Canada Healthy Communities Initiative
Update
As the application period has closed, Community Foundations of Canada is no longer accepting project proposals for the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative.
Community Foundations of Canada was selected by Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada through an open and competitive call for applications to work directly with communities to identify and fund local projects and solutions to challenges presented by COVID-19.
On this page
About the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative
Public spaces can offer physical and mental health benefits by providing people with places to be active and connect with others. They can also offer opportunities to help local economies grow.
To continue offering these benefits amidst COVID-19 restrictions and beyond, local governments, Indigenous communities and not-for-profit community partners have had to rethink public spaces and how to deliver services safely and equitably.
The Canada Healthy Communities Initiative (CHCI) is providing up to $60.4 million in existing federal funding over five years to help communities adapt public spaces and local services in a way that meets people's needs both during and following the COVID-19 pandemic.
This means that more people will be able to use public spaces and community services, gather at safe distances while respecting public health guidelines and continue to get where they need to go.
CHCI grants support projects that:
- Create safe and vibrant public spaces
- These projects create or adapt existing public places such as parks, commercial main streets, and indoor spaces to enable people to participate safely in cultural or physical activities as well as local businesses.
- Improve mobility options
- These projects deliver a range of transportation and mobility options that allow physical distancing while also making it easier for people to get around in their communities, whether they choose to walk, bike or ride public or private transit.
- Offer digital solutions
- These projects provide digital solutions that connect people, facilitate citizen engagement and support delivery of community services and activities. They also use data and information technology to address evolving community needs.
As part of the broader Government of Canada response to COVID-19, funding for CHCI is sourced from repurposed funds for a second Smart Cities Challenge competition. Like the Smart Cities Challenge, CHCI encourages community-led innovation – including data-driven and digital solutions – that can make people's lives better.
Frequently asked questions
Find answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative.
Report a problem on this page
- Date modified: