Toronto/CMEDIA: Delivering on his commitment, Canada’s Prime Minister, Mark Carney, officially launched today, the Build Communities Strong Fund – and announced its first project, the new Embleton Community Centre and Park in Brampton, Ontario
Focusing on what we can control, Canada’s new government prioritizes on increasing our housing supply and investing in modern and reliable infrastructure to build stronger, more affordable communities for Canadians.
“The Embleton Community Centre is a promise to every family in southwest Brampton…I am proud…and grateful for our federal partners who understand that investing in local communities like Brampton is investing in Canada,” said Patrick Brown, Mayor of Brampton
The Build Communities Strong Fund with a $51 billion investment to go towards building the infrastructure that Canadians rely on every day.
“Canada’s new government is on a mission to build big things…partnering with provinces and territories to move projects forward…We are building communities strong to build Canada strong for all,” Carney said.
“Resilient infrastructure that supports housing and connected communities is the foundation of a strong Canada infrastructure that boosts productivity, supports economic growth, and protects Canadian careers,” Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada said
Besides speeding up the construction of hospitals, recreation centres, universities, and colleges that serve our communities, this fund would also serve bridges that move our goods; and water and transit systems that keep our towns and cities running.
As the first of a series of 13 projects. a $64 million investment would build a 175,000-square-foot community centre with a pool, gymnasium, fitness centre, childcare facility, as well as various community spaces and outdoor recreational amenities.
In addition to the Embleton Centre and Park, the first tranche of projects can be found here.
As a force multiplier in infrastructure, the Fund will be matched by nearly $17 billion from provinces, and additional billions leveraged through municipal and territorial partnerships as well as private capital.
Supporting an average of 42,000 jobs per year – from engineering to the skilled trades, the projects through the Fund — combined with provincial matching — will boost Canada’s GDP by $95 billion over the next decade.
That means approximately $12 billion in infrastructure investments every year for the next eight years – nearly double the previous eight years.
By working in partnership with provinces and territories, Canada’s government is making the investments needed to build more homes, strengthen communities, and grow a more resilient economy – to build Canada strong.
The Build Communities Strong Fund delivers funding through three major streams:
- A provincial and territorial stream: $17.2 billion over 10 years to plan, build, and deliver critical public infrastructure projects across provinces and territories through bilateral agreements. Required to cost-match federal investments, provinces will take action to reduce the cost of construction, including for housing-related infrastructure, through reductions to development charges where they pose a barrier to housing construction. This stream includes funding for:
- Health-related infrastructure: .
- Housing-enabling infrastructure:
- Infrastructure at colleges and universities:
- A direct delivery stream: $6 billion over 10 years to deliver regionally significant projects and important local infrastructure, including large building retrofits, climate adaptation infrastructure, and community infrastructure such as new community and recreational spaces. Eligible project proponents can submit proposals starting today.
- A community stream: $27.8 billion over 10 years for the construction and rehabilitation of essential local infrastructure such as local roads, bridges, water systems, and community centres.
Applying to the Build Communities Strong Fund, Canada’s new Buy Canadian Policy would ensure that more public dollars are reinvested into our economy – creating Canadian careers and boosting Canadian industries.
