Atlantic Canadian communities to benefit from $76 million in federal infrastructure dollars

Press Release

From: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

Build Communities Strong Fund’s Local Impact stream to help communities build, repair and upgrade local infrastructure

June 8, 2026

More federal infrastructure dollars are coming to Atlantic Canada, with $76 million now available to help communities build, repair, and upgrade the places and spaces families and individuals rely on every day.

Communities, municipalities, Indigenous organizations and other eligible groups in the region can now apply for funding to support local infrastructure projects that reflect local needs, create jobs, and help communities grow.

Today, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, announced the Build Communities Strong Fund’s Local Impact stream is now open. It will support projects that strengthen community infrastructure and systems, help communities grow, and advance sustainable economic development in communities of all sizes across the region.

In Atlantic Canada, strong partnerships with provincial governments, municipalities, Indigenous partners, and the private sector will help make those dollars go further, build the infrastructure people need, and deliver better value for Canadians.

Quotes

“Communities across Atlantic Canada need infrastructure that works, today and for the future. This $76 million will help get federal dollars directly into communities to build and upgrade the places people rely on every day, whether that is a local rink in Antigonish that needs repairs, a community centre in Gander that needs to be more accessible, a public park or pool in Bathurst, or a cultural space in Summerside that brings people together. These are practical investments that support families, create jobs, strengthen local economies, and help communities adapt to a changing climate.”

– The Honourable Sean Fraser, P.C., K.C., Member of Parliament for Central Nova, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

“The Build Communities Strong Fund will support communities across the country by building reliable infrastructure at a speed and scale not seen in generations. Through Canada’s Regional Development Agencies, we will deliver high-impact community infrastructure projects that Canadians can rely on – helping build Canada strong from coast to coast to coast.”

– The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada

Quick facts

• In April, Prime Minister Carney launched the Build Communities Strong Fund (BCSF). The BCSF delivers funding through three major streams: a provincial and territorial stream, a direct delivery stream, and a community stream.
• On June 5, the Government of Canada announced that Canada’s Regional Development Agencies will deliver $1 billion of the Build Communities Strong Fund – Local Impact Stream.
• In the Atlantic region, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) will deliver nearly $76 million ($75,986,000) over four years through the Build Communities Strong Fund – Local Impact stream.
• The Local Impact stream is supporting sustainable economic development through regionally significant projects, such as community buildings, recreation and sports facilities, parks and cultural infrastructure.
• Eligible applicants under the Local Impact stream include municipal and provincial governments, not-for-profit organizations, and Indigenous-led governments and organizations.

Associated links

• Prime Minister Carney launches the Build Communities Strong Fund and announces the first tranche of projects
• Building local infrastructure projects through Canada’s Regional Development Agencies
• Build Communities Strong Fund Direct Delivery stream
• Build Communities Strong Fund Local Impact stream

Contacts

Jeanne Joannie Fogue Mgamgne
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
joannie.fogue@justice.gc.ca

Media Relations
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
mediaroom-salledesmedias@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

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