Written by Denise Deby.
Audrey Bond of the City of Ottawa’s Planning and Growth Management Department sent us information about the city’s Better Neighbourhoods Program and its call for applications for 2014.
The Better Neighbourhoods Program supports small-scale community projects to make neighbourhoods more liveable, healthy and vibrant.
Examples of possible projects include cultural festivals, pop-up plazas or cafes, neighbourhood energy audits, community gardens, art projects, and initiatives to make neighbourhoods more walkable and bikeable (see the website, toolkit and gallery for more ideas).
The city will accept applications until October 21, 2013. From their call for applications (also available in French):
Do you have great ideas to improve your neighbourhood?
Apply for the Better Neighbourhoods Program & tell us all about them!
Applications accepted September 11 to October 21, 2013
This is a program for community groups who are keen to make creative use of public space in their urban/suburban neighbourhoods. Up to four projects will be chosen for 2014 and will be supported up to a maximum of $30K.”
For more information, see http://ottawa.ca/en/city-hall/get-know-your-city/improving-your-neighbourhood/neighbourhood-connection-office or email neighbourhoods [at] ottawa [dot] ca.
The city’s website notes that the Better Neighbourhoods Program serves urban/suburban neighbourhoods; rural neighbourhoods can apply to the Rural Community-building Grants Program.
Green Living Ottawa 
Finally some beautification to make it more livable and inviting. For the people.