Evan Solomon – Canada’s minister of artificial intelligence and digital innovation and minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) – recently announced the launch of the Build Communities Strong Fund (BCSF) local impact stream in southern Ontario.
“Southern Ontario’s communities and regional economies are essential to building a stronger and more resilient Canada,” Solomon said in a news release.
Via the local impact stream, FedDev Ontario intends to invest $330 million over four years in community buildings, recreation facilities, parks, trails, cultural spaces, and other local infrastructure projects for use by southern Ontario’s residents and families.
Eligible not-for-profit organizations, municipalities, Indigenous organizations, and public sector bodies in southern Ontario can apply for funding for shovel-ready, publicly accessible community infrastructure projects with economic, social, or environmental benefits to the region and its communities.
“Through FedDev Ontario’s delivery of the Build Communities Strong Fund, our government is investing in the community infrastructure that will help strengthen local economies, enhance community vitality, and create welcoming public spaces for people across the region,” Solomon said.
According to FedDev Ontario’s news release, those interested should submit applications by July 9 for projects beginning between Apr. 30, 2026, and Mar. 31, 2027, and should send applications by Aug. 6 for projects commencing Apr. 1, 2027, onward.
More on BCSF
Last April, Canada’s government launched the BCSF – a federal initiative with $51 billion over 10 years and $3 billion each year ongoing – to support the infrastructure used by Canadians and help promote strong, vibrant, and connected communities.
“The Build Communities Strong Fund will support communities across the country by building reliable infrastructure at a speed and scale not seen in generations,” said Gregor Robertson, minister of housing and infrastructure and minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada.
The BCSF direct delivery stream is investing $6 billion in local and regionally significant infrastructure projects, including $1 billion for distribution by the regional development agencies via the local impact stream.
“Through Canada's Regional Development Agencies, we will deliver high-impact community infrastructure projects that Canadians can rely on – helping build Canada strong from coast to coast to coast,” Robertson said in FedDev Ontario’s news release.