A BCHC PlanH Community Connectedness grant has helped develop the Welcoming and Inclusive Communities (WIC) program in West Vancouver, making a significant difference in the lives of newcomers there. The program offers a variety of activities designed to foster community connections and inclusion. In May 2024, West Vancouver’s WIC program received the BCRPA Program Excellence…
The application deadline for the 2025 PlanH Healthy Communities Grants has been extended to July 16, 2025. This extension offers an opportunity for more communities to apply for and access funding to support initiatives that promote community connectedness and healthy public policy. The grants, which are offered through two funding streams, Community Connectedness and Healthy…
In Crofton and Chemainus, school breaks are becoming a launchpad for skill-building and connection. Thanks to a PlanH Community Connectedness grant, North Cowichan Parks and Recreation has been running a Youth Job Training Series that’s equipping rural youth with real-world skills – while strengthening their sense of community. The initiative offers in-person training on days…
The City of Penticton has launched a groundbreaking Social Housing and Infrastructure Plan (SHIP), developed in partnership with local housing and service organizations and supported by a Healthy Public Policy grant from PlanH. Aimed at tackling the city’s growing need for non-market housing, the plan outlines actionable steps, identifies 15 opportunity sites and aligns infrastructure…
Applications for the 2025 PlanH Healthy Communities Grants open May 12, 2025. Administered by BC Healthy Communities, the grants support projects through two funding streams: Community Connectedness and Healthy Public Policy. Applications close on July 7, 2025. Join us for an info session on May 29 at 2:30 pm to ask questions and learn more…
More than 40 Indigenous youth gathered at Seabird Island for the third annual Stó:lō Youth Entrepreneurship Initiative (YEI), a one-day event that offered hands-on experience in launching and growing a business. Hosted by Sqéwqel Development Corporation (SqDC), the economic development arm of Seabird Island, the event marked its most dynamic year yet. This year’s theme,…
The application intake for PlanH Healthy Communities Grants is anticipated to open in the Spring of 2025. Local and Indigenous governments interested in applying can prepare in advance by reviewing past application materials to understand the grant streams and eligibility criteria. The 2024 PlanH Application Guide is a good example of what to expect. For…
The Board of BC Healthy Communities Society (BCHC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Vanessa Manuel as the organization’s new Executive Director, effective February 3, 2025. The announcement was made by BCHC Board Chair, Chris Lovelace. “Vanessa brings an extraordinary health-related background that aligns seamlessly with our mission at BC Healthy Communities,” said Lovelace….
Join a PlanH Healthy Public Policy webinar on January 30, 2025, to hear how the District of Tofino is adapting its municipal alcohol policy to support its residents. With the BC Cancer Foundation reporting that alcohol consumption is linked to seven types of cancer, healthy public policies such as those being adapted by Tofino are…