The Connect2 grant program enables communities to create more options for walking, biking, wheeling and shared mobility while increasing connectivity to community and other modes of transportation. The program supports projects that enable and increase active transportation options, including building infrastructure for short-distance travel. Projects should test new ideas or best practices that connect destinations, increase equity and access in transportation opportunities, and decrease dependency on personal vehicles.

Three Project Categories

Active Transportation Infrastructure & Design (up to $100,000):

• Temporary changes testing approaches to design and infrastructure with temporary installation of bike lanes, public spaces and active transportation routes
• Engineering or feasibility studies
• Core active transportation network plans
• Core active transportation network infrastructure
• Multi-use pathways
• Small scale projects increasing connectivity to priority destinations for community

Shared Mobility (up to $75,000):

• Active transportation shared mobility services pilot projects
• Bicycle fleet pilot projects

Capacity Building and Community Engagement (up to $50,000):

• Municipal staff training, capacity building or networks
• Social marketing
• Public engagement activities
• Education and awareness
• Community building and engagement

*Note: Examples provided are illustrative but not comprehensive. Program welcomes project ideas outside those listed, provided they align with a category.

Eligibility Criteria

• Primary partner must be based in Nova Scotia and ideally based in community or region the project will serve
• Projects should be identified as community priority, or identified in community plan/municipal document, or have letter of support from Council
• Must demonstrate project's potential to reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs)
• Must clearly demonstrate project improves connectivity to services, active transportation networks and other modes of transportation
• Must demonstrate all necessary permits at time of application

Key Requirements

• Projects eligible for funding up to 75% of total project costs
• Connect2 funding will not exceed 75% of total project costs and/or category capped value
• Remaining funding can include other sources of municipal, federal, provincial or community government contributions and/or other sources. However, no more than 75% of total project cost can be funded through provincial government.