Infrastructure Stimulus Fund

Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the federal government has established a new $4 billion Infrastructure Stimulus Fund that provides funding to provincial, territorial and municipal construction-ready infrastructure rehabilitation projects. Funding is available for two years for projects that will be built during the 2009 and 2010 construction seasons.

About the Program

The Infrastructure Stimulus Fund (ISF) complements existing federal infrastructure funding by focusing on short-term objectives for economic stimulus. To further this goal of rapid economic stimulus, the ISF will focus on construction–readiness as important project selection criteria. The full $4 billion will be distributed in fiscal years 2009-2010 and 2010-2011. Projects will focus largely on the rehabilitation of existing assets such as water, wastewater, public transit, highways, roads, culture, parks, and trails.

How it Works

Projects must satisfy program criteria and be confirmed in a funding agreement. Provincial and territorial projects will be identified through discussions with provincial and territorial governments. Proposals from municipal and non-governmental organizations will be considered through different selection processes in consultation with each province and territory. Details are being announced in each province and territory as they are available. All project proponents will have to attest that the project will be completed within the next two years and that the project would not have proceeded without federal funding. This is to ensure that the program provides economic stimulus quickly.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible recipients include provinces, territories, local regional governments and public sector, not-for-profit organizations and, in limited cases, private companies. Projects receiving funding under the ISF program must complete construction by March 31, 2011.