Jan. 18, 2024 — City of Burlington
The deadline to apply for a Neighbourhood Community Matching Fund is Feb. 29, 2024. Approved community group-led projects could receive 50 per cent of their funding up to $10,000.
Healing Forest project
A recent example of an approved Neighbourhood Community Matching Fund initiative is the Healing Forest at Paletta Lakefront Park.
A Healing Forest is being created within the natural landscape of Paletta Lakefront Park in honour of Truth and Reconciliation and as a part of the National Healing Forests Initiative.
Healing Forests promote community and relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Included will be a self-guided medicine walk, which will highlight the many species living within the forest informed by Traditional Ecological Knowledge. Our Treaty Partners, the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, have provided support and guidance throughout the creation of the Healing Forest.
The Healing Forest will provide Burlington citizens with the type of care that only a forest can provide. It has been established through the collaboration of Indigenous and non-Indigenous professionals working together in the spirit of reconciliation to develop a unique space for healing, community, and connection to nature. There will be a community gathering at the Healing Forest in honour of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30, 2024.
Community-led projects play a pivotal role in fostering inclusivity, empowerment, and sustainable development. By actively involving community members in decision-making and implementation processes, we harness local knowledge, skills, and passion to address unique challenges and increase opportunities. This collaborative approach not only nurtures a sense of ownership and pride within the community but also ensures that solutions are tailored to specific needs. Ultimately, community-led projects serve as catalysts for positive change, building stronger, more connected societies from the grassroots up.
Denise Beard, Senior Manager of Community Development
About the Neighbourhood Community Matching Fund
The fund is to inspire community-led projects with a goal of improving neighbourhoods. Funded projects create a sense of belonging, community pride and support building meaningful connections.
Burlington residents are encouraged to submit a community-led project with a focus on small projects within parks, gardens, buildings on public lands or on lands that are accessible to the public. Projects can increase walkability, promote beautification, encourage recreational activity, build social connections and improve safety or accessibility.
Residents interested in applying for funds up to $10,000 are encouraged to visit burlington.ca/matchingfund to learn more about the application process, guidelines and past projects.
Burlington is a city where people, nature and business thrive. Sign up to learn more about Burlington at burlington.ca/subscribe and follow @CityBurlington on social media.
