Over 10,000 BC recycled scrap tires will be used to enhance accessibility and revitalize 11 community projects through the TSBC Community Grant Program

We’re so pleased to officially announce the 11 BC organizations that have been selected to receive grants through our TSBC Community Grant Program! These funds will be used to begin, or complete community projects that utilize BC recycled tires. Completed projects will be fully accessible and open to all members of the public and in total, 10,748 BC scrap tires will be used. 

“We’re excited to support these cities and organizations through our TSBC 2025 Community Grant Program,” said Rosemary Sutton, Executive Director, Tire Stewardship BC. “We’re confident these projects will gain lasting value from incorporating BC’s recycled scrap tires. Rubberized surfacing is not only durable and low maintenance, but most importantly, it allows accessibility for all users.”

When people return tires for recycling in BC, the tires are transformed into new rubber products like playground surfaces, fitness tracks, and walkways that enhance and revitalize community infrastructure and spaces.

The TSBC Community Grant Program delivers tangible benefits to BC communities. These improvements, which make use of recycled tires, not only promote safer and more inclusive outdoor environments, but also support physical activity, social connection, and environmental responsibility.

TSBC Community Grant Program Recipients for 2025

The TSBC Community Grant Program assists municipalities, registered non-profit community groups or organizations, schools, and First Nations and Métis settlements in building or upgrading their facilities using recycled tire products.

To date, the TSBC Community Grant Program has issued over $6.5 million in community grants, funding 360 projects in 96 communities across BC.

B.C.’s scrap tire program has recycled tires for over 30 years, making it the oldest recycling program in Canada. Since BC established the scrap tire recycling program in 1991, the province has recycled over 122 million tires.

Here’s what this year’s TSBC Community Grant Program recipients had to say:

At Lau’welnew Tribal School in Brentwood Bay, the focus is on creating a space that supports intergenerational connection, active living and accessibility:

“This new project will expand recreation in our community, foster social and cultural connections, and strengthen our relationship to the environment,” said Nancy Eassie, Adult Ed Teacher, Lau’welnew Tribal School. “Our plan is to renovate the existing public playground at ȽÁU,WELṈEW Tribal School on the Tsartlip Reservation, transforming it into an inclusive space that provides active, outdoor recreation to community members. We place a high degree of importance on intergenerational bonding, by installing both traditional play structures and fitness equipment, we promote active living for community members of all ages and abilities.”

“Our preliminary design features smooth, wheelchair-friendly rubber surfacing, as well as accessible play equipment that can be used by children of diverse abilities, and fitness elements that adults can use for exercise,” added Eassie. “The choice of surfacing is important to us, as we want the space to be fully accessible to those who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids.”

In Abbotsford, the Irene Kelleher Totí:ltawtxw Inclusive Playground Committee is working to ensure play spaces reflect community needs:

“The changes we are proposing will create a place where all children can play together, regardless of ability,” said Eiman Abusaba, Playground Committee Member, Irene Kelleher Totí:ltawtxw. “Not only will children who attend the school benefit, but so will the local community—including kids and parents with disabilities, as well as non-disabled individuals. Our school playground sits directly beside a community park that the Abbotsford community uses heavily, with direct access from the school playground to the park.”

Safety and accessibility remain top priority

A Delta parent highlights the emotional impact of accessibility:

“The new playground design includes a fence, shade trees, picnic tables, and benches to ensure comfort for adults and the rest of the family and caregivers,” said Amy Bonner, parent and recipient of REACH Youth and Development Society services in Delta. “For the kids, the design features a circular track with rubber surfacing to support rolling toys or wheelchairs. The team plans to add equipment that reflects both cultural and disability inclusivity. My daughter Olivia once relied on a walker due to mobility challenges, and inclusive playgrounds played a vital role in her development. When she can keep up with her friends and little sister, it fills my heart with joy to see her independence blossom. Watching her navigate the playground with determination and a beaming smile reminds me of her incredible strength and resilience.”

In Northern BC, safety remains a top priority:

“Our project aims to upgrade Steelhead’s playground fall zone surfacing to meet modern safety standards, reduce the risk of injuries, and ensure a safe play environment for children,” said Fabiana Thomson, Deputy Director of Corporate Services, District of Houston. “We plan to incorporate recycled tire products into the fall zone surfacing. Overall, this project will create a safer, more inclusive play space for children, enhance the recreational experience, and strengthen community well-being.”

Learn more about the TSBC Community Grant Program

We are so excited to be able to help improve these community spaces and can’t wait to share the progress of these projects with you throughout the year. To learn more about our TSBC Community Grant Program and how you can apply, please visit this page.

Media Enquiries:
SOMA Public Relations
Cal Kennedy
Cal@somaworks.com
778.980.3632