Ontario Construction News staff writer
The federal government’s Natural Infrastructure Fund is now accepting new applications for the small projects stream. A minimum of ten percent of the program will be allocated to Indigenous-led projects. The application deadline is Sept. 27 at 3 p.m.
Municipalities, local governments, provinces or territories, public sector bodies, Indigenous organizations, not-for-profit, and for-profit organizations in partnership with other eligible applicants outside the private sector, can apply for up to $1 million in federal funding to restore and enhance natural infrastructure like urban forests, street trees, wetlands, living dykes, bioswales, and naturalized coastal restoration.
The small projects stream of the fund will support new projects with total eligible costs between $30,000 and $3 million. At least 10 percent of the overall program funding will be allocated to Indigenous-led projects.
Projects eligible for funding are infrastructure projects that involve the creation, expansion, restoration, improvement, or enhancement of tangible natural or hybrid infrastructure. Projects must be primarily for public use and/or benefit. Projects must reflect at least one of the following categories:
- Planting and restoring green space
- Construction or restoration of naturalized water retention or detention systems
- Naturalized water diversion and infiltration
- Natural or hybrid infrastructure that supports biodiversity and connectivity
Projects may also include design elements that enhance access to green space or natural water bodies (blue space). These are only eligible design elements if they are connected to the broader project such as trails, walkways, ramps, signage, lighting, garbage bins, benches, and multifunctional piers.
The $200-million fund aims to support communities across Canada by improving access to nature, providing cleaner air and water, protecting and preserving biodiversity and wildlife habitats and mitigating carbon emissions.
“All Canadians, whether they live in a densely populated city or in rural Canada, deserve to have access to nature,” said Infrastructure and Communities Minister Dominic LeBlanc.
“It has clear benefits for our well-being and helps us better understand the world around us. Through the Natural Infrastructure Fund, we are building more resilient communities while improving the health of our planet.”