Toronto Launches New Grant to Protect At-Risk Community Organizations from Vehicle-Based Hate Incidents
TORONTO — The City of Toronto has introduced a new funding program designed to protect at-risk community organizations from hate-motivated incidents involving vehicles. Announced by Mayor Olivia Chow during opening remarks at the Strong Cities Network Sixth Global Summit, the Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) Grant will provide financial support to help organizations strengthen physical barriers around their sites.
The grant offers up to $100,000 per organization, with a total funding envelope of $2.5 million, enough to support at least 25 eligible applicants. Funding can be used for a range of protective infrastructure such as crash-rated bollards, reinforced gates, fencing, and crash-rated street furniture—measures commonly recommended in international security standards for preventing vehicle-ramming attacks.
Supporting Communities Most at Risk
To qualify, applicants must be private non-profit or charitable organizations—including places of worship, community centres, childcare centres and educational institutions—that primarily serve communities facing an elevated risk of hate-motivated crimes. The grant is a one-time program delivered through the City’s broader Keeping Toronto Safe from Hate Action Plan.
Applications are now open and can be submitted online through the City’s Community Funding and Grants portal at toronto.ca/hvmgrant. More detailed guidance on Toronto’s HVM standards is available at toronto.ca/services-payments/streets-parking-transportation/transportation-projects/hostile-vehicle-mitigation/.
A Global Gathering Focused on Community Safety
The announcement coincides with the Strong Cities Network Sixth Global Summit, held in Toronto from December 9 to 11. The summit brings together more than 350 mayors, local leaders, civil society organizations, and international partners from over 45 countries to share best practices on preventing hate, extremism, and violence in cities worldwide.
Leadership Statements
“Keeping our communities safe and free from hate is essential. Toronto is a caring city where everyone belongs. The new Hostile Vehicle Mitigation Grant will help strengthen protections for cultural spaces and places of worship against hate crimes,” said Mayor Olivia Chow.
Councillor James Pasternak (York Centre) echoed the urgency:
“In these times of increased anxiety about the safety of places of worship and other cultural and faith-based institutions, we must do all we can to keep people safe. The new Hostile Vehicle Mitigation grant is an important step the City is taking to ensure different cultural, spiritual, and religious groups are safe while practicing their faith and gathering in community.”
A Proactive Investment in Public Safety
Toronto continues to position itself as a global leader in urban resiliency and community safety. By investing in protective infrastructure and supporting organizations that serve vulnerable groups, the City aims to reduce risk, deter violence, and reinforce a sense of safety in public and cultural spaces.
Follow GTA Today on social media for more local news and updates. #GTAToday
