The Small Communities Fund will accept applications for $90 million in support for infrastructure before the end of this year, Premier Christy Clark announced today at the Union of British Columbia Municipalities annual convention.

Cost-shared equally by the B.C. and federal governments with $45 million each, the fund will open for intake on Oct. 30, 2015, closing on April 30, 2016. Applications will be reviewed and assessed by the fall of 2016 with approvals anticipated in the winter of 2016-17.

Part of the federal New Building Canada Fund, the Small Communities Fund supports important local infrastructure expansion and upgrades in British Columbia. Eligible projects include drinking water, wastewater, green infrastructure and road improvements.

The Small Communities Fund is a cost-sharing program, with the Government of Canada, the Government of British Columbia and local governments contributing one-third of eligible costs.

The fund’s first round of applications, open from October 2014 to February 2015, resulted in $128 million allocated to 55 communities throughout British Columbia, announced last June and July. This included $64 million provided by B.C. provincial government to support estimated total project costs of $223 million. Information about the Small Communities Fund and a complete list of approved projects is available online at: www.gov.bc.ca/smallcommunitiesfund

The Small Communities Fund helps local governments with populations under 100,000 by providing up to two-thirds of the total eligible costs of building local public infrastructure. The B.C. government committed $109 million to match federal funding contributions to the fund.

Since 2002, the B.C. government has provided approximately $3 billion in new funding for local governments.

Quotes:

Premier Christy Clark –

“The foundation of all successful, vibrant communities is the same - modern, efficient infrastructure. This new round of investment will help give smaller communities the tools they need to attract new jobs and investment, both today and in the future.”

Peter Fassbender, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development and Minister Responsible for TransLink –

“The first round of the New Building Canada Fund – Small Communities Fund played a critical role in helping support core local government infrastructure in British Columbia communities. The fund’s next round of investment will provide communities throughout British Columbia with the infrastructure necessary to support strong local economies and a great quality of life for local residents.”

Quick Facts:

• The New Building Canada Fund – Small Communities Fund, including federal and provincial investment and matching local government dollars, will provide over $327 million for communities throughout British Columbia.
• The Small Communities Fund’s first round resulted in $128 million ($64 million each from the B.C. and federal governments) to support 55 projects with estimated total project costs of $223 million.
• The Small Communities Fund’s second round will invest $90 million ($45 million each from the B.C. and federal governments) plus contributions from approved applicants.
• The Government of British Columbia’s total investment in both rounds of the Small Communities Fund is $109 million.
• Eligible project areas include, but are not limited to: drinking water, wastewater, solid waste management, green energy, highways and major roads, public transit, innovation, connectivity and broadband.

Learn More:

Infrastructure Canada: www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/sc-cp-eng.html

Program website: www.gov.bc.ca/smallcommunitiesfund

Check out the provincial government’s role in supporting communities, sport, arts and culture through the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development at: www.gov.bc.ca/cscd