We are excited to share the impactful community projects funded by the Active Communities Grant Program over the last two years.
In 2023, the Ministry of Health provided $1.5 million in funding to launch the Active Communities Grant Program a second time, once again in partnership with BC Alliance for Healthy Living (BCAHL). The goal of the program is to encourage physical activity throughout BC by funding projects that address access to physical activity programming and opportunities. In this current iteration, the grant program funded Indigenous and local government-led projects that focused on improving access to, and quality of programs, activities, equipment and facilities.
This new funding allowed BCAHL to continue supporting communities by providing funds for locally important physical activity projects. Many projects focused on increasing access to physical activity for equity-deserving families and community members who face unique and overlapping challenges to physical activity.
The grant program also promoted cross-sector partnerships by encouraging local governments to collaborate on their projects with their regional health authority or other community interest groups such as non-governmental organizations, school districts, businesses, or community organizations. BCAHL partnered with the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Council (I•SPARC) to add more grants and culturally-appropriate support to Indigenous communities.
This round of funding from the province builds on the successes of the first Active Communities Grants Program launched in 2016. Between 2016 and 2019, the grant program supported 52 communities in creating 737 physical activity opportunities for over 41,238 participants, and increasing accessibility of 154 physical activity programs, 61 facilities, and 87 physical activity events.
Click here to view all the projects from the latest funding round.
The programming, equipment, and professional development made possible by this funding will continue benefiting BC communities for years to come. Thank you to the Ministry of Health for this investment in community well-being.
Below, check out highlights of the Active Communities Grants projects.
Highlighted Community Projects
A total of 50 community projects were funded in the latest round of Active Communities Grants. Check out a few of the fantastic projects that are connecting people with physical activity opportunities across British Columbia.
City of Surrey: Inclusive fitness for all abilities and backgrounds
Cook’s Ferry Indian Band: Connecting physical activity with land and traditional practices
The Caring for Ourselves Through Movement project supports youth, adults and Elders to be physically active while bringing back traditional games and traditional movement
practices. The goal is to work alongside Elders and Knowledge Keepers to develop a physical activity program that decolonize concepts of physical activity such as “working out” and connects it back to the land and traditional practices that are missed in the community due to lack of physical abilities.
Learn more.
Kitselas First Nation: A trail as a living classroom
Kitselas First Nation’s Kulspai-Kitselas Cultural and Wellness Trail is increasing physical activity opportunities for members of the community. The trail loops through picturesque Kitselas lands and runs through their traditional territory along the Skeena River. The goal is to encourage appreciation of the outdoors while also serving as a living classroom to promote and preserve Indigenous knowledge and traditions.
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Port Hardy Recreation: Delivering barrier-free recreation
Port Hardy Recreation offered free public and family skates and swims to our North Island community, creating accessible and enjoyable recreation options for individuals and families of all ages. By removing financial barriers, this project is keeping people active and connected and increased positive mental health. The free skating and swimming was so successful that Port Hardy leadership will continue delivering these activities for free!
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S.A.Y. Lands: Walking the path of knowledge sharing
S.A.Y. Lands enhanced the Sq’ewqéyl I:mex Xalh walking path by integrating cultural and educational activities that promoted physical activity and Indigenous knowledge-sharing. Story Walks and geocaching delivered Indigenous teachings, art, and culturally significant items in new engaging ways.
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Strathcona Regional District: Building capacity for safe swimming
Strathcona Regional District’s (SRD) project increased access to water fitness for people with fixed income, people with low income and Indigenous residents. The “All of Community” project includes training more Aquatic Fitness instructors and lifeguards in local communities to increase open swim sessions throughout the north island.
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Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation: Youth build holistic health through surf and sport
The Surf and Spirit project expands culturally relevant instruction in surf and snow sports, and other physical and holistic wellness activities, while building camaraderie, cultural knowledge and stewardship practices among Indigenous youth across Nuu-chah-nulth territories as part of the Nuu-chah-nulth Surf Team Mułaa.
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Tsawwassen First Nation: Community canoeing and Elder fitness
This multi-generational project has a three-pronged approach: purchase new equipment for the Elders’ Centre gym, hire recreational staff to deliver group fitness programming, and launch The Canoe Club. The Canoe Club supports all Tsawwassen members and provide them a place to learn and preserve Indigenous knowledge and culture and be active together.
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