Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) has set aside $530,000 to support communities applying for the federal government’s Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF).
On July 5, the federal government launched CIIF, a new program that will invest $150 million across Canada, with $46 million dedicated to Western Canada, over the next two years. CIIF focuses on rehabilitating and improving existing community infrastructure that is non-commercial and accessible to the public, such as community centres, cultural centres, parks, libraries, recreational facilities and tourism facilities, as well as other existing community infrastructure assets which have a local community impact such as connectivity and broadband and local airports.
“This is a unique, one-time opportunity for CBT to provide matching grants to help communities leverage federal funding to improve infrastructure in our region,” Neil Muth, CBT’s president and CEO, said in a statement. “It’s an extremely short timeline for groups to respond; that’s why we’re also offering funding to hire support to assist groups in meeting the deadline.”
Applicants, including local governments, First Nations and non-profits, must leverage at least 50 per cent of the total eligible project costs through funding from sources other than the federal government, and projects requesting less than $250,000 will be given priority.
CBT will make a maximum overall commitment of $500,000 and support any successful application to a maximum of $50,000 per project (up to 50 per cent of the communities’ required portion). Project selection will be based on the CIIF criteria and CBT’s support will be conditional until approval from CIIF is confirmed.
CBT will also assist applicants in submitting their CIIF applications to meet the August 2, 2012 deadline by making funds available (maximum of $2500/application) for communities to hire someone to assist in compiling the required information for submission to CIIF. A maximum of $30,000 has been committed for this form of support.
For more information about CBT funding and support, call 1-800-505-8998 to be connected with a Community Liaison.
For more information about the CIIF program and how to apply, visit www.wd.gc.ca/eng/13771.asp.
CBT supports efforts to deliver social, economic and environmental benefits to the residents of the Columbia Basin. To learn more about CBT programs and initiatives, visit www.cbt.org or call 1.800.505.8998.
