Build Communities Strong Fund – Local Impact Stream (LIS)

Part of the QEDP

Objective: The Local Impact Stream (LIS) of the Build Communities Strong Fund 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. 10% of the LIS budget is allocated to supporting infrastructure projects for Indigenous communities. The LIS is part of a wider series of investments by the Government of Canada in public infrastructure.

Key areas of focus :

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

• 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 or adaptation to climate change of community buildings, leisure facilities and recreational tourism 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.

Please note that proposed projects must demonstrate that they generate local economic benefits (community vitality and a contribution to creating an environment conducive to economic development).

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.

Costs may be eligible retroactively for up to 12 months prior to receipt of the signed application (no earlier than April 30, 2026). Projects must be completed by March 31, 2030. The need for financial assistance to carry out the project must be justified for these costs.

Financial assistance

• 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.
• Each applicant may only receive one financial contribution under the LIS.

Submitting a funding request - Indigenous projects

• CED is accepting funding applications for Indigenous projects only under the LIS.
• Submit a financial assistance application

Submitting a funding request - All other projects

• The complete guidelines regarding other types of projects that may be submitted to CED under the LIS will be available soon. Sign up here to be notified.

Questions? Contact us