In early December, a workshop was held to guide the most promising project teams through the final stages of the grant application process. From 25 letters of intent received, 12 teams were selected to participate in the full-day session, attended by over 80 stakeholders. The workshop set the stage for these teams to refine their proposals, with several expected to secure funding for one-year catalyst projects.

The proposed initiatives reflect a wide range of priorities, including supporting newcomers facing food insecurity, creating intergenerational community gardens, addressing diabetes and dementia, promoting mental health, encouraging outdoor recreation, integrating green space into urban planning and enhancing health literacy.

Developed by NHP, the Catalyst Grant programme provides more than funding—it offers comprehensive support for teams as they bring their ideas to life. This includes access to research service officers, capacity-building seminars, tools for data collection, implementation science resources and partnership frameworks.

The Mississauga Healthy Communities Grant - Collaborative Action Projects was designed to transform ideas generated during the Diabetes Healthy City Strategy engagement process, led by Cities for Better Health-funded City Connectors, into actionable solutions. These projects align with four core themes: improving access to and affordability of healthy foods, enhancing awareness and education, fostering connection and belonging and promoting outdoor activities and spaces.

Priority has been given to the Malton neighbourhood and the Hurontario and Gateway West areas. These regions were identified as focus areas due to environmental and social factors that contribute to higher rates of type 2 diabetes and related health disparities.

The grants aim to reduce social inequities in the risk and burden of diabetes and related cardiometabolic diseases by promoting healthier living environments, lowering risk factors, and improving access to care. Through this initiative, Mississauga sets a powerful example of how collaborative, community-driven action can address complex health challenges and create lasting positive change.

Partners received some excellent news on 4 December. A ‘Healthy City Strategy’, informed by the community engagement work of the Cities for Better Health City Connectors and developed to reduce the rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes in the city, was submitted to the Mississauga City Council for approval. General Council approved the Healthy City Strategy and its associated recommendations unanimously. Congratulations to partners and City Connectors in Mississauga.