Build Communities Strong Fund - Local Impact Stream
The Build Communities Strong Fund (BCSF) is a national initiative that is making generational investments in infrastructure to spur economic activity and social prosperity, and create new careers in the skilled trades.
Starting in 2026-27, $1 billion of this fund is allocated to the BCSF Local Impact Stream for Canada's Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) to support vital infrastructure projects that strengthen communities and advance regional economic development.
The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) is delivering up to $22.7 million over four years across Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, and Yukon, including $2.2 million in 2026-2027 shared across all three territories. This fund supports the construction and renewal of community infrastructure that gives Northerners better places to gather, stay active, and connect.
Eligible recipients
- Municipalities
- Indigenous organizations
- Not-for-profit organizations
CanNor may consider for-profit businesses eligible if the project is supported by one of the eligible recipients above and if the project has broad community benefits.
Eligible projects
Contributions under the BCSF Local Impact Stream will normally be up to $1 million per project. Projects requesting more than $1 million should visit the Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada's Build Communities Strong Fund website for more information.
Eligible projects for the Local Impact Stream will involve building or improving community infrastructure that is accessible to the public (i.e., access is not primarily limited to paid membership) and has economic, social, or environmental benefits for the broader community or region. Eligible types of infrastructure include, but are not limited to:
- Community buildings, spaces, and related assets
- Shared economic assets, such as those supporting small businesses, investment attraction, or workforce development (e.g., downtown improvements, innovation hubs, or shared access technology)
- Recreation facilities and assets
- Community cultural facilities and assets (e.g., theatres, museums, parks, public gathering spaces)
Larger scale construction or renovation is better suited to HICC's BCSF Direct Delivery stream, including:
- Community buildings, cultural centres, and sport and recreation facilities
- Water, wastewater, and stormwater management assets
- Climate resilience and adaptation infrastructure, including natural infrastructure
- Federal priority projects deemed regionally significant by Canada, including projects referred by the Major Projects Office
HICC may offer additional project flexibilities for projects in the territories and for Indigenous recipients.
How to apply
The CanNor intake is open until July 10, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. For more information on this fund, including how to apply, contact operations@cannor.gc.ca or reach out to your CanNor Regional Office.