News & Updates

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has expanded its Broadband Fund to support projects that help prevent and reduce the impact of Internet and cellphone service outages.

The change follows a public consultation and is intended to improve the reliability of telecommunications services in rural, remote and Indigenous communities, including during severe weather and other emergencies.

The Broadband Fund supports efforts to improve connectivity in underserved communities across Canada. To date, CRTC-funded projects have improved high-speed Internet and cellphone services in more than 320 communities, including 135 Indigenous communities. Projects are helping connect more than 54,000 homes, improve cellphone service along more than 650 kilometres of major roads, and build approximately 6,000 kilometres of fibre to communities.

The CRTC says reliable communications are particularly important during emergencies, when service outages can affect access to essential services, including emergency assistance.

The expanded funding support is part of the CRTC’s ongoing efforts to make the Broadband Fund faster and easier to access while improving the reliability of connectivity across Canada.

The Canada Cultural Spaces Fund (CCSF) has been updated, with changes to eligible projects and the current funding period.

The CCSF is currently accepting applications for projects with eligible expenses incurred between April 1, 2026, and March 31, 2028, while funding remains available.

Key changes include:

• Planning and feasibility studies are no longer accepted, including infrastructure planning and design documents, feasibility studies and facility assessments.
• Construction projects are no longer accepted, although exceptional circumstances may apply. Applicants should contact a CCSF program advisor before applying if their project involves construction.
• Funding continues to support renovations and the purchase and installation of specialized equipment for arts and heritage cultural spaces.
• Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis while funding remains available.
• The program is highly competitive, and applicants are encouraged to contact their regional CCSF advisor before submitting an application.
• Special consideration may be given to projects from rural and remote areas and Indigenous, underrepresented or equity communities and groups.

Municipalities remain eligible to apply, provided they have historically demonstrated a commitment to arts or heritage activities.

Review the updated program information and confirm your project’s eligibility with a CCSF program advisor before applying.

Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada has opened the application portal for shovel-ready projects under the Build Communities Strong Fund – Direct Delivery stream. Eligible projects must be ready to begin construction before the end of 2026. Applications are due July 15, 2026 (or August 12, 2026 for Indigenous and territorial applicants).

Projects that are not yet shovel-ready may still be submitted as an Expression of Interest for future consideration.

The Green Municipal Fund’s Sustainable Affordable Housing (SAH) initiative is preparing to reopen pre-construction grant funding for affordable housing retrofit projects.

While funding for capital and pilot projects remains closed, a full program update is expected in summer 2026, including details on eligibility, grant amounts, and application timelines.

In the meantime, municipalities and housing providers can continue to access SAH’s free planning, training, and technical support services.

Municipal, non-profit, and co-operative housing providers can learn more about the updated funding, eligibility requirements, and available technical support during a free webinar:

• July 9, 2026 | 3:00 p.m. ADT

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.

Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund Round 4: The Fund supports community efforts to reduce or eliminate greenhouse gas emissions and to prepare for and respond to the impacts of climate change. Priority will be given to projects that help communities adapt to drought conditions, address water shortages, and strengthen long-term water security. The Fund also supports a broad range of climate mitigation and adaptation initiatives.

• Up to $1 million in project funding
• Deadline for pre-screening: June 25, 2026

Tree Planting: Green Municipal Fund (GMF) grant supporting large-scale tree-planting projects that expand and protect community tree canopies. Projects must deliver measurable environmental, social, and economic benefits.

• Up to $10 million in project funding
• Up to $1 million in infrastructure activity funding
• Deadline: June 16, 2026

Capital Project: Retrofit of Existing Municipal Buildings: Funding for municipalities to retrofit existing municipal and community buildings to improve energy efficiency and reduce GHG emissions.

• Estimated amount per fund: Up to $10 million (combined loan + grant)
• Support ratio: Up to 80% of eligible costs (loan + grant)
• Grant portion: Up to 20% of the GMF loan
• Deadline: Applications are accepted year-round, though this offer may close when all funding has been allocated.

New Funding Opportunity Added to the Portal:

• Wellness Fund: Provincial grants of $500–$3,500 for community projects that address social determinants of health. Funded through Nova Scotia’s Community Health Boards, the program supports upstream health initiatives including intergenerational activities, food literacy, and social connection projects.
  • Application window: February 16 – April 15, 2026

Update to Existing Program:

• Energy Innovation Program – Off-Site Construction Challenge (Stream 2) is now open. Federal funding for projects demonstrating innovative off-site construction methods for energy-efficient multi-unit residential buildings. Phase 1 offers design grants up to $180,000; Phase 2 offers up to $10 million for finalists to bring designs to construction.
  • Deadline: March 27, 2026

• Recreation Facility Development Grant: Provincial funding for recreation facility projects over $30,000, including recreation centres, pools, rinks, athletic fields, parks, playgrounds, and large equipment. Includes the Rink Revitalization Fund for arena upgrades and repairs. Funding covers up to two-thirds of total project costs, to a maximum of $150,000.
  • Deadline: February 14, 2026

EcoAction Community Program – Stream 2 (Freshwater Sustainability and Innovation): Federal funding for projects that pilot innovative/clean-tech solutions, enable circular economy opportunities, or improve freshwater data access and interoperability, focused on initiatives with national relevance or scalability. Funding is $25,000–$200,000 and covers up to 50% of total project costs.

• Deadline (Application): January 20, 2026.

Connect2 Program: Provincial grants for community active transportation projects that improve connectivity within and between communities and support walking, biking, wheeling and shared mobility. Funding covers up to 75% of eligible costs, with grants up to $100,000 depending on project category.

• Deadline (Expression of Interest): January 9, 2026.

Applications are now open for:

• Community ACCESS-Ability Program: The program offers provincial grants covering up to two-thirds of eligible accessibility upgrades (to a maximum of $50,000) for community facilities, including improvements to the built environment, transportation, communications and assistive devices. Eligible applicants include municipalities, non-profits and registered charities.
  • Deadline: February 14, 2026, 11:59 PM.
• Community Facilities Improvement Program: The program provides support for repairs and improvements to existing community facilities, including building exteriors, interior features and energy-efficiency upgrades. Non-profits and registered charities are eligible.
  • Deadline: February 14, 2026, 11:59 PM.

New Funding Opportunities Added to the Portal:

• TD Friends of the Environment Foundation Grant: National charitable foundation supporting community-based environmental initiatives. Provides funding for schoolyard greening, park revitalization, community gardens, outdoor classrooms, tree planting, nature-based education, and other hands-on environmental projects.
  • Status: Open (rolling intake)
• RBC Community Investment Fund: Major corporate/philanthropic funding program supporting climate action, skills development, financial wellbeing, accessibility improvements, and inclusive community prosperity. Offers single- and multi-year investments ranging from small grants to large contributions up to $500,000 per year.
  • Status: Open (rolling intake)
• For the Good of Our Community Fund (NSLC): Corporate philanthropic program supporting food security, housing stability, mental health, physical accessibility, and environmental stewardship across Nova Scotia. Offers grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 for registered charities and non-profits.
  • Deadline: December 22, 2025

The Community Buildings Retrofit Initiative is open. The initiative provides grant funding for feasibility studies to help municipalities plan retrofit projects that reduce GHG emissions in community buildings by at least 50% within 10 years.

1. • Application deadline: December 19, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET

Stream 1: Community-led Freshwater Action across Canada of the EcoAction Community Program is now open. The program provides funding for community-led freshwater projects and innovative solutions to improve freshwater quality and ecosystem health.

• • Application deadline: December 4, 2025 (12:00 PT / 15:00 ET).
  • Stream 2: Currently closed.