Canada and Ontario Launch New Infrastructure Stimulus Fund Not-For-Profit Intake
Press release
Canada and Ontario Launch New Infrastructure Stimulus Fund Not-For-Profit Intake
Call for Not-for-Profit infrastructure projects will benefit Ontario communities
Ottawa, Ontario, July 28, 2009 – Today another important step was taken to renew infrastructure in Ontario and create jobs, with an announcement that Not-For-Profit organizations in Ontario interested in upgrading infrastructure can now apply for funding.
John Baird, Canada’s Transport and Infrastructure Minister, and George Smitherman, Ontario’s Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, invited Not-for-Profit organizations in Ontario to submit applications by August 18, 2009.
“Under the strong leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, our Government is taking action to put shovels in the ground and create jobs in communities across Ontario,” said Minister Baird. “Not-for-Profit organizations will now have the opportunity to get shovels in the ground and upgrade their local facilities.”
“With this additional stimulus funding, Ontarians will benefit from stronger communities by enjoying enhanced services, facilities and places to celebrate our cultural identity,” said Minister Smitherman. “Whether visiting a local museum, making use of employment counseling or taking advantage of an emergency shelter, this funding will improve quality of life for all Ontarians.”
Canada’s Economic Action Plan established a new national $4-billion Infrastructure Stimulus Fund to provide funding to provincial, territorial and municipal construction-ready infrastructure projects. Ontario’s share is about $1.5 billion, which is then being matched by the Government of Ontario. This initiative is designed to flow funding quickly for shovel-ready projects – already more than $2 billion in funding has been committed in Ontario – that can be built during the 2009 and 2010 construction seasons.
The Government of Canada will contribute towards Not-for-Profit sector assets up to one-third of eligible project costs, and in exceptional cases, up to one-half of eligible project costs. The funding is being matched by the Province of Ontario. Not-for-Profit organizations are responsible for securing the balance of eligible project costs.
Proponents will be required to attest that the projects would not have been built over the next two construction seasons without federal funding and provincial funding. Priority will be given to the rehabilitation of existing infrastructure, but new construction will be considered provided it can be fully completed by March 31, 2011. Eligible project categories include: temporary housing structures, community centres, community services and cultural infrastructure. For-profit projects in the categories of short-line rail and port/cruiseship infrastructure are also eligible for funding.
A program guide and short application form can be accessed on the web. The deadline for applications is August 18, 2009.
For further information contact:
Chris Day
Press Secretary
Office of Canada’s Transport and Infrastructure Minister
613-991-0700
Infrastructure Canada
613-948-1148
Eric Pelletier
Media Relations
Ontario Ministry for Energy and Infrastructure
416-325-1810
Backgrounder
Canada and Ontario are working together to create jobs and boost the economy, while making significant investments that help communities improve their infrastructure.
As part of its Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada announced the creation of a new national $4 billion Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, aimed at getting shovels in the ground for infrastructure projects over the next two years. In its recent Budget, the province of Ontario committed significant funding to improve infrastructure in the Province.
The province of Ontario and the federal government have agreed to work together to ensure that these funds are delivered expeditiously and efficiently in Ontario.
About the Program
The Infrastructure Stimulus Fund will provide $4 billion for provincial, territorial, municipal and community infrastructure projects across the country, to be built over the next two years (2009-10 and 2010-11).
The Program will give priority to the rehabilitation of existing infrastructure assets, but new construction is eligible provided it can be completed by March 31, 2011. Funding will NOT be provided for projects that will not be completed by March 31, 2011. Projects should be shovel-ready with designs and approvals well advanced or in place.
Both governments want to maximize the stimulus provided to the economy through cost-sharing partnerships. The federal and provincial governments will provide up to two-thirds of eligible costs of approved projects. Not-for-Profit organizations are expected to secure the balance of funding. Proponents will be required to attest that the projects would not have been built over the next two construction seasons without the federal and provincial funding.
How it works in Ontario
A streamlined application process has been developed for Not-for-Profit organizations in Ontario and can be completed online. A guide to the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund is also available to help applicants.
Organizations can access the guide and application form.Organizations can also request the form and obtain a user account by e-mailing SIMSI-SPGII@infc.gc.ca
Who is Eligible?
This call for proposals is limited to Not-for-Profit organizations in the province of Ontario (except in the categories of short-line rail and port/cruiseship infrastructure). In order to be considered an eligible recipient as a Not-for-Profit organization under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, the organization must be incorporated as a Not-for-Profit (possess an incorporation number) for a minimum of three years.
Funding categories
Projects must fall within the following eligible project categories to be eligible for the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund.
Temporary Housing Shelters - infrastructure providing temporary or emergency shelter to disadvantaged or homeless persons.
Community Centres - multi-purpose centres providing a facility for public use for meetings, recreation, arts, and other community purposes for use by the public.
Community Services - facilities in which community and social services are provided to the public such as food banks, immigrant services, employment and other counseling, and emergency animal shelters. This excludes Not-for-Profit Organizations or projects whose primary focus and purpose is to provide health care, long term medical care or medical services to the public, education facilities (schools, colleges, universities, etc.) or correctional facilities.
Culture - Art galleries, libraries, museums, performing arts centres for the creation and presentation of the arts as well as preservation or enhancement of heritage structures.
Projects must be for the substantial renovation or rehabilitation of existing infrastructure or new capital infrastructure. Minor improvements (painting, flooring, interior decoration), vehicles and equipment are not eligible.
Deadline
Applications must be submitted by August 18, 2009. Selected projects will be announced shortly after that date.