Think of projects that are small and quick to implement, but that might spark conversation or positive change in your community.

→ As much as possible, we encourage buying and using local resources.

→ Ideally, you must be able to complete your project or action by Fall 2023 but we are flexible! Let’s work together to bring your project to life.

We have a total of $20,000 in funds to support all projects, so we encourage you to think small-scale. Last year, the largest micro-grant was $2,000, although the amounts varied significantly depending on other resources the teams were able to leverage (e.g. free paint, volunteer power, repurposing materials) - this freed up funds to support even more projects. This is the power of a participatory approach where more people can benefit. During the first workshop, we will have a community conversation about the size of the micro-grants, but we also encourage you to reach out to our project team (participatorybudgetyeg@gmail.com) to discuss your idea and proposed budget. 

→ Funds need to abide by the Councillors’ Budget and Expense Policy, C618A. They can also include honorarium for artists, Elders, and facilitators. Contact our team at participatorybudgetyeg@gmail.com if you have questions. 

→ Funding will be provided to the winning projects as a reimbursement, between August 31-November 30 2023 (depending on when you submit your receipts and expense form). This means you will need to pay for the costs upfront. If this is a barrier, contact our team and we will work with you.

ANYONE! There is no age limit, and last year we saw kids as young as 5 years old proposing ideas for project. We just ask that as a project lead you live, work, or have a relationship with Ward Karhiio and that all final projects are located in the ward.

→ You will need to find a sponsor community organization to work with (e.g. your community league, a non-profit in your community). If you don’t have one in mind, our team can help you.

Hopefully note! Reach out to us if you need help understanding if you might need a permit so we can help you start the process!

→ If your activation will take place in a public park, or requires closing a road, you may require a permit or permission from the City. 

→ If your project involves building a structure, you may need a permit or permission from the City depending on where it is located.

→ Activation in neighbourhood parks: An activation in a neighbourhood or district park may require you to submit a neighbourhood event application form. Apply 6-8 weeks prior to event

→ Activation/Events on Private Property: A development permit is not required when events are less than 7 consecutive days or 7 cumulative calendar days in the calendar year. Time required for set up and take down are not considered part of the event. For example: A weekly market held for more than 5 weeks will require a development permit. Apply 14 days prior to event

→ Activation/Events on Public Property: Special events on non-roadway public property such as parks, plazas or squares typically do not require a development permit

The project submission portal will open online and in-person in JUNE 2023 - we will announce this in my e-newsletter (sign up here for the monthly newsletter) and on my social media accounts (Instagram, Facebook and Twitter). Before submissions open, we encourage you to join us at our upcoming workshops to brainstorm new ideas, or refine an idea you have been thinking about for a while. The workshops are also a chance to meet others in your community who might be interested in COLLABORATING on an idea and lending their support and talents.

In the meantime, here are a few useful resources to help you plan your project:

→ My Project Planner: Use this template as a guide to help you consider all the resources you will need for your project – including people, materials, time, money etc.

→ Community Led Construction Project Guide

You VOTE and decide! This is what is special about community-based budgeting or participatory budgeting. There is no panel of judges - it is up to community participation. We will have more community conversations about how this stage might go so be sure to sign up for the workshops!