News & Updates
SPRE in Victoria, Dec 3 @ Cities in the 21st Century
SPRE's Jacquie Gijssen and members Jennifer Johnstone (Central City Foundation) and Irene Gannitsos (Vancity Community Foundation) are delighted to be in Victoria again this Fall. With thanks to the Mayor of Victoria for reaching out to include SPRE in the Lunch Time Series at City Hall. This will be the 3rd visit to Victoria in a year--lots happening in the capital city in social purpose real estate!
Nov 28th SPRE helping out with Regulation Redesign!
Regulations--most of us hate them--but when it comes to land use these "rules" for what land may be used for and how, are critical to guiding our communities' development. Vancouver has a bundle of regulations--many would say--way too many! SPRE is delighted to be assisting the City of Vancouver in revising, streamlining, modernizing their regulatory systems and ensuring the needs of non profits and social enterprises are recognized and addressed.
SPRE @ the Small Housing Summit, Nov 17th, Vancouver
Catch SPRE's Jacquie Gijssen at the Small Housing Summit, the first of its kind gathering in Canada--bringing together participants in design, policy, outreach, finance, real-estate and more. Projects can be nominated for the "Small Housing Challenge" to recieve expert advice on moving these vital initatives forward. Early Bird registration and Small Housing Challeng applications available until September 30th. Travel stipends available for those outside the Lower Mainland.
New SPRE Case Study Launched - Centrepoint
SPRE is delighted to launch another richly documented case study in social purpose real estate. Centrepoint, located in Squamish BC, is a project by the Squamish United Church and Sea to Sky Community Services. Opened in 2017, Centrepoint is an example of former church lands being redeveloped to include both congregational functions, as well as social and community services, childcare and non market housing. For Centrepoint and other Space Profiles and Case Studies go the SPRE Case Study webpages or link through here...
How 'Social Infrastructure' Can Knit America Together
In his new book, "Palaces for the People: How Social Infrastructure Can Help Fight Inequality, Polarization, and the Decline of Civic Life", Eric Klinenberg clearly lays out the need for and opportunities realized through social infrastructure--libraries, childcares, schools, non profit spaces... fully applicable in Canada!
Community Gaming Captial Grants - Deadline July 31
Supporting non profit organizations with projects valued over $20,000; max grant available $250,000
BC Accessibility Grant Funding
from the Rick Hansen Foundation; next deadline Nov 2018, however applicants must have their current accessiblity rated through the Program prior to applying (no cost). Go to URL link for details. Up to $20,000 in funding for accessiblity improvements to existing buildings.
Creative Hub Funding through Dept of Canadian Heritage
Defined as a "multi-tenant facility whch brings together professionals from a range of arts or hertiage sectors and creative disciplines... providing shared space, equipment and amenties". See guidelines in URL link for more details.
Community-Initiated Capital Project Funding for Arts & Heritage
Part of the "Building Communities through Arts and Heritage" program, Department of Canadian Heritage announces "Legacy Funding" for Community-initiated capital projects that engage citizens and raise awareness of local arts and heritage. Recipients may receive up to 50% of eligible expenses, to a maximum of $500,000.
New social housing & production space for artists coming to Main & 2nd
City of Vancouver announced approval for a Community Land Trust of BC and BC Artscape operated space for 30 units of housing for artists with 4,000sf of shared production space on the ground floor.