Build Communities Strong Fund – Local Impact Stream
Building a strong Canada starts with building strong communities.
Through the Build Communities Strong Fund (BCSF) - Local Impact stream, nearly $76 million is now available through ACOA to help communities enhance the public spaces and systems Atlantic Canadians use every day. This initiative is supporting a wide range of regionally significant infrastructure projects that enhance local community spaces and increase climate resiliency.
The Build Communities Strong Fund is a cornerstone of the Government of Canada's plan to build Canada strong – today and for generations to come.
About the BCSF
The BCSF is a national program providing $51 billion over 10 years, starting in 2026-27, and $3 billion per year ongoing, to support new and renewed public infrastructure. The support is being allocated through the following three funding streams:
- Provincial-Territorial stream: $17.2 billion
- Community stream: $ 27.8 billion
- Direct Delivery stream: $6 billion
- HICC Direct Delivery: $5 billion
- Local Impact stream: $1 billion
- ACOA will provide nearly $76 million over 4 years
ACOA accepts applications to the BCSF Local Impact stream on a continuous intake basis until all available funding has been committed. Information on the other funding streams under the Build Communities Strong Fund is available on the Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada’s Build Communities Strong Fund website.
Who can apply?
Eligible applicants include entities such as public-sector and non-profit organizations delivering community infrastructure.
You may qualify if you are:
- An Indigenous government or an Indigenous-led not-for-profit
- A municipal or regional government or agency
- A public-sector organization wholly owned by a municipal or regional government
- A non-profit organization (including community-based organizations)
Eligibility criteria
Applicants should:
- Propose a project that supports community infrastructure for public use or benefit, including climate resilience.
- Demonstrate how the project will enhance community infrastructure, particularly in rural or regional contexts.
What types of activities are eligible for funding?
Eligible activities will involve building or improving community infrastructure that is accessible to the public and has economic, social and/or environmental benefits for the broader community. Eligible types of small-scale projects may include:
- New construction
- Expansion
- Renovation
- Retrofit
- Replacement
- Climate adaptation
Funding considerations
- Priority will be given to projects that are ready to proceed quickly and deliver clear community benefits.
- ACOA may offer additional project flexibilities for Indigenous recipients.
- Contributions under the BCSF – LIS will not exceed $1 million per project.
Considering a larger-scale project?
Large scale construction or renovation of community buildings, recreation facilities and cultural facilities are better suited for Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada’s BCSF streams. Examples of projects eligible through HICC BCSF streams include:
- Water and waste management
- Roads and sidewalks
- Public transit, including active transportation
- Post-secondary education-related infrastructure, such as colleges and universities
- Health-related infrastructure such as hospitals, emergency rooms, urgent care centres, community health centres, and medical schools
HICC may offer additional project flexibilities for projects in the territories and for Indigenous recipients.
How to apply
The Government of Canada is moving quickly to build the infrastructure our country needs. If you are unsure whether the Build Communities Strong Fund is right for your community, please speak with your local ACOA program officer, or contact the office nearest you.
Eligible applicants can submit their shovel-ready projects to ACOA by following the directions on the How to apply for financial assistance page.