Minister MacAulay announced $53.5 million in national funding to launch the new School Food Infrastructure Fund, and initiate the next phase of the Local Food Infrastructure Fund, in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. 

The newly launched School Food Infrastructure Fund will assist not-for-profit organizations as they invest in infrastructure and equipment to support school food programing across the country. Applications are now open, and eligible organizations are encouraged to apply from now until October 4, 2024. The $17.2 million announced today for the School Food Infrastructure Program will be delivered as a complement to the National School Food Program.  

The renewed Local Food Infrastructure Fund will continue to help improve food security in communities across the country. Our renewed program will be delivered through two components:

• Small Scale Projects will provide funding between $25,000 and $100,000 to support infrastructure projects, such as irrigation systems for community gardens or solar panels for greenhouses. Applications for the first intake will be open from October 1 to October 31, 2024. A second intake will be announced in 2025.
• Large Scale Projects will provide funding between $150,000 and $500,000 in support of community food security for projects with multiple infrastructure and equipment needs. For example, partners could come together to upgrade a soup kitchen and increase the number of meals served, using food from a local community garden, or a local farmer. Applications will be open from January 13 to February 28, 2025.

Members of No. 2 Construction Battalion showed resilience, determination and strength in the face of adversity. Faced with racism both at home and overseas, their commitment to the war effort was unwavering. They deserve recognition for the sacrifices they made to serve Canada.

Funding is available through Veterans Affairs Canada for those who wish to honour the legacy of the Battalion.

Stay tuned for a call for applications this fall.

https://www.veterans.gc.ca/en/remembrance/commemorative-events/commemorative-partnership

Economic Development Initiative in southern Ontario

The Economic Development Initiative (EDI) is part of Canada's Action Plan for Official Languages 2023-2028: Protection-Promotion-Collaboration, which reaffirms our government's commitment to official languages.

EDI helps address the economic challenges and builds on the strengths of each region to facilitate growth in official language minority communities. Through EDI, FedDev Ontario is helping Francophone communities in southern Ontario grow their economies.

FedDev Ontario delivers $800,000 annually through EDI to support projects encouraging economic diversification, business development, innovation, partnerships and increased support for small- and medium-sized enterprises in Francophone communities.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants are incorporated Francophone or bilingual not-for-profit organizations located in southern Ontario that provide programs or services in French to Francophone communities, including:

• community and economic development organizations
• not-for-profit organizations and associations
• post-secondary institutions that offer full-time programs in French

What types of projects are eligible?

• Economic Development and Diversification: Projects that respond to the needs of Francophone communities, including implementing region-specific growth strategies. Priority may be given to projects related to women, youth, clean technology, the social economy (early childhood, integration of newcomers, etc.), and tourism.
• Business and Economic Development: Projects that respond to the needs and foster the economic growth of industry sectors (e.g., manufacturing, information technology). This includes activities that increase business management capacity, reskill or train workers or adopt digital technologies.
• Strategic Community Economic Planning: Projects that enhance the economic base and competitiveness of Francophone communities and small- and medium-sized enterprises.

Projects must focus on incremental activities and must increase the services and/or products of an organization above and beyond the organization's current day-to-day operations or already funded activities.

Click here to learn more! 

Schedule and locations

In 2024, NCC Weekend Bikedays will run from May 11 to October 14 on Saturdays, Sundays, and holiday Mondays. This schedule may be interrupted during certain major events. Details will be communicated as soon as they are available.

Kichi Zībī Mīkan 

The Kichi Zībī Mīkan runs along the south side of the Ottawa River, just west of the downtown core. It winds its way past popular shoreline destinations such as Remic Rapids Park, Bate Island, Westboro Beach, Deschênes Rapids Lookout and Mud Lake.

• Hours: 8 am to 4 pm*
• Location: Both westbound lanes, from Vimy Place to Carling Avenue (9 km)** 

** Due to LRT construction, certain sections of the Kichi Zībī Mīkan, between Island Park Drive and Carling Avenue, will be reduced to a single lane. Bidirectional traffic between NCC Weekend Bikedays users and eastbound vehicles will be separated by pin curbs with flexiposts. Optional detours to the southern multi-use pathway will also be available. When in place, detours will be indicated on the interactive map.

Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway

The Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway runs along the south side of the Ottawa River, just east of the downtown core. It is connected to the Capital Pathway network, which leads to beautiful views of the Ottawa River and to the NCC River House (3 km).

• Hours: 8 am to 4 pm*
• Location: Both lanes, from Aviation Parkway to St. Joseph Boulevard in Orléans (8 km) 

Queen Elizabeth Driveway

The Queen Elizabeth Driveway runs along the west side of the Rideau Canal. It is connected to the Capital Pathway network, which leads to nearby Patterson Creek Park and Commissioners Park.

• Hours: 8 am to 8 pm*
• Location: Both lanes, from Fifth Avenue to Somerset Street (2.4 km)