Canada’s 150th birthday will be a time for Canadians to reflect, as well as imagine the nation’s possibilities in years to come. For two Oakville organizations, envisioned projects to better the community have become feasible sooner than expected. It was announced that Oakville’s the Bronte Village BIA and Waterlution were both approved for Canada 150 Fund grants.
I am delighted that two grant recipients are here in Oakville. Bronte BIA and Waterlution will implement projects that are important to the strengthening and development of Oakville and surrounding communities. These organizations represent what Canada stands for – progression, determination and inclusion. The funds that support local projects will be an excellent homage to Canada’s 150th birthday.
The Canada 150 Fund aims to create opportunities for Canadians to participate in local, regional, and national celebrations that contribute to building a sense of pride and attachment to Canada. Those eligible for the grant were Canadian not-for-profit organizations, business corporations, schools and municipal governments.
"The Bronte BIA is so proud that The Bronte Heritage Trail and Canada 150 Mobile Exhibit was one of the selected organizations," said Ann Sargent, Executive Director of the Bronte BIA. “This new heritage project is designed to bring Bronte village's history to life with local based content, e-beacons and interpretive signage, to highlight the unique roots of this community and to promote Canada's 150th year of confederation, thank you to the Government of Canada for this opportunity."
Oakville based Waterlution is currently leading the Great Art for Great Lakes (GAGL) project. It is a two- year project that involves a series of art and learning workshops, focused around eight Great Lakes communities that build up toward celebrating Ontario’s 150th birthday.
“Art is a beautiful way to inspire communities,” said Karen Kun, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Waterlution. “The project will help raise awareness about the Great Lakes and give communities a platform to express their stories and attachments to the Lakes.”
Remarkably, the $100 million fund was over-subscribed nation-wide. The amount of communities combined asked for over $1 billion in grants, ten times the available amount.
Through the development of these projects, Oakville and surrounding communities will be reminded of Canada’s historic birthday and its promising future. For more information about Canada’s birthday celebrations please visit the Canada 150 Fund.