FedDev Ontario is now accepting applications under the Build Communities Strong Fund Local Impact Stream in southern Ontario

Press Release

From: Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

New federal funding will support local infrastructure projects that strengthen communities and advance regional economic development

June 11, 2026

Building a strong Canada starts with strong communities and regional economies. That is why the Government of Canada launched the Build Communities Strong Fund (BCSF) to support the infrastructure Canadians rely on and to help build strong, vibrant and connected communities across the country.

As part of this national initiative, Canada’s regional development agencies are delivering $1 billion over four years through the BCSF Local Impact Stream, a part of the BCSF Direct Delivery stream, to support community infrastructure projects that strengthen communities and advance regional economic development.

Today, the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), announced that the Build Communities Strong Fund Local Impact Stream is now open in southern Ontario.

Through this stream, FedDev Ontario will invest $330 million over four years in local infrastructure that residents and families across southern Ontario use, from community buildings and recreation facilities to parks and trails and cultural spaces, to enhance community vitality across the region.

Eligible not-for-profit organizations, municipalities, Indigenous organizations, and public-sector bodies across southern Ontario can now apply for funding to support community infrastructure projects that deliver economic, social, or environmental benefits for communities and the broader region.

The Build Communities Strong Fund supports investments that strengthen communities and help build Canada strong — today and for generations to come. To learn more about the fund, application deadlines and how to apply, visit BCSF Local Impact Stream in southern Ontario.

Quotes

“Southern Ontario’s communities and regional economies are essential to building a stronger and more resilient Canada. Through FedDev Ontario’s delivery of the Build Communities Strong Fund, our government is investing in the community infrastructure that will help strengthen local economies, enhance community vitality, and create welcoming public spaces for people across the region.”

– The Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

“The Build Communities Strong Fund will support communities across the country by building reliable infrastructure at a speed and scale not seen in generations. Through Canada’s Regional Development Agencies, we will deliver high-impact community infrastructure projects that Canadians can rely on – helping build Canada strong from coast to coast to coast.”

– The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada

Quick facts

• Applications are currently being accepted for the summer intake launched on June 11, 2026. Projects starting between April 30, 2026, and March 31, 2027, must be submitted by July 9, 2026. Projects starting April 1, 2027, or later must be submitted by August 6, 2026.
• Projects supported through the Build Communities Strong Fund Local Impact Stream are expected to be shovel-ready, publicly accessible and deliver economic, social, or environmental benefits to the community or region.
• Launched in April 2026, the Build Communities Strong Fund is providing $51 billion over 10 years, starting in 2026-27, and $3 billion per year ongoing, to support new and renewed public infrastructure through three funding streams.
• The Direct Delivery stream of the Build Communities Strong Fund is investing $6 billion in local and regionally significant infrastructure projects. This includes $1 billion in funding for Canada’s regional development agencies to support community infrastructure projects that strengthen communities and advance regional economic development.

Associated links

• Build Communities Strong Fund Local Impact Stream in southern Ontario
• Build Communities Strong Fund
• Prime Minister Carney launches the Build Communities Strong Fund and announces the first tranche of projects

Contacts

Peter Wall
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Innovation and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
Peter.Wall@ised-isde.gc.ca

Media Relations
FedDev Ontario
media@feddevontario.gc.ca

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