Sudbury, Ontario —– Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor, has announced the launch of a new phase of funding for the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program in Northern Ontario.
Cultural and recreational infrastructure places—like community centres, parks and arenas—help to make our communities feel like home. It is important that Canadians have places where they can play together, meet up and create a sense of community. That is why the Government of Canada is doubling its investment in community and cultural infrastructure, providing an additional $150 million nationally over two years to renovate, expand and improve these spaces across Canada. Of this investment, $5.2 million will support projects in Northern Ontario.
Starting today, FedNor is accepting applications for funding under this new phase of the Program. Municipalities, First Nations and aboriginal organizations and their related entities, as well as incorporated not-for-profit organizations are invited to apply for funding for projects that will be supported on a cost-shared basis.
Eligible Recipients
Organizations eligible to apply for funding under the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program include:
- Municipalities and First Nations in Northern Ontario;
- Not-for-profit organizations such as community, economic development and Aboriginal organizations, or industry and business associations;
- Provincial entities that provide municipal-type services to communities, as defined in provincial statutes; and,
- Public sector bodies that are established by or under provincial statute or by regulation or are wholly owned by a province or municipal government and provide municipal-type infrastructure services.
Eligible Projects
Eligible projects will be for the rehabilitation or improvement, including expansion, of existing infrastructure for public use or benefit that:
- provides long-term benefits to a community, will be viewed with pride by a community and leave a meaningful lasting legacy resulting from Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program;
- is non-commercial in nature, open for use to the public and is not limited to a private membership; and,
- can be completed by March 31, 2018.
In Northern Ontario, preference will be given to projects that are construction ready, and can be materially (substantially) completed by December 31, 2017.
Projects must fall within the following categories to be eligible for funding:
- community centres;
- cultural centres;
- museums;
- libraries;
- parks;
- recreational facilities such as local arenas, gymnasia, swimming pools, and sports fields;
- cenotaphs; and,
- other existing community infrastructure that will have a public benefit.