Each month we provide an update on UBCM funding programs and information on other programs, events, and resources that may be of interest to local governments and First Nations.
Local Government Program Services
Applications are currently being accepted for the following funding programs. A complete and chronological listing (by intake deadline) of currently offered Local Government Program Services grants is also available on the UBCM website.
Emergency Support Services
The ESS funding stream is intended to support eligible applicants build local capacity to provide emergency support services through volunteer recruitment, retention and training, including in-house training, and the purchase of ESS equipment. The application deadline is January 28, 2022.
Poverty Reduction Planning & Action
The intent of the Poverty Reduction Planning & Action program is to support local governments in reducing poverty at the local level and to support the Province’s poverty reduction strategy, TogetherBC. The application deadline is February 11, 2022.
Emergency Operations Centres and Training
The EOC funding stream is intended to support the purchase of equipment and supplies required to maintain or improve Emergency Operations Centres (EOC) and to enhance EOC capacity through training and exercises. The deadline for applications is February 25, 2022.
Other Funding
Disaster Financial Assistance
The Province of BC announced DFA is now available to local governments and First Nations impacted by this past summer’s wildfires and the recent overland flooding. The funding is available to cover disaster-related losses not covered by insurance, such as wildfire damage to public infrastructure including roads, bridges, and other publicly-owned infrastructure.
Green Infrastructure – Environmental Quality
The third intake of the Environmental Quality (EQ) fund has been announced with up to $270 million in new funds from the province and federal government. This is a cost-sharing program for infrastructure projects starting in 2023 and completing by 2026. Local governments are eligible for up to 73% of eligible project costs, while Indigenous ultimate recipients are eligible for up to 90%. The application deadline is January 26, 2022.
Residential Schools: BC Response Fund
Provincial funding is available for First Nations-led strategies to identify, investigate, protect, and commemorate the sites of former residential schools and hospitals in BC and for providing the mental health, wellness, and cultural supports required to do this work. Lead communities may apply to develop and implement strategies and procedures for the ongoing identification, documentation, maintenance, commemoration, and protection of residential school cemeteries or other sites at which residential school children were buried. Potential applicants are invited to discuss the program and potential projects and also how the CIRNAC funding might also be considered. Up to $475,000 is available for each site.
Residential Schools: Federal Funding
Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada has made funding available for locating, documenting, maintaining, and commemorating burial sites associated with former residential schools, and responding to family wishes to commemorate or memorialize their losses and the children's final resting places. Proposals are welcome from Indigenous governments, councils or tribal councils, Indigenous not-for-profit groups, and organizations, including survivors’ groups, demonstrating a close working partnership with and directed by Indigenous-governed organizations.
Community Buildings Retrofit Initiative
This Federation of Canadian Municipalities initiative is intended to help fund energy efficiency upgrades for existing community facilities. The Government of Canada, through the Green Municipal Fund, has launched this $167 million initiative to help Canadian municipalities of all sizes retrofit existing community facilities, such as arenas, pools, and libraries, to significantly reduce GHG emissions, while reviving important community assets.
Water Conservation and Quality Improvement (WCQI)
The Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) recognizes the importance of enabling projects that enhance water quality and conserve water in the Okanagan Valley. This program is intended to: encourage a collaborative approach to water management; promote more uniform standards and best practices throughout the valley; increase knowledge sharing; support innovative solutions; help local organizations address water issues and enhance valley-wide sustainable water use; and assist projects that might otherwise lack funds to move forward in a timely manner. Successful projects will receive between $3,000 and $30,000 (maximum $30,000 per project, even with multiple partnering organizations). A total of $350,000 is made available annually by the OBWB for this valley-wide program. The application deadline is February 28, 2022 at 4:00 pm Pacific time.
Regional Connectivity Plan Funding
The Province is providing funding to assist rural communities wanting to access broadband internet with technical infrastructure assessments of current and proposed networks towards a regional connectivity plan. Funding is up to 75% of eligible project costs to a maximum of $15,000. Local governments, registered not-for-profit government organizations, First Nations and First Nations organizations are eligible to apply. Funding is first come, first served until funding is exhausted. Projects must complete by March 31, 2022.
Active Transportation Fund
The Active Transportation Fund (ATF) is a national, merit-based contribution program intended to support projects that improve active transportation infrastructure across Canada. Announced in March 2021, the Fund will make available $400 million over five years to help build new and expanded networks of pathways, bike lanes, trails, and pedestrian bridges, as well as support Active Transportation planning and stakeholder engagement activities. Grants of up to $50,000 are available for successful applicants who wish to undertake planning, design, or stakeholder engagement activities. Funding can cover up to 100% of eligible costs. The application process will open soon and applications will be accepted through Infrastructure Canada’s online portal.
Recreation Infrastructure Program
The Northern Development Initiative Trust supports communities to create, upgrade, and repair recreational infrastructure such as arenas, gymnasiums, golf courses, fields, and boat launches. This grant program supports new or substantial upgrade projects with up to $300,000 to a maximum of 50% of costs, and upgrades and repairs to existing facilities with up to $100,000 to a maximum of 70% of costs. Local governments, registered First Nations Bands, and registered not-for-profits are eligible. Intakes are quarterly.
Municipal Asset Management Program
MAMP is an eight-year, $110-million program funded by Infrastructure Canada to support Canadian municipalities and communities in making informed infrastructure investment decisions based on stronger asset management practices.
Funding for Energy Efficient Affordable Housing
This $300 million FCM initiative offers support to local and affordable housing providers, including local governments, to retrofit affordable housing units or build new energy efficient units. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis until annual funds are exhausted.
Infrastructure Planning Grant Program
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs offers grants up to $10,000 to help local governments plan, design, and manage sustainable infrastructure. Applications are accepted year-round and have regular processing deadlines.
Canada Cultural Spaces Fund
This Canadian Heritage fund supports the improvement of physical conditions for arts, heritage, culture and creative innovation. The fund supports renovation and construction projects, the acquisition of specialized equipment and feasibility studies related to cultural spaces. The CCSF annual grants and contributions budget is $54 million for the period 2018-2028.
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 per cent 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 (e.g., 125th, 150th); 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 a continuous basis.
First Nations Adapt Program
This federal program supports First Nations communities to assess and respond to climate change impacts on community infrastructure and emergency management. It prioritizes communities most impacted by sea level rise, flooding, forest fires, and winter road failures. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis.
New Relationship Trust
The NRT is an independent non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening First Nations in BC through capacity building. Numerous funding initiatives and resources are available on their website.
Columbia Basin Trust
CBT offers grants and programs to help residents and communities in the Basin take action on issues that are important to them.
Other Funding Opportunities
BC Healthy Communities has compiled a list of funding opportunities worth knowing about, along with guides and resources to support grant writing activities.
Events & Resources
BC Community Climate Funding Guide for Indigenous Communities and Local Governments
The Province of B.C. has developed the website for the BC Community Climate Funding Guide for Indigenous Communities and Local Governments. This new guide was created to simplify a community’s search for funding and to quickly connect communities to the next opportunity to fund a climate-related projects. It is a one-stop resource within several broad categories, including Climate Preparedness & Adaptation, Community Infrastructure, Sustainable Transportation, and Clean Energy.
Healthy Communities, Equity and Economic Recovery: Creating Healthy Public Policy
BC Healthy Communities and SFU’s Community Economic Development team are hosting the Local Government Leaders Speaker Series. This on-demand webinar series has already posted one event, Living Wage Policies. An upcoming webinar is BC Housing presenting Building Knowledge and Capacity for Affordable Housing. Visit to view upcoming additional webinars. Participate live or view recorded sessions.
External Resources for Councils & Boards
The Working Group on Responsible Conduct has developed a database of external resources to support local governments. The consultants included a range of services that support responsible conduct by elected officials, including conflict management and resolution, coaching, counselling, and elected official training.
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.
Virtual Reconciliation Engagements
Interested in raising awareness about reconciliation for your community, organization, or business? In light of the COVID-19 crisis, Reconciliation Canada is currently providing all engagements online. They can provide a virtual gathering with the inspiring speaker to help engage reconciliation in a meaningful way.
Advancing Your Asset Management Practice
If you missed this recent Asset Management BC webinar, you can now view the recording. Meet the speakers and learn more about how this unique training program will benefit you.
Rapid Action Resources for Local Governments - Community Food Production
Over the coming months, PlanH will be releasing a series of Rapid Action Resources to provide local governments with an understanding of the equity considerations around various aspects of food security, as well as examples of good practices in food security from other local governments in the province.
Financing tools for local climate action
Canadian municipalities are reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through pilot projects, municipal programs, and more. However, financing these initiatives can be a significant challenge. FCM’s toolkit explains how your municipality can leverage private and community investors to help you take action on climate change in your community.
ReTooling for Climate Change
The Fraser Basin Council hosts this first-stop website on climate change adaptation. Here is the place to find top tools and resources for BC local governments, First Nations, and the natural resource sectors as everyone prepares for the impacts of climate change, now and in the years ahead.
BC Rural Centre
The Centre provides a wealth of links to assets, news, videos, services, and resources of value to rural British Columbians.
Resources for Rural & Small Communities
BC Healthy Communities has launched a collection of resources related to PlanH action areas, with a rural and small community lens.
Building sustainable communities with asset management
This guidebook is designed for staff or elected officials in medium and large municipalities who are responsible for green projects or who are interested in municipal sustainable development.
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.