Each month we provide an update on UBCM funding programs and information on other programs, events, and resources that may be of interest to local governments and First Nations.
Local Government Program Services
Applications are currently being accepted for the following funding programs. A complete and chronological listing (by intake deadline) of currently offered Local Government Program Services grants is also available on the UBCM website.
Asset Management Planning: The intent of the program is to assist local governments in delivering sustainable services by extending and deepening asset management practices within their organizations. The next application deadline is September 24, 2021.
Local Government Development Approvals: The intent of the Local Government Development Approvals Program is to support the implementation of established best practices and to test innovative approaches to improve development approvals processes while meeting local government planning and policy objectives. The application deadline is May 7, 2021.
Active Transportation Planning: The intent of the Active Transportation Planning program is to support local governments to incorporate or enhance active transportation components of formal planning documents (Official Community Plan, Sustainability Plan, Neighbourhood Plan, or Transportation Plan), including research, consultation, and policy development. The deadline to apply is May 21, 2021.
Housing Needs Report: The Housing Needs Reports program supports local governments in undertaking housing needs reports in order to meet the provincial requirements. The reports will strengthen the ability of local governments to understand what kinds of housing are most needed in their communities, and help inform local plans, policies, and development decisions. This will be the final intake of this program and the application deadline is June 4, 2021.
Other Funding
Community Buildings Retrofit initiative: This FCM initiative will help fund energy efficiency upgrades for existing community facilities. The Government of Canada, through the Green Municipal Fund, has launched this new $167 million initiative to help Canadian municipalities of all sizes retrofit existing community facilities, such as arenas, pools and libraries, to significantly reduce GHG emissions, while reviving important community assets.
Local Government Partnership Program: This program provides funding to help regional districts and municipalities develop, update and implement agricultural planning tools. Applications are being accepted until May 29, 2021.
First Nations Well Being Fund 2021: The First Nations Well Being Fund has been developed and is being implemented by the First Nations Public Service Secretariat (FNPSS), which is an initiative of the First Nations Summit. There are two streams of funding. Stream 1 provides up to $35,000 dollars and Stream 2 provides up to $25,000 dollars per applicant First Nation. First Nations may apply to both streams. The application deadline is May 30, 2021.
2021 PlanH Grant Streams: PlanH is distributing 30 grants across two streams. The Community Connectedness funding stream offers 20 grants of $5,000 each and the Healthy Public Policy stream offers 10 grants of $15,000 each. Both funding streams have an application deadline of June 1, 2021.
CEA Game-Changer Grant: It’s going to take game-changing innovation to meet local 2030 emissions reduction targets. This Community Energy Association initiative supports communities in British Columbia, Alberta and the Yukon Territory to advance game-changing climate policies/regulations, programs, or infrastructure. Learn more about the Game-Changer Grant and how to submit an Expression of Interest.
Municipal Asset Management Program: MAMP is an eight-year, $110-million program funded by Infrastructure Canada to support Canadian municipalities and communities in making informed infrastructure investment decisions based on stronger asset management practices.
Funding for Energy Efficient Affordable Housing: This $300 million FCM initiative offers support to local and affordable housing providers, including local governments, to retrofit affordable housing units or build new energy efficient units. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis until annual funds are exhausted.
Infrastructure Planning Grant Program: The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing offers grants up to $10,000 to help local governments plan, design and manage sustainable infrastructure.
Connecting British Columbia: This program is currently accepting applications for funding through successive in-takes. Funds are available to help internet service providers and regional and local governments connect people in rural and Indigenous communities with high-speed internet.
Universal Broadband Fund: The Universal Broadband Fund supports broadband infrastructure projects bringing high-speed Internet to rural and remote households in areas that lack service of at least 50/10 Mbps. The program also supports mobile projects that primarily benefit Indigenous peoples.
Indigenous Agriculture and Food Systems Initiative: The objective of this initiative is to increase economic development opportunities of Indigenous Peoples and communities in Canada by supporting Indigenous communities and entrepreneurs who are ready to launch agriculture and food systems projects, and others who want to build their capacity to participate in the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector. Proposals invited until September 30, 2022.
First Nations Adapt Program: This federal program supports First Nations communities to assess and respond to climate change impacts on community infrastructure and emergency management. It prioritizes communities most impacted by sea level rise, flooding, forest fires, and winter road failures. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis.
New Relationship Trust: The NRT is an independent non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening First Nations in BC through capacity building. Numerous funding, initiatives and resources are available on their website.
Columbia Basin Trust: CBT offers the grants and programs to help residents and communities in the Basin take action on issues that are important to them.
Other Funding Opportunities: BC Healthy Communities has compiled a list of funding opportunities worth knowing about, along with guides and resources to support your grant writing activities.
Events & Resources
External Resources for Councils & Boards: The Working Group on Responsible Conduct has developed a database of external resources to support local governments. The consultants included provide a range of services that support responsible conduct by elected officials, including conflict management & resolution; coaching; counselling and elected official training.
BC FireSmart: This website introduces the FireSmart program and its seven disciplines and is intended as a one-stop shop for all things FireSmart. The site includes links to training, education, an events calendar, resource library and downloadable content. It also features a short video inviting everyone to become involved in prevention and to learn about the benefits of the program.
FireSmart BC Symposium: Learn about the future of FireSmart in BC and across the country at the inaugural event. There will be a live panel sharing community success stories and guest speakers discussing climate change and the WUI, prescribed fire, rebate programs, and more. Wednesday May 26th. More information will be posted soon at BC FireSmart.
Virtual Reconciliation Engagements: Interested in raising awareness about reconciliation for your community, organization or business? In light of the COVID-19 crisis, Reconciliation Canada is currently providing all our engagements online. They can provide a virtual gathering with our inspiring speaker to help engage reconciliation in a meaningful way.
The State of the Economy in Northern BC: This issue of Northern Dispatch asks the question, “How has COVID-19 impacted the economy in Northern B.C.?”
Advancing Your Asset Management Practice: If you missed this recent Asset Management BC webinar, you can now view the recording. Meet our speakers and learn more about how this unique training program will benefit you.
Rapid Action Resources for Local Governments - Community Food Production: Over the coming months, PlanH will be releasing a series of Rapid Action Resources to provide local governments with an understanding of the equity considerations around various aspects of food security, as well as examples of good practices in food security from other local governments in the province.
Financing tools for local climate action: Canadian municipalities are reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through pilot projects, municipal programs, and more. However, financing these initiatives can be a significant challenge. FCM’s toolkit explains how your municipality can leverage private and community investors to help you take action on climate change in your community.
ReTooling for Climate Change: The Fraser Basin Council hosts this first-stop website on climate change adaptation. Here is the place to find top tools and resources for BC local governments, First Nations and the natural resource sectors as everyone prepares for the impacts of climate change, now and in the years ahead.
BC Rural Centre: The Centre provides a wealth of links to assets, news, videos, services, and resources of value to rural British Columbians.
Resources for Rural & Small Communities: BC Healthy Communities has launched a collection of resources related to PlanH action areas, with a rural and small community lens.
Building sustainable communities with asset management: This guidebook is designed for staff or elected officials in medium and large municipalities who are responsible for green projects or who are interested in municipal sustainable development.
CivicInfo BC: British Columbia's local government information hub offers comprehensive organizational and grant directories, events listings, tools for training, research and career development, bids & tenders, and other resources.
Building Knowledge & Capacity for Affordable Housing: BC Housing is partnering with the Community Development Institute at the University of Northern British Columbia to offer a series of 2-hour webinars from June through October. The series, aimed at the building industry and local and regional governments, focuses on understanding the unique needs and challenges small communities face in providing viable options for affordable housing.