Ottawa, Ontario – The Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program is part of Canada 150 Celebrates, the Government of Canada’s celebration of our country’s 150th anniversary. Through investments in community infrastructure, the Government of Canada will invest in projects that celebrate our shared heritage, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for Canadians.
Under the theme Giving back to Canada: shaping the future, leaving a lasting legacy and giving a gift to Canada, the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program will invest $150 million over two years to support projects that rehabilitate existing community facilities across Canada. These projects will ensure a lasting legacy as a result of Canada 150 and strengthen communities from coast to coast to coast.
Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD), on behalf of the Government of Canada, will deliver the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program in Western Canada. WD will invest in projects that rehabilitate or improve cultural and community infrastructure, which will help communities realize long-term growth and vibrancy in the years to come.
As the objective of this program is to ensure a lasting legacy resulting from Canada 150, in Western Canada (Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia), strong preference will be given to projects that are undertaking meaningful upgrades to existing cultural and community facilities; upgrades that will provide long-term benefits to a community, will be viewed with pride by a community, and are recognized as a lasting legacy from Canada 150.
Examples of the type of community infrastructure that can be supported include:
- Community centres (including legions);
- Cultural centres and museums;
- Parks, recreational trails such as fitness trails, bike paths and other types of trails;
Libraries; - Recreational facilities including local arenas, gymnasia, swimming pools, sports fields, tennis, basketball, volleyball or other sport-specific courts or other types of recreational facilities;
- Tourism facilities;
- Docks;
- Cenotaphs; and,
- Other existing community infrastructure for public benefit.
Eligible projects must meet the following criteria:
- The amount of funding being requested under the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program cannot exceed 50% of the total costs of a project, up to a maximum of $500,000.
- The maximum contribution from ALL Government of Canada sources (including the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program and other sources such as the Gas Tax Fund) cannot exceed 50% of the total costs of a project;
- Be for the rehabilitation, renovation, or expansion of existing infrastructure for public use or benefit;
- Be community-oriented, non-commercial in nature and open for use to the public and not limited to a private membership;
- Be for facilities located in Western Canada (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba); and,
- Be materially complete by March 31, 2018.
In addition, an applicant must:
- Submit a fully complete application form by June 17, 2015 (and all mandatory attachments) and,
- Be available for follow-up from June – August 2015.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online. Please visit the WD website at www.wd-deo.gc.ca for information or to apply.