Ontario Building More Inclusive Communities

ESSEX COUNTY — The Ontario government is investing $750,000 this year to help communities across the province become more age-friendly and accessible for people of all ages and abilities.

Applications for the 2024-25 cycle of Inclusive Community Grants opened today. These grants provide municipalities, non-profit organizations, and Indigenous communities with up to $60,000 for local projects that will help older adults and people with disabilities participate in community life.

“We know that everyone benefits from inclusive communities that support independent, active living and help reduce social isolation by removing barriers,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “That’s why I’m proud to announce the launch of the latest round of funding for Inclusive Community Grants, which will help enable older adults and people with disabilities to contribute to all aspects of community life.”

Since the Inclusive Community Grants Program was created in 2020, the Ontario government has provided up to $4.5 million to support 87 projects in communities across Ontario. Last year, the funding supported important projects such as:

• Haliburton’s Abbey Gardens Community Trust to establish an accessible recreational trail system for people of all abilities.
• The City of Kenora’s third phase of their Norman Park Accessibility project that will build the only fully accessible park with lake/beach access in the area.
• Madawaska Valley to install new fully accessible, wheelchair-friendly, all-weather picnic tables in seven municipal parks.
• Sault Ste. Marie’s Pointe Des Chenes Day Park and Beach to update paths, adding Mobi mats for beach access, and making bathroom and change rooms more wheelchair friendly.
• Tay Valley Township to introduce new accessible, age-friendly sports and recreation activities and programs for 300 local residents in eight rural communities.

This year, Ontario is prioritizing projects focused on increasing access to outdoor spaces and promoting and increasing accessible housing and transportation. Applications for Inclusive Community Grants are available at Ontario.ca/GetFunding. Eligible organizations have until May 22, 2024 to submit their applications.

Quick Facts

• Inclusive and Age-Friendly communities work to promote accessibility, safety and active living for people of all ages and abilities.
• Eligible organizations must apply for an Inclusive Community Grant through Transfer Payment Ontario.