community partner in the Children’s Aid Society. The new garden spot will allow us to not only grow more fresh produce for our kitchen, our outreach partners and the youth involved in the project, but it will also allow us to provide some educational components to the youth on not only gardening but the importance of sustainability and healthy eating."

Rota says, “Both of these organizations have operated successful community projects in the past and I’m excited to see the results of these new ventures. Our community groups know best what kind of projects will have the greatest impact for the residents and local economies as they respond to the unique challenges presented by COVID-19. That’s why it’s great to see both organizations supported through the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative.”

The Canada Healthy Communities Initiative was created to help communities adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic and create safe ways for residents to access services and enjoy the outdoors. The Initiative is designed to fund eligible projects between $5,000 and $250,000 that fall under three main themes: creating safe and vibrant public spaces, improving mobility options, and digital solutions.

Community Foundations of Canada together with its partners, including the Canadian Urban Institute, is working with community foundations across the country to manage the funding process and serve the distinct needs of communities across Canada, including equity-seeking groups, interested in applying.

The second intake for the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative will open on May 14, 2021, and close on June 25, 2021.

Rota says, “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. 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. That’s why I’m encouraging local organizations to send in their applications for the second intake.”

Visit healthycommunitiesinitiative.ca to find out more about how to apply, explore resources for applicants and sign up for community mobilization sessions.

Associated links

Canada Healthy Communities Initiative – Application Portal: healthycommunitiesinitiative.ca

Infrastructure Canada: Canada Healthy Communities Initiative: https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/chci-iccs/index-eng.html

Canada’s Minister of Infrastructure and Communities announces direct help for bright ideas to make safer, pandemic-resilient communities: https://www.canada.ca/en/office-infrastructure/news/2020/08/direct-help-for-bright-ideas-to-make-safer-pandemic-resilient-communities.html