May 19, 2015 – Richmond, British Columbia – Western Economic Diversification Canada
Corresponding Document : Photo Gallery
Today, the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced the launch of the new Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program in Western Canada. The national program supports improvements to community infrastructure, with the aim of giving back to Canadians and creating a lasting legacy as Canada prepares to celebrate the150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017.
As of today, Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is accepting applications for funding to rehabilitate, renovate and expand existing public infrastructure for community use. In Western Canada, strong preference will be given to projects that are undertaking meaningful upgrades to existing cultural and community facilities, including, but not limited to, community centres, libraries and recreational facilities.
For detailed program and application information, please refer to www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
Nicholas Insley
Office of the Minister
Western Economic Diversification
Telephone: 613-220-6208
Email: nicholas.insley@wd-deo.gc.ca
WD Toll-Free Number: 1-888-338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-877-303-3388
Website: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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Economic Action Plan 2015 created a new dedicated infrastructure fund to improve existing community infrastructure in all regions of the country, as part of the Government of Canada’s coordinated approach as Canada prepared to celebrate the150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017. The Canada 150 programming will aim to make the most of government investments and generate economic spin-offs for communities of all sizes across the country.
Under the theme “Giving back to Canada,” the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program supports projects that rehabilitate, renovate and expand existing community infrastructure. These investments will help celebrate our shared heritage, reflect our national pride, and strengthen communities from coast to coast to coast. Across the West investments will echo the overarching theme of Canada 150 of “Strong. Proud. Free.”
The program is being delivered by the regional development agencies across Canada. Federal support for projects in Western Canada cannot exceed $500,000 per project. Western Economic Diversification Canada is delivering the program in Western Canada with an allocation of $46.2 million over two years, beginning April 1, 2016.
How do I apply?
Applications for projects in Western Canada must be submitted by 4:00 p.m. EDT on June 17, 2015. Eligible applicants should apply online at http://www.wd-deo.gc.ca/eng/18872.asp.
Who can apply?
- A local or regional government established under provincial or territorial statute;
- A public sector body that is wholly owned by an eligible applicant listed above;
- A not-for-profit entity;
- A provincial or territorial entity that provides municipal-type services to communities, as defined by provincial or territorial statute (including school boards); and,
- A First Nation government, including a Band or Tribal Council or its agent (including wholly-owned corporation) on the condition that the First Nation has indicated support for the project and for the legally-designated representative to seek funding through a formal Band or Tribal Council resolution, or other documentation from Self-governing First Nations.
What projects are eligible?
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.
