Administrative Agreement on the Canada Community-Building Fund - Alberta
Between: The Government of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities (“Canada”),
And: The Government of Alberta, as represented by the Minister of Municipal Affairs (“Alberta”).
1) Purpose
This Administrative Agreement sets out the roles and responsibilities of Canada and Alberta for the administration of the Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF).
2) Definitions
Unless defined elsewhere in this Administrative Agreement, capitalized words used throughout this Administrative Agreement are defined in Annex A (Definitions).
3) Context
With this Administrative Agreement, Canada and Alberta wish to help communities build and revitalize their public Infrastructure that supports national objectives of productivity and economic growth, a clean environment, and strong cities and communities, building on:
- the success of the Previous Agreements;
- Section 161 of the Keeping Canada's Economy and Jobs Growing Act, S.C. 2011, c. 24, under which, starting in 2014-2015, the Government of Canada makes up to $2 billion per year available for the purpose of municipal, regional and First Nations Infrastructure;
- Economic Action Plan 2013, through which the Government of Canada announced a renewed Gas Tax Fund which included the indexation of the Gas Tax Fund funding at two percent per year, with increases to be applied in $100 million increments (confirmed through section 161 of the Keeping Canada's Economy and Jobs Growing Act, S.C. 2011, c. 24 as amended by section 233 of the Economic Action Plan 2013 Act, No. 1, S.C. 2013, c. 33);
- Section 199 of Budget Implementation Act, 2021, No. 1 (Budget 2021) in which the Gas Tax Fund was renamed the Canada Community-Building Fund; and
- Budget 2022 (A Plan to Grow Our Economy and Make Life More Affordable) in which the Government of Canada ties access to Infrastructure funding to actions by provinces, territories, and municipalities to increase housing supply where it makes sense to do so.
4) Principles
Canada and Alberta acknowledge that this Administrative Agreement is based on the following principles:
- Principle 1: Respect for Jurisdiction. The CCBF is designed to leverage the strengths of each order of government and is based on the principle that each order of government has its own areas of jurisdiction and is accountable to its population for its delivery of the CCBF program. Canada respects the jurisdiction of provinces and territories over housing and municipal institutions.
- Principle 2: Flexibility of Approach. In recognition of the diversity of Canadian provinces, territories, regions and communities, the CCBF recognizes the need for a flexible approach to program delivery. Wherever possible, the CCBF aims to employ regionally adapted delivery mechanisms, including the leveraging of existing delivery mechanisms and reporting structures.
Principle 3: Equitable Distribution. The CCBF recognizes the importance of ensuring that the inter-provincial/territorial allocation is equitable while supporting meaningful Infrastructure investments within the least populated jurisdictions.
Principle 4: Equity. The CCBF is designed to afford participating Local Governments with flexibility in developing projects and setting priorities, offering a wide range of possible project categories. Local Governments are encouraged to consider Gender Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) lenses where appropriate when undertaking projects. - Principle 5: Complementarity. The CCBF provides stable, predictable, long-term funding for communities. The CCBF is not to replace municipal operating and maintenance funding or municipal capital funds. The CCBF complements municipal funding for the purpose of creating or revitalizing municipal Infrastructure. The CCBF also complements but does not replace other national Infrastructure funding programs.
- Principle 6: Transparency. The CCBF is administered via an open and transparent governance process that includes regular evaluations and audits. Canada and Alberta are committed to promoting and supporting accountability through regular, effective, and accurate program reporting to the Canadian public.
- Principle 7: Commitment to Improving Housing Supply and Affordability. Canada and Alberta are committed to working collaboratively, through the Statement of Priorities and letter of intent, to address the national priority of increasing the supply of housing as well as the availability of Affordable Housing. Alberta will continue to fund Local Governments to support housing investments, and will seek to leverage the CCBF to complement this work, as appropriate.
5) Annexes and schedules
The following annexes and schedules are attached to and form part of this Administrative Agreement:
6) Canada Community-Building Fund additional or unspent funds
6.1 Any CCBF funding that may be transferred by Canada to Alberta, will be administered by Alberta in accordance with this Administrative Agreement, including with the Terms and Conditions set out in Annex B.
6.2 Any Unspent Funds, and any interest earned thereon, will be subject to the Terms and Conditions of this Administrative Agreement upon execution of a Funding Agreement and will no longer be governed by the terms and conditions of any Previous Agreements.
7) Oversight committee
7.1 An Oversight Committee will be established by Canada and Alberta to ensure the effective monitoring of this Administrative Agreement. The Oversight Committee will monitor the overall implementation of this Administrative Agreement, and will serve as the principal forum to seek Alberta's input and review on the Statement of Priorities, and address and resolve issues arising from the implementation of this Administrative Agreement. The activities of the Oversight Committee including frequency of meetings, and program compliance will be laid out in a Terms of Reference document jointly developed and agreed upon by Canada and Alberta.
7.2 The Oversight Committee will be co-chaired by two (2) members, one of whom is to be appointed by Canada, and designated as Federal Co-Chair, and one of whom is to be appointed by Alberta, and designated as Provincial Co-Chair. Replacement members from either Canada or Alberta may, from time to time, be appointed by Canada or Alberta. Canada and Alberta agree to keep each other informed in writing upon new appointments.
7.3 The Co-Chairs, working together, will examine any issue that may arise, and, in good faith, will attempt to resolve that issue to the mutual satisfaction of Canada and Alberta.
7.4 Any sub-committees established by Canada and Alberta will report to the Oversight Committee through their respective Co-Chairs.
8) Dispute resolution
8.1 Canada and Alberta will work together to resolve any issues which may arise in relation to this Administrative Agreement.
8.2 If, after a reasonable effort has been made, an issue cannot be resolved by the Co-Chairs, they will provide information about the issue, including the steps they have taken to attempt to resolve the issue. An escalating dispute resolution approach begins with an Oversight Committee discussion followed by senior official-level discussions (at the Assistant Deputy Minister level or another appropriate level) and ultimately Ministerial-level discussions for resolution, within a reasonable timeframe, to the satisfaction of Canada and Alberta.
8.3 In the event of any unresolved issue, Alberta will have 90 days after receiving written notice from Canada to respond with an appropriate remedy prior to Canada making any final decision with respect to funding transfers. It is understood that the final decision with respect to such an issue will rest solely with Canada and may include withholding the transfer of funding, as a last resort.
8.4. It is understood that Alberta will meet the following requirements:
- requiring that Local Governments comply with Schedule B (Eligible Project Categories) and Schedule C (Eligible and Ineligible Expenditures) of Annex B (Terms and Conditions);
- meeting the reporting requirements assigned to Alberta as outlined in Schedule D (Program Reporting) of Annex B (Terms and Conditions);
- meeting the reporting requirements assigned to Alberta outlined in Schedule G (Housing Report) of Annex B (Terms and Conditions); and
- conducting communications activities in accordance with the requirements outlined in Schedule E (Communications Protocol) of Annex B (Terms and Conditions).
9) Audits and evaluation
9.1 Canada reserves the right to undertake any audit in relation to this Administrative Agreement at its expense. The timing and scope of such audits will be determined in collaboration with Alberta via the Oversight Committee and will be carried out by external independent auditors. If Canada does undertake an audit, it will provide Alberta written notice of at least 90 days.
9.2 Canada may, at its cost, complete a periodic evaluation of the relevance and performance (i.e. effectiveness, efficiency and economy) of the CCBF. Alberta will provide Canada with information on program performance and may be asked to participate in the evaluation process. The results of the evaluation will be made publicly available.
9.3 Alberta will ensure proper and accurate financial accounts and records are kept that are related to Alberta's responsibilities under this Administrative Agreement, including program-level management, and the use of CCBF funding, and any interest earned thereon, and to all other relevant information and documentation requested by Canada or its designated representatives for the purposes of audit and evaluation.
9.4 Alberta will require that proper and accurate accounts and records are kept in respect of all Eligible Projects for at least six (6) years after completion of the Eligible Project, and Local Governments will, upon reasonable notice, make them available to Alberta.
10) Duration, termination, review and amendment
10.1 This Administrative Agreement will come into effect as of April 1, 2024 and will be in effect until March 31, 2034 unless Canada and Alberta agree to renew it.
10.2 This Administrative Agreement will be reviewed by Canada and Alberta by March 31, 2027 and may be amended to incorporate changes, if any, agreed to by Canada and Alberta.
10.3 This Administrative Agreement may be amended at any time in writing as agreed to by Canada and Alberta.
10.4 This Administrative Agreement may be terminated at any time and for any reason by either Canada or Alberta with two (2) years written notice. In the event where this Administrative Agreement is so terminated, any CCBF funding, Unspent Funds, and/or any interest earned thereon held by Alberta or Local Governments, that have not been expended on Eligible Projects as of the date of termination will nevertheless continue to be subject to this Administrative Agreement until such time as may be determined by Canada and Alberta.
11) Correspondence
Any correspondence under this Administrative Agreement may be delivered in person, sent by electronic mail, or sent by mail addressed to:
Canada:
Assistant Deputy Minister, Communities and Infrastructure Programs
Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada
1100 – 180 Kent Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1P 0B6
Email: jeff.waring@infc.gc.ca
or to such other address or addressed to such other person as Canada may, from time to time, designate in writing to Alberta; and
Alberta:
Executive Director, Grants and Education Property Tax
Municipal Affairs
15th Floor, Commerce Place, 10155 102 Ave NW
Edmonton, AB T5J4L4
Email: ma.ccbfgrants@gov.ab.ca
Signatures
Government of Canada
Original signed by:
The Honourable Sean Fraser
Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
Government of Alberta
Original signed by:
Honourable Ric McIver
Minister of Municipal Affairs
Approved Pursuant to the Government Organization Act
Original signed by:
Intergovernmental Relations
Annex A – Definitions
“Affordable Housing” means a dwelling unit where the cost of shelter, including rent and utilities, is a maximum of 30% of before-tax household income. The household income is defined as 80% or less of the Area Median Household Income (AMHI) for the metropolitan area or rural region of the Local Government.
“Administrative Agreement” means this Administrative Agreement on the Canada Community-Building Fund in Alberta.
“Asset Management” is a principle/practice that includes planning processes, approaches, plans, or related documents that support an integrated lifecycle approach to the effective stewardship of Infrastructure assets in order to maximize benefits and effectively manage risk.
“Canada Community-Building Fund” (CCBF) means the program established under section 161 of the Keeping Canada's Economy and Jobs Growing Act, S.C. 2011, c. 24 as amended by section 233 of the Economic Action Plan 2013 Act, No. 1, S.C. 2013, c. 33, as the Gas Tax Fund and renamed the Canada Community-Building Fund insection 199 of Budget Implementation Act, 2021, No. 1.
“Contract” means an agreement between a Local Government and a Third Party whereby the latter agrees to supply a product or service to an Eligible Project in return for financial consideration.
“Eligible Expenditures” means those expenditures described as eligible in Schedule C (Eligible and Ineligible Expenditures).
“Eligible Projects” means projects as described in Schedule B (Eligible Project Categories).
“Funding Agreement” means an agreement between Alberta and a Local Government setting out the terms and conditions of the CCBF funding to be provided to the Local Government, containing, at a minimum, the elements in Schedule A (Local Government Requirements).
“Gender Based Analysis Plus” (GBA Plus or GBA+) is an analytical process that provides a rigorous method for the assessment of systemic inequalities, as well as a means to assess how diverse groups of women, men, and gender diverse people may experience policies, programs and initiatives. The “plus” in GBA Plus acknowledges that GBA Plus is not just about differences between biological (sexes) and socio-cultural (genders). GBA Plus considers many other identity factors such as race, ethnicity, religion, age, and mental or physical disability, and how the interaction between these factors influences the way we might experience government policies and initiatives. Conducting a GBA Plus analysis involves considering all intersecting identity factors as part of GBA Plus, not only sex and gender. GBA+ is a priority for the Government of Canada.
“Housing Needs Assessment” (HNA) means a report informed by data and research describing the current and future housing needs of a Local Government or community according to guidance provided by Canada.
“Housing Report” means the duly completed housing report to be prepared and delivered by Alberta to Canada annually by September 30, as described in Schedule G (Housing Report).
“Ineligible Expenditures” means those expenditures described as ineligible in Schedule C (Eligible and Ineligible Expenditures).
“Infrastructure” means municipal or regional, publicly or privately owned tangible capital assets in Alberta primarily for public use or benefit.
“Local Government” means any municipality (city, town, village, summer village, municipal district, specialized municipality, improvement district, and special area), Métis Settlement, or the Townsite of Redwood Meadows Administration Society.
"Oversight Committee" means the committee established to monitor the overall implementation of this Administrative Agreement as outlined in section 7 (Oversight Committee) of this Administrative Agreement.
“Previous Agreements” means any agreements between Canada and Alberta for the purposes of administering the Gas Tax Fund or Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF).
“Statement of Priorities” means an annual letter from Canada to Alberta outlining shared priorities for housing actions required for any CCBF funding to flow for a given year.
“Third Party” means any person or legal entity, other than Canada, Alberta or a Local Government, who participates in the implementation of an Eligible Project by means of a Contract.
“Unspent Funds” means funds (as under Previous Agreements) that have not been spent towards an Eligible Project (as defined under the Previous Agreements) or on administration costs in accordance with Previous Agreements prior to the effective date of this Administrative Agreement.
Annex B – Terms and conditions
1. Allocation formula
1.1 Any Unspent Funds held by Alberta and any CCBF funding that may be received by Alberta from Canada, as well as any interest earned thereon, will be distributed in accordance with the following formula:
- All Unspent Funds held by Alberta will be allocated to Local Governments in accordance with allocation amounts committed to Local Governments under the Previous Agreements.
- CCBF funding committed by Canada to Alberta will be calculated annually and will be allocated based on the following:
- Local Governments, with the exception of summer villages, will receive a base allocation of $50,000 per year;
- Summer villages will receive a base allocation of $5,000 per year; and
- Remaining funds shall be allocated to each Local Government on a per capita basis according to the most recent Municipal Affairs Population List.
Alberta may review the allocation formula at any time and propose to Canada revisions to the allocation formula set out in this Section based on the outcomes of the review. In accordance with Section 10.3 (Duration, Termination, Review and Amendment) any revision to Section 1.1 (Allocation Formula) of Annex B (Terms and Conditions) or subsection therein, is subject to Canada's approval and will constitute an amendment to this Administrative Agreement.
1.2 Alberta agrees to provide to Canada a table detailing the Local Government allocations following the tabling of the Annual Alberta Budget, and promptly provide to Canada updates to the table upon any revision to the allocations.
2. Delivery mechanism
2.1 Alberta will execute a Funding Agreement with each Local Government prior to transferring any CCBF funding to the Local Government. Each Funding Agreement will include, at a minimum, requirements for Local Governments, as outlined in Schedule A.
2.2 Alberta will provide CCBF funding to Local Governments subject to the following:
- Alberta Treasury Board and Finance approval of cash-flow and funds;
- Submission of sufficient Eligible Projects by the Local Government;
- Completion of reporting requirements for the previous year by the Local Government; and
- Compliance by the Local Government with all other terms outlined in the Funding Agreement.
2.3 All funds provided to a Local Government and interest earned thereon and not expended prior to December 31 in the year that funding is received, may be retained by the Local Government for Eligible Projects, subject to the terms of the Funding Agreement.
3. Use and recording of funds
3.1 Alberta will ensure that any CCBF funding that may be transferred to it by Canada, Unspent Funds, and any interest earned thereon, are used by Alberta solely in accordance with the terms and conditions set out in this Administrative Agreement.
3.2 Alberta will require that any CCBF funding that may be transferred to it by Canada, Unspent Funds, and any interest earned thereon is used by Local Governments in accordance with this Administrative Agreement).
3.3 Pending payment to Local Governments in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Administrative Agreement, Alberta will accept any CCBF funding it may receive from Canada into its General Revenues.
3.4 Any CCBF funding that may be transferred by Canada to Alberta will be treated as federal funds with respect to other federal Infrastructure programs.
4. Administration expenses
Upon the review and acceptance by Canada of a detailed business case, which must be submitted within one (1) year of the date of last signature of the Administrative Agreement, Alberta may apply a portion of any CCBF funding it may receive from Canada for administration expenses related to program delivery and implementation of this Administrative Agreement, including expenditures associated with communication activities such as public project announcements and signage.
5. Eligible project categories
Eligible Project categories under the CCBF include: highways; local roads and bridges; short-sea shipping; short-line rail; regional and local airports; broadband connectivity; public transit; drinking water; wastewater; solid waste; community energy systems; brownfield redevelopment; sports, cultural, recreational or tourism infrastructure; resilience; fire halls and capacity building. Schedule B (Eligible Project Categories) provides further details regarding Eligible Project categories.
6. Eligible expenditures
Eligible Expenditures are those associated with: the acquiring, planning, designing, constructing, or renovating of a tangible capital asset, or completing work to ensure that the asset is able to reach the end of its intended life; the strengthening of the ability of Local Governments to improve local and regional planning and Asset Management as well as joint federal communication activities and federal signage. Schedule C (Eligible and Ineligible Expenditures) sets out specific requirements for Eligible and ineligible Expenditures.
7. Reporting
Alberta will meet the reporting requirements set out in Schedule D (Program Reporting) and Schedule G (Housing Report).
8. Communications
This Administrative Agreement formalizes clear requirements to support federal communications objectives. Schedule E (Communications Protocol) sets out specific communications requirements, including:
- providing upfront project information on an annual basis for communications purposes;
- including the federal government in local project communications; and
- installing federal project signs, unless otherwise approved by Canada.
9. Asset management
Alberta will continue to collaborate with Canada to support Local Governments in their continued development and/or implementation of an Asset Management plan. Alberta will encourage the implementation of Asset Management plans for all Local Governments. Schedule F (Asset Management) provides more details on the approach agreed upon between Canada and Alberta.
Schedule A – Local Government requirements
Local Governments are required to:
- Be responsible for the completion of each Eligible Project in accordance with Schedule B (Eligible Project Categories) and Schedule C (Eligible and Ineligible Expenditures).
- Comply with all Local Government requirements outlined in Schedule D (Program Reporting), Schedule E (Communications Protocol) and Schedule G (Housing Report).
- Continue to develop and implement Asset Management strategies and plans for the assets under their control and make use of these plans to inform community Infrastructure decision-making.
- Invest, in a distinct account, CCBF funding from Alberta if received in advance of paying Eligible Expenditures.
- With respect to Contracts, award and manage all Contracts in accordance with their relevant policies and procedures and, if applicable, in accordance with applicable interprovincial and international trade agreements, and all other applicable laws.
- Invest into Eligible Projects, any revenue that is generated from the sale, lease, encumbrance or other disposal of an asset resulting from an Eligible Project where such disposal takes place within five (5) years of the date of completion of the Eligible Project.
- Allow Alberta reasonable and timely access to all of its documentation, records and accounts and those of their respective agents or Third Parties related to the use of CCBF funding and Unspent Funds, and any interest earned thereon, and all other relevant information and documentation requested by Alberta or Canada via Alberta or its designated representatives for the purposes of audit, evaluation, and ensuring compliance with this Administrative Agreement.
- Keep proper and accurate accounts and records in respect of all Eligible Projects for at least six (6) years after completion of the Eligible Project and, upon reasonable notice, make them available to Alberta. Keep proper and accurate accounts and records relevant to the CCBF program for a period of at least six (6) years after the termination of this Administrative Agreement.
- Ensure their actions do not establish or be deemed to establish a partnership, joint venture, principal-agent relationship or employer-employee relationship in any way or for any purpose whatsoever between Canada and the Local Government, or between Canada and a Third Party.
- Ensure that they do not represent themselves, including in any agreement with a Third Party, as a partner, employee or agent of Canada.
- Ensure that no current or former public servant or public office holder to whom any post-employment, ethics and conflict of interest legislation, guidelines, codes or policies of Canada applies will derive direct benefit from CCBF funding, Unspent Funds, and interest earned thereon, unless the provision or receipt of such benefits is in compliance with such legislation, guidelines, policies or codes.
- Agree that they will not, at any time, hold the Government of Canada, its officers, servants, employees or agents responsible for any claims or losses of any kind that they, Third Parties or any other person or entity may suffer in relation to any matter related to CCBF funding or an Eligible Project and that they will, at all times, compensate the Government of Canada, its officers, servants, employees and agents for any claims or losses of any kind that any of them may suffer in relation to any matter related to CCBF funding or an Eligible Project.
- Agree that any CCBF funding received will be treated as federal funds for the purpose of other federal Infrastructure programs.
- Complete, publish on its website and send the link to Alberta by March 31, 2025, for all communities with a 2021 Census population of 30,000 or more, a HNA prepared in accordance with guidance provided by Canada. Local Governments that have completed HNAs after April 1, 2019 may submit their existing HNA if it complies with the requirements for HNAs provided by Canada. If the existing HNA does not fully comply with the requirements provided by Canada, the Local Government must prepare and submit the additional information to Alberta by March 31, 2025.
- Agree that the above requirements which, by their nature, should extend beyond the expiration or termination of this Administrative Agreement, will extend beyond such expiration or termination.
- Alberta will permit the use of multiple grant funding sources for a CCBF-funded project; however, if a Local Government chooses this approach, it will be the Local Government's responsibility to understand the separate requirements of each program providing funding.
Schedule B – Eligible project categories
Eligible Projects include investments in Infrastructure for its construction, renewal or material enhancement in each of the following categories:
- Local roads and bridges – roads, bridges and active transportation Infrastructure
- Highways – highway Infrastructure
- Short-sea shipping – Infrastructure related to the movement of cargo and passengers around the coast and on inland waterways, without directly crossing an ocean
- Short-line rail – railway related Infrastructure for carriage of passengers or freight
- Regional and local airports – airport-related Infrastructure (excludes the National Airport System)
- Broadband connectivity – Infrastructure that provides internet access to residents, businesses, and/or institutions in Canadian communities
- Public transit – Infrastructure which supports a shared passenger transport system which is available for public use
- Drinking water – Infrastructure that supports drinking water conservation, collection, treatment and distribution systems
- Wastewater – Infrastructure that supports wastewater and storm water collection, treatment and management systems
- Solid waste – Infrastructure that supports solid waste management systems including the collection, diversion and disposal of recyclables, compostable materials and garbage
- Community energy systems – Infrastructure that generates or increases the efficient usage of energy
- Brownfield Redevelopment – remediation or decontamination and redevelopment of a brownfield site within local boundaries, where the redevelopment includes:
- the construction of public Infrastructure as identified in the context of any other category under the Canada Community-Building Fund, and/or;
- the construction of municipal use public parks and publicly-owned social housing.
- Sport infrastructure – amateur sport Infrastructure (excludes facilities, including arenas, which would be used as the home of professional sports teams
- Recreational infrastructure – recreational facilities or networks
- Cultural infrastructure – Infrastructure that supports arts, humanities, and heritage
- Tourism infrastructure – Infrastructure that attract travelers for recreation, leisure, business or other purposes
- Resilience – built and natural Infrastructure assets and systems that protect and strengthen the resilience of communities and withstand and sustain service in the face of climate change, natural disasters and extreme weather events.
- Capacity building – includes investments related to strengthening the ability of Local Governments to develop long-term planning practices including: capital investment plans, integrated community sustainability plans, integrated regional plans, HNAs, and/or Asset Management plans, related to strengthening the ability of recipients to develop long-term planning practices.
- Fire Halls – fire halls and fire station Infrastructure.
Note: Investments in health Infrastructure (hospitals, convalescent and long-term senior centres) are not eligible.
Local Governments that have had project eligibility restrictions placed upon them by the Alberta Minister of Municipal Affairs under the Local Government Fiscal Framework will also be restricted to spending CCBF funds on core Infrastructure. Such Local Governments will have CCBF projects accepted only under the following categories outlined above, until the Minister removes the restrictions:
- Local roads and bridges
- Drinking water
- Wastewater
- Resilience
- Capacity building
- Fire Halls
Schedule C – Eligible and ineligible expenditures
1. Eligible expenditures
1.1 Eligible Expenditures of Local Governments will be limited to the following:
- the expenditures associated with acquiring, planning, designing, constructing or renovating a tangible capital asset and any related debt financing charges specifically identified with that asset;
- for capacity building category only, the expenditures related to strengthening the ability of Local Governments to improve local and regional planning including capital investment plans, integrated community sustainability plans, integrated regional plans, HNAs, and/or Asset Management plans. The expenditures could include developing and implementing:
- studies, strategies, or systems related to Asset Management, which may include software acquisition and implementation;
- studies, strategies, or systems related to housing or land use, including HNAs; and
- training directly related to Asset Management planning.
- the expenditures directly associated with joint federal communication activities and with federal project signage.
1.2 Employee and Equipment Costs: The incremental costs of the Local Government's employees or leasing of equipment may be included as Eligible Expenditures under the following conditions:
- the Local Government is able to demonstrate that it is not economically feasible to tender a Contract;
- the employee or equipment is engaged directly in respect of the work that would have been the subject of the Contract; and,
- the arrangement is approved through the project acceptance process.
1.3 Administration expenses of Alberta related to program delivery and implementation of this Administrative Agreement, in accordance with Section 4 (Administration Expenses) of Annex B (Terms and Conditions).
2. Ineligible expenditures
The following are deemed Ineligible Expenditures:
- project expenditures incurred before April 1, 2005;
- project expenditures incurred before April 1, 2014 for the following investment categories:
- highways;
- regional and local airports;
- short-line rail;
- short-sea shipping;
- disaster mitigation;
- broadband connectivity;
- brownfield redevelopment;
- cultural Infrastructure;
- tourism Infrastructure;
- sport Infrastructure; and
- recreational Infrastructure.
- project expenditures incurred before April 1, 2021 for the following investment category:
- fire halls
- the cost of leasing of equipment by the Local Government, any overhead costs, including salaries and other employment benefits of any employees of the Local Government, its direct or indirect operating or administrative costs, and more specifically its costs related to planning, engineering, architecture, supervision, management and other activities normally carried out by its staff, except in accordance with Eligible Expenditures above;
- taxes for which the Local Government is eligible for a tax rebate and all other costs eligible for rebates;
- purchase of land or any interest therein, and related costs;
- legal fees;
- routine repair or maintenance costs; and,
- costs associated with healthcare Infrastructure or assets.
Schedule D – Program reporting
Program reporting requirements under the CCBF consist of a letter of intent, a project list, an audited financial report and an outcomes report, all of which will be submitted to Canada for review and acceptance. The reporting year may be designated by Alberta as either April 1 to March 31 or January 1 to December 31. In addition to overall program reporting, specific housing reporting obligations are described in Schedule G (Housing Report).
1. Statement of priorities
At the outset of the reporting year, recognizing Alberta and Canada's shared priority of housing and Alberta's jurisdiction over municipal institutions, Canada will provide to Alberta a Statement of Priorities outlining its high-level priorities for housing actions for Alberta and Alberta Local Governments to work in partnership to address, to the greatest extent possible. Initial priorities will reflect the negotiated 2024-25 Statement of Priorities and additional priorities will only be considered every three years, unless otherwise agreed upon by the Oversight Committee.
Alberta will provide to Canada, by May 31 of each year, a letter of intent indicating the progress Alberta is making towards shared housing priorities outlined in the Statement of Priorities.
2. Project list
Alberta will maintain, and provide to Canada a project list, by September 30 of each year, containing the following elements: unique project identifier, Local Government, project title, project description, investment category, project start date, project end date, geo-location, total project cost, CCBF funding spent, output indicator, housing indicator (if applicable). The Oversight Committee may review the requirements in the initial years of the Administrative Agreement, and allow temporary adjustments to allow Alberta time to collect the required information.
3. Audited financial report
By September 30 of each year, Alberta will provide to Canada a financial report in an electronic format deemed acceptable by Canada consisting of the following:
3.1 Financial report table
The financial report table will be submitted in accordance with the following template.
| Annual Report Financial Table | Annual |
Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
20xx - 20xx |
2024 - 20xx |
|
Alberta in aggregate |
||
Opening BalanceFootnote 1 |
$xxx.xx |
|
Received from Canada |
$xxx.xx |
$xxx.xx |
Interest Earned |
$xxx.xx |
$xxx.xx |
Administrative Cost |
($xxx.xx) |
($xxx.xx) |
Transferred to Local Governments |
($xxx.xx) |
($xxx.xx) |
Closing Balance of Unspent Funds |
$xxx.xx |
|
Local Governments in aggregate |
||
Opening BalanceFootnote 2 |
$xxx.xx |
|
Received from Alberta |
$xxx.xx |
$xxx.xx |
Interest Earned |
$xxx.xx |
$xxx.xx |
Spent on Eligible Projects |
($xxx.xx) |
($xxx.xx) |
Closing Balance of Unspent Funds |
$xxx.xx |
|
3.2 Independent audit or audit based attestation
Alberta will provide an independent audit opinion, or an attestation based on an independent audit and signed by a senior official designated in writing by Alberta, as to:
- the accuracy of the information submitted in the Financial Report Table; and
- that CCBF funding and Unspent Funds, and any interest earned thereon reported to Alberta by Local Governments, are consistent with their submission.
4. Housing report
By September of 30 each year, Alberta will provide to Canada a report on housing as outlined in Schedule G (Housing Report).
5. Outcomes report
By March 31 of each year Alberta will provide to Canada an outcomes report that will outline the following program benefits:
- beneficial impacts on communities of completed Eligible Projects,
- the impact of CCBF as a predictable source of funding,
- progress made on improving Local Government planning and Asset Management, and the preparation of HNAs; and
- For communities with a 2021 Census population of 30,000 or more , a description of how CCBF funding has helped address housing pressures tied to Infrastructure gaps and helped contribute to housing supply and affordability outcomes (further details on this requirement may be found in Schedule G – Housing Report).
The outcomes report will present a narrative on how each program benefit is being met. A template and guidance document will be provided by Canada.
Schedule E – Communications protocol
To ensure the transparency and accountability of the CCBF, the following communications protocol will apply to all communications activities undertaken regarding any CCBF funding and will apply to Alberta and Local Governments. Communicating to Canadians on the use of CCBF funding is linked with our joint accountability to Canadians. Compliance with this protocol is critical to meeting our joint commitment to transparency.
1. Purpose
1.1 The communications protocol applies to all communications activities related to any CCBF funding, including annual allocations and the identification and communication of projects under this Administrative Agreement. Communications activities may include, but are not limited to: public or media events, news releases, reports, digital and social media products, project signs, digital signs, publications, success stories and vignettes, photo compilations, videos, advertising campaigns, awareness campaigns, editorials, awards programs, and multi-media products.
1.2 Through collaboration, Canada and Alberta agree to work to ensure consistency in the communications activities meant for the public. This will include the importance of managing the delivery of communications activities based on the principle of transparent and open discussion.
1.3 Canada and Alberta will endeavour to adhere to this communications protocol, including in working with Local Governments.
2. Joint communications approach
2.1 Canada and Alberta will collaborate to develop a joint communications approach to ensure visibility for the program, the provision of upfront project information and planned communications activities throughout the year.
Canada will provide a “Communications Approach” template to be completed by Alberta. This approach will then be jointly reviewed and approved by Canada and Alberta.
This agreed upon joint communications approach will have the objective of ensuring that proactive communications activities are undertaken each fiscal year to communicate the annual allocations and key projects, as identified in the communications approach, located in both large and small communities by using a wide range of communications tools to ensure local visibility.
To accomplish this, the Oversight Committee will review and approve a communications plan at the beginning of each year.
2.2 Canada and Alberta will work together on the initial annual joint communications approach, which will be finalized and approved by Canada's Co-Chair and Alberta's Co-Chair within 60 working days following the first meeting of the Oversight Committee.
2.3 Canada and Alberta agree that achievements under the joint communications approaches will be reported to the Oversight Committee once a year.
2.4 Through the Oversight Committee, Alberta agrees to assess, bilaterally with Canada, the effectiveness of joint communications approaches on an annual basis and, as required, update and modify the joint communications approach, as required. Any modifications will be brought to Canada's Co-Chair and Alberta's Co-Chair, as appropriate for approval.
2.5 Canada and Alberta commit to promptly sharing information and coordinating participation in communications opportunities, as outlined in sections 4.3, 4.5, and 5.2 of this Schedule E. This involves ensuring timely sharing of information, products (such as news releases and media advisories), and approvals to support effective communication delivery.
3. Inform Canada on allocation and intended use of CCBF funding for communications planning purposes
3.1 Alberta agrees to provide to Canada upfront information on planned Eligible Projects and Eligible Projects in progress on an annual basis, prior to the construction season. Canada and Alberta will each agree, in this joint communications approach, on the date this information will be provided. Canada and Alberta each agree that their joint communications approach will ensure the most up-to-date Eligible Project information is available to Canada to support media events and announcements (see 4.2 for full definition) for Eligible Projects.
In this Administrative Agreement the information will include, at a minimum:
- Local Government name; Eligible Project name; Eligible Project category, a brief but meaningful Eligible Project description; federal contribution; anticipated start date; and anticipated end date.
Canada will link to Alberta's CCBF website where this information will be accessible to the general public.
3.2 Alberta agrees that the above information will be delivered to Canada in an electronic format deemed acceptable by Canada.
4. Announcements and media events
4.1 At Canada's request, Canada and Alberta agree to coordinate an announcement regarding annual allocations of CCBF funding.
4.2 Media events and announcements include, but are not limited to: news conferences, public announcements, and the issuing of news releases to communicate funding of projects or key milestones (e.g. ground breaking ceremonies, completions).
4.3 Key milestones events and announcements (such as groundbreaking ceremonies and grand openings) may also be marked by media events and announcements, news releases, or through other communications activities. Local Governments, Canada and Alberta will have equal visibility through quotes and will follow the Table of Precedence for Canada.
4.4 Media events and announcements related to Eligible Projects will not occur without the prior knowledge and agreement of Alberta, as appropriate, Canada and the Local Government.
4.5 The requester of a media event or an announcement will provide at least 15 working days' notice to other parties of their intention to undertake such an event or announcement. An event will take place at a mutually agreed date and location. Alberta, and, as appropriate, Canada and the Local Government will have the opportunity to participate in such events through a designated representative. If communication is proposed through the issuing of a news release (with no supporting event), Canada requires at least 15 working days' notice and 5 working days with the draft news release to secure approvals and confirm the federal representative's quote.
4.6 For media events, each participant will choose its own designated representative. Local Governments are responsible for coordinating all onsite logistics.
4.7 No party shall unreasonably delay the announcement of opportunities identified in annual communications plans that have been pre-approved in advance.
4.8 The conduct of all joint media events, announcements for project funding, and supporting communications materials (ex. News releases, media advisories) will follow the Table of Precedence for Canada.
4.9 All joint communications material related to media events and announcements must be approved by Canada and recognize the funding of the parties.
4.10 All joint communications material for funding announcements must reflect Canada's Policy on Official Languages and the Policy on Communications and Federal Identity.
4.11 Canada, Alberta and Alberta Local Governments agree to ensure equal visibility in all communications activities.
5. Program communications
5.1 Canada, Alberta and Local Governments may include messaging in their own communications products and activities with regard to the CCBF.
5.2 The party undertaking these activities will recognize the funding of all contributors.
5.3 The conduct of all joint events and delivery of supporting communications materials (ex. News releases) that support program communications (ex. intake launches) will follow the Table of Precedence for Canada.
5.4 Canada and Alberta agree that they will not unreasonably restrict the other parties from using, for their own purposes, public communications products related to the CCBF prepared by Canada, Alberta or Local Governments, or, if web-based, from linking to it.
5.5 Notwithstanding Section 4 of Schedule E (communications protocol), Canada retains the right to meet its obligations to communicate to Canadians about the CCBF and the use of funding.
6. Operational communications
6.1 The Local Government is solely responsible for operational communications with respect to Eligible Projects, including but not limited to, calls for tender, construction, and public safety notices. Operational communications as described above, including program communications, are not subject to the federal official language policy.
6.2 Canada does not need to be informed on operational communications. However, such products should include, where appropriate, the following statement, “This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada” or “This project is funded by the Government of Canada”, as applicable.
6.3 Alberta and the Local Government will share information as available with Canada should significant emerging media or stakeholder issues relating to an Eligible Project arise. Canada and Alberta will advise Local Governments, when appropriate, about media inquiries received concerning an Eligible Project.
7. Communicating success stories
7.1 Alberta agrees to facilitate communication between Canada and Local Governments for the purposes of collaborating on communications activities and products including, but not limited to Eligible Project success stories, including the positive impacts on housing, Eligible Project vignettes, and Eligible Project start-to-finish features.
8. Advertising campaigns
8.1 Canada, Alberta or a Local Government may, at their own cost, organize an advertising or public information campaign related to the CCBF or Eligible Projects. However, such a campaign must respect the provisions of this Administrative Agreement, including the provisions in section 5 of this Schedule. In the event of such a campaign, the sponsoring party or Local Government agrees to inform the other parties of its intention, and to inform them no less than 21 working days prior to the campaign launch.
9. Digital Communications, websites and webpages
9.1 Where Canada, Alberta or a Local Government produces social media content to provide visibility to CCBF projects, they shall @mention the relevant Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada official social media account and Alberta social media account(s) as applicable.
9.2 Where a website or webpage is created to promote or communicate progress on an Eligible Project(s), it must recognize federal funding through the use of a digital sign or through the use of the Canada wordmark and the following wording, “This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada” or “This project is funded by the Government of Canada”, as applicable. The Canada wordmark or digital sign must link to Canada's website. The guidelines for how this recognition is to appear and language requirements are published on Canada's website: Infrastructure project signage.
10. Project signage
10.1 Government of Canada and Government of Alberta (where provincial funding was contributed) signage for high visibility projects is generally required on CCBF-funded capital projects where appropriate. All signage installed shall recognize the federal contribution to the Eligible Project(s) and be approved by Canada. Federal sign design, content, and installation guidelines will be provided by Canada and included in the joint communications approach.
10.2 Where Alberta or a Local Government decides to install a sign, a permanent plaque or other suitable marker recognizing their contribution with respect to an Eligible Project, it must recognize the federal contribution and Alberta contribution, if applicable, to the Eligible Project(s) and be approved by Canada and Alberta, if applicable. The Local Government is responsible for the production and installation of Eligible Project signage, or as otherwise agreed upon.
10.3 Alberta agrees to inform Canada of signage installations on a basis mutually agreed upon in the joint communications approaches.
11. Communication costs
11.1 The eligibility of costs related to communication activities that provide public information on this Administrative Agreement will be subject to Schedule C (Eligible and Ineligible Expenditures).
Schedule F – Asset management
Canada and Alberta agree that the measures contained in the Previous Agreements to create and foster a culture of Asset Management planning were effective in increasing the capacity of the diverse range of Local Governments in Alberta to enhance their community's sustainability.
Alberta intends to continue the initiatives undertaken in the Previous Agreements, and other activities it has undertaken, including:
- Maintaining an inventory list of current Asset Management tools and resources;
- Continued support of the development of new tools to support Asset Management;
- Requiring Local Governments to implement regulated corporate planning requirements, which includes capital planning;
- Expanding tools and resources where gaps are identified;
- Monitoring the state of Asset Management through regular surveys of Local Governments, which will be reported upon to Canada through regular outcomes reporting; and
- Working to develop a Government of Alberta-wide local Asset Management strategy to encourage and facilitate Local Governments to develop Asset Management plans and utilize appropriate Asset Management strategies and tools.
Asset Management is a key underpinning of community sustainability because it can inform a range of investment, servicing, and community planning decisions, which in turn support maximizing Local Government Infrastructure investments. Local Governments will be encouraged to participate in various Asset Management initiatives conducted and/or supported by Alberta in an effort to ensure that CCBF funds are supporting full lifespan Infrastructure. This includes items such as the annual Asset Management survey and the development of individual Local Government Asset Management plans and strategies.
Schedule G – Housing Report
1. Housing Needs Assessments
1.1 By March 31, 2025, Local Governments with a 2021 Census population of 30,000 or more are required to complete and make available to Canada an HNA prepared according to guidance provided by Canada. Local Governments that have already completed HNAs after April 1, 2019, may submit existing HNAs, if they meet the requirement outlined in the HNA guidance. The Capacity Building Category under CCBF can be used to support the preparation or updating of HNAs.
1.2 For Local Governments that have existing HNAs, and for all Local Governments required to prepare an HNA beyond year one, HNAs should be used by Alberta in preparing the Housing Reports to identify housing pressures related to Infrastructure and capacity building pressures and to assist in measuring housing outcomes.
1.3 HNAs completed by a Local Government with a 2021 Census population of 30,000 or more must be made publicly available on the Local Government's website and Local Governments are to provide a link to the page where their HNA is posted to Canada.
1.4 A separate HNA Guidance Document will be provided by Canada.
2. Project-level Housing Report
2.1 Methodology
Alberta will provide a description of the process used to collect data and information presented in the Housing Report. The methodology section should include the following information:
- Scope of the report and related rationale.
- Reporting process used to collect data from Local Governments.
- Identification of baseline data and other data sets used for the purposes of the report and which data has been excluded.
- How performance indicators were assessed in the province.
Criteria for project-level reporting
Local Governments with a 2021 Census population of 30,000 or more must be included in Table 1 (below) and are required to complete an HNA by March 31, 2025, and every five years thereafter, and to provide project-level data on housing requirements to Alberta, for inclusion in the Housing Report that will be submitted by Alberta to Canada.
Local Governments that do not have a 2021 Census population of 30,000 or more may additionally be included at the discretion of Alberta, but are not required by Canada to include project-level data in the annual Housing Report.
Alberta will be expected to consolidate project-level information from the Local Governments identified by the above criteria to report to Canada annually.
The following table (Table 1) is to be used as a template to identify Local Governments required to provide project-level reporting and to identify housing pressures related to Infrastructure needs. Housing pressures should be consistent with needs and pressures identified by Local Governments in their HNAs. Alberta will provide an aggregate of this table to Canada in their annual Housing Report.
| Local Government | Project Level Reporting Criteria |
Key Infrastructure-Related Housing Pressures |
|---|---|---|
Name of the Local Government |
Identify which criteria as noted above applies |
Identify key housing gaps and needs that are related to Infrastructure |
2.2 Project-level housing outcomes
For Local Governments meeting the above criteria and included in Table 1, Alberta is required to complete the table below (Table 2) using the project-level data on housing outcomes provided by local governments on an annual basis.
Table 2 is intended to link the housing pressures identified in Table 1 and in HNAs with outcomes supported by CCBF projects that can help Local Governments to address their specific housing pressures. More specifically, Table 2 is to be completed by Local Governments outlined in Section 2.1. It will include a subset of the projects from the above project list and this subset represents projects with housing outcomes.
| Project ID | Local Government |
Project Title |
Project Description |
Investment Category |
Housing Outcomes and Indicators |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
As provided in program reporting (Schedule D) |
As provided in Table 1 |
As provided in program reporting (Schedule D) |
Provide a brief description of the project |
Indicate which CCBF category the project falls under |
Identify key housing outcomes and indicators (section 2.2.1) that will be used to measure success. |
2.2.1 Housing outcome indicators
For each of the projects listed in Table 2, Alberta shall report estimates on the following core indicators, as relevant to each investment category.
- # of housing units enabled; and
- # of Affordable Housing units enabled.
“Units enabled” means the number of new housing units constructed or the estimated increased housing capacity resulting from the CCBF Infrastructure investment, whether directly or indirectly.
3. Housing narrative in the CCBF Outcomes Report
By March 31st each year, Alberta shall provide Canada with a narrative report on program-level housing outcomes for Local Governments with a 2021 Census population of 30,000 or more. This narrative report will be aligned with and incorporated into the annual CCBF outcomes report.
The housing narrative should outline how CCBF was used to address housing pressures, over the reporting period, and steps taken between Alberta and Local Governments to unlock supply and improve affordability for Canadians. It should also link to identified needs in Local Governments HNAs once they have been developed.
The housing narrative should describe how CCBF funding has addressed housing pressures tied to Infrastructure gaps and contributed to housing supply and affordability outcomes. More specifically, Alberta must include in its outcomes report a narrative assessment of measures it has taken to improve housing outcomes through CCBF funded Infrastructure projects. This should include:
- How Local Governments have prioritized specific Infrastructure investments that are unlocking an increased supply of housing (e.g., upgrading pipes to support densification rather than sprawl, or remediating a brownfield site that could then be used for Affordable Housing);
- Steps taken to preserve and/or increase supply and mix of Affordable Housing (e.g., minimizing displacement, making land available for non-market housing, minimum affordability requirements for private developers); and
- How Local Governments are utilizing CCBF funding to build local capacity for sound land use and development planning (e.g., through the capacity building category).
This housing narrative must also include responses to the following questions, where Infrastructure gaps are identified as barriers to housing supply:
- How many or what percentage of projects from the total CCBF project list contribute to an increase in housing supply and how many new housing units were enabled (as outlined in 2.2.1)?
- What percentage of total new housing units enabled or preserved are affordable?
How many communities have published a new HNA or an updated one within the last 5 years?
For further information and details on the housing narrative portion of the outcomes report please refer to the Housing Report Template and Guidance document.
4. Assessment of the Housing Reports and compliance
4.1 Assessment of Housing Reports
Both the project-level housing report and the housing narrative on program-level housing outcomes will be assessed against the Government of Canada's Evaluation Framework as well as HNAs.
4.2 Compliance
Failure by Alberta to comply with the terms of this Schedule will require compliance actions to address the compliance issue. Compliance actions may include notification of the failure to comply, discussions to bring Alberta into compliance as well as withholding funding until the failure to comply is addressed.
Repeated or sustained failures by Alberta or local governments to comply with the terms of this Schedule:
- by Alberta could result in downward adjustment of allocations for Alberta for future Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada programs
- by local governments could result in downward adjustment of allocations for Alberta for local governments for future Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada programs.
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