Back to SearchKITCHENER – During an incredibly difficult year that has required the community to practice physical distancing, Kitchener residents have found new ways to connect with their neighbours to create meaningful, lasting change in their neighbourhoods. The City has awarded $160,000 to 22 resident-led neighbourhood projects taking place in each of the city’s 10 wards, making it one of the most successful years to date.
“In a year marked by continuous change, it’s inspiring to see that residents’ passion for their neighbourhoods and desire to be connected to their neighbours remains as strong as ever,” said Michael May, deputy chief administrative officer at the City of Kitchener. “With projects taking place in each of our 10 wards, residents across our city have embraced our resident-led, city-supported philosophy and are actively working together to help make our neighbourhoods great places to live.”
The LoveMyHood Matching Grant provides funding to neighbourhood-based community groups in Kitchener leading projects that foster neighbourhood pride, help to build capacity for long-term change, revitalize public spaces and encourage residents to become more actively involved in their neighbourhoods through working together as neighbours. This year, the grant received 30 applications requesting over $230,000 in funds to support neighbourhood projects.
The grant, originally amounting to $150,000 in available funds, was enhanced through a $10,000 sponsorship with the Kitchener-Waterloo Community Foundation (KWCF) with the intent of supporting projects that help neighbourhoods with COVID-19 recovery.
“The incredible success of the LoveMyHood Matching Grant shows that even with all the challenges we’ve collectively experienced this year, our sense of togetherness and community is still the hallmark of who we are as a City,” said Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “Kitchener residents have the creativity and the vision to make great things happen in our neighbourhoods and the City of Kitchener is proud to play a supporting role in helping to bring their ideas to life.”
The LoveMyHood Matching Grant Selection Committee, consisting of 6 resident volunteers and 4 City of Kitchener staff, was able to distribute the full funding amount to support projects that will connect neighbours and encourage recovery for years to come.
To learn more about the City’s LoveMyHood Matching Grant and various supported initiatives, visit www.lovemyhood.com
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Successful applications received through the LoveMyHood Matching Grant in 2020 include:
Project Name | Ward | Amount Awarded |
Name Our Neighbourhood Concert in the Park | 1 | $1,270 |
Rosemount Neighbourhood Pocket Pollinator Gardens | 1 | $3,940 |
River Ridge Little Library | 1 | $590 |
Tecumseh Gardens | 1 | $30,000 |
Tunes in Tremaine Park | 2 | 2,000.00 |
From Behind the Mask: A Community Quilt of COVID-19 Stories | 2 | 8,152.00 |
Family and Neighbour Social Group | 3 | $5,250 |
Trinity Village Berm Revitalization Project | 3 | 9,860.00 |
Together ApART: Community Art Project of Doon Pioneer Park | 4 | $1,000 |
Doon Pioneer Park Community Garden Enhancements | 4 | $2,520 |
Creating Welcoming Spaces in Wildflowers | 5 | $7,500 |
Williamsburg Children's Little Library | 5 | $800 |
Ward 6 Community Space | 6 | $10,000 |
North Six Pop Up Market | 6 | $2,650 |
Dinison Place Gardens Social Patio | 6 | $4,300 |
Country Hills Community Gardens | 6 | $23,538 |
Crossing Paths: The Heart of Community Gathering Space | 7 | $30,000 |
Little Free Diverse Libraries | 8 | $5,500 |
How Slow Can You Go! | 8 | $2,300 |
Aramba Social Nights | 9 | $3,000 |
Third Annual Street Hockey Game on Louisa Street | 10 | $1,200 |
YW Emergency Shelter Garden | 10 | $4,630 |
TOTAL FUNDED |
| $160,000 |
As these projects take shape in the new year, the safety of our community members remains the City’s top priority. The City staff are working closely with resident groups to ensure that each project adheres to the Region of Waterloo’s Public Health guidelines.
For more information:
Shawn Falcao
Manager, corporate communications
Shawn.Falcao@kitchener.ca
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