Deadline: 14-Sep-2026
The Build Communities Strong Fund – Local Impact Stream supports public-benefit community infrastructure projects in British Columbia. The programme provides non-repayable contributions for projects that strengthen local assets, improve public spaces and advance regional economic development.
Funding normally ranges from $125,000 to $1 million per project and generally covers up to 50% of eligible project costs. Eligible applicants include municipalities, regional governments, Indigenous communities and organisations, and not-for-profit organisations.
What is the Build Communities Strong Fund – Local Impact Stream?
The Build Communities Strong Fund – Local Impact Stream is a funding programme delivered by PacifiCan in British Columbia.
It supports infrastructure projects that help build stronger, more resilient and economically vibrant communities.
The stream focuses on public-benefit projects that improve community assets and support regional economic development.
Main Purpose of the Programme
The main purpose of the Local Impact Stream is to support infrastructure projects that create broad community and regional benefits.
The programme supports projects that:
- Strengthen community infrastructure
- Improve public-access spaces
- Support regional economic development
- Create shared economic assets
- Improve downtown areas
- Support workforce development
- Attract investment
- Enhance recreation and cultural facilities
- Deliver economic, social and environmental benefits
Geographic Focus
The programme supports projects in British Columbia.
Projects should benefit communities, regions, residents, businesses or public users within the province.
Funding Type
The programme provides non-repayable contributions.
This means approved funding does not need to be repaid if the recipient meets the programme requirements and funding agreement conditions.
Funding Amount
Funding contributions are normally between $125,000 and $1 million per project.
Support generally covers up to 50% of eligible project costs.
Projects that leverage greater funding contributions from other partners may receive priority.
Government Assistance Limit
Combined government assistance from all sources may cover up to 100% of eligible project costs.
This means applicants may combine support from PacifiCan with other public funding sources, provided the total does not exceed eligible project costs.
Confirmed Funding Requirement
Applicants must demonstrate confirmed funding from other sources at the time of application.
Other funding may come from:
- Municipal governments
- Regional governments
- Provincial sources
- Federal sources
- Indigenous partners
- Community partners
- Private or philanthropic sources
- Other eligible funding contributors
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- Municipal governments
- Regional governments
- Indigenous communities
- Indigenous organisations
- Not-for-profit organisations
PacifiCan encourages applications from Indigenous communities and organisations.
Dedicated funding support is available for projects involving Indigenous applicants.
What Types of Projects Are Supported?
Eligible projects must involve building or improving community infrastructure.
Projects should be accessible to the public and provide wider community or regional benefits.
Supported projects may include:
- Public-access community buildings
- Public gathering spaces
- Shared economic infrastructure
- Small business support infrastructure
- Innovation hubs
- Shared access technology
- Downtown improvement projects
- Workforce development infrastructure
- Recreation facilities and assets
- Community cultural facilities
- Theatres, museums and parks
- Public spaces that support social and economic activity
Focus Areas and Priorities
The Local Impact Stream supports projects connected to community development and regional economic growth.
Key focus areas include:
- Community infrastructure
- Public-access facilities
- Regional economic development
- Investment attraction
- Workforce development
- Small business support
- Downtown revitalisation
- Shared-use technology
- Innovation infrastructure
- Recreation assets
- Cultural facilities
- Public gathering spaces
- Economic, social and environmental benefits
Key Concepts Explained
Community Infrastructure
Community infrastructure refers to physical spaces, facilities or assets that support public use, local services, economic activity or community wellbeing.
Public-Benefit Project
A public-benefit project is designed to serve the wider community rather than a private or limited group of users.
Shared Economic Asset
A shared economic asset is infrastructure or equipment that supports multiple businesses, organisations or community users. Examples may include shared technology spaces, innovation hubs or facilities that support small business growth.
Regional Economic Development
Regional economic development means activities that strengthen the economy of a region by supporting jobs, business growth, investment, productivity and community resilience.
Non-Repayable Contribution
A non-repayable contribution is funding that does not need to be paid back if the recipient follows the approved project terms and conditions.
Eligible Project Features
To be competitive, projects should demonstrate clear public and regional value.
A strong project should show that it:
- Improves or builds community infrastructure
- Provides public access
- Benefits the broader community or region
- Supports local or regional economic development
- Has confirmed funding from other sources
- Can be completed with a realistic budget and timeline
- Delivers measurable economic, social or environmental benefits
How the Programme Works
The programme supports eligible organisations that propose infrastructure projects aligned with community and regional development goals.
Applicants must show that their project is ready, financially supported and able to deliver public benefits.
Funding is generally limited to a share of eligible project costs, with applicants expected to bring confirmed funding from other sources.
How to Apply
Applicants should prepare a clear and complete project proposal that explains the infrastructure need, expected benefits, funding sources and implementation plan.
Suggested Application Steps
- Confirm that the applicant is an eligible organisation.
- Define the community or region that will benefit from the project.
- Identify the infrastructure to be built or improved.
- Confirm that the infrastructure will be accessible to the public.
- Explain how the project supports regional economic development.
- Identify economic, social and environmental benefits.
- Prepare a realistic project budget.
- Confirm funding from other sources before applying.
- Explain how the project will be delivered and managed.
- Show how outcomes will be measured.
- Submit the application according to PacifiCan’s programme requirements.
Expected Benefits
Supported projects should create long-term value for communities and regions.
Expected benefits may include:
- Stronger community infrastructure
- Improved public spaces
- Better access to cultural and recreation assets
- Support for small businesses
- Increased investment attraction
- Workforce development opportunities
- Downtown revitalisation
- Stronger community resilience
- Economic growth
- Improved quality of life for residents
Why It Matters
Community infrastructure plays an important role in local economic development.
Public spaces, recreation facilities, cultural assets and shared economic infrastructure help communities attract people, support businesses and improve quality of life.
The Build Communities Strong Fund – Local Impact Stream helps communities in British Columbia invest in assets that create long-term benefits.
By supporting public-benefit infrastructure, the programme helps build stronger, more inclusive and more resilient regions.
Tips for Strong Applications
A strong application should clearly show how the project will benefit the wider community.
Applicants should focus on:
- Clear public access
- Strong regional economic impact
- Confirmed matching or partner funding
- Realistic costs and timeline
- Strong community need
- Measurable outcomes
- Long-term public benefit
- Strong partnerships
- Clear project readiness
- Alignment with economic, social and environmental goals
Projects that leverage multiple funding partners may be more competitive.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid submitting projects that are unclear or weakly connected to public benefit.
Common mistakes include:
- Applying as an ineligible organisation
- Submitting a project without confirmed funding from other sources
- Failing to show public access
- Providing weak evidence of community or regional benefit
- Presenting an unrealistic budget
- Not explaining how the project supports economic development
- Overlooking Indigenous partnership or participation opportunities
- Failing to identify measurable outcomes
- Submitting a project that mainly benefits a private interest
- Not showing how the project will be managed and completed
FAQ
What is the Build Communities Strong Fund – Local Impact Stream?
It is a PacifiCan funding stream that supports community infrastructure projects in British Columbia that strengthen communities and advance regional economic development.
Who can apply?
Eligible applicants include municipalities, regional governments, Indigenous communities and organisations, and not-for-profit organisations.
How much funding is available?
Funding contributions are normally between $125,000 and $1 million per project.
What percentage of project costs can be covered?
The programme generally covers up to 50% of eligible project costs.
Are Indigenous applicants encouraged to apply?
Yes. PacifiCan encourages applications from Indigenous communities and organisations, with dedicated funding support available for projects involving Indigenous applicants.
What types of projects are eligible?
Eligible projects include public-access community buildings, shared economic assets, innovation hubs, recreation facilities, cultural facilities, parks, downtown improvements and public gathering spaces.
Is confirmed funding from other sources required?
Yes. Applicants must demonstrate confirmed funding from other sources at the time of application.
Conclusion
The Build Communities Strong Fund – Local Impact Stream supports community infrastructure projects that create public benefits and strengthen regional economies in British Columbia. Through non-repayable contributions, the programme helps eligible organisations build or improve community assets that support economic development, inclusion and resilience.
Applicants should ensure that their projects are public-facing, well-funded, realistic and clearly connected to broader community or regional benefits. Strong proposals will demonstrate confirmed partner funding, clear infrastructure outcomes and long-term value for communities in British Columbia.
For more information, visit Government of Canada.