Build Communities Strong Fund - Local Impact Stream

The federal government’s Build Communities Strong Fund (BCSF) – Local Impact Stream supports small community infrastructure projects that create economic benefits through the creation, improvement, or modernization of public infrastructure. Contributions under this stream can range from $250,000 to $1 million.   

The first intake is open until July 17, 2026, and will prioritize project proposals that:   

1. Are shovel-ready with significant activities and costs in the 2026-27 fiscal year 
   • Including all required permits secured, environmental assessments completed, detailed design and project execution plan, confirmed cost estimates and funding in place, etc.
2. Are leveraged with confirmed funding from other sources of support
   • More than 50% of total project costs
3. Are a priority as identified by local, provincial, Indigenous governments, or as identified within federal government strategies 
4. Contribute to the success of communities with major projects 
5. Generate economic benefits for the community, region, and/or Canada such as job creation and attracting investment or workers.

There will be a subsequent intake to be announced later in 2026. More intakes could follow, subject to the availability of funds. All projects must be available for public use and completed by March 31, 2030.  

How to submit an expression of interest 

Step 1. Identify a shovel-ready project 

• Projects must be able to start over the next 12 months and have Class C estimates at a minimum. 
• Projects that have already started construction are not eligible. 

Step 2. Gather information on the applicant and project 

The following information should be provided in the expression of interest 

• Applicant information: Legal name, recipient type (i.e., not-for-profit, municipality, Indigenous recipient), and contact information 
• Project: Short project description, objective, estimated costs, anticipated federal funding share requested, and class estimates; and estimated construction start date. 

Step 3. Read the Privacy and Third-Party Information Notice Statement 

• Applicants should be aware that the information they provide in the expression of interest may be shared for the purpose of assisting with the project review, evaluation, and selection process. 

Step 4. Send an email 

• Submit the expression of interest, with all applicant and project information, by canadastrong-canadafort [at] infc.gc.ca (email). 
  

For more information please visit Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada - Build Communities Strong Fund Direct Delivery stream 

Alberta Municipalities (ABmunis) will monitor implementation of this funding program to assess whether communities across Alberta are able to access funding and the administration burden required to do so. ABmunis continues to advocate for the federal government to provide adequate, predictable funding support communities, including increased investment in the Community Stream of the BCSF, formerly known as the Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF) and before that the Gas Tax Fund.