The Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency), today announced the launch of the new Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program in Atlantic Canada.
The national program, announced by Prime Minister Stephen Harper on May 15th, supports improvements to community infrastructure, with the aim of giving back to Canadians and creating a lasting legacy as Canada prepares to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017. Infrastructure investments are a proven, effective means of boosting economic activity and enhancing the quality of life for Canadian families.
As of May 15th, ACOA has begun accepting applications for funding to rehabilitate, renovate and expand existing public infrastructure for community use. These new investments, which will be cost-shared with provinces, municipalities, community organizations and not-for-profit entities, will support projects that celebrate our shared heritage and improve the quality of life of Canadians.
For detailed program and application information, please refer to ACOA’s website.
Quick Facts:
• The Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP150) was announced as part of Economic Action Plan 2015.
• The 150th anniversary of Confederation provides the Government with an opportunity to celebrate Canada’s history, heritage, values and future by reinvesting in community infrastructure across the country, similar to the important infrastructure investments made as part of our nation’s centennial celebrations in 1967 which can still be seen in communities today.
• Projects that will be supported by the program will be chosen based on assessment criteria including construction-readiness and public benefit, the extent to which funding is leveraged from other sources and linkages to Canada 150.
• The national Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program provides $150 million to be delivered by Regional Development Agencies across the country.
• Total federal government funding will be a maximum of 50 per cent of the total eligible costs for projects in Atlantic Canada.
• Selected projects are expected to be completed at the end of the 2017 construction season to best support Canada 150 celebrations.
Quotes:
“As we look forward to celebrating our nation’s 150th anniversary, our Government is investing in infrastructure projects that will have a lasting impact on our communities. The Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program provides much-needed support to renovate public infrastructure, while also preserving our heritage, creating jobs and improving the quality of life for Canadian families.”
- The Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency)
Associated Links:
National announcement
ACOA Website
Canada 150
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Contacts:
Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Rob Moore
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241
Jennifer Goostrey
Manager of Communications, Client Services
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
506-229-0295
jennifer.goostrey@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Backgrounder
Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program
Economic Action Plan 2015 included the creation of a new dedicated fund to improve existing community and cultural infrastructure across the country, as part of the Government of Canada’s coordinated approach as Canada prepares to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017. Canada 150 programming will aim to make the most of government investments and generate economic spin-offs for urban and rural communities of all sizes.
Under the theme “Giving back to Canada,” the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program supports projects that rehabilitate, renovate and expand existing community infrastructure. The program is being delivered by regional development agencies across Canada. Federal support cannot exceed $1 million per project.
The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency is delivering the program in Atlantic Canada with an allocation of $16.6 million. Selected projects are expected to be completed by the end of the 2017 construction season to best support Canada 150 celebrations.
How do I apply?
Organizations interested in applying are encouraged to do so early. Eligible applicants should contact the nearest ACOA office to discuss their project and then complete and submit the Application for Financial Assistance form.
In addition to the information requested in the application form, proposals must also include the following information:
• project type (rehabilitation/renovation or expansion) and an explanation of how the project complies with the assessment criteria
• a description of partners (including funding partners) and status of other sources of funds (intended, requested or confirmed)
• a description on how the project will contribute to Canada’s legacy and have a lasting impact of Canada’s infrastructure.
Applications will be considered until such time as funds are fully committed.
Who can apply?
• A municipal or regional government established by or under provincial statute;
• A band council or an Aboriginal government authority established by a Self-Government Agreement or a Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement;
• An incorporated not-for-profit organization;
• A provincial entity that provides municipal-type infrastructure services, as defined by provincial statute; or
• A public-sector body that is established by or under provincial statute or by regulation or is wholly owned by a province, municipal or regional government which provides municipal-type infrastructure services to communities.
What projects are eligible?
The program supports the rehabilitation, renovation and expansion of existing community infrastructure. Some examples of eligible projects include: improving accessibility to a community centre, repairing a museum’s roof, expanding a gymnasium, or extending a trail or bike path. Total federal government funding will be a maximum of 50 per cent of the total eligible costs for projects in Atlantic Canada.
For detailed eligibility requirements, please refer to the Program Guidelines by visiting ACOA’s website.
For more information on CIP 150 funding, contact the ACOA office nearest you:
• New Brunswick: 1-800-561-4030
• Prince Edward Island: 1-800-871-2596
• Newfoundland and Labrador: 1-800-668-1010
• Nova Scotia: 1-800-565-1228
• ACOA Head Office: 1-800-561-7862
