Public schools can use the money to build things such as a school garden, an outdoor seating area, outdoor shelters like tents for shade, and outdoor performance areas. To qualify for funding, schools will have to show that the spaces they want to build or improve meet specific criteria. The deadline for projects to be completed is Dec. 31, 2021. Ottawa is investing $5.6 million in the project through its COVID-19 Resilience Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The province is contributing $1.4 million.