NEWS RELEASE
BARRIE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
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Barrie and Muskoka Community Foundations today announced they will work in the Central Eastern Ontario Region to provide $1,386,780 to transform public spaces in response to COVID-19.
This funding is part of the Government of Canada’s new $31-million Healthy Communities Initiative. This investment by the federal government 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.
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 nonprofit organizations.
Barrie and Muskoka Community Foundations are working alongside Community Foundations of Canada, the Canadian Urban Institute and other partners to serve communities across Canada, including equity-seeking groups interested in applying.
“As we face increased and continued isolation due to COVID-19, the Healthy Communities Initiative will help our community to connect safely and will benefit the mental and physical well-being of our residents. Public spaces and connecting with others are the glue to our communities: these feelings of belonging and of social cohesion are a big part of what makes communities safe, vibrant and connected” said Marshall Green, Chair Barrie Community Foundation.
The application period for the first round of funding closes on March 9, 2021 at 5 PM PST. A second application period for funding will take place starting in May 2021.
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