Projects to transform public spaces in response to COVID-19 are getting a boost from the federal government.
Organizations across Sarnia-Lambton are being invited to apply for funding under the new $31-million Healthy Communities Initiative.
Up to $1.3-million is available for the "South Western Ontario HUB", which includes Lambton, and spans to Norfolk County, Windsor-Essex, Dufferin, and Kitchener-Waterloo.
Sarnia Community Foundation Executive Director Jane Anema said organizations can ask for amounts ranging from $5,000 to $250,000.
"Applications are open and live now," said Anema. "They're looking at multiple ways to get people active and out in the community and revitalizing main streets and those types of things. It's not so much support for small business as it is support for the infrastructure that will get people back out into their communities."
Anema said potential projects could include the creation of vibrant spaces and community gardens, improved mobility options, upgrading crosswalks, and adding free Wi-Fi in public spaces.
Funding will be allocated in two rounds. Locally, $537,000 will be available to start, with that intake closing on March 9.
Another $806,000 is up for grabs once the second round of applications starts in May.
You can go to www.sarniacommunityfoundation.ca for more information and to apply.