April 21, 2022
Manitoba Government Invests $25 Million for the Building Sustainable Communities Program in Budget 2022
– – –Doubling of Funding will Support More Community Projects, Stimulate Local Economic Recovery and Growth: Premier and Clarke
Watch news conference
BRANDON—As part of Budget 2022: Recover Together, the Manitoba government is investing $25 million in the Building Sustainable Communities (BSC) program to fund local projects that will support economic growth and recovery throughout the province, Premier Heather Stefanson and Municipal Relations Minister Eileen Clarke announced today at the Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) Spring Convention.
“Manitobans have told us they want us to build up our economy and build up our communities, and Budget 2022 delivers on their priorities,” said Stefanson. “Our government is proud to invest $25 million in the Building Sustainable Communities program to support non-profits and local governments enhance new and existing public spaces within their communities. From new playgrounds to swimming pools and community club upgrades, this investment will help ensure our local communities recover and thrive as we emerge from the pandemic together.”
Budget 2022: Recover Together more than doubles the provincial budget for the BSC fund to $25 million from $10.3 million, the premier noted.
“The Association of Manitoba Municipalities commends the province for doubling the Building Sustainable Communities program,” said Kam Blight, president, AMM. “During a time of economic uncertainty, this program is vital to help promote greater economic development and thriving local communities across Manitoba.”
The program funds a maximum contribution of 50 per cent of eligible project costs up to a maximum grant of $75,000 to support planning activities, organizational capacity, building projects, community and regional initiatives, and capital infrastructure to extend, improve or enhance existing public-use facilities and spaces. A minimum non-government cash contribution of 10 per cent is also required for all projects except planning projects.
Launched in 2019, the BSC program gives municipalities and non-profit organizations a single point of access to community grants. This program replaced seven programs that were restrictive, operated in silos and were administratively burdensome, noted the minister.
In 2021-22, the program was expanded to include support for larger-scale capital projects with a maximum grant contribution of 50 per cent of eligible capital project costs up to $300,000.
“The BSC program has seen tremendous success since its inception and we’re pleased to be able to provide additional support to communities across the province,” said Clarke. “Many communities in Manitoba will be able to use this funding to help recover from the pandemic and the funding they receive will help bring more economic activity to the area.”
The 2022-23 BSC program intake closed on Jan. 17 and more than 600 applications were received. Manitoba Municipal Relations is currently reviewing and assessing the applications.
For more information on the BSC program, visit www.gov.mb.ca/grants/grant-name.html#b.
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