The City of Toronto is now accepting applications for its PollinateTO Grants. Grants of up to $5,000 are available to support community-led initiatives that result in the creation or expansion of pollinator habitat on public and private lands in Toronto. A priority will be placed on funding projects in Toronto’s Neighbourhood Improvement Areas.
Projects eligible for funding include those that create new pollinator habitat in green spaces, such as schoolyards and parks, and those that expand existing gardens with pollinator-friendly plants. Projects to create pollinator pathways (multiple gardens on a residential street) are also eligible for funding. Projects must be visible to the public and educate and/or engage the community in some way.
Community groups, not-for-profit organizations, student groups, parent councils, Indigenous groups and other resident-led groups are encouraged to apply.
Launched in 2019, the grants are a component of the City’s Pollinator Protection Strategy, adopted by City Council in 2018 to support the more than 360 species of bees and more than 100 species of butterflies and other pollinators found in Toronto. Many species are in decline due to habitat loss, climate change and other stressors.
To date, 68 community-led projects have received funding, including 14 located in Neighbourhood Improvement Areas, resulting in almost 200 gardens (approximately 20,000 square metres of pollinator habitat).
The deadline to apply is Monday, November 1, 2021.
More information is available at https://www.toronto.ca/pollinateTO
Quotes:
“Pollinators are an important part of a sustainable, resilient city and the habitat created through the grants will help to ensure they survive and thrive in Toronto. I encourage residents and community groups to apply for a PollinateTO grant and create gardens for pollinators across our city.”
– Mayor John Tory
“In addition to creating habitat for pollinators, the gardens created through the grants will help to enhance biodiversity, beautify our neighbourhoods and make our city more resilient.”
- Councillor Jennifer McKelvie (Scarborough-Rouge Park), Chair of Parks and Environment Committee
My spring newsletter is out! Plus: free compost this weekend & 2024 Environment Days.
Read my latest update on engagement and enforcement activities at Tommy Thompson Park and the Leslie Street Spit.
