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.
Urban Communities Partnering for Reconciliation
Funding is available to support eligible Indigenous organizations and local governments to work together to create opportunities for in-person dialogue and relationship building which can help advance collaborative reconciliation plans, protocols, agreements or future projects. Application deadline: April 14, 2023.
Public Notification & Evacuation Route Planning
This funding stream is intended to support eligible applicants to develop Evacuation Route Plans and/or Public Notification Plans that provide information for local governments, First Nations, and community members in the event of an emergency. Application deadline: April 28, 2023.
Community to Community Program
Starting in 2023, the C2C program will continue to support C2C forums, now with funding of up to $10,000 for events. In addition, the program is expanding to support the advancement of First Nation and local government reconciliation and relationship building. Funding can be used to develop agreements—such as protocols, MOUs, and service agreements—joint plans and strategies, or jointly review bylaws and policies to develop recommendations for amendments or new bylaws and policies. Up to $10,000 is available for these new activities. Funding permitting, the application deadlines are May 5, 2023 and September 1, 2023.
Asset Management Planning Program
Local governments working to improve sustainable services by extending and deepening asset management practices can apply for matching grants of up to $25,000. The 2023 Asset Management Planning program is available to support activities that advance a local government’s asset management planning or practices, and that facilitate better integration of asset management planning with long term financial planning. Applications can be submitted at any time; however, funding permitting, applications will only be reviewed twice in 2023. Application deadlines: May 12, 2023, and September 15, 2023.
Extreme Temperature Risk Mapping, Assessment, and Planning
The intent of the Extreme Temperature Risk Mapping, Assessment, and Planning funding stream is to support eligible applicants to get accurate knowledge of the risks associated with extreme temperatures, understand how these risks will change over time, and develop effective response plans and strategies to prepare, mitigate, and adapt to those risks. Application deadline: June 2, 2023.
FireSmart Community Funding & Supports
The FireSmart Community Funding & Supports program provides funding to local governments and First Nations in BC to increase community resiliency by undertaking community-based FireSmart planning and activities that reduce the community’s risk from wildfire. Applications for this program are now being accepted until December 31, 2023.
Other Funding
Codes Acceleration Fund – Accelerating Decarbonization
Natural Resources Canada launched a call for proposals for the Codes Acceleration Fund — $100 million to help provinces, territories, municipalities, Indigenous governments and stakeholders decarbonize the buildings sector in order for Canada to reach a net-zero emissions future. Stringent building energy codes are a near-term action local governments can use to achieve climate change targets. The codes provide a series of performance tiers that lead towards making all new buildings net-zero energy-ready. Applications from Indigenous governments and organizations will be accepted on an ongoing basis until March 31, 2025.
Community Internet Funding
The Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) has an upcoming intake for its Community Investment Program. The grant application period will open March 2 and close April 12, 2023. Eligible organizations, including Indigenous governments, can apply for up to $100,000 to fund community internet projects.
Housing Supply Challenge Round 4
The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s Housing Supply Challenge Round 4 is now open for applications addressing solutions to construction-related barriers to housing supply. Shortlisted projects will receive up to $150,000 of incubation funding, with further funding available for successful solutions. Eligible applicants, including local governments, must submit applications no later than April 13, 2023 at 2:00PM ET.
Healthy Public Policy Grants
The PlanH Healthy Communities grants support Indigenous and local governments in BC as they work with health authorities and other partners to collectively create conditions that enable healthy people and healthy places. The Healthy Public Policy grants support communities as they take multi-sectoral action to create, adopt, amend or evaluate public policy through a health equity lens in order to create long-term positive health and well-being outcomes for community members. Application deadline: May 1, 2023.
Community Connectedness Grants
For 2023, one of the PlanH Healthy Communities grant streams focuses on Community Connectedness. These grants support communities as they take multi-sectoral action to explore, learn, and innovate, enhancing community cohesion and sense of belonging. Grants of up to $5,000 each are available for Indigenous and local governments working with health authorities and other partners to better understand priority areas and local needs and to enhance a sense of belonging within the local community. Application deadline: May 1, 2023.
B.C. Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant Program
The B.C. Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants Program provides cost-sharing opportunities for network planning grants and infrastructure grants. Funding from these grant programs support the development of active transportation infrastructure for all ages and abilities. The next intake opens September 1, 2023 for local governments. Indigenous communities or local governments working in partnership with an Indigenous community may apply at any time.
BC Hydro Beautification Fund
This funding program provides financial assistance to municipal governments for conversion of overhead service to underground facilities to enhance and improve the use of public spaces. Submit application and supporting documents by September 30 for funding in following fiscal year.
Rapid Housing Initiative Round 3
Round 3 of the Rapid Housing Initiative is accepting applications to support building new housing or purchasing existing buildings that will be rehabilitated or converted into permanent affordable housing. This $1.5 billion funding program is divided into two streams: one for municipal governments and Indigenous governing bodies and organizations; and one for Burnaby, the Capital Regional District, Richmond, Surrey and Vancouver.
Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities
This funding program is directed towards projects that contribute to Indigenous-led climate action, economic development, pollution reduction, and job creation. The program has an additional $300 million in funding until 2027. Applications can be submitted anytime until funding is fully committed or the program closes in 2027.
Reduce Fossil Fuel Use in Fleets
The Federation of Canadian Municipalities is offering combined loan and grant funding for capital projects that reduce or avoid fossil fuel use in any vehicle that delivers municipal services. This funding helps Canadian cities and communities of all sizes undertake environmental sustainability projects that reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) and improve their air quality. Initial review forms can be submitted year-round and application forms will be provided to eligible applicants.
Disaster Financial Assistance
Disaster Financial Assistance is available to local governments and First Nations impacted by wildfires and overland flooding from the Province of B.C. The funding is available to cover disaster-related losses not covered by insurance, such as wildfire damage to public infrastructure including roads, bridges, and other publicly-owned infrastructure.
Residential Schools: BC Response Fund
Provincial funding is available for First Nations-led strategies to identify, investigate, protect and commemorate the sites of former residential schools and hospitals in B.C., and for the mental health, wellness and cultural supports required to do this work. Lead communities may apply to develop and implement strategies and procedures for the ongoing identification, documentation, maintenance, commemoration and protection of residential school cemeteries or other sites at which residential school children were buried. Up to $475,000 is available for each site.
Residential Schools: Federal Funding
Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada will fund the locating, documenting, maintaining, and commemorating of burial sites associated with former residential schools; and response to family wishes to commemorate or memorialize their losses and the children's final resting places. Proposals are welcome from Indigenous governments, councils or tribal councils, Indigenous not-for-profit groups, and organizations, including survivors’ groups, demonstrating a close working partnership with and directed by Indigenous-governed organizations.
Community Buildings Retrofit Initiative
This Federation of Canadian Municipalities initiative is intended to help fund energy efficiency upgrades for existing community facilities. The Government of Canada, through the Green Municipal Fund, has allocated $167 million to help municipalities retrofit existing facilities, such as arenas, pools, and libraries, to reduce GHG emissions and revive important community assets.
Other Funding Opportunities
BC Healthy Communities has compiled a list of funding opportunities worth knowing about, along with guides and resources to support grant writing activities.
Events & Resources
Principles for Responsible Conduct: This online course, developed by UBCM, LGMA and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, introduces the principles that support responsible conduct by local elected officials in B.C. The interactive course is based on real-life scenarios in which learners are part of the story. The code to access the course is VV81-5TFM.
BC Economic Summit 2023: After a two-year hiatus, the 2023 BC Economic Development Association’s annual summit is back. The BC Economic Summit will have technical presentations, a solutions-focused exhibit hall, networking opportunities, and exciting activities. Penticton, April 16-18, 2023.
The Impact of UNDRIP on Resource Development Projects: Many initiatives are underway to resolve expectations between resource developers and Indigenous communities. This event will explore how Indigenous communities can use UNDRIP to gain economic participation in resource developments on their traditional lands. Experts will cover the implications of recent court decisions and provide case studies of success stories from both industry and Indigenous communities. Attend this program in-person or via live webinar on April 27, 2023 to stay up to date on the latest developments that will impact current and future projects.
Wildfire Resiliency and Training Summit: The week-long event will focus on community wildfire resiliency and wildland urban interface training. The first three days is an in-person conference format in Vancouver with seminars, workshops, and expert panels. The final two days are training exercises in North Vancouver for B.C.’s firefighting professionals. May 10-14, 2023
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 engagements online. They can provide a virtual gathering with the inspiring speaker to help engage reconciliation in a meaningful way.
BC Rural Centre: The Centre provides a wealth of links to assets, news, videos, services, and resources of value to rural British Columbians.
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.
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.