The new partnership allows Alberta municipalities to access more than $510 million in federal funding over eight years through the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF) for housing-enabling water and wastewater infrastructure projects across the province. Alberta will contribute a minimum of one-third of eligible project costs led by municipal governments, unlocking up to $428 million of provincial funding for qualifying projects.
“Strong communities start with the infrastructure to support them. By investing in the water and wastewater systems communities rely on, we’re doing what it takes to build more housing, attract new investment and keep pace with Alberta’s growth.”
“Alberta has an ambitious plan to scale up homebuilding and our government is backing it. We’re partners in this mission, working in the true spirit of cooperative federalism. From transformative energy projects to the water infrastructure in your communities, we are building bigger, faster, and better because we’re building together. We’re building a stronger Alberta and a stronger Canada for all.”
The Government of Alberta worked with the Government of Canada to secure an agreement that aligns with existing provincial water infrastructure programs and protects provincial jurisdiction. Under the agreement, Alberta will maintain the lead role in identifying and prioritizing projects for the CHIF to reflect regional needs and support communities experiencing growth pressure.
Municipalities, rural communities and Indigenous communities will have access to a significant new source of infrastructure funding to support housing growth and economic development. Under the agreement, 20 per cent of the funding will be allocated to projects in rural or Indigenous communities.
“Alberta's Government worked to secure an agreement that aligns with existing water infrastructure programs and protects provincial jurisdiction. With provincial oversight of project selection, we will be able select projects that will meet regional needs and support growing Alberta communities.”
Rapid population growth in Alberta over the last five years has affected the demand for market and affordable housing with over 600,000 more people residing in the province. This growth has strained public services and infrastructure all over the province, and it’s highlighted an acute need to build more and build faster to catch up. Connecting housing to critical infrastructure takes careful collaboration between developers, governments, utility companies and a whole range of other stakeholders.
“When industry and governments align, Alberta moves fast. Today’s commitment will deliver critical infrastructure that supports our builders, developers and municipalities in building the homes and neighbourhoods our growing province needs. This supports affordability and choice, positioning Alberta to continue leading the nation in housing.”
Transportation and Economic Corridors is developing the first list of projects for submission to the federal government by Nov. 30.
Quick facts
- The CHIF provides federal funding for critical water, wastewater, stormwater and solid-waste infrastructure needed to support new housing supply.
- Funding will support eligible public infrastructure projects which enable housing growth by increasing system capacity and reliability.
- Eligible recipients include municipalities, public sector entities, Indigenous communities and certain private sector organizations working with public partners.