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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Canada-Alberta Building Canada Fund-Communities Component?

The Canada-Alberta Building Canada Fund-Communities Component (BCF-CC) is a federal-provincial program that addresses the unique infrastructure needs of both rural and urban communities with populations of less than 100,000. This program will support infrastructure projects that contribute to the ongoing development of safe and economically strong communities. These projects will be evaluated to the extent that they meet environmental, economic and quality of life objectives. The Communities Component will assist smaller communities to address their infrastructure pressures.

How much funding is available through the Canada-Alberta Building Canada Fund-Communities Component?

The provincial and the federal governments will each allocate $88 million to support local government infrastructure projects in Alberta communities. This funding will be matched by the municipalities to generate over $264 million of infrastructure investment.

What types of projects are eligible under the Canada-Alberta Building Canada Fund-Communities Component?

The Canada-Alberta Building Canada Fund-Communities Component will fund nine categories of infrastructure:

  • Water
  • Waste Water
  • Solid Waste Management
  • Local Roads
  • Connectivity
  • Green Energy
  • Sport
  • Culture
  • Collaborative Projects for municipal capacity building
Who can apply for Canada-Alberta Building Canada Fund-Communities Component?

All local governments with municipal populations of less than 100,000 are eligible to apply. In addition, non-governmental organizations whose application is submitted through a local government and supported by a resolution of Council of the local government are also eligible to apply.

How will projects for the Canada-Alberta Building Canada Fund-Communities Component be selected?

All projects under the Communities Component will be selected jointly by the governments of Canada and Alberta and representatives from the Alberta Urban Municipal Association and Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties through a competitive, application-based process in accordance with screening criteria set out in the Canada-Alberta Building Canada Fund Communities Component Agreement.

How can one apply for funding?

Applicants are encouraged to apply online through the Shared Information Management System for Infrastructure (SIMSI). Every applicant will be given a password to access SIMSI so they can complete the application online and submit it to the BCF-CC Joint Secretariat.

What is the deadline for applications to be submitted?

March 15, 2009.

How many intakes will there be for BCF-CC?

There will be two intakes under the BCF-CC:

  • The first intake consists of eligible projects taken from the unfunded list of the Canada-Alberta Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund. Projects from this list will account for approximately one-third of the BCF-CC funds.
  • A second and last intake will be open from January 5th 2009 to March 15th 2009. All local governments are eligible to apply for projects on this second intake. There will be no further intakes as all the funds will have been allocated between the two intakes.
Is there a cap on funding for BCF-CC projects?

Yes, to ensure as many projects as possible can be considered for funding, a cap of $3 million per share has been set for each municipality. In other words, a maximum of $3 million is available from each order of government (federal/provincial/municipal) for a total eligible project cost of $9 million.

Will projects that did not receive funding under previous infrastructure programs be eligible for funding?

Yes. This is a new program and proponents are eligible to submit projects previously submitted; however, applicants will need to ensure that the projects meet the category and eligibility guidelines under the BCF-CC and submit a new application for these projects.

Can applicants use other federal funding for their projects?

Municipalities can use their GST refund to assist with their share of the project costs. However, if a municipality wishes to use funding from other federal grant programs, a detailed accounting of those funds will be required to ensure that the BCF-CC and other federal grant funding do not exceed 50 per cent of a project's eligible costs.

Municipalities considering the use of other federal funding for their projects are strongly encouraged to contact the BCF-CC Joint Secretariat prior to submitting their applications.

Can applicants use other provincial funding for their projects?

Yes. Under BCF-CC, a local government can use provincial grant funding as its share of project funding. For example, Alberta Municipal Infrastructure Program funding or Municipal Sustainability Initiative Funding may be used towards a municipality's one-third share of the project cost.