Over the past year, individuals, businesses and organisations have all had to adjust to the many changes happening due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

We know that there will be long term impacts and challenges that will continue for the foreseeable future. That is why we created the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative (CHCI). The CHCI is providing up to $31 million in federal funding to support communities as they deploy new ways to adapt spaces and services to respond to immediate and ongoing needs arising from COVID-19.

Although the first phase of applications closed last week, the second phase of applications will open in May. I encourage organisations in Saint Boniface – Saint Vital to apply: non-profits, charities, residents associations, business improvement zones and more. I know that there are many worthy projects that could help improve facilities, programs and services for local residents.

The CHCI is supporting projects under three main themes:

• Creating safe and vibrant public spaces (projects that create or adapt existing public places such as parks, main streets, and indoor spaces that encourage safe cultural or physical activities, and local commerce)
• Improving mobility options (projects that permit physical distancing through permanent or temporary changes that make it easier for people to get around in their communities, whether walking, biking, accessing public and private transit, or other modes of transportation)
• Digital solutions (innovative digital projects that address changing community needs through the use of data and connected technologies)

If you have a project in mind and you have questions around eligibility, please visit www.communityfoundations.ca/initiatives/chci or contact my office at 204-983-3183 or [email protected].

Together, we can build safer, more vibrant, more resilient and inclusive communities in Saint Boniface – Saint Vital.