Community Environmental Fund supports 20 new projects

Waterloo Region – Regional Council recently approved $145,861 in funding for 20 projects under the Community Environmental Fund (CEF) grant program.

Applicants receiving funding include: 11 community organizations; seven schools (including both elementary and post-secondary); and two projects initiated by an area municipality.

Some of the specific projects awarded funding include:
• Waterloo Region Community Garden Network Pollinator and Food Hedges Project;
• KW Habilitation Our Farm Trail Building Project;
• Bee City Kitchener Iron Horse Trail Pollinator Path;
• Forest Heights Community Pollinator Garden;
• Conrad Grebel College Green Roof;
• Expanding Outdoor Space at Manchester Public School; and
• Soaking Up Rain at Sheppard Public School.

The Community Environmental Fund (CEF) was established by Regional Council in October 2011 and provides financial support to a wide variety of environmental stewardship and sustainability projects that: provide a positive and lasting environmental return; engage citizens and encourage collaboration; seek innovative solutions and/or increase knowledge; and produce measurable and achievable outcomes.

“It’s exciting to see so many people working together on innovative projects that will make our community more environmentally sustainable,” said Karen Redman, Regional Chair. “The Community Environmental Fund enables citizens to make a lasting impact on their surroundings.”

From 2010 to 2019, the Region has provided grants totalling $1,538,675 for 228 environmental stewardship and sustainability projects. It’s estimated the Region’s funding support was multiplied more than three-fold through matching and in-kind support, for a total community investment of nearly $4,500,000.

Additional details on the fund are available at www.regionofwaterloo.ca/CEF

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For more information contact:
Bryan Stortz, Communications Director, Region of Waterloo
519-575-4408 or bstortz@regionofwaterloo.ca