Sidewalk astronomy? Winter dance? Little free library? These are some of the 22 neighbourhood projects that received funding in 2021.
As COVID-19 Public Health Orders change, the City of Penticton and Community Foundation of the South Okanagan Similkameen are once again partnering to offer Neighbourhood Small Grants for neighbourhood and small community projects.
“In 2021 we had many great ideas come forward, such as sidewalk astronomy with local professional astronomers and a neighbourhood that knitted sweaters for their trees in the south end of Penticton,” said the Community Foundation’s Community Development Coordinator, Kim English. “We are issuing a friendly community challenge to see some more fun projects in 2022.”
The simple application will be accepted from April 1 to May 16, 2022. Applications can be completed online by visiting Penticton.ca/NSG , calling 250 490 2512 or emailing SocialDevelopment@penticton.ca
An Czeszejko-Sochacki, who planned a kid-friendly outdoor movie night in her neighbourhood in the summer of 2021, believes that it takes just one individual to mobilize an idea to make the community safer and more connected.
“Our first Glen Place Neighbourhood movie night in 2021 was a hit! Some people who were curious stopped by and ended up staying the entire movie. We were so pleased with the success of our movie nights last year that we plan to host them again this summer!”
“Council is looking forward to seeing the list of ideas and events this opportunity will generate,” said Penticton Mayor, John Vassilaki. “Things that bring people together or create opportunities for occasions and events to occur, not only provide an upbeat injection of mental health into our local neighourhoods, they’re also the very thing we need right now as we ease away from the restrictions introduced during COVID and safely resume positive interactions with neighbours, friends and family.”
To learn more, an information session will be held on Monday, April 11, 2022 at noon (12:00pm) online.