Build Communities Strong Fund (BCSF) – Local Impact Stream for Quebec

Part of the QEDP

Objective: The Local Impact Stream of the Build Communities Strong Fund (BCSF) that CED is implementing in Quebec aims to support high-impact community infrastructure projects for public benefit which will strengthen communities and promote regional economic development. This regional stream is part of a wider series of investments by the Government of Canada in public infrastructure.

Key areas of focus for the regional stream*:

• Creation, expansion and renovation of community infrastructure.
• Development and improvement of infrastructure intended for public use or benefit, which enables recreational, cultural and economic activities that have the potential to enhance the vitality of these communities.

*These areas of focus may be updated or clarified in the coming weeks.

• Non-profit organizations (NPOs) and charities, including non-profit cooperatives.
• Municipalities, regional authorities or public sector organizations established by provincial legislation or regulations.
• Indigenous non-profit organizations and organizations led by Indigenous people, such as an Indigenous band and a band council.

Eligible activities

Construction or improvement of community infrastructure intended for public use or benefit (e.g., new construction, extension, renovation, modernization, adaptation to climate change, or replacement of community buildings, leisure and sports facilities, parks and cultural infrastructure).

Community infrastructure intended for public use or benefit refers to infrastructure that is open to the public (i.e. access to which is not primarily restricted to paying members) or that provides economic, social or environmental benefits to the wider community, region or Canada.

Eligible costs

Costs incurred by the eligible project that are deemed reasonable and necessary for the completion of the project. These costs include:

• Costs associated with the construction or improvement (i.e., extension, renovation, modernization, adaptation to climate change or replacement) of community infrastructure.
• Materials and supplies directly related to the project.
• The purchase of equipment or machinery directly related to the project or necessary for its completion.
• Additional fees paid to professional and technical staff, consultants and contractors for activities directly related to the project.
• Additional wages and benefits for persons employed under the project.
• Costs associated with compliance with legal, regulatory or government requirements.
• Design and planning costs (e.g., studies, assessments, design work and other pre-construction activities).
• Costs associated with signage intended to promote the visibility of federal contributions.

Ineligible costs

All costs that are non-essential and not directly related to the project, as well as:

• the purchase or lease of land, buildings or other facilities;
• recurring operating costs;
• motor vehicles;
• the refinancing of existing debt;
• the purchase of any asset at a price exceeding its fair market value;
• depreciation expenses;
• expenses related to goodwill.

• Eligible organizations could receive non-repayable financial assistance of up to $1 million for their project.
• The amount of the contribution is subject to the outcome of the application review and the availability of funds. CED may offer a different amount than the amount requested.
• Contributions will be limited to the minimum amount necessary to ensure that projects proceed as planned and achieve the expected results, taking into account all sources of funding available to the project proponents.