Key Takeaways:
- Who: Canadian government, local governments, and community organizations
- What: The Healthy Communities Initiative allocates over $60 million and focuses on long-term investments for community infrastructure in response to COVID-19
- Benefit: The initiative empowers grassroots solutions that foster community resilience and improve overall quality of life for residents
In 2026, the Canadian government continues its commitment to fostering resilient communities by transitioning the focus of the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative (CHCI; sometimes referenced as the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative) toward broader, long-term investments. Originally launched with an allocation of over $60 million to help local governments and non-profits adapt public spaces during the pandemic, the initiative now prioritizes sustainable community health and infrastructure development under the healthy communities initiative framework.
One of the key new components is the Build Communities Strong Fund, which provides $51 billion over ten years for community infrastructure projects. This funding aims to enhance various aspects of community living, including health facilities, public spaces, and mobility solutions that support community-led projects Canada communities can scale.
The Canadian government also supports ongoing regional health initiatives through various grants and programs. Some notable examples include:
- PlanH Healthy Communities Grants: Administered by BC Healthy Communities, this program offers financial support for local and Indigenous governments to foster Community Connectedness (up to $5,000) and develop Healthy Public Policy (up to $15,000). The 2026 application cycle recently closed in June.
- Health Infrastructure Funding: As part of the Build Communities Strong Fund, Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC) has dedicated $5 billion over three years specifically for health infrastructure improvements.
- Healthy Canadians and Communities Fund: The federal government continues to manage targeted projects, making regular funding announcements to support local wellness, food security, and health programs across Canada.
By partnering with PSD Citywide, organizations can improve their chances of securing funding and successfully implementing projects that foster community resilience and health.
As Canada adapts to the long-term impacts of the pandemic, the Healthy Communities Initiative serves as a vital resource for communities striving to innovate and thrive amidst challenges. By empowering grassroots solutions and focusing on long-term investments, the initiative strengthens the fabric of Canadian society through community-led projects Canada residents can rely on.
For more information about the Healthy Communities Initiative and related programs, visit the official websites of the Community Foundations of Canada and the Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What is the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative (CHCI) and how has it evolved in 2026?
Answer: CHCI began as a more than $60 million program to help local governments and non-profits adapt public spaces during COVID-19. In 2026, it shifts toward long-term, sustainable investments in community health and infrastructure under the healthy communities initiative framework, empowering grassroots, community-led solutions that enhance resilience and quality of life.
Question: What is the Build Communities Strong Fund and how does it relate to CHCI?
Answer: As a key new component aligned with CHCI’s long-term focus, the Build Communities Strong Fund allocates $51 billion over ten years for community infrastructure. It targets improvements to health facilities, public spaces, and mobility solutions, supporting community-led projects that can scale across Canadian communities.
Question: Is there dedicated funding for health infrastructure within these investments?
Answer: Yes. Under the Build Communities Strong Fund, Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC) has earmarked $5 billion over three years specifically for health infrastructure improvements.
Question: What regional or targeted grants are currently highlighted?
Answer: The PlanH Healthy Communities Grants (administered by BC Healthy Communities) support local and Indigenous governments with up to $5,000 for Community Connectedness and up to $15,000 for Healthy Public Policy; the 2026 application cycle closed in June. Federally, the Healthy Canadians and Communities Fund continues to back targeted wellness, food security, and health projects with regular funding announcements.
Question: How can organizations improve their chances of securing funding and delivering successful projects?
Answer: Partnering with PSD Citywide can strengthen applications and implementation. The organization supports applicants in navigating programs and executing community-led projects that build resilience and advance health-focused infrastructure. For official details and timelines, visit the Community Foundations of Canada and Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada websites.
How PSD Citywide Can Help
PSD Citywide supports communities in leveraging funding from the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative by:
- Consultation: Identifying suitable funding opportunities.
- Project Development: Assisting with proposal creation to meet grant requirements.
- Grant Compliance: Ensuring efficient project execution and compliance.
- Capacity Building: Offering training to sustain initiatives beyond funding.
Partnering with PSD Citywide can enhance the likelihood of implementing successful community projects.
