Health News For Durham West

TORONTO ? The Ontario government is protecting communities by investing more than $28 million through the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) to support 300 non-profit organizations, First Nations and small municipalities across the province in delivering much-needed programs. Across the province, OTF grant recipients promote active lifestyles, connect communities by supporting arts, culture and heritage and support the development of children and youth.

“Whether it’s helping people train for new careers, stay active and connected, or engage through the arts, non-profit organizations across Ontario are essential to building strong, connected communities,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “Now more than ever, it’s vital that we help ensure these organizations can continue delivering programs that make a meaningful impact in people’s lives.”

Every year, OTF’s Capital grant stream helps improve the infrastructure Ontario families rely on with investments of up to $200,000 to expand access to programs and community spaces. This can include purchasing equipment, building a new space or completing renovations, retrofits or repairs.

Some of this year’s recipients include:

• North York Harvest Food Bank, which is receiving $200,000 to purchase a truck that will increase its capacity to distribute a wide variety of perishable and non-perishable food.
• Burlington Youth Soccer Club, which is receiving $200,000 to replace the turf, dome structure, lighting and HVAC for their indoor multi-sport facilities to continue to serve the community through active recreation.
• Caledon Community Services is receiving $168,600 to purchase a specialized accessible vehicle to directly support more than 400 residents annually, fostering stronger connections and reducing barriers to community participation.
• Oshawa Senior Citizens Centres is receiving $157,900 to upgrade programming and communal spaces at their John Street Branch to improve accessibility and promote inclusion for seniors with disabilities.

“Supporting 300 non-profits with $28 million in Capital grants is a critical step towards building healthy and vibrant communities,” said Katharine Bambrick, CEO of the Ontario Trillium Foundation. “As we invest in community-based projects that improve public buildings and facilities, Ontarians will have more access to safe, accessible, and usage spaces to connect and stay active.”

Through OTF, Ontario has invested more than $792 million in over 7,300 projects since 2018. These investments have created more than 9,490 full-time jobs and generated over $1.1 billion in economic benefits for communities across the province. For more information and a list of recipients, visit the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s website.

Quick Facts

Quotes

"Thanks to this vital capital investment from the OTF, Caledon Community Services is able to replace aging equipment to better meet today’s demand for accessible transportation in Caledon. For hundreds of seniors and individuals with disabilities, this funding supports far more than the over 28,000 rides we provide annually from point A to B – it offers the promise of dignity, independence, connection and freedom to maintain more active lifestyles. This grant fuels our commitment to a more connected, equitable community and maintaining service excellence through advocating for the future capital needed to grow our fleet to meet the surge in future demand as Caledon’s population increases."

- Geraldine Aguiar
CEO, Caledon Community Services

"We are incredibly grateful to the OTF for their vital investment in our indoor multi-sport facilities. This funding will directly support the replacement of our turf, dome structure, lighting and HVAC system – enhancing safety, accessibility and overall quality for our athletes, coaches and community members. These essential upgrades will have a lasting impact, enabling us to continue delivering high-quality programming and better meet the growing demand for both soccer and sport participation in Burlington."

- Amal Chauhan
Executive Director, Burlington Soccer

"We are incredibly grateful to the Ontario government for their generous support in helping us create a more inclusive and accessible space at our John Street Branch. These vital modifications ensure that our most vulnerable members feel safe, welcome, and empowered to participate fully in our programs and services. This investment strengthens our commitment to fostering a community where everyone belongs."

- Kim Lepine
Executive Director, Oshawa Senior Community Centres 55+

"At a time when food insecurity is at crisis levels, the truck we’ve purchased with support from the OTF will help North York Harvest Food Bank deliver fresh, healthy food to where it's needed most and fuel the work of our new Community Food Hub in Toronto."

- Ryan Noble
Executive Director, North York Harvest Food Bank

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