Ottawa has announced nearly $1.8 million to help prevent gun and gang violence among youth in the Saint John region.

Saint John will receive up to $972,992 while Quispamsis and Rothesay will receive a combined $824,018.

The funding, announced Wednesday, comes from the $250-million Building Safer Communities Fund.

It supports community-led projects that “prevent gun and gang violence and help young people make good choices,” according to a news release.

“We recognize as a government that our communities need to be safe,” Saint John-Rothesay MP Wayne Long said in an interview.

In December, Saint John launched a request for proposals seeking applications from local non-profits and community organizations.

Organizations have until 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 8, to get their proposals in.

The funding will be awarded to projects that “enhance community knowledge of existing and emerging factors related to gang and gun violence” and “support the planning, development and implementation of associated prevention and intervention programs, practices, and initiatives.”

Eligible organizations have until 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 8, to submit their proposals to the city.

“We certainly talked to many non-profits already and they’re going to put in applications. I’m excited to see the outcome,” said Long.

In the case of the Kennebecasis Valley, Long said the towns have decided to allocate their funding to KV Oasis.

Saint John Mayor Donna Reardon said keeping residents safe is always a top priority for the city.

“There are many facets to enhancing public safety, and an important element is preventing gun and gang violence,” said Reardon.

Rothesay Mayor Nancy Grant said while they are recognized as a generally safe community, it is important to identify social conditions that could lead to violence.

“This will help us support grassroots initiatives that will help young people to make good life choices,” said Grant.