[Hi, see below. I have pasted the FAQ and highlighted some relevant info about how this could be geared to active transportation. - Anders]

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 process.

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 minorexpansions to existing community infrastructure (i.e. extend a bike path or add a ramp to improve accessibility).