Living City Grant

As stated in the Living City Grant Terms of Reference, eligibility includes registered not-for-profit societies and unincorporated local community associations, groups, and service clubs. The Terms of Reference also outlines projects which are not eligible for Living City Grants.

The Terms of Reference also lists projects which are not eligible for Living City Grants.

Past grant recipients have included initiatives in the following areas:

• Energy conservation
• Environmental protection and enhancement
• Zero waste
• Sustainable transportation
• Urban agriculture
• Water conservation
• Education and awareness

Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the City to discuss the suitability of their project prior to submitting their grant application:

Planning Assistant - Environmental Sustainability
Tel: 604-982-3942
Email: livingcitygrant@cnv.org

To apply, simply fill out the Living City Grant Application Form.

For your convenience, the Application Form is a fillable PDF. Here are the steps to complete the form:

1. Open the PDF.
2. Save it with another name (go to the File menu and select Save As).
3. Fill in the form.
4. Submit your completed form by this year's deadline, either by email to livingcitygrant@cnv.org or or by mail or in person to:

   Living City Grant Program
   Planning – Environmental Sustainability
   City of North Vancouver
   141 West 14th Street
   North Vancouver, BC V7M 1H9 

Please note that:

• Late applications will not be accepted.
• LCGP funding cannot be awarded retroactively.
• LCGP funding is not intended to provide core funding for ongoing programs.
• The City reserves the right to request evidence of liability insurance if deemed necessary.
• Playgrounds are not normally eligible for LCGP funding. These projects are funded through the Community Enhancement Fund (contact staff for details).

Please review the Living City Grant Terms of Reference. 

All applications will be reviewed and prioritized according to the following criteria:

• Innovative means to contribute to the social and environmental sustainability of the City
• Clear project goals and objectives
• Clear action plan, which is realistic and attainable in terms of timing and resources
• Evidence of community support and inclusiveness
• Evidence of an evaluation plan to measure project effectiveness
• Evidence of financial need and fiscal responsibility
• Willingness to work in collaboration with other City-related sustainability initiatives
• Consistent with and supportive of the City's parks and environmental goals as presented in the Official Community Plan

As stated in the Terms of Reference, funding recipients will be required to submit the following reports on the Living City Grant Reporting form, in this order:

• Interim report (submitted 6 months after receiving initial funding) listing any program events and deliverables to date
• Final report (submitted within 12 months of receiving funding)

Lookout Housing and Health Society

The grant empowered Lookout Housing and Health Society's North Shore Housing Centre, in collaboration with Our Community Bikes, to launch an exciting series of three bike maintenance and repair workshops for up to five peer workers. It also funded the creation of a bike repair tool library at NSHC, ensuring that resources would be available for ongoing learning.

Better Environmentally Sound Transportation Association and the North Shore Woman's Centre

Better Environmentally Sound Transportation Association's (BEST) Living Streets program launched Flaneuse on the North Shore in partnership with the North Shore Women's Centre. Flaneuse, a walking book club for self-identifying women from diverse backgrounds, encouraged participants to reflect on their role in public spaces and amplify their voices through discussions on walking, planning, and transportation.

Carson Graham Secondary School

Carson Graham's Community Initiatives and Leadership group students planned, prepared, and served nutritious monthly dinners at the school for those in need. The grant helped cover rising food costs and expanded the leadership program by funding materials for students, guided by sponsor teachers, to design and maintain garden boxes on the school grounds.

Vancouver Food Runners Society

In Canada, 58% of all food was wasted, while one in nine households in BC faced food insecurity. Vancouver Food Runners (VFR) tackled this issue with an innovative app powered by Food Rescue Hero and a network of volunteer drivers. The grant helped fund the North Shore Food Recovery Expansion Project, offering local businesses a simple way to donate surplus food to families and individuals in need.

North Shore Alliance Church (NSAC) Rain Garden

The North Shore Alliance Church (NSAC) had an asphalt parking lot that sent unfiltered runoff into Wagg Creek, a fish-bearing urban stream. To reduce pollution, NSAC partnered with North Shore Streamkeepers and SFU's Faculty of Environment to create a rain garden. The grant kick-started the project by removing 50m² of pavement to build the first phase of the garden, aimed at capturing and filtering runoff.

Queensbury Elementary School Parent Advisory Council

Queensbury Elementary's Parent Advisory Council used the funding to bring the North Shore Neighbourhood House’s Edible Garden Education Program to six classes for the 2023-2024 school year. Each class received eight hands-on lessons led by Edible Garden staff, with support from volunteers and teachers. Students explored the garden from September to June, learning about food cycles—planting, growing, harvesting, and preparing the food they cultivated.

Citizen of the City of North Vancouver

Representatives from diverse cultural communities were invited to share their insights on integrating sustainable practices into daily life at a free community panel. Attendees gained practical tips on adopting environmental sustainability and left inspired to reduce their impact. Targeting the broader community, especially new immigrants and marginalized groups, the event was promoted in partnership with organizations like Impact North Shore and the Museum of North Vancouver.

Wild Bird Trust of BC/Coast Salish Plant Nursery

The Coast Salish Plant Nursery (CSPN), a program of the Wild Bird Trust of BC, cultivated plants for restoration and educated the public on reconciliation and conservation. Guided by Coast Salish and Indigenous knowledge, the program focused on land-based education, native plant propagation, and ecological regeneration. The grant supported the ongoing development of these Indigenous-led programs for youth and adults, along with five workshops for CNV staff, officials, and school groups at Maplewood Flats.

North Shore Community Garden Society

The grant enabled the North Shore Community Garden Society to purchase native plants, compost, and install educational signs for pollinator gardens at Queen Mary, City Hall, and Eastern community gardens. These gardens provided vital habitats for pollinators, supporting healthy ecosystems. The public could enjoy their beauty while learning about pollinator-friendly plants and the importance of pollinators through the signs.

Fresh Air Learning Society

Fresh Air Learning Society used the grant to offer free fall and spring nature-based playgroups at Loutet Park and Farm for parents and children ages 2-8. The program featured nature connection, stories, songs, and exploration, running for eight weeks each season with weekly 1.5-hour sessions on Sundays. Up to 12 children and their families participated, with drop-ins encouraged. 

North Shore Neighbourhood House and the Edible Garden Project

The North Shore Neighbourhood House and the Edible Garden Project have partnered to empower Grant McNeil Place residents, run by BC Housing, to grow nutritious, sustainable food. Through weekly drop-ins, monthly workshops, and visits to Loutet Farm, residents will learn to cultivate organic produce using shared garden beds. 

Jump Buddies Fellowship

The Loutet Jump Buddies, a group of volunteers who began maintaining Loutet Bike Park in 2019, have made significant improvements, boosting ridership, and created a positive learning environment for all skill levels. Grant funding was provided for equipment and they also raised $1,400 through a GoFundMe to install a tool shed, secure their tools, and purchase additional tools and a first aid kit.

North Shore Streamkeepers

North Shore Streamkeepers, a registered society and volunteer group, monitors salmon populations, restores habitats, and provides education in North Vancouver since 2010. They received a grant for an outreach pilot project to educate residents living near Wagg Creek. The goal was to help these residents connect with the creek by understanding how their choices impact it. 

Greater Vancouver Orienteering Club

The Greater Vancouver Orienteering Club (GVOC) and CNV Parks staff discussed creating a permanent orienteering course in a City park to promote active park use. GVOC sought grant funding to establish this course, which is suitable for all ages. The funds were used for course design, producing plates, maps, signage, and updating online maps.

Access21nnovate Foundation

Access21nnovate Foundation received a grant to help establish a local recycling program to divert 3D printing waste from landfills. Residents in North Vancouver with 3D printers were invited to participate by providing their filament waste, which was crushed and extruded into new filament using a machine called the Protocycler. 

Urban Repurpose

Urban Repurpose is a not-for-profit social enterprise focused on reducing waste through reuse and upcycling. The grant funded the inaugural Reuse and Upcycle Fair, an event that showcased artists and designers using waste materials in their creations and connected them with potential consumers.

The Craft Pod

The Craft Pod was a newly established library offering free crafting and gardening supplies, encouraging the community to take or leave what they need. The grant funded the creation and distribution of free container gardening kits, focusing on families with young children, the elderly, and those with limited access to green space. 

St. Andrew's Community Gardens

In 2013, St. Andrew's United Church established a community garden for residents. In March 2022, the church replaced four deteriorating garden beds, but the remaining 12 needed replacement. Grant funds were provided for materials to rebuild the 12 beds, with additional support from the church.

Note: due to the impact of COVID-19, no grants were given in 2020.

Creekside Housing Co-operative

Creekside Housing Co-op, a 42-unit affordable housing complex built in 1985, housed seniors, persons with disabilities, families, and individuals with low to medium incomes. The co-op proposed a community garden project, funded by the grant, to promote wellness, reduce pandemic-induced isolation, beautify the neighborhood, and support the City's environmental goals. 

Fresh Air Learning Society Vancouver

Founded in 2010, Fresh Air Learning offered play-based nature programs for over 350 children aged 2-13 annually. They sought grant funding for a free, nature-based playgroup for parents and children aged 2-6, focusing on Heywood Park. The program aimed to provide opportunities for children to socialize and learn about the park’s environment. 

Larson Elementary School

Larson Elementary, a public school with about 490 students from Kindergarten to Grade 7, installed four garden beds to offer hands-on gardening workshops. The project managers partnered with The Edible Garden Project to bring students into the garden for interactive lessons. Students from all grades participated in lessons from September to June, learning about the cycles of food production from seed to soil.

North Shore Rain Garden Project

The North Shore Rain Garden Project, an initiative of SFU's Faculty of Environment, was launched in 2017 to promote green infrastructure like rain gardens in urban and residential areas. They proposed a video project to raise awareness about Wagg Creek, one of the most polluted watersheds on the North Shore, and encourage community dialogue on its restoration.

Ocean Ambassadors Canada

Ocean Ambassadors Canada, a registered charity focused on ocean conservation and plastic pollution, sought support for their Zero Waste Coaching for Small Businesses program in North Vancouver. The program aimed to help small businesses reduce single-use items, choose sustainable products based on local recycling systems, and increase recycling and food scraps diversion. 

Roundabout Urban Gardens

Ruth and Erika led the Roundabout Urban Gardens Project, which began in May 2020, fueled by their shared love of gardening and sustainability. They converted unused public boulevard grass in Central Lonsdale into pollinator-friendly gardens, aiming to support vulnerable populations with food donations, combat social isolation through volunteer opportunities, inspire others to grow and share food, and develop gardening skills.

Cascadia Society for Social Working

For over 19 years, the Cascadia Society for Social Working has hosted shared homes and community programs for adults with special needs in North Vancouver. Their offerings include a daily gardening workshop with activities like composting, seeding, and harvesting. They sought funding to install rainwater collection systems in their two gardens for drip irrigation.

North Shore Neighbourhood House, Edible Garden Project

The Edible Garden Project, established by North Shore Neighbourhood House, addresses food security through urban agriculture initiatives like Loutet Farm. They sought funding to establish two new honey bee hives at Loutet Farm after their previous colonies collapsed, aiming to enhance pollination and provide educational opportunities.

Gerry’s Garden Society

Established in 2008, Gerry’s Garden is a community garden transformed from concrete and weeds into a vibrant space with paths, benches, and habitats for wildlife. The Society sought funding for shrubs and perennials to support local biodiversity and enhance the garden’s appeal.

Lower Lonsdale Community Gardens

Lower Lonsdale Community Gardens has provided green space and affordable garden plots for 35 years. They sought funding for repairs to garden plots, signage, and shed roofs, using member volunteers for labor to improve safety and aesthetics.

Lookout Housing & Health Society

Since 1971, Lookout Housing and Health Society has provided housing and health services to marginalized individuals. They proposed a peer-run cleanup program around Mosquito Creek, equipping participants with safety gear and training while offering small stipends for their work.

Simon Fraser University, Pacific Water Research Centre

SFU’s Pacific Water Research Centre formed a volunteer Rain Garden Design Advisory Panel to support new rain garden projects. They proposed developing a rain garden at Capilano Mall, aiming to enhance Mackay Creek ecology and engage the community in environmental action through workshops and a demonstration video.

Boundary Elementary School

Inspired by the Cool Routes to School Program, Boundary Elementary students planned a “Walk BC” campaign to accumulate kilometers traveled. The goal was to collectively walk the distance of British Columbia, with a school dance as the reward for achieving the target. 

Ridgeway Parent Advisory Council

Established in 1995, the Ridgeway Parent Advisory Council sought funding to create natural play and learning spaces at the school, focusing on inspiring outdoor learning for various ages and improving property aesthetics.

North Shore Community Garden Society

The North Shore Community Garden Society, overseeing six gardens, sought funding to maintain pathways and public spaces within Charros and Queen Mary Community Gardens, ensuring safe access and enhancing the gardening experience for all users.

Holy Trinity School

Holy Trinity Elementary School aimed to produce student-designed “reminder tickets” for parents during drop-off, promoting safe traffic behavior and community involvement in active transportation efforts.

Larson School Parents Association

The Parents Association of Larson School sought funding for various projects promoting sustainable transportation, including a volunteer-run carnival and bike safety education, to raise awareness of active transportation benefits.

Fraser River Keeper

Founded in 2004, Fraser Riverkeeper promotes water literacy and conservation. They aimed to train youth to test water quality in the Mosquito Creek Watershed, developing a model for citizen monitoring that could be replicated across Metro Vancouver.

North Shore Fruit Tree Project Society

Established in 2010, the North Shore Fruit Tree Project Society seeks to reduce waste and provide food by harvesting local fruit. They requested funding to purchase additional picking equipment to support increased volunteer efforts and fruit distribution to local organizations.

Pacific Water Research Center, Simon Fraser University

Formed in 2015, the Pacific Water Research Centre focused on educating the community about rain gardens and their role in flood resilience. They proposed a pilot project to engage citizens and stakeholders through workshops, aiming to enhance understanding and implementation of rain gardens.

BeeFriendly Native Bee Conservation Society

Established in 2012, the Beefriendly Native Bee Conservation Society aims to protect native bee habitats. They planned a project to restructure a garden, install an irrigation system, and replace the native bee hotel after damage from arson and environmental conditions.

North Shore Table Matters

Table Matters is a network supporting food policy and development. They planned a project to celebrate local food initiatives and foster dialogue around environmental, socioeconomic, and multicultural diversity through food systems work.

Affordable Housing Advisory Association

The Affordable Housing Advisory Association sought funding to establish an organic vegetable garden on the roof of the Twin Towers parkade, providing fresh produce for tenants and social engagement opportunities for seniors.

North Shore Community Garden Society

The Queen Mary Community Garden, opened in 2010, requested funding for repairs, including garden plot boards, soil, erosion panels, and shed maintenance, to enhance community safety and usability of the gardening space.

Edible Garden Project

The Edible Garden Project planned to install drip irrigation in five Sharing Gardens to improve water efficiency and reduce consumption by 40-50%. Funding would support the installation and public education on water conservation.

Queen Mary Community School

The Queen Mary Green Team initiated a Bike Club to promote transportation safety and active commuting. They sought funding for Bike to School Weeks and bike skills training workshops, ensuring adequate infrastructure for biking at the school.