Each month, we provide an update on funding programs administered by UBCM along with and information on other programs, events, and resources of interest to local governments and First Nations.
UBCM Funding
2027 Next Generation 911 –The Next Generation 911 funding program provides support for local governments to prepare to implement and/or transition to NG911, and for eligible recipients to establish 911 calling where 10-digit numbers are still in use. Applications are being accepted until November 13, 2026.
2026 Foundations of Disaster Risk Reduction – The intent of this program is to reduce public safety risks from natural hazards and climate-related events by: improving the understanding of risk and risk reduction options; and developing plans and designs to enable the implementation of risk reduction solutions. Applications are being accepted until November 20, 2026.
2027 FireSmart Community Funding and Support – Funding supports local governments and First Nations to undertake community-based FireSmart planning and activities that reduce the community’s risk from wildfire. Minimal funds remain in this program. This intake is possible because of some leftover funds, previously uncompleted applications, and project claims below original estimates. Applications are being accepted until December 31, 2026.
2027 Emergency Operations Centres Equipment and Training – Eligible applicants can apply for funding to purchase essential equipment and supplies required to maintain or improve an EOC and to enhance EOC capacity through training and exercises. Applications are being accepted until February 26, 2027.
Grants and Funding from the Government of Canada
Build Communities Strong Fund – Local Impact Stream in British Columbia - Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan) is delivering this stream to support community infrastructure projects that will strengthen communities and advance regional economic development. Local governments, Indigenous communities or organizations and non-profits can apply for up to a $1 million contribution towards 50% of the total project cost. Applications are currently being accepted for projects beginning in 2027-2028. Application will be assessed as they are received and funding decisions made on an ongoing basis. Priority will be given to shovel-ready projects.
Community Economic Development and Diversification – The federal CEDD program aims to create economic benefits by investing in projects that: attract investment and talent; increase productivity and economic growth; grow new, existing and transitioning sectors; increase the economic participation of British Columbians; and respond to changing economic circumstances.
Projects being delivered by an Indigenous or local government in BC must focus on: community economic research, analysis and planning; and/or community economic development, diversification and resilience. At least 50% of project funding should come from private or other public organizations and be confirmed at the time of application. Expressions of Interest are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Canada Cultural Spaces Fund – As outlined in the 2025 federal budget, the funding envelope of the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund (CCSF) has been reduced and reoriented over the next two fiscal years to focus solely on funding specialized equipment in the cultural sector. Projects for the renovation of an arts or heritage space with expenses that occur between April 1, 2026 and March 31, 2028 will be accepted while funds remain available. As of April 1, 2026, projects for completion of infrastructure planning and design documents, feasibility studies, and facility assessments are no longer accepted. Due to limited funding, construction projects are no longer accepted. However, exceptional circumstances may apply. Applications accepted until funds are exhausted.
Build Canada Homes – Build Canada Homes is accepting proposals to work with eligible applicants (including First Nations and local governments) to build and deliver affordable housing at scale. Initial investments will prioritize “shovel-ready” projects that can begin within 12 months.
Legacy Fund: Building Communities through Arts and Heritage – This Department of Canadian Heritage program provides funding for community-initiated capital projects, intended for community use. Recipients may receive up to 50% of eligible project expenses up to a maximum of $500,000. Funding supports community-initiated capital projects that: commemorate a significant local historical event or pay tribute to a significant local historical personality; mark a 100th anniversary or greater, in increments of 25 years; involve the restoration, renovation, or transformation of existing buildings or exterior spaces with local community significance that are intended for community use; encourage arts and heritage activities in the local community that are intended for and accessible to the general public. Applications accepted on continuous basis.
Grants and Funding from the BC Government
Disability Management Improvement Funding – 2026 is the final year for this provincially funded opportunity, which fully funds a confidential disability management assessment. The assessment provides recommendations to help an organization implement best practices in Disability Management/Return-to-Work. These assessments are at no cost to public, non-profit, and private sector organizations in BC. Participating organizations may also apply for a subsidy of up to $7,500 to implement improvements. Applications are accepted first-come, first-served, until the remaining funding is committed.
Work BC: BC Employer Training Grant – The BC Employer Training Grant is a cost-sharing grant program that provides employers throughout BC with skills training funding for their workforces, including prospective new hires. Employers can apply as often as they need and receive 80% of the cost of training up to $10,000 per employee, with a maximum annual amount per employer of $300,000.
For Indigenous Recipients
Emergency Management Non-Structural Mitigation and Preparedness program – This program provides funding to First Nations communities to build resiliency, prepare for natural hazards and respond using the four pillars of emergency management. The goal of the Non-Structural Mitigation and Preparedness funding stream is to assist First Nations communities on reserve to increase their preparedness and mitigation capacity through initiatives such risk assessments and mitigation plans, development and updating of emergency management and evacuation plans, 911 mapping, emergency support services training, etc. Project proposals for the fiscal year 2026 to 2027 will be considered on an ongoing basis until the funds are spent or until March 31, 2027.
Emergency Management FireSmart Program – Funded by the Government of Canada, the Emergency Management Assistance Program supports First Nations communities with wildland fire non-structural mitigation and preparedness initiatives through the FireSmart funding stream. FireSmart builds skills to prevent and prepare against wildland fires. FireSmart project funding is available for initiatives such as wildfire pre-suppression planning, wildfire risk assessments, fuel reduction, forest thinning, prescribed burning, fire breaks, wildland fire crew training, vegetation management, fire mapping, FireSmart training, workshops, conferences and community and youth engagement. Project proposals will be considered on an ongoing basis until the funds are exhausted or until March 31, 2027.
First Nation Adapt Program The First Nation Adapt (FNA) program provides financial support for projects led by First Nation communities and organizations located south of the 60th parallel. FNA funds projects that assess the impacts of climate change and increase climate resilience in support of self-determined priorities. The program accepts project proposals year-round, and applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis.
Community Healing Fund – Offered through the Na-mi-quai-ni-mak (I Remember Them) Fund at the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR), the fund can provide a one-time grant of up to $10,000 towards community healing gatherings or workshops connected to the Indian Residential School System. Eligible recipients include non-profit organizations, Indigenous (First Nation, Metis, and Inuit) communities, Survivor organizations, schools, band offices, etc.
Indigenous Labour Market Fund – Funded by the New Relationship Trust, the fund supports Indigenous communities across British Columbia in identifying and addressing employment gaps, training opportunities, and barriers to participation in the workforce. This funding is designed to enhance Indigenous-led initiatives that improve employment outcomes and build long-term capacity in ways that complement, but do not duplicate, existing WorkBC and ISET services. Applications will be accepted until March 31, 2027 or funds are exhausted.
Nation Building Grant – Funded by the New Relationship Trust, this grant provides multi-year funding to BC First Nations and Tribal Councils, supporting self-determined priorities that enhance governance structures, institutional capacity, and community resilience, advancing self-determination and sovereignty.
Strategic Partnerships Initiative – Until 2027, this initiative has an additional $12 million annually to support regional clean energy initiatives that advance economic development opportunities within Indigenous communities across Canada. ISC also partners with Natural Resources Canada and Crown-Indigenous Relations Canada through Wah-ila-toos to help Indigenous, rural, and remote communities access federal clean energy funding and resources that support reducing diesel use. More details and funding information is available on the Wah-ila-toos website. This funding initiative provides a way for federal partners to coordinate their efforts, reduce administrative burden and pool resources in support of Indigenous communities. This initiative helps Indigenous communities participate in complex economic opportunities.
New Relationship Trust: Declaration Act Engagement Fund – This program provides four-year non-repayable funding contributions to First Nations to support their capacity to engage with the Province on the implementation of the Declaration Act Action Plan and alignment of Provincial laws with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The total funding cap over four years per Nation is $1,040,000. One application per Nation. The DAEF will accept new applications between May and December each year.
Other:
Community Memorial and Healing Grant – The Community Memorial and Healing Grant, led by Community Action Initiative with funding from the Vancouver Foundation, is a one-time funding opportunity of $10,000 for 15 communities across B.C. to develop a local permanent memorial that honors the lives of those lost to the toxic drug crisis and provide a space for collective grief and healing. Eligible applicants are municipalities and First Nations. Applications must be submitted by January 31, 2027.
Wildfire Risk Reduction Funding – The Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) 2025 – 2027 Wildfire Risk Reduction Funding Program supports projects on BC provincial crown land with WRR planning and treatment prescription development, treatments, and recovery and utilization of uneconomical residual fuel from FESBC-funded treatments following Crown Land Wildfire Risk Reduction program standards. Eligible applicants include First Nations, companies owned by First Nation governments or Indigenous entrepreneurs, small area-based tenures including community Forest Agreement holders and woodlot licensees, local governments, Irrigation and Improvement Districts, all season resorts on crown land, BC Heritage Properties, unincorporated community or rural fire departments and not-for-profit organizations. Projects must be capable of completion by March 31, 2027.
Fibre Utilization Funding – The Forest Enhancement Society of BC 2025 – 2027 Fibre Utilization Funding Program supports the delivery of uneconomic fibre to non-sawlog facilities within an economic radius from BC provincial crown land locations. The uneconomic fibre can originate from cutting authorities harvested primarily for sawlog, from activities associated with Wildfire Risk Reduction projects, overstorey removal, and fire or insect damaged stands. Eligible applicants include First Nations, companies owned by First Nation governments or Indigenous entrepreneurs, small area-based tenures including community Forest Agreement holders and woodlot licensees, forest tenure holders, and local governments. Projects must be capable of completion by March 31, 2027.
FIFA World Cup 2026™ Soccer Mini-Pitches – To build on the legacy of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, the Province of BC, viaSport and Vancouver Whitecaps FC are supporting the installation of professional soccer mini-pitches to as many as 20 communities in BC. These mini-pitches will be long-term, community-owned soccer facilities. Applications are being accepted until all mini-pitches have been allocated.
Island Coastal Economic Trust: Capital and Innovation Program – Supports the development of a wide range of strategic economic development, diversification, and innovation initiatives. Funding streams include business and industry support, downtown revitalization, strategic tourism infrastructure, destination trails, innovation infrastructure and innovation support. Applications are accepted on a continuous basis.
Grants from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities:
Rapid Adaptation Projects: Adaptation in Action – Designed for municipalities under 50,000 to move quickly from planning to action by implementing proven activities that reduce climate risks, this grant can award up to $75,000 for the implementation of proven, replicable, on-the-ground activities that directly address climate risks. Projects must be completed within two years. Applications are accepted until November 10, 2026.
Implementation projects: Adaptation in Action – This program funds adaptation projects where the total eligible costs are $1 million or less. Specific funded activities must deliver immediate risk reduction to the community once complete, without requiring the completion of a larger, separate project. Emergency response and/or disaster recovery projects are ineligible. Projects can involve measures such as improving infrastructure to withstand extreme weather, installing new measures to reduce impacts on the community, modifying the landscape to reduce wildfire risks, or bolstering municipal services to better support vulnerable community members. The application deadline is November 24, 2026.
Feasibility Study: Adaptation in Action – Funding up to $70,000 is available for local governments and Indigenous communities to produce a feasibility study of a climate adaptation project that improves municipal readiness for climate events. Applications are accepted through December 15, 2026.
FCM’s Green Municipal Fund:
Municipal Fleet Electrification – This grant program offers combined loan and grant funding for capital projects that achieve a partial or complete transition of municipal and/or transit fleet to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), including electric medium and heavy-duty vehicles (MHDVs), electric buses, electric police cruisers, and other electric vehicles. Applications are accepted year-round, though the intake may close when all funding has been allocated.
Climate-Ready Plans and Processes – This stream supports climate resiliency across communities in Canada, with this funding stream supporting the development of climate adaptation plans, climate-focused asset management strategies. Community-wide climate risk assessments, and capacity-building initiatives. Eligible applicants are municipal governments, Indigenous communities that meets certain criteria, and municipal partners. Maximum grants being up to $140,000 based on lead applicant population size. Applications are currently being accepted with funding available now to December 8, 2026 and March 30 – June 15, 2027.
Capital project: Construction of new sustainable municipal and community buildings – This stream offers combined loan and grant funding to support new building construction projects for sustainable municipally owned buildings. This funding helps Canadian cities and communities of all sizes undertake sustainability projects that reduce emissions, accelerate energy savings and keep energy dollars in the community. Funding is a combined grant and loan for up to 80% of eligible costs. The fund is a combined grant and loan up to a maximum of $10 million. Applications are accepted year-round, but may close when all funding has been allocated.
Capital project: Retrofit of existing municipal buildings – This stream offers a combined loan and grant funding to support municipalities in implementing one or more phases of a selected GHG reduction pathway. Eligible projects may focus on a single building or a portfolio of municipal buildings. The fund is a combined grant and loan up to a maximum of $10 million. Applications are accepted year-round, but may close when all funding has been allocated.
Study: New construction of municipal and community buildings – This stream offers funding for feasibility studies that assess in detail the approaches needed to implement the new construction of an energy efficient community or municipal building. The fund will cover up to 80% of eligible costs, to a maximum of $200,000. This offer is only eligible in communities with populations of 10,000 or less, or Northern communities. Applications are accepted year-round, but may close when all funding has been allocated.
Study: Retrofit pathway for municipal buildings – This stream offers funding for feasibility studies that assess in detail the approaches needed to retrofit existing municipal buildings for an impactful multi-year pathway toward zero-operational GHGs. Studies should identify a sequence of retrofit measures to reduce emissions from municipal buildings by at least 50 percent within 10 years and achieve best practice energy targets within 20 years. Grants are for up to 50% of eligible costs. Up to a maximum of $65,000 for a single building, up to $200,000 for multiple buildings. Applications are accepted year-round, but may close when all funding has been allocated.
Events and Resources
Guide: Navigating Local Data Centre Development – This guide, developed by the Urban Climate Leadership and the Climate Caucus, summarizes the opportunities and risks associated with data centre development, including impacts on energy systems, water use, land use, noise, air quality and local economic development. It also outlines planning and policy tools available to local governments, provides case studies from communities across Canada, and offers practical questions to support decision-making.
Federal Housing Design Catalogue – This design catalogue is a free resource featuring near permit-ready designs and technical packages for small-scale infill housing. Join a webinar to learn how the catalogue can streamline planning, design and construction, support gentle density and help scale projects across regions, followed by a Q&A. Register for the English Session on November 24, 2026, from 12–1 p.m. ET or the French Session on November 25, 2026, from 1–2 p.m. ET.
Accessibility and Inclusion Toolkit – Created by the Equity Practice and Research Branch of the Province of BC, the toolkit is a free, practical resource, for organizations as they begin developing their own resources in response to the Accessible B.C. Act. The Toolkit is designed for day-to-day work supporting staff in creating accessible and inclusive content, documents, videos and digital services. It also includes step by step guidance, examples and tools that do not require technical expertise.
Corporate Officer 2026 Forum - This LGMA educational forum has focused on emerging trends and legal and legislative changes of relevance to BC local government Corporate Officers. This forum has been designed specifically for Corporate Officers and Deputy Corporate Officers working in local government with training led by experts in their field. Through practical and engaging sessions, participants will strengthen their ability to navigate complex governance challenges, including closed meetings, presenting effectively to Council or Board, and managing the redaction of high-risk records while maintaining transparency, accountability, and public trust. The forum will take place November 25-27, 2026, in Richmond, BC.
Budgeting Best Practices: Aligning Strategic Priorities with Financial Planning – The Government Finance Officers Association of British Columbia is holding this session to support the alignment of local government’s strategic priorities with financial planning. This session will take place November 25, 2026 at the Coast Coal Vancouver Harbour Hotel.
Elected Official Seminar Series - The Local Government Leadership Academy’s Elected Officials Series is held every four years following the local government general election to deepen elected officials’ understanding of the local government system and best practices for civic leadership.
The agenda includes presentations, keynotes, mentorship panels, and networking opportunities that build upon local and regional orientation sessions for councils and boards. Elected officials taking part in the event receive 15 credit hours towards their LGLA Leadership Certification. The seminars will take place in different regions across BC between December 2026 and February 2027.
- Richmond: December 9-11
- Nanaimo: January 13-15
- Kelowna: January 20-22
- Prince George: January 27-29
- Kimberley: February 3-5
External Resources for Local Government – This database is maintained by the Working Group on Responsible Conduct and lists consultants who provide a range of services that support responsible conduct by elected officials.
BC Rural Centre – The Centre provides a wealth of links to assets, news, videos, services, and resources of value to rural British Columbians.
CivicInfo BC – British Columbia's local government information hub offers comprehensive organizational and grant directories, events listings, tools for training, research and career development, bids & tenders, and other resources.
Indigenous Services Canada – ISC works collaboratively with partners to improve access to high quality services for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. They provide information on social programs, emergency management, health, infrastructure, governance, education, economic development, funding programs, and other resources
FireSmart – This website introduces the FireSmart program and its seven disciplines and is intended as a one-stop shop for all things FireSmart. The site includes links to training, education, an events calendar, resource library, and downloadable content. It also features a short video inviting everyone to become involved in prevention and to learn about the benefits of the program.