Build Communities Strong Fund Direct Delivery stream

Current status of the call for applications: Open

The online portal is now open for project applications that are shovel-ready for 2026.

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Building a strong Canada starts with building strong communities.

The Build Communities Strong Fund is investing in a wide range of infrastructure projects that support economic prosperity, housing, sport, education, health, transit, and climate adaptation.

It provides $51 billion over 10 years, starting in 2026-27, and $3 billion per year ongoing, to support new and renewed public infrastructure.

Overview

The Direct Delivery stream of the Build Communities Strong Fund (BCSF) is providing $6 billion over 10 years, starting in 2026-27, to support regionally significant projects, climate adaptation, and community infrastructure.

Projects are identified by the federal government through various channels, including those named in Budget 2025, an online portal for applicants, pipelines of projects within existing programs, consultations, and public calls for expressions of interest. The online portal is now open for project applications that are shovel-ready for 2026. For Indigenous and territorial projects, consideration will also be given to projects that will be shovel-ready in 2027.

Under this stream, Canada's Regional Development Agencies are delivering $1 billion in funding over four years to support smaller community infrastructure projects.

Who is eligible to apply

Only proponents outlined below, who are responsible for a project's implementation and who own – or will own – the asset(s), are eligible to apply.

A provincial or territorial government;
A provincial or territorial public sector body (e.g., health authorities, provincial or territorial organizations that delivers municipal services);
A municipal or regional government^{Footnote 1};
A municipal or regional public sector body (e.g., municipally owned corporations);
A public-sector body, including but not limited to:

Any other form of local governance that exists outside municipal or regional governments (e.g. local health districts);

A public or not-for-profit institution that is directly or indirectly authorized, under the terms of provincial, territorial or federal statute, or Royal Charter, to deliver post-secondary courses or programs that lead to recognized and transferable post-secondary credentials;
An incorporated not-for-profit organization;
A private sector, for-profit body, if it is working in collaboration with an eligible public-sector entity, as described above, or with an eligible Indigenous applicant as described below (note: additional partner information and letter of support is required with application);
An Indigenous applicant, as follows:

An Indigenous governing body, including but not limited to (and to be indicated in application):

A band council within the meaning of section 2 of the Indian Act;
A First Nation, Inuit or Métis government or authority established pursuant to a Self-Government Agreement or a Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement between His Majesty the King in right of Canada and an Indigenous people of Canada, that has been approved, given effect and declared valid by federal legislation;
A First Nation, Inuit or Métis government established by or under legislation whether federal or provincial or territorial that incorporates a governance structure;

A not-for-profit organization whose primary mandate is to serve Indigenous Peoples;
An Indigenous development corporation.

Ineligible applicants under the BCSF Direct Delivery stream include, but are not limited to:

Private-sector, for-profit bodies that are not partnering with an eligible public sector entity or an eligible Indigenous applicant, as described above;
Individuals and private citizens; and
Federal entities, including federal Crown corporations.

Application intake

The Government of Canada is moving quickly to build the infrastructure communities need. That is why the Build Communities Strong Fund is focused on getting projects underway quickly.

Based on the strong interest received through the expression of interest process, Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC) has opened a new application portal to help move shovel-ready projects for the 2026 building season forward and support jobs now. The portal is open until July 15, 2026 and until August 12, 2026, for projects from Indigenous and territorial applicants.

Eligible project proponents must have projects that:

are eligible under a project category outlined below;
are shovel-ready and able to begin before the end of 2026. Preference may be given to projects that are ready to start construction during the upcoming summer construction season;
- for Indigenous and territorial projects, consideration will also be given to projects that will be shovel-ready in 2027.
have Class C estimates at a minimum (supporting document required when available);
demonstrate that they have secured all sources of funding required for the project (other than federal funding requested through the BCSF).

Project proponents should also provide, through the portal, letters of support from the community and/or organizations impacted by the project, including public consultation records.

Projects that have begun construction are not eligible; however, applications for new and distinct phases of such projects may be eligible.

The BCSF Direct Delivery stream is organized in three project sub-streams:

1) Local infrastructure projects that increase capacity, quality, or accessibility of community infrastructure and support complete communities. Project types include, but are not limited to:
- Community buildings and spaces that are accessible to the public and provide community services such as community centres, cultural centres, and libraries;
- Recreation, sport, and park facilities such as arenas, pools, greenspaces, and parks;
- Drinking water assets (whether grey, natural, or hybrid) such as drinking water treatment facilities, pump stations, and local drinking water pipes;
- Wastewater assets (whether grey, natural, or hybrid) such as wastewater treatment facilities, lagoon systems, pumping and lift stations, and sanitary sewer pipes;
- Stormwater management assets (whether grey, natural, or hybrid) such as permeable land covers, infiltration basins, shoreline protection assets, and diversion assets.
2) Climate adaptation projects that increase community resiliency by preventing, mitigating or protecting against the impacts of climate change, disasters triggered by natural hazards, and extreme weather events. Projects may include traditional, natural or hybrid infrastructure.
3) Regionally significant projects are unique assets that deliver broader economic, environmental, and social benefits beyond the immediate location of the project. When applicable, these projects must consider private sector investment, including through the Canada Infrastructure Bank, to maximize public investment capacity and reduce pressure on government budgets.

Under the BCSF Direct Delivery stream, at minimum, 10% of the fund will be allocated to Indigenous communities.

How to submit a shovel-ready project via the portal

Step 1: Identify a shovel-ready project for 2026

Projects that are ready to start in 2026 with Class C estimates at a minimum (supporting document is required when available).
- For Indigenous and territorial projects, consideration will also be given to projects that will be shovel-ready in 2027.
Projects must be eligible under a project category outlined above.
Projects must demonstrate that they have secured all sources of funding required for the project (other than federal funding requested through the BCSF).
Projects that have already started construction are not eligible; however, applications for new and distinct phases of such projects may be eligible.
Project proponents should provide, through the portal, letters of support from the community and/or organizations impacted by the project, including public consultation records.

Step 2: Register to create an account

Applicants must register for a secure account on the HICC Funding Portal.
See the instructions on creating a secure account.
Once applicants have created an account, they will be able to access the BCSF application form for completion.

Step 3: Read the Applicant Guide

The Applicant Guide is available via the HICC Funding Portal. Once logged in, go to the Applicant Guides section.
The Applicant Guide provides information about the BCSF program, including eligibility criteria, project requirements, financial details, federal requirements, and reporting obligations.
Indigenous communities or organizations should refer to the Indigenous Applicant Guide, also available on the HICC Funding Portal, as some eligibility requirements differ for Indigenous applicants.

Step 4: Fill out the BCSF application

In the HICC Funding Portal, click on Applications and Submissions, then Apply for Funding. Upon doing so, account administrators are provided with a list of HICC funding programs from which to choose.
Click on the Apply button located directly under the Build Communities Strong Fund – Direct Delivery description.
Confirm the Privacy and Eligibility statements:
1. Read the Privacy and Third-Party Notice Statement and confirm that the statement has been read and understood by selecting Yes.
2. Read the Organization Eligibility Self-Assessment and confirm that the organization meets all the eligibility requirements for funding under the BCSF and that the applicant is duly authorized to submit the application on behalf of the organization by selecting Yes.
3. Select the organization type and ensure that the listed organization corresponds with the lead applicants of the project.

Note: The BCSF application can be saved before submission as many times as necessary. Applicants are not required to complete the application in one session.

Visit the portal

Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada will only contact applicants whose submissions are shortlisted for approval. The Department may share project information with respective provinces and territories.

Please note that applicants receiving an Approval in Principle letter following the review and approval of their project submission will be required to provide additional project information and that other conditions may apply.

Expression of interest

Eligible applicants who have a potential project that is not yet shovel-ready may submit an expression of interest for future consideration. The expression of interest process allows proponents to identify and describe potential projects at an early stage, whereas the application portal is intended for projects that are sufficiently developed and ready to proceed through the formal application process.

How to submit an expression of interest

Step 1: Identify a project

Projects must have Class C estimates at a minimum.
Projects that have already started construction are not eligible; however, applications for new and distinct phases of such projects may be eligible.

Step 2: Gather information on the applicant and project

The following information should be provided in the expression of interest:

Applicant information: Legal name, recipient type (i.e., not-for-profit, municipality, Indigenous recipient), and contact information;
Project: Short project description, objective, estimated costs, anticipated federal funding share requested, and class estimates; and estimated construction start date.

Step 3: Read the Privacy and Third-Party Information Notice Statement

Applicants should be aware that the information they provide in the expression of interest may be shared for the purpose of assisting with the project review, evaluation, and selection process.

Step 4: Send an email

Submit the expression of interest, with all applicant and project information, by email to canadastrong-canadafort@infc.gc.ca.

Email us to Get started

Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada will only contact applicants whose submissions are shortlisted for next steps.

Small projects

Applicants seeking $1 million or less in funding are encouraged to apply to the Local Impact Stream. Eligible projects must build or improve community infrastructure that is accessible to the public and has economic, social, and/or environmental benefits for the broader community or region. This includes community buildings, recreation facilities, and cultural facilities.

In the coming days and weeks, applicants can visit the website of the Regional Development Agency that serves their region:

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Date modified:: 2026-06-16

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