Ontario Launches Community Infrastructure Investment Fund

Last week, Gary Goodyear, the Minister of State for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, launched the Ontario allocation of the Community Infrastructure Investment Fund (CIIF). The Fund provides $49.6 million over two years for the repair and upgrade of community, and recreational facilities across the province.

CIIF was announced in March 2012 in the federal budget, and is being administered across Canada by the federal government’s regional development agencies. Budget 2012 set aside $150 million over two years for community infrastructure investments.

Municipal and First Nations governments and non-profit organizations can apply for funding for repairs and upgrades to community and recreation facilities such as: adding ramps to improve accessibility to a facility, adding a roof to an outdoor rink or extending a trail or bike path are eligible. Priority will be given to projects that can demonstrate anticipated economic benefits to their communities and the use of new technologies and innovation.

Funding will be cost shared and recipients may receive funding of up to $1 million for a project and up to 50 per cent of the project’s total value, however, in Ontario priority may be given to projects that require a federal contribution of 33.3 per cent. All projects must be completed before March 31, 2014.