Program information

On this page

• Program objective
• Financial assistance
• What can be funded (eligible activities and costs)
• What cannot be funded (ineligible activities and costs)
• Other funding considerations

Program objective

Through the BCSF Local Impact Stream, PrairiesCan makes targeted investments in not-for-profit organizations to support community infrastructure projects for public benefit that will strengthen resilience of communities and advance regional economic development.

Financial assistance

Applicants are normally limited to one BCSF project approval.

PrairiesCan contributions for eligible not-for-profit organizations are non-repayable, normally ranging from a minimum of $250,000 up to $1,000,000 per project.

Combined government funding (federal, provincial, municipal) can cover up to 100% of eligible project costs.

PrairiesCan will normally fund up to 50% of eligible project costs.

• The remaining 50% of eligible costs must be supported from a non-PrairiesCan source and must be confirmed at time of application and again prior to project approval.
• BCSF contribution funding for Indigenous recipients may cover up to 100% of eligible project costs.

PrairiesCan considers all other funding sources for the project and will prioritize projects that demonstrate greater leverage of funding from non-PrairiesCan sources and is confirmed at the time of application.

PrairiesCan provides contributions under BCSF, not grants.

What can be funded (eligible activities and costs)

Eligible activities

Project activities can last up to 4 years and must be completed by March 31, 2030.

Projects activities will include:

• Creation of community infrastructure – includes newly established infrastructure that did not previously exist.
• Improvement of community infrastructure – includes the improvement of existing community infrastructure, such as expansion, renovation, retrofit, climate adaptation, or replacement.

Community infrastructure is defined as infrastructure that is accessible to the public (not primarily limited to paid membership) that provides economic, social, or environmental benefits to the broader community, region, or to Canada.

PrairiesCan prioritizes projects that clearly demonstrate the following:

• Are shovel-ready with all required permits secured, environmental assessments completed, detailed design and project execution plan, confirmed cost estimates and funding in place, etc. The project must be completed and available for public use and/or benefit by March 31, 2030.
• For projects in Alberta, this may include being able to demonstrate that you have obtained written approval under the Provincial Priorities Act or are exempt.
• Leveraged greater funding from other sources of support (more than 50% of total project costs).
• Are a priority as identified by local, provincial, Indigenous governments, or as identified within federal government strategies.
• Contributes to the success of communities with major projects.
• Generate economic benefits for the community, region, and/or Canada such as job creation and attracting investment or workers.

During the first call for proposals, PrairiesCan will prioritize projects with significant eligible activities and costs starting in the 2026-27 construction season.

Applications involving Indigenous, rural and/or remote communities, or Official Language Minority Communities (OLMCs) may be given preference.

Eligible costs

Eligible costs are incremental, reasonable, and necessary for carrying out the project. Costs that may be eligible for reimbursement include, but may not be limited to:

• Costs associated with the construction or improvement (i.e., expansion, renovation, retrofit, climate adaptation or replacement) of community infrastructure
• Direct materials and supplies related to the project
• Purchase of equipment or machinery directly related to or necessary for the project
• Incremental fees paid to professional, technical personnel, consultants and contractors for activities directly related to the project
• Incremental wages and benefits for individuals employed for the project
• Costs related to meeting legal, regulatory, or government requirements
• Design and planning costs (e.g., studies, assessments, design work, and other pre‑construction activities)
• Costs related to signage promoting the visibility of federal contributions

Project costs may be eligible on a retroactive basis up to 12 months prior to the receipt of a signed funding application, but no earlier than April 30, 2026.

Applicants are encouraged to consider Canadian materials and content.

Projects must follow competitive, transparent procurement processes.

What cannot be funded (ineligible activities and costs)

Costs that are deemed unreasonable, not incremental, and/or not directly related to project activities are ineligible for reimbursement. These include, but may not be limited to:

• Acquisition or leasing of land, buildings, or other facilities
• Recurring operations and maintenance
• Motorized vehicles
• Amortization or depreciation of assets
• Refinancing of existing debt
• Goodwill, in-kind costs, and the purchase of any assets for more than fair market value

Examples of the types of infrastructure projects that would generally not be eligible under this program and that could fit better with HICC’s BCSF streams include:

• Water and waste management
• Roads and sidewalks
• Public transit, including active transportation
• Post-secondary education-related infrastructure, such as colleges and universities
• Health-related infrastructure, such as hospitals, emergency rooms, urgent care centres, community health centres, and medical schools

HICC may offer additional project flexibilities for projects in the territories and for Indigenous recipients.

Note that commercial projects will not be supported under this program.