Health News For Niagara North West
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Thursday, April 17, 2025
Ontario. Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility

Ontario Investing in More Accessible and Inclusive Communities

Province funding 37 innovative projects to make communities accessible to people of all ages and abilities

The Ontario government is investing in 37 projects through the EnAbling Change Program and Inclusive Community Grants Program that will help make communities across the province accessible to people of all ages and abilities.

“Funding community initiatives that promote and increase accessibility and inclusivity is a vital step toward ensuring that every person, regardless of their abilities, can fully enjoy and participate in our communities,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “These projects will break down barriers, create more inclusive spaces and open up new opportunities for all.”

The government is investing $1.5 million in the 2024-25 EnAbling Change Program to support 19 innovative initiatives by not-for-profits, municipalities and other organizations across the province that improve the lives of people with disabilities. The projects increase the accessibility of community programs and services, as well as online initiatives, educational tools and public outreach programs that help communities and businesses understand and incorporate the benefits of accessibility and inclusion into their practices. A full list of this year’s recipients can be found here.
 
In addition, 18 new projects are being funded through the Inclusive Community Grants Program, which invests up to $60,000 for local and community based projects to help people of all ages and abilities. Since the Inclusive Community Grants Program was created in 2020, it has provided over $5 million to support 125 projects promoting inclusivity and accessibility across the province. A full list of this year’s projects that received an Inclusive Community Grant can be found here.

The Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility’s Age-friendly and accessibility grants web page has information on the EnAbling Change Program, Inclusive Community Grants Program and other grant opportunities.

Quick Facts:

  • The EnAbling Change Program started in 1999 and has supported more than 265 projects across Ontario. It provides funding to municipalities, not-for-profit, industry and professional associations across a range of sectors.
  • Projects funded through Inclusive Community Grants are led by municipalities, community organizations and Indigenous communities.
  • The first 20 Inclusive Community Grants of the 2024-25 cycle were announced in September 2024.

Additional Resources:


Media Contacts:

Wallace Pidgeon
Minister’s Office
wallace.pidgeon@ontario.ca

Media Desk
Communications Branch
MSAA.Media@ontario.ca
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