One-time funding is now available to reinforce eligible Toronto-based facilities against malevolent drivers deliberately intent on causing harm. The City of Toronto has opened applications for a new grant, providing private non-profit or charitable organizations with up to $100,000 to implement protective measures against vehicle incursions.

To qualify, facilities must routinely accommodate user groups that are vulnerable to hate-motivated attacks and meet other specified criteria. A total of $2.5 million is available to be allocated to at least 25 operators of places of worship and/or providers of community, educational or daycare space for potentially targeted groups.

“Keeping our communities safe and free from hate is essential,” asserts Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow.

“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,” concurs Toronto Councillor James Pasternak.

Funds can be used for physical barriers, crash-rated bollards, fencing, gates or street furniture, and to cover required assessment, planning, design, construction and applicable permit costs. As part of the application process, grant candidates must outline their potential exposure to hate-motivated aggression and engage a qualified professional to prepare a threat, risk and vulnerability assessment (TRVA) pertaining to vehicle-related threats.

Grant recipients must either own the facility designated for protective measures or be long-term occupants and secure written approval from their landlords. Building permits may be required for protective measures that could have implications for fire services, public utilities, transit services, heritage properties or tree protection zones and/or encroach into public rights-of-way.

Applications can be submitted through Toronto’s online portal for grants, rebates and incentives until 12 noon on March 2, 2026.