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The Municipal Sustainability Initiative Operating (MSI Operating) is now closed for funding requests and has been replaced by the Local Government Fiscal Framework Operating program.
Overview
The Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) was replaced by the Local Government Fiscal Framework (LGFF) in 2024-25. However, the delivery of the MSI Capital program will continue until local governments have expended MSI funding allocated prior to 2024 and met all program reporting conditions.
To simplify the administration of the LGFF and the wind-down of MSI, municipalities will continue to access their unspent MSI capital funds through the existing online portal (MSIO) rather than be transitioned into the LGFF. Municipalities are strongly encouraged not to delay utilizing their unspent MSI funding to ensure a smooth and efficient transition to LGFF.
Funding
Local governments were allocated more than $15.2 billion while the MSI program was in place between 2007 and 2023. Communities have been able to build and rehabilitate:
- roadways and bridges
- water and wastewater systems
- public transit facilities
- recreation and sport facilities
- other key local priorities
View historical MSI capital allocations by local government.
Accessing unspent MSI funding
Local governments will continue to access their unspent MSI funding including credit items through the existing Municipal Sustainability Initiative Online (MSIO) system. Any capital funding not spent within 5 years after the funding was allocated must be returned to the province.
Eligibility
Local governments with unspent MSI funding determine projects and activities to be funded based on local priorities within the general criteria set out in the program guidelines and are encouraged to take a long-term approach to planning for capital projects. Local governments may choose to contribute funds for use towards eligible MSI projects to other local governments, regional services commissions or non-profit organizations.
Eligible projects
A detailed list of eligible project activities is available in the MSI Capital guidelines located in the Program resources section.
Program resources
MSI Capital guidelines:
Additional resources:
- Municipal Sustainability Initiative Capital Program Guidelines Addendum – September 2023
- Overview of the Changes to the Municipal Sustainability Initiative Program Guidelines
Reporting
Annual Statements of Funding and Expenditures (SFEs) are due by May 1 of the following year until MSI funding has been fully expended.
MSI Capital reporting
All MSI capital documentation, including MSI Capital project applications and amendments, and capital SFEs, must be submitted through the MSIO system within MAConnect.
See the MSIO Capital SFE User Guide for additional information, or contact MSIO system support.
Request access to MSIO
To request access to MSIO or an MAConnect Stakeholder Agreement, or for MSIO support, contact us.
MSI IT system user guides
Grant recipients
Accepted projects by local government:
Contact
Connect with the programs:
Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
MSI program:
Phone: 780-422-7125
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Email: [email protected] (MSI Capital Grants)
MSIO support or to request a MAConnect Stakeholder Agreement:
Phone: 780-644-2413
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Email: [email protected]
Communications questions or to discuss project recognition opportunities:
Phone: 780-422-7125
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Email: [email protected]
General Grant and Education Property Tax information:
Phone: 780-422-7125
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Email: [email protected]