Did you know that the Vision Zero BC grant program provides up to $20,000 in funding per project to local communities for road safety improvements? Since 2021, this program has allowed organizations to make infrastructure changes and launch educational campaigns that help keep Northerners safe on our roads.
About Vision Zero Grant BC
Vision Zero BC is a grant program built on the collaboration between the British Columbia Injury Research and Prevention Unit, the Government of British Columbia, the First Nations Health Authority and the five regional BC health authorities. The goal of Vision Zero is to create a system to improve road safety that will result in zero serious injuries or deaths. Following the success of Vision Zero in countries like Sweden and the Netherlands (which saw up to 66 per cent fewer road fatalities), the grant provides funding to local communities to make road safety improvements focusing on protecting people who walk, cycle, or roll.
2023 was the second year of funding where a total of nine communities within Northern Health were awarded funding. Funding ranged between $5,000 - $20,000 depending on the project and allowed organizations to make infrastructure changes and launch educational campaigns.
Some of the projects funded in 2023:
- Rectangular rapid flashing beacons for in Prince George and Kitimat
- Engineering reports to support developments in Smithers and for the Cycle 16 project
- A new bus shelter in Quesnel
- A sledding hill and ice rink to provide a safe place to play away from roads in Saulteau First Nations (near Chetwynd)
For more information on these funded projects, visit https://www.visionzerobc.ca/projects
As autumn approaches, we encourage communities to explore the Vision Zero BC webpage to see past projects and plan road safety improvement projects to submit to the grant program.
Who can apply?
- Local governments
- Indigenous governments
- Non‐governmental organizations (NGOs) including, but not limited to school districts, parent advisory councils, road safety advocacy groups, Aboriginal friendship centres, and charitable organizations
Two funding streams:
Stream 1 supports safety improvements to roadways. These are projects that require approval from an engineering department or local administrator for construction and installation.
Stream 2 projects are those identified by Indigenous communities. This aligns with the BC Government's commitment to meaningful and lasting reconciliation and working with Indigenous governing bodies in a government-to-government relationship. This stream ensures that Indigenous communities are able to set and direct their own priorities.
Don’t miss these important dates
- Applications open October 16, 2023
- Applications close January 8, 2024
Questions?
For more information and details on how to apply, visit visionzerobc.ca.
For questions about the application process and how to maximize the value of your project idea, email the BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit at bcinjury@bcchr.ca; they will connect you with a grant lead at your local health authority.
Comments