Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) in the Prairie provinces

The Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) aims to help communities across Canada build and improve community infrastructure projects so they can rebound from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. With a national investment of $500 million over 2 years, the Fund’s purpose is to support not-for-profit organizations, municipalities and other community groups, as well as Indigenous communities:

• build new community infrastructure and revitalize existing assets
• bring people back to public spaces safely as health measures ease
• create jobs and stimulate local economies

The Fund is being delivered by Canada’s regional development agencies (RDAs).

Indigenous applicants

Indigenous applicants were invited to apply through the process described below for projects of all types and sizes. Under the Fund, RDAs can contribute up to 100% funding for projects with Indigenous groups.

Eligible applicants

• not-for-profit organizations or charities
• any municipal or regional government, or bodies providing infrastructure services to communities (e.g. municipalities, rural communities, local service districts, public-sector bodies)
• Indigenous-led not-for-profits and organizations

Note: Individuals, businesses and provincial or territorial governments are not eligible to apply to the CCRF.

Eligible activities

The Fund will provide support to:

1. adapt community spaces and assets so that they may be used safely in accordance with local public-health guidelines
2. build or improve community infrastructure to encourage Canadians to re-engage in and explore their communities and regions

Eligible projects will be prioritized in the following order:

• revitalize downtown cores and main streets
• reinvent outdoor spaces
• create green infrastructure
• increase the accessibility of community spaces

Examples may include projects involving:

• downtown cores and main streets
• green projects and projects that reduce environmental impacts
• improvement of accessibility
• farmers’ markets
• community and cultural centres
• museums and libraries
• public outdoor community sports facilities and spaces
• waterfront and tourism facilities
• multi-purpose centres
• other existing community facilities for public benefit that have a local community impact and underpin local economies

Further priority will be given to projects that:

• are shovel ready
• bring in other partners to leverage project funding
• are of a smaller scope, where the project will be completed quickly so the program benefits will be shared broadly
• help communities rebound from the effects of the pandemic and contribute to the reanimation of communities, towns and cities
• can demonstrate measurable direct or indirect social-economic benefits
• encourage the participation of under-represented groups and take into consideration the unique challenges of rural and remote communities; and/or
• are submitted by July 23, 2021, 11:59 pm MDT

Other projects will be considered if funds remain available.

Eligible costs

Eligible costs include reasonable and necessary expenses associated with the activities listed above. This includes, but is not limited to, construction materials and contractor fees for building or improving a community asset. A full list of eligible and non-eligible costs will be included in contribution agreements.

Ineligible costs

Ineligible costs include expenses associated with maintenance and operational activities that typically need to be undertaken on a recurring/annual basis, motorized vehicles, the purchase of a building, and land.

Application intake streams

1. Scheduled intake
A one-time special scheduled intake focused on eligible projects that were ready to proceed. Initial screening began during the 4-week period. Assessment of applications began on July 23, 2021, 11:59 pm MDT. Applicants were strongly encouraged to submit their applications by this date.

2. Continuous intake
Applications continued to be accepted and funded on a continuous intake basis while funding remained.

Financial support

CCRF contributions will be determined based on the minimum amount required to carry out a project and may represent up to 75% of total eligible costs. Recipients could receive up to $750,000 across provinces. In order to reflect higher construction costs and a shorter construction season, recipients in the territories may receive up to $1 million. RDAs may also contribute up to 100% funding for projects with Indigenous groups. All contributions will be non-repayable.

You can also find out more about the Government of Canada’s complete suite of COVID-19 relief support.