The Halifax Regional Municipality has launched a new initiative, as part of its annual Heads up Halifax campaign, aimed at improving crosswalk safety.

When Heads up Halifax launched in 2014 the focus was on growing awareness about the responsibility shared by drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. Over the past few years, building on the success of enhanced awareness, an increased focus has been placed on the importance of taking action to improve crosswalk safety.

As part of the evolution of Heads up Halifax, the municipality is now seeking grassroots participation in making our crosswalks safer for everyone. Bright ideas are being solicited from the people who walk, drive, and bike through crosswalks every day – with funding awarded to those with winning submissions so that they can bring their ideas to life.

Visit headsuphalifax.ca to download a submission form and access the official rules. Following submission of proposals, a panel of judges will select the best ideas and award funding for implementation by the applicants. There are four awards of $5,000, six awards of $2,000 and 15 awards of $1,000 available for eligible submissions.

Everyone is invited to get involved. However, the municipality can only accept proposals from, and make funding payments to, a qualifying association – a registered charity, society or non-profit organization located in the Halifax Regional Municipality. Individuals with bright ideas for improving crosswalk safety are encouraged to engage and partner with a qualifying association to complete an eligible submission.

Key considerations for a successful proposal:

Clearly communicated: How does your idea work and how will it directly improve crosswalk safety for both drivers and pedestrians?

Viable: Pending potential funding, can you demonstrate that you have the resources required to bring your idea to life?

Scalable: Can your idea be used in more than one community throughout the Halifax region?

Long-lasting: Will your idea improve crosswalk safety for years to come?

Submission deadline is January 3, 2019 with winners announced in March 2019. Funding for successful proposals will begin in April 2019.