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Build Communities Strong Fund – Local Impact Stream

Supports small-scale community infrastructure projects that improve public spaces, community assets, and climate resilience across Atlantic Canada.

  • Provider
    Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
  • Active

Build Communities Strong Fund – Local Impact Stream

Supports small-scale community infrastructure projects that improve public spaces, community assets, and climate resilience across Atlantic Canada.

  • Provider
    Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
  • Active
  • DETAILS
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Categories
  • Environment, water and climate change
  • Parks and recreation
  • Planning and development
Description

The Build Communities Strong Fund (BCSF) – Local Impact Stream provides funding for small-scale infrastructure projects that enhance community spaces and systems used by Atlantic Canadians. The program supports public-use infrastructure that delivers economic, social, and environmental benefits while improving community resilience to climate change. ACOA will deliver nearly $76 million over four years through this stream.

Objectives

  • Strengthen community infrastructure.
  • Improve public spaces and community assets.
  • Increase climate resilience.
  • Support rural and regional communities.
  • Deliver economic, social, and environmental benefits.

Eligible Activities

  • New construction
  • Expansion projects
  • Renovations
  • Retrofits
  • Replacement of infrastructure
  • Climate adaptation projects

Ineligible Activities

Projects better suited to other Build Communities Strong Fund streams, including:

  • Water and wastewater infrastructure
  • Roads and sidewalks
  • Public transit infrastructure
  • Active transportation infrastructure
  • Postsecondary education infrastructure
  • Health care infrastructure, including hospitals and health centres
Eligibility Requirements
  • Be an eligible public-sector or non-profit organization.
  • Propose infrastructure that is publicly accessible or provides a public benefit.
  • Demonstrate community benefits and infrastructure improvements.
  • Show how the project supports community needs, particularly in rural or regional areas.
Resources
  • Funder's Website
    • Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
  • Contact
    • Regional Office (Halifax) 1-888-576-4444
    • Annapolis/Digby Office 902-579-5381
    • Antigonish/Guysborough/Pictou Office 902-870-3717
    • Colchester Office 902-890-0184
    • Hants/Kings Office 902-441-9712
    • Lunenburg Office 902-209-6275
    • Port Hawkesbury Office 902-951-0288
    • Shelburne/Queens Office 902-875-6069
    • Sydney Office 1-888-576-4444
    • Yarmouth Office 902-774-3296
Important Dates
  • Application Deadline
    Ongoing intake
  • Anticipated Open Date
    June 8, 2026
Eligible Applicants
  • Municipalities
  • First Nations
  • Non-profit Organizations
  • Municipal-owned Organizations
Funding Details
  • Total Available Funding
    $76 million over four years
  • Estimated Amount Per Fund
    Up to $1 million per project
  • Letter of Intent Required
    No
  • Funding Notes
    • Priority will be given to shovel-ready projects.
    • Projects should demonstrate clear community benefits.
    • Additional flexibilities may be available for Indigenous recipients.
    • Funding contributions will not exceed $1 million per project.
How to Apply
  • Fund Guidelines
    • ACOA application guidance
    • Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada BCSF information
  • Online Application
    • Apply through MyACOA account
  • Notes
    Applicants should discuss project eligibility with an ACOA program officer before applying.

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        Disclaimer

        We make every effort to ensure the program details in this guide are accurate. In the event of a discrepancy between this guide and the funder’s official website, the information on the program website will take precedence.

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