News Release
November 16, 2020

The City of Toronto is now accepting applications for its PollinateTO Community 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.

 

Launched in 2019, the grants are a component of Toronto’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.

 

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 corridors (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 and other resident-led groups are encouraged to apply.

 

The deadline to apply is January 8, 2021. The gardens will be planted in 2021.

 

Get more information from the PollinateTO Community Grants webpage.

 

Quotes:

“Pollinators are an important part of a sustainable, resilient city and the habitat created in 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 across our city.”
– Mayor John Tory

 

“In addition to creating much-needed habitat for pollinators, the gardens created through the grants will help to improve our resilience, enhance biodiversity, and beautify our neighbourhoods.”
– Councillor James Pasternak (York Centre), Chair of the Infrastructure and Environment Committee

 

Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.

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