Funding applications open for 150th birthday

Municipalities, community groups and Indigenous groups are now able to apply for funding from the province as part of the country’s upcoming 150th birthday.

The three new programs – Community Call Program, Partnership Program and Community Celebration Program – will allow those who receive funds to help “celebrate this milestone with events and opportunities that showcase Ontario’s diversity and create a strong and lasting economic, social and cultural legacy,” according to a news release.

The $25-million Community Capital Program will allow municipalities and non-profit groups to renovate, repair and retrofit existing infrastructure in order to increase accessibility, improve safety and maximize use by the community.

The $5-million Partnership Program will support new partnerships and collaborations to “engage, enable and empower youth as the next generation of Ontario leaders.”

The $7-million Community Celebration Program will help residents connect to their communities and provide opportunities to explore their heritage.

“With our province’s 150th anniversary quickly approaching, I look forward to recognizing this important milestone with a plan that will engage youth, encourage cultural expression, promote participation in sport and recreation and create jobs and economic opportunities in every corner of the province,” states Eleanor McMahon, the province’s minister of tourism, culture and sport, in a news release.

“Our Ontario 150 program will leave a lasting legacy for our communities and I look forward to working with local leaders, our federal partners and indeed all Ontarians in celebration of this milestone anniversary.”

Applications for the Community Celebration Program are due on Sept. 2, Community Capital Program on Sept. 14 and Partnership Program on Sept. 30.

More information is available online at ontario.ca/150.