[Hi, see below. I have pasted the FAQ and highlighted some relevant info about how this could be geared to active transportation. - Anders] Go here for more info here: http://www.wd.gc.ca/eng/13771.asp
1. What is the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF)?
CIIF is a two-year, $150 million national program to rehabilitate and improve existing community infrastructure. Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) will deliver this federal program in Western Canada, investing over $46 million – the western portion of the federal contribution – to modernize community infrastructure in western Canadian communities. 2. Who can apply for CIIF funding?
Organizations eligible to apply for CIIF funding include:
- local or regional governments or related agencies; - provincial entities that provide municipal-type services to communities; - non-profit organizations; and - First Nation governments, including Band or Tribal Councils or their legally-designated representatives.
3. What type of community infrastructure can be supported under CIIF?
CIIF can support the rehabilitation and improvement of existing community infrastructure that is non-commercial and open to the public (i.e. CIIF funding is not available for facilities owned by a for-profit entity or used primarily for commercial purposes or generating a profit, or limited to a private membership). Examples of community infrastructure eligible under CIIF include:
- community centres; - cultural centres; - parks, recreational trails; - libraries; - recreational facilities (e.g. local arenas, swimming pools, sports fields, and other types of recreational facilities); - tourism facilities having a local impact; and - other existing community infrastructure assets which have a local community impact such as connectivity and broadband and local airports.
4. How much funding is available?
Applicants seeking less than $250,000 in CIIF funding will receive priority. Total federal funding for a project will not exceed 50% of total eligible project costs. The remaining project costs need to be leveraged from sources other than the federal government. 5. When can I apply for CIIF funding?
The first round of applications for CIIF are being accepted between July 5 and August 2, 2012. This will be followed by a second application intake in November. Find out more for more about the application processhttp://www.wd.gc.ca/eng/13772.asp . 6. Can CIIF support new construction?
The construction of new infrastructure and the significant expansion of existing infrastructure are *not* supported by CIIF. The program is focused on rehabilitating and improving *existing* community infrastructure. There are opportunities for *minor*expansions to existing community infrastructure (i.e. extend a bike path or add a ramp to improve accessibility).