Government of Canada Launches Call for Applications from NON PROFIT for Infrastructure Stimulus Fund

For Immediate Release

Goderich, ONT, July 31, 2009 – Tuesday, John Baird, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities invited not-for-profit groups in Ontario to submit applications to the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund for projects that can be completed by March 31 2011.

Canada's Economic Action Plan established a 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.

The deadline for applications is August 18 2009.  Non-profits can contact Infrastructure Canada directly for more information at 613-948-1148.

Non-profit groups will be required to obtain a password in order to access the application. To do so, they must contact Infrastructure Canada by email. The email address, relevant instructions and full program details are available at http://www.buildingcanada-chantierscanada.gc.ca/regions/on/nfpo-obnl-on-guide-eng.html#s1.

Information:
Ben Lobb, MP
Huron-Bruce
Becky Smith
1-519-832-2999