CFKR Announces Canada Healthy Communities Initiative Round 1 Funding

Elkford, Sparwood, Fernie, & Cranbrook, BC (June 7, 2021) – The Community Foundation of the Kootenay Rockies (CFKR), along with six of its fellow Community Foundations in the BC Southern Hub (Community Foundation of the South Okanagan, Central Okanagan Foundation, North Okanagan Foundation, SurreyCares Community Foundation,  Maple Ridge Community Foundation, Port Moody Community Foundation) are announcing $624,856 in funding to support ten projects in southern BC as part of the first round of the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative.

Through the $31-million Canada Healthy Communities Initiative, the Government of Canada, alongside Community Foundations of Canada, is building safer spaces and ensuring a higher quality of life for people across the country, by helping communities adapt to the challenges presented by COVID-19.

“In the East Kootenay, I am thrilled that Wildsight Elk Valley has received $88,000 for the EcoGarden – Learning & Growing Space project in Fernie,” said Lynnette Wray, CFKR Executive Director. “In Round 1, the BC-Southern Hub received funding applications totalling over $6 million, and I am so pleased that this local project has been funded through this initiative,” said Wray. 

According to Dawn Deydey, Wildsight Elk Valley Community Program Coordinator, “We are so grateful for the opportunity to expand the Community EcoGarden in Prentice Park. This funding will support the construction of a covered learning area for outdoor education with schools and community groups. It will also allow us to expand our gardening spaces, providing more community members with the opportunity to grow the food they eat.”

The BC Southern Community Foundations are supporting the following projects as part of the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative:

  1. $88,000 was invested to fund the Wildsight Elk Valley for the EcoGarden – Learning & Growing Space project (Fernie);
  2. $55,000 was invested to fund the Rotary Club of Nakusp Society for The Nakusp Natural Adventure Park project;
  3. $20,000 was invested to fund The Sharing Farm for the Growing Food, Growing Community project (Richmond);
  4. $99,000 was invested to fund the Sqilxw Apna for the N’sis’ooloxw Pathways project (Vernon);
  5. $66,000 was invested to fund the Pedal Foundation for the Oppenheimer Bicycle Repair Clinics project (Vancouver);
  6. $64,251 was invested to fund the District of Mission Parks, Recreation & Culture for the Youth/Community Centre project;
  7. $74,958 was invested to fund the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre for the Welcome to Nikkei Garden project (Burnaby);
  8. $72,000 was invested to fund the Friends of Okanagan Rail Trail for the Okanagan Rail Trail: Northern Gateway Welcome/Way-finding Station project;
  9. $43,000 was invested to fund the Canadian Society Promoting Environmental Conservation for the From local farms to our connected tables, Food for everyone project (Vancouver);
  10. $42,647 was invested to fund the Oliver Parks and Recreation Society for the Get out and Play: Oliver Racquet Sport Court Development project.

“The projects we’re announcing today demonstrate the creativity and commitment of communities and community partners across Canada to respond to the unique needs of their residents and create a high quality of life for them as they continue to remain vigilant in this pandemic.” stated The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “Through these projects, and the many more that will be announced in the coming weeks, the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative will help Canadians and their families enjoy safer, more vibrant, and inclusive communities now and into the future. It’s through investments in infrastructure that we’re working to ensure outcomes with triple benefits – growing our economy, fighting climate change, and reducing social inequality and ensuring a better quality of life of all Canadians.” 

“COVID-19 has put a serious strain on cities and towns across our country, impacting the way our neighbourhoods look, work, and feel. In response, the Government of Canada has introduced the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative, designed to bring joy back to our streets in a safe and innovative way. We’ve seen many innovative projects, like the ones announced today, roll in from across the country and we’re excited to see how they enhance the lives of Canadians from coast to coast to coast.” said Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and Member of Parliament for Halifax

The second round of applications is now open from May 14, 2021, and closes on June 25, 2021. Applicants wishing to apply for the second round can access further details at www.cfso.net.

About CHCI

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 community-led infrastructure 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. A variety of community-led organizations are eligible to apply, including local governments, charities, Indigenous communities, and registered non-profit organizations.