As Canadians continue to adapt to the realities of COVID-19, local governments and community partners across the country are adapting their spaces and services to keep residents safe and healthy, support economic recovery, create jobs, and build vibrant, resilient communities.
Today, Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for Northwest Territories, is announcing $83,450 in funding to support a project in Tuktoyaktuk as part of the first round of the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative. Through the $31-million Canada Healthy Communities Initiative, the Government of Canada, alongside Community Foundations of Canada, is building safer spaces and ensuring a higher quality of life for people across the country, by helping communities adapt to the challenges presented by COVID-19.
With this investment, the Tuktoyaktuk Community Corporation will enhance a safe, publicly-accessible space that supports creative, educational, and business development activities in Tuktoyaktuk. The existing small community makerspace opened in January 2021. It currently has vinyl cutting, wood burning, and laser engraving equipment available for use by local artists and craftspeople. Their project will expand the makerspace to include additional equipment (e.g., 3-D printers, sublimation equipment) that will be available for longer hours to accommodate more people. This project will provide a safe indoor venue for residents to explore creative pursuits, learn new technologies and methods of producing arts and crafts, and produce small runs of items for sale online (via Facebook, Etsy, and Shopify) or to tourists following the COVID-19 pandemic. Funding opportunities to operate the makerspace beyond June 2022 will be explored over the coming year.
Quick facts
Quotes
“The project we’re announcing today demonstrates the creativity and commitment of communities and community partners across Canada to respond to the unique needs of their residents and create a high quality of life for them as they continue to remain vigilant in this pandemic. Through this project, and the many more that will be announced in the coming weeks, the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative will help Canadians and their families enjoy safer, more vibrant, and inclusive communities now and into the future. It’s through investments in infrastructure that we’re working to ensure outcomes with triple benefits – growing our economy, fighting climate change, and reducing social inequality and ensuring a better quality of life of all Canadians.”
The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
"COVID-19 has put a serious strain on cities and towns across our country, impacting the way our neighbourhoods look, work, and feel. In response, the Government of Canada has introduced the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative, designed to bring joy back to our streets in a safe and innovative way. We’ve seen many innovative projects, like the one announced today, roll in from across the country and we’re excited to see how they enhance the lives of Canadians from coast to coast to coast.”
Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and Member of Parliament for Halifax
“Communities know best what kind of projects would have the greatest impact for their residents and local economies as they respond to the unique challenges presented by COVID-19. That’s why it’s great to see this makerspace supported in Tuktoyaktuk, which will provide residents with greater creative opportunities. Through the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative we are proud to support community-driven solutions that allow Canadians to safely participate in daily social and economic activities.”
Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for Northwest Territories
“We are pleased to know that the funding opportunities for the Maker’s Space in Tuktoyaktuk is being considered beyond June 2022, as many of these important programs have limited life span. Public spaces are the glue to our communities: they enable a feeling of belonging and of social cohesion. They are a big part of what makes communities safe, vibrant and connected. As residents faces increased isolation due to COVID-19, this project from the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative will help our community to connect safely and will benefit the mental and physical well-being of our residents.”
Kendyce Cockney - Project Manager, Tuktoyaktuk Community Corporation
“The Healthy Communities Initiative is supporting organizations in the North to bring people together in our communities both in person and digitally, while respecting public health measures. These projects show us the creativity and resourcefulness of communities as they create temporary and longer-lasting solutions that enable people to connect and access public spaces safely.”
Andrea Dicks, President, Community Foundations of Canada
Associated links
Canada Healthy Communities Initiative – Application Portal: healthycommunitiesinitiative.ca
Infrastructure Canada: Canada Healthy Communities Initiative: https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/chci-iccs/index-eng.html
Canada’s Minister of Infrastructure and Communities announces direct help for bright ideas to make safer, pandemic-resilient communities: https://www.canada.ca/en/office-infrastructure/news/2020/08/direct-help-for-bright-ideas-tomake-safer-pandemic-resilient-communities.html
Canada’s Minister of Infrastructure and Communities announces open call for applications for the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative: https://www.canada.ca/en/office-infrastructure/news/2020/09/open-call-for-applications-forthe-canada-healthy-communities-initiative.html
Minister McKenna and Community Foundations of Canada launch intake for COVID-19 resilient projects under the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative: https://www.canada.ca/en/office-infrastructure/news/2021/02/minister-mckenna-and-comm unity-foundations-of-canada-launch-intake-for-covid-19-resilient-projects-under-the-canada-healthy-communities-initiative.html
