The Ontario Tire Stewardship (OTS) unveiled a new grant program to aid communities and groups in the province.

Under the program, the OTS will award grants of up to C$50,000 towards the "purchase and installation of Ontario-manufactured recycled rubber products such as rubber mulch, roof shingles and sidewalk tiles, which helps the environment while supporting Ontario’s economy," the OTS said.

The grant is open to municipalities, registered non-profit community groups or organizations, schools/colleges/universities, and First Nations communities throughout Ontario. To qualify, projects must utilize products made from Ontario recycled rubber and be completed within 12 months of approval.

"In less than two years, close to 25 million tires have been recycled through our work with partners and individual supporters across the province," said Andrew Horsman, OTS executive director. "The Community Grant Program is a natural next step to build on this success by encouraging applicable Ontario communities and organizations to think green when planning their projects, build green, by using recycled rubber products and grow green by using products made by Ontario recyclers and manufacturers."

Information about the Community Grant Program, including the application process, may be accessed at ontariots.ca or by e-mailing [email protected]