BC Vision Zero
in Road Safety
Grant Program
The British Columbia Vision Zero in Road Safety Grant Program (the 'Grant Program') supports governments and organizations in improving the safety of their communities. The focus of our Grant Program is to protect vulnerable road users (people who walk, cycle, or scoot) from serious injury, disability, or death.
Who can apply?
- Local governments,
- Indigenous governments, and
- Non‐governmental organizations (NGOs) including, but not limited to: School Districts, Parent Advisory Councils, road safety advocacy groups, Aboriginal Friendship Centres, and charitable organizations
Up to $20,000 in funding per project is available. Funding allows organizations to make infrastructure changes, enact policy or enforcement measures, or launch educational campaigns.
Preference will be given to local and Indigenous government applicants. Where NGOs apply, preference will be given to those that are working in partnership with local or Indigenous governments.
Download the information below on the Vision Zero Grant Program (PDF)
Applications Open
November
02
2022
Application Deadline
January
21
2023
Award Amount
$5,000 to $20,000
Award Term
April 1, 2023 – March 31, 2024 (12 months)
Funding Streams
Applicants may apply to one of two funding streams:
Stream #1 funding is for the design and installation of low‐cost road infrastructure improvements—temporary (pilot) or permanent—that increase the safety of vulnerable road users. It also includes other projects, such as policy changes or other proven or innovative initiatives.
Examples include:
- Traffic signal timing changes
- Raised crosswalks
- Solar powered speed feedback signs
- Rectangular rapid flashing beacons
- Innovative pavement markings
This stream supports the cost of local projects that require engineering department/local government administrator approval in order to proceed with construction and installation. Projects may focus on unsafe locations in neighbourhoods, or local areas with socioeconomic or other forms of social inequity. Design and implementation of these projects may also involve contributions by other partner organizations to supplement grants (e.g,. for professional services, labour, materials).
Stream #2 projects fund projects that are directed by Indigenous communities and governments. This aligns with the BC Government’s commitment to reconciliation and working with Indigenous governments in a government‐to‐government relationship. Indigenous communities can set and direct their own priorities.
Stream #2 grants may include any items listed under Stream #1, but also include other Indigenous‐led road safety priorities, such as road safety planning, driver training, impaired driving, community consultations, stakeholder engagement, public awareness, a bike-share program, etc.
Projects involving Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure Roads
Projects involving Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MoTI) right of way—most often numbered highways and side roads outside of municipalities—are NOT ELIGIBLE to apply for the Grant Program. If you have a road safety concern involving these roads, please contact your regional MoTI office. If you are unsure whether your project involves a road under MoTI jurisdiction, please confirm using iMapBC. Instructions on navigating this website can be found on our FAQ page.
Funding Details
Successful Stream #1 or Stream #2 projects can receive between $5,000 and $20,000 in funding. This depends on the project scope and its alignment with the Grant Program's principles, aims, and objectives.
Projects for larger funding amounts are more likely to be considered if:
- The project is expected to benefit a large number of people;
- At least one partnership has been secured that offers additional financial contributions; or
- A strong implementation and evaluation plan has been created, and the applicant has sufficient expertise to execute the project successfully.
Funding will not be provided for:
- Profit‐making activities, programs, and/or projects;
- Cash prizes;
- Purchases of alcohol and/or other drugs; and
- Ongoing operating expenses for established programs or projects.
Reporting
Grant recipients will be required to submit a midterm evaluation report in September 2023 and a final project evaluation report in April 2024. A report template will be provided to successful applicants. We will also request photos and communication materials to promote funded projects on our website and social media.
Project activities and expenditures must be completed by March 31, 2024. Please consider these timelines when developing your project proposal.
Application Process
All applications must be submitted online using the Vision Zero in Road Safety applicant portal. *Update* The deadline to apply is January 23, 2023.
Applicants will now have the option to complete Part C of the application form in text or an alternative format, including videos, audio files, PowerPoint presentations, etc. If you would like to submit through alternative means, please read and follow the instructions on the application form.
Vision Zero Program Timeline
- November 1, 2022: Applications open
- *Update* January 23, 2023: Applications close at 3:00pm PST
- February 2023: Applicants notified of decisions
- March 2023: Funding is provided for successful projects
- September 2023: Midpoint check-in/evaluation
- Next April 2024: Final check-in/evaluation
For More Information:
Contact Us
For questions related to the application process and how to maximize the value of your proposed project idea, please contact the BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit (bcinjury@bcchr.ca) and they will connect you with a local health authority grant lead. Discussing your proposal with your local grant lead will help you determine whether or not your grant application is eligible for the Grant Program, and can help you define and refine key elements of your application.
