Featured Projects

Safe and vibrant public spaces

Montreal, QC

Bâtiment 7 is a citizens’ initiative with a mission to maintain the neighbourhood’s history, respond to community needs, and promote a culture of autonomy and resource-sharing through democratic, inclusive management. Recognizing the value of the Bâtiment 7 community centre, the Healthy Communities Initiative (HCI) granted 7 a Nous funding for safe and vibrant public spaces during the pandemic. This grant supported the implementation of Canada’s first Blue-Green Alley, enhancements to the on-site farm, and community workshops. These placemaking initiatives blend climate action with creativity and social connection: art workshops use recycled and sustainable materials, community volunteers run the farm while building a sense of agency and neighbourhood pride, and a gardening club provides opportunities to make friends while learning about native plants. Addressing climate changes, urban isolation and loneliness, and the lack of accessible art spaces in the area all at once, this community-led placemaking benefits participants’ wellness in a myriad of ways.

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Safe and vibrant public spaces

Halifax, NS

Common Roots Urban Farms uses organic gardening to promote mental, physical, and community health. The farms support approximately 500 community members, one-third of which are food-insecure families. The project received funding from the CHCI to support their goals in four key areas:

• Access to farming plots: increase the number of farming plots, with one-third of the plots to be allocated to food-insecure community members, many of whom are newcomer Canadians keen to grow cultural foods not available in local supermarkets.
• Access to local, affordable produce: set up market stands in three low income neighborhoods, providing convenient access to affordable, nutritious food and to provide information about the farm programs.
• Educational opportunities: Launch a webinar series in 2022 with tips from newcomer farmers for growing and harvesting different types of food. Newcomers are especially interested in supporting the series and explaining to audiences how to grow and cook their cultural foods.
• Access to a vibrant and inclusive community space: install benches and signage to encourage visitors of all abilities to stay and enjoy the beauty of the gardens.

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Digital Solutions

Surrey, BC

The First Nations Women’s Yoga Initiative (FNWYI) incorporates safe spaces for women, 2Spirit people, their families, and the broader community to connect through TIY delivered in a virtual format. TIY includes therapeutic breathing, grounding techniques, yoga forms, and mindfulness practices. The CHCI supported a training that teaches women and 2Spirit people the skills to incorporate yoga and mindfulness-based practices in combination with traditional Indigenous practices into their lives, we believe the project will serve communities in the aftermath of Covid-19. Participants have graduated to deliver yoga programs in the community.

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Safe and Vibrant Public Places
Calgary, AB

In 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and a lack of public park space in the Beltline, the Beltline Neighbohood Association (BNA) transformed the rooftop of the City Centre Parkade (340 10 Ave SW, Calgary) into High Park, Phase I. This multi-phase project, a collaboration between Public City Architecture, the Calgary Parking Authority, and the BNA, created 90,000 square feet of vibrant outdoor space featuring socially-distanced picnic tables, illuminated signage, a colorful 200-meter boardwalk, artificial turf parklets, and murals. Phase I successfully addressed local needs during the pandemic. Building on this success, Phase II received support from HCI to address gaps identified through community engagement by adding new amenities to enhance outdoor play, community gatherings, and cultural events. The project team planned to finalize the detailed design and implement these improvements for Summer 2021, further transforming High Park into a reimagined public space that adapts to ongoing pandemic conditions and future community needs.

Safe and vibrant public spaces

Sudbury, ON

“We Keep Each Other Safe” was a community mural project by Myths and Mirrors that explored community care and mutual aid during Covid-19, focusing on those experiencing poverty and homelessness. The project aimed to revitalize a shared outdoor space through art and engage downtown residents disproportionately affected by the pandemic in its design and execution. Building on previous work in Memorial Park, the project included arts-based consultations with professional artists and community members to shape the mural’s design. Community members participated in its execution, receiving cash honorariums, while youth mentorship and training opportunities were offered through a partnership with the Children’s Aid Society of Sudbury and Manitoulin.

Safe and vibrant public spaces

Tuktoyaktuk, NWT

Located in Tuktoyaktuk—a small, predominantly Indigenous community of 989 residents on the Arctic Ocean coastline—the makerspace provides a vital indoor venue during harsh weather conditions when outdoor activities are limited. The community makerspace, which opened in January 2021, initially offered vinyl cutting, wood burning, and laser engraving equipment. It quickly gained popularity, with over 40 users in its first month, demonstrating a strong community interest in expanded opportunities and new micro-manufacturing technologies. Which HCI funding support, the project planned to expand the makerspace by adding equipment such as 3-D printers and sublimation tools, and extending operating hours to accommodate more users. It offered a platform for residents to explore creative pursuits, learn new technologies, and produce items for online sales or tourism. This initiative aimed to support residents throughout the pandemic and prepare artists and craftspeople for the resurgence of tourism post-pandemic.

Safe and vibrant public spaces

Toronto, ON

At the heart of Scarborough West, the Birchmount Community Action Council (BCAC) has been sowing the seeds of change through their HCI-supported project “Food Connects” by transforming unused land next to 1021 Birchmount Ave into a garden where residents can grow fresh food and have access to healthy living workshops. BCAC is a tenant-led organisation committed to promoting the healthy development of residents in West Scarborough, ensuring safe and uplifting interactions within the community. “Food Connects” is a food justice project that seeks to enhance access to nourishment through artistic expression and community engagement.

Safe and vibrant public spaces 

Montreal, Quebec

The  Maison d’Haïti Community Centre in Montreal-Nord created Echo’Mobile, a bike-led mobile studio that offers young people, families, and seniors a space to learn and create. With iPads and guided workshops, their programming reduces the digital divide, builds intergenerational relationships in the Saint-Michel neighbourhood, and reduces social isolation.

Digital Solutions

Vancouver, BC

The Vancouver Native Health Society launched DUDES Club in 2010 after male patients at its HIV drop-in clinic frequently expressed feelings of loneliness. Every two weeks, 50 to 60 men gather in a makeshift bingo hall in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. They share a hot meal, play bingo, receive free haircuts, and engage in open discussions about their health, covering topics from prostate cancer to sexual abuse, in sessions led by doctors and nurses.
With HCI funding, the project aimed to expand and adapt its virtual platform to build a more vibrant and supportive online community for DC. This initiative allowed DCS and its partners to create opportunities for men in over 200 locations, including 10 men’s correctional centers, to connect and support each other’s wellness. It aimed to reduce social isolation and improve access to health during a critical time, promoting Indigenous men’s wellness through peer-based spaces. Expected outcomes included increased social connectedness, reduced anxiety and depression, improved mental health, better identification of crisis-related risk factors, and enhanced health information access for men in both existing and new communities. The project aimed to establish a lasting infrastructure that would strengthen inter- and intra-community bonds and improve access to healthcare resources.

Improved Mobility Options

Vancouver, BC

PEDAL Society provided Bicycle Repair Clinics in Oppenheimer Park, with peer mechanics offering repairs and maintenance education to community members. The project primarily aimed to improve mobility by ensuring that residents of the downtown eastside could keep their bikes operational. Secondarily, it addressed public spaces by activating a park and providing an additional community amenity.

This initiative benefited vulnerable individuals by ensuring their bikes were safe to ride, which is crucial for accessing income, support networks, and social services.

Digital Solutions

Kitchener, ON

Femme Folks Fest – AT HOME adapted to the challenges of the pandemic by presenting its entire festival virtually in 2021. Utilizing Gather, a web-based platform that combined video calling with a pixel art-style 2D map, the festival offered engaging digital experiences alongside live programming. Attendees explored various spaces, including the Lobby for festival information, Pat the Dog Headquarters for staff interactions, artist studios, and a virtual Theatre for performances. The Lounge provided a relaxed space for winding down at the end of each day. After the festival, the organization planned to mentor marginalized communities through Design/Creation Hubs, sharing digital skills developed during the event, in line with their collaborative leadership ethos.

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Safe and vibrant public spaces

Red Deer, AB

The Common Ground Garden Project (CGGP), building on ReThink Red Deer’s decade of success in urban agriculture and sustainable living, aimed to create safe, accessible, and vibrant public spaces. Supported by key community organizations, CGGP integrated new and existing sites to enhance their collective impact. The project focused on making gardening more accessible through regular volunteer and educational opportunities provided by dedicated staff and professionals, promoting mental and physical well-being through engagement with nature. In response to rising unemployment and food access challenges exacerbated by the pandemic, CGGP offered hands-on “grow your own food” learning opportunities, building community skills and producing food for local food service agencies. By expanding its network, CGGP strengthened ReThink Red Deer’s leadership and set a precedent for similar public space initiatives in Red Deer and beyond.

Safe and vibrant public spaces

Vancouver, BC

The project successfully established a permanent multi-purpose exercise facility.Designed as an outdoor teaching space, it provided safe, socially-distanced exercise and fitness programs for Physical & Health Education students, sports teams, cultural groups, and students with disabilities. The project includes:

• Outdoor Teaching Space: Incorporating educational aspects into the facility sets it apart. It’s not just about physical exercise; it’s also about providing an environment for learning and growth, particularly for school students.
• Zero-Cost Exercise Facility: This aspect highlights the inclusivity of the project, making it accessible to all members of the community regardless of their financial situation.
• Comprehensive Outdoor Facility: The facility can accommodate up to 30 users at once. Its variety of equipment and special modifications cater to users with diverse abilities, emphasizing inclusivity and accessibility.

Safe and vibrant public spaces 

Barrie, ON

The mobile outreach program established pop-up library spaces in underserved areas, providing open access to materials and resources supporting early literacy, student learning, and digital literacy for seniors. Targeting children, teens, and seniors, the initiative reached individuals experiencing isolation through venues such as parks, daycares, and assisted living residences. BPL On the Go also advocated for future library locations in high-growth areas, addressing the digital divide and improving access to technology for residents seeking essential resources.

Safe and vibrant public spaces

Hamilton, ON

The “Ray Lewis Track & Field Centre – COVID-19 Shade Structure Project” embodies a community-driven effort united by a common vision and necessity to revitalize an outdated outdoor facility. Previously, there was a lack of protective cover from sun exposure, rain, and lightning, creating an unwelcoming environment that posed challenges, particularly for individuals with physical disabilities, mobility limitations, and seniors. The new structure has helped serve the needs of over 2,500 disabled residents within the Hamilton community.

Safe and vibrant public spaces

Calgary, AB

Our Streets, Our Spaces is an active transportation initiative funded by the Healthy Communities Initiative in collaboration with the City of Calgary. The project aims to enhance community connectedness by adapting existing public spaces, such as parks, residential roads, and pathways. Utilizing temporary tactical urbanism interventions, it seeks to facilitate easier mobility within communities. The initiative also raises awareness of community spaces and travel routes, encouraging ongoing utilization. Through partnerships, the project implements temporary measures like traffic calming and outdoor learning to reduce barriers and invites community members to experience positive changes in their neighborhoods.

Safe and vibrant public spaces

Silton, SK

​​In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the small community of Silton, Saskatchewan, mobilized to create a new gathering space beside Town Hall. A group of dedicated volunteers envisioned “The Platform,” a large wooden deck designed to facilitate physical distancing while fostering social connection. With support from the Village Council, they secured funding to build this versatile outdoor venue, which features ample lighting and power outlets. The Platform has since become a vibrant hub for community activities, hosting everything from paint nights and ukulele classes to flower shops and clothing exchanges. Its annual concert series has drawn over 400 attendees from the region, making it a cherished centerpiece of local life.

Safe and Vibrant Public Spaces

Conception bay, NL

The project aimed to ensure the viability of the existing boardwalk, a vital community space, by retrofitting and renovating damaged boards, posts, rails, and stringers. It also involved replacing and maintaining elements associated with the local swimming hole, the flagpole meeting place, and the surrounding walking trails. With no sidewalks and limited access to fitness facilities or playgrounds, the maintenance and repair of the boardwalk and its surroundings provided residents with equal opportunities to engage in healthy behaviors. Thanks to its careful planning and geographic advantages, the area promoted public health measures such as physical distancing and mask-wearing, ultimately enhancing community knowledge of health objectives in a safe environment.

Digital Solutions
Winnipeg, MB

The CPAWS Outdoor Learning Program aimed to connect Manitobans to nature and foster the next generation of environmental stewards while building a community of nature enthusiasts. It featured three components designed to reduce barriers to public spaces by addressing the diverse needs of various groups. The program included Outdoor Education for school-aged children and education-minded adults, Outdoor Fun for those hesitant to explore nature independently, and the intensive Canadian Wilderness Stewardship Program, which targeted engaged youth eager to become conservation leaders. Aligned with the Healthy Communities Initiative, particularly within the Digital Solutions theme, the program utilized digital tools to create a supportive community that mitigated isolation during COVID-19 and facilitated knowledge sharing. Ultimately, it provided ongoing community benefits by raising awareness of conservation issues and offering more opportunities for individuals to learn about and engage with pressing environmental topics through outdoor activities, fostering a deeper connection to nature.

Safe and Vibrant Public Spaces

Moosomin, SK

The project became a remarkable success story during Saskatchewan’s long winter months, which heavily relied on skating as a key activity. Following COVID-19 regulations, all public skating and shinny games were canceled at the indoor rink, limiting minor hockey training to just eight players on the ice, with no one over 18 allowed to skate. While a beautiful outdoor arena existed, it was restricted to only eight skaters. To address this, the team flooded 500 yards of park roadway, 12 feet wide, allowing skaters to pass each other while maintaining social distance. This innovative solution gained significant attention, appearing on provincial media outlets and even being featured on the Provincial Government’s Facebook page. Encouraged by this success, plans emerged to expand the 500-yard track into three separate skating tracks and to groom cross-country ski trails along the way. Ultimately, the project aimed to create three major skating tracks, 13 diverse walking paths, and multiple cross-country ski routes, all connected to the outdoor arena changeroom.

Improved Mobility Options

Yorkton, SK

The city of Yorkton addressed the need for safe bike storage in downtown areas, as businesses are hesitant to allow bikes indoors, particularly during the pandemic. By installing additional bike lock stations, the initiative seeks to encourage residents to utilize cycling as a mode of transportation, thereby promoting the use of existing cycling and walking paths throughout the community.