Region has millions available for anti-gang initiatives in Oakville, Burlington, Milton

As much as $2.4 million from Halton Region is available to help address gun and gang violence in Burlington, Oakville, Milton and Halton Hills.

The Region is now accepting applications for the Building Safer Communities in Halton Grant, which will distribute up to $2.4 million between Jan. 1, 2024, and March 31, 2026, to eligible local organizations.

“Keeping children, youth and young adults engaged, healthy and safe are important steps to preventing involvement in crime and gun violence,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr.

“While Halton has a low rate of gun and gang violence, these issues cross municipal borders and local prevention and engagement programs are critical to keeping all communities safe. Thank you to Public Safety Canada for funding this important initiative in Halton and across the country.”

In 2022, Public Safety Canada introduced the Building Safer Communities Fund, announcing investments of $250 million to help communities tackle the root causes of gun and gang violence across Canada.

The Building Safer Communities in Halton initiative is part of Halton’s Community and Safety Well-Being Plan and aligns with the Region’s broader effort to work closely with local partners to keep the community safe and healthy.

Applications for the Building Safer Communities in Halton Grant will be accepted until Sept. 22.

To be eligible for the grant, organizations must:

• support children, youth and young adults (ages 6 – 29) in evidence-based prevention and intervention strategies
• align with priority program types in application guidelines (e.g., counselling, harm reduction, supportive housing, etc.)
• align with priority themes in application guidelines (e.g., preventing and addressing human trafficking, developing and supporting positive coping skills, etc.)
• provide services to Halton residents
• ensure equitable and inclusive service delivery to support diverse, equity-deserving or marginalized populations
• be incorporated as a non-profit organization, registered charity, or a First Nations, Metis or Inuit band

The Region will be hosting three information sessions to help community organizations learn about the grant and the application process:

• Session 1: Wednesday, Sept. 6, 10 a.m. to noon (Virtual)
• Session 2: Thursday, Sept. 7, 6 to 8 p.m. (Virtual)
• Session 3: Friday, Sept. 8, 2 to 4 p.m. (In-person – Halton Regional Centre, 1151 Bronte Road, Oakville)

For more information or to apply, visit the Region of Halton website.