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.

The Welland Public Library, the City of Welland’s Recreation and Cultural Department and Member of Parliament Vance Badawey have announced $30,518 in federal government funding to support two projects in Niagara Centre as part of the second round of the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative.

Through the $31-million 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. There are over 650 projects taking place across the country, including in every province and territory.

The following projects are being supported in Welland:

• $10,518 was invested to help the Welland Public Library for its hotspot and device lending program to lend free Wi-Fi hotspots and other information and communication technology devices such as Chromebooks to the residents of Welland. The project expands the library’s ability to support the technological needs of residents who are unable to visit public spaces or require connectivity outside of regular library hours. A recent survey conducted by the Toronto Public Library revealed that 68% of older adults and 63% of lower-income adults access technology at their local library and do not have alternative access. This project also supports the municipality's commitment to becoming a "smart city". 
• $20,000 was invested to assist the City of Welland create an outdoor space to be used for meetings, performances and/or group activities, transforming a planned pavilion at the new Rotary Park into a safe, outdoor, covered meeting area with a presenter area, lighting, hydro and Wifi access. Primarily, this project provides a safe and vibrant outdoor space that can be reserved by any not-for-profit or community group at no charge via the Recreation and Culture Department.  Secondly, this renewed meeting area will be easily and completely accessible to the differently-abled and provide digital solutions to groups who may not have access to areas to meet as a group with internet access.

Quotes

“The Canada Healthy Communities Initiative is supporting projects across the country that build more inclusive communities and ensure a higher quality of life for Canadians. Investments into equitable access to technology at the Welland Public Library and continuing to partner with the city to enhance the vibrancy and accessibility at Rotary Park are vital to strengthening our community and ensuring community resilience today, and for years to come.”

Vance Badawey Member of Parliament for Niagara Centre

“This investment from our federal partners is another chapter in Welland’s story of growth and commitment to recreation and culture in our community. Thanks to this funding, our residents can continue to enjoy the City of Welland’s great outdoor spaces and amenities.”

Welland Mayor Frank Campion

“The Welland Public Library is very pleased to be the recipient 2021-2022 Canada Healthy Communities Initiative. This funding was used to purchase 10 lendable Chromebooks and 10 Wi-Fi hotpots to help keep our community connected during the Covid-19 pandemic.This grant to will help the Library to meet it’s strategic objective to invest in technology to support community-based learning, improve accessibility, and help bridge the digital divide.”

Julianne Brunet, Chief Executive Officer, Welland Public Library

Quick facts

• 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 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 was selected through an open call for applications to implement a national project. Together with its partners, including the Canadian Urban Institute, it is working with pan-Canadian networks 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.
• Over 650 projects are taking place across the country as part of the Healthy Communities Initiative, including in every province and territory.

Associated links

Infrastructure Canada: Canada Healthy Communities Initiative