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
Regional Community to Community Forums: With the goal of increased understanding and improved overall relations between First Nations and local governments, C2C Forum events are intended to provide a time and place for dialogue to build on opportunities, support reconciliation efforts, resolve issues of common responsibility, interest or concern, and/or to advance tangible outcomes. The C2C program can contribute a maximum of 50% of the cost of eligible activities - to a maximum of $5,000.00. Application deadlines for forum events to be held by March 31, 2020, are September 13 and December 6, 2019.
Asset Management Planning: This program seeks to support local governments to take next steps on the path to better asset management practices. A further objective of the program is to support local governments in meeting their asset management commitments under the Gas Tax Fund. Matching grants of up to $15,000.00 are available. The next application deadline is October 4, 2019.
Community Resiliency Investment: The 2020 FireSmart Community Funding & Supports stream of this program is structured to fund FireSmart activities in all eligible BC communities to reduce the risk and impact of wildfire to communities. Funding is scaled to offer eligible applicants with lower risk of wildfire to apply for up to $25,000 and applicants with a demonstrated higher risk of wildfire to apply for up to $150,000 per year. Applications are due by October 18, 2019.
Housing Needs Report Program: This 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. Application deadline is November 29, 2019.
The following funding opportunities are currently being offered under the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund:
Structural Flood Mitigation: The intent of this funding stream is to support eligible applicants to prevent, eliminate or reduce the impacts of hazards through construction of structural flood mitigation projects. Ongoing operational costs are not eligible. The maximum eligible funding is $750,000. The application deadline is October 25, 2019.
Volunteer & Composite Fire Departments Equipment & Training: The intent of this funding stream is to build the resiliency of volunteer and composite fire departments through the purchase of new or replacement equipment, and to facilitate the delivery of training and exercises. The application deadline is November 15, 2019.
Indigenous Cultural Safety Training: This stream supports eligible applicants to provide emergency management personnel with cultural safety and humility training in order to more effectively partner with and provide assistance to Indigenous communities during times of emergency. The application deadline is December 13, 2019.
Other Funding
BC Rural Dividend: The sixth intake of the BC Rural Dividend Program is open. The Province is providing up to $25 million a year to assist rural communities, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, with a population of 25,000 or less to strengthen and diversify their local economies. It was developed to recognize both the contribution rural communities have made to B.C.'s economy, and the unique challenges they face to diversify beyond natural resources. The application deadline is August 15, 2019.
CBT Child Care Capital Grants: The focus of this Columbia Basin program is on strengthening the quality of child care and creating new licensed child care spaces in the Basin. If you have a project such as purchasing child care equipment, upgrading or renovating child care facilities or constructing new licensed child care spaces, this program may be able to help. Deadline: July 31, 2019.
NDIT Strategic Initiatives Fund: The deadline is quickly approaching for the Northern Development Strategic Initiatives Fund. Approximately $600,000 is available for large-scale projects that will enhance a community's ability to overcome economic challenges and increase strategic economic infrastructure within a First Nation or local government. This funding is only available to local governments and First Nations within Northern Development's service region. Apply before July 31, 2019.
PICS Opportunity Projects Program: Do you have a climate solutions idea that's never been tested before? The Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions Opportunity Projects Program advances new entrants and unleashes emerging leaders with innovative research ideas and approaches for climate change mitigation and adaptation. Apply by August 2, 2019.
REFBC General Grants: Grants issued by the Real Estate Foundation of BC support projects that address current land use challenges and help communities to plan for the future. General Grants can fund projects in all five of REFBC's interest areas: land use, built environments, fresh water, food lands, and real estate. There are two intake cycles per year. Applications are open to any non-profit organization doing work related to land use or real estate in BC. Next deadline: September 5, 2019.
CivicSpatial Grant Program: Funding is available to support AddressBC data quality improvement. This grant program will provide a one-time grant of $1,000 to eligible Local Government and First Nations ICI Society members to improve the accuracy of submitted address data.
First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund: The First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund (FNCEBF) promotes increased Indigenous community participation in the clean energy sector within their asserted traditional territories and treaty areas.
The fund provides agreements between the B.C. Government and successful applicants for Capacity funding and Equity funding. It also provides revenue sharing agreements between the B.C. Government and eligible First Nations.
Ship-source Oil Pollution Fund: The SOPF is available to pay claims to victims of oil pollution damages from ships. In case of oil pollution, the Fund provides municipalities with compensation for: clean-up costs and preventive measures, environmental damage repair costs, property damage, losses related to tourism and fishing, and other economic losses. The SOPF's priority this year is to increase awareness of the Fund, so that municipalities bordering the sea, lakes or rivers can benefit from the Fund in case of oil pollution from a ship or boat.
Local Government Restructure Grants: This program supports the arms length, credible examination of the potential impacts of significant changes to the geography or services of a local government. These grants also cover the transition and implementation costs to reduce barriers to restructuring local governments.
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.
First Nations Adapt Program: This federal program supports First Nation 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.
Vancouver Foundation Community Grants: This foundation supports thousands of projects every year to help build healthy, vibrant, and livable communities across BC.
FCM Funding Opportunities: Visit this site to learn about FCM's funding offerings, from plans and studies, to pilots, capital projects and more.
Events & Resources
Ecocity World Summit 2019: Can cities be both ecologically healthy and socially just? There are no easy answers, not even in Vancouver, one of the world's greenest cities. Yet multiple solutions are emerging with new leadership and new partnerships. Ecocity 2019, in Vancouver October 7-11, is where these breakthroughs and advances will be shared.
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.
Healthy Housing Action Guide: This new BC Healthy Communities guide explores ways that communities can bring an equity and health lens to housing policies, and includes definitions, case studies, funding information, legislation, and actions that local governments can take to support healthy housing in their community.
BC FireSmart Website: The BC FireSmart Committee has launched a new website in time for the 2019 wildfire season. The 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 FireSmart.
Weathering the Storm - Developing a Canadian Standard for Flood-Resilient Existing Communities: This report from the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation presents a flood hazard and vulnerability screening framework that can help identify areas in existing residential communities that require the most immediate attention for flood risk. Application of the framework will enable communities to make better-informed decisions when prioritizing areas for flood-resiliency programming.
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.
Asset management resources: Are you interested in learning more about asset management practices and infrastructure planning? The FCM's Municipal Asset Management Program's Technical Working Group has curated a selection of asset management resources, including a Beginner's Guide, from across the country.
Introduction to Reconciliation Webinar: This Reconciliation Canada webinar creates a safe place for participants to explore our shared Canadian history, examine the meaning of reconciliation, and their respective role to play. Join Charlene Seward in this recorded hour-long webinar and explore your values and beliefs as they relate to reconciliation.
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.