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.
Prince George Community Foundation has announced $906,573 in funding to support 17 projects in the Central, North, and Vancouver Island region of B.C. as part of the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative. Through the $60-million Initiative, the Government of Canada, alongside Community Foundations of Canada, is building safer spaces and improving quality of life for people across the country by helping communities adapt to the challenges presented by COVID-19. There are over 1000 projects taking place across the country, including in every province and territory.
“Public spaces are the glue to our communities: they enable a feeling of belonging and of social cohesion,” said Mindy Stroet, Director of Development for the Prince George Community Foundation. “They are a big part of what makes communities safe, vibrant and connected. As Central, North, & Vancouver Island Regions of BC face increased isolation due to COVID-19, 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.”
The BC Central, Northern & Vancouver Island Community Foundations are supporting the following projects as part of the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative:
● Bread of Life Centre in Port Alberni ($35,901): provide nutritious meals to those that need it.
● Bulkley Valley Regional Pool & Recreation ($45,963): update their facilities.
● Corporation of the Village of Burns Lake ($25,030): build a dual-season sport court.
● The Charlie Lake Parent Advisory Committee ($5,767): replace a playground.
● Cortes Community Housing Society ($99,000): support The Pod: A mobile Community Resource Centre & Connectivity Hub.
● Deer Crossing the Art Farm ($50,000): support the Inventia Project.
● District of Squamish ($99,891): revitalizing community spaces to be accessible.
● Esquimalt Community Arts Hub ($40,000): support the Esquimalt Mural Festival.
● Kamloops Naturalist Club ($15,000): support Sustainability Stories: Building Community Resiliency through Storytelling.
● Parksville & District Historical Society ($94,500): convert an open-air structure into an active community space.
● Peace Liard Regional Arts Council ($9,250): enhance their programming through digital means.
● Prince George Cycling Club ($45,963): revitalize trails at Pidherny Recreational site.
● Revelstoke Arts Council ($30,000): support Art Galleries – permanent outdoor art galleries.
● Roberts Creek Community Association ($65,000): build a wheelchair accessible outdoor patio.
● Stewart Community Connections Society ($100,000): support the Backyard Connections Project.
● Vancouver Adaptive Snow Sports ($90,000): support the creation of the Pocket Instructor Training App.
● Vancouver Island Regional Library ($7,061): support the creation of the Library Mural in the Diana Krall Plaza.
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