Federal government gives back to Canada

Miriam Ostermann
Times Associate Editor

 

In anticipation of Canada’s upcoming 150 birthday celebration – in two years’ time – communities and non-profit organizations are receiving hundreds of millions of dollars to invest back into capital projects.
The federal government recently made available two sizeable grants, the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure program and the Canada 150 fund – each comprised of $150 million.
As representatives from nearly two-dozen non-profit organizations and municipalities met in Strathmore two weeks ago, to gather information about the unexpected opportunities, many showed interest in applying for the infrastructure grant.
Under the grant, western Canada will receive a whopping $43.5 million, delivered by the Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) on behalf of the federal government.
“In 2017, Canadians from coast to coast will celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation,” said Honourable Michelle Rempel, minister of State for Western Economic Diversification. “As part of the celebrations, the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program will help to improve and renew public spaces and facilities in communities across the West, while celebrating our shared heritage, and leaving a lasting legacy that strengthens our communities.”
Those in attendance on May 27, including representatives from the Strathmore and District Ag Society, Strathmore Library, Wheatland County, Cheadle Lions club, Strathmore Regional Arts Collective, Standard, and Three Hills, were quickly made aware of limitations surrounding the reality of receiving a chunk of the money. With only a few days left for grant application submissions, the government is looking for projects they deem shovel-ready. The Infrastructure program would require the project to be community oriented, non-commercial, and materially complete by March 31, 2018.
The grant will be invested in projects that aim to improve or rehabilitate cultural and community infrastructure. Such initiatives include community centres, museums, parks, libraries, recreational facilities, and tourism facilities, as long as the structures are already standing.
Although the opportunities are limited for those seeking to create new infrastructure, such as the East Wheatland school, it proved favourable for other endeavours that would normally face greater competition for less available money. Having already raised $150,000 of their $300,000 goal, the Gleichen Community Association already fundraised to have a renovation completed on the inside of their community hall. However, the roof and exterior are in desperate need of upgrades, and the association considered applying for the Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP) – a provincial grant that is high in demand. As the organization is ready to write for a grant, the 150 Infrastructure program announcement came at an opportune time.
“The other grant isn’t as big as this grant where you’re limited on a $125,000,” said Wheatland County Councillor Alice Booth. “Everybody else is after it, so the chances of getting a large amount, we may have to wait two years. When this popped up I felt it was a good opportunity to get all of the money, so we can do the whole project.”
In comparison to CFEP, the federal grant caps a projects funding at $500,000.
Community Futures Wildrose also informed community members about the Canada 150 grant which is dispersed through the Heritage Fund and focuses on contributing to local, regional, or national celebrations for building pride and attachment in Canada.
“There’s grants that come out, but I would say in terms of capital, especially that infrastructure, you may not see something like that again,” said Wendy Gerbrandt, CED coordinator at Community Futures Wildrose.. “It’s huge economic development. This is a lot of money coming down into the western area. We don’t know if it’ll be there in three years’ time.”
Although there is no specified deadline for the Canada 150 grant, Gerbrandt urges applicants to get their submissions in early for a better chance to get a larger amount before funds start being distributed.
While Communities Futures Wildrose is unable to provide guidance with the application process, those interested or require more information are encouraged to contact the organization to be connected with a funding agent. Applicants interested in submitting for the Canada 150 Infrastructure program have until Wednesday June 17 to submit their applications. More information regarding the Canada 150 grant streams can be found at www.canada150.gc.ca.