OCF to Help Transform Public Spaces During COVID-19

Thursday, 18 February 2021 05:43

The Oxford County Community Foundation is part of a new $1.3 million project for Southwestern Ontario.

OXFORD COUNTY - The Oxford County Community Foundation is taking part in an initiative to transform public spaces in response to COVID-19.

Funding from the Government of Canada's Healthy Community Initiative is available for the project. This include $1.3 million for the South Western Ontario HUB being co-led by the Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation, the London Community Foundation, and WindsorEssex Community Foundation, in partnership with Aylmer Area Community Foundation, Sarnia Community Foundation and Sunset Community Foundation supported by Centre Wellington Community Foundation, Dufferin Community Foundation and Oxford Community Foundation.

Organizations can apply for funding between $5,000 and $250,000 to lead projects. These projects can create public spaces, improve mobility options and provide digital solutions to help neighbourhoods and communities during the pandemic.

Projects could include things like adapting crosswalks and access to public transport to allow for safe physical distancing, creating a community garden, cleaning up a part of a town or a city using art or free wifi in targeted public spaces.

Executive Director at Oxford Community Foundation Louise Wardrop says this funding should be a big help.

“Public spaces are the glue to our communities: they enable a feeling of belonging and of social cohesion. They are a big part of what makes communities safe, vibrant and connected. As Oxford County faces increased 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.”

Funding will be distributed in two rounds. The South Western Ontario HUB has approximately $537,000 available in the first round, and $806,000 available in the second round.