As communities across Canada recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for direct resources to support municipal infrastructure and programs couldn’t be greater. From snow-clearing to supportive housing to road construction, municipalities are Canada’s builders. As the order of government closest to daily life, we understand people’s real needs and will spur Canada’s post-COVID economic recovery.

Cities and communities build better lives by making the most of largely outdated fiscal tools. With responsibility for 60 percent of Canada’s infrastructure and access to only 10 cents on every tax dollar, local governments have so much more potential that can be unlocked—with the right tools.

There is one tool that transfers funds directly to municipalities of all sizes, empowering them to meet local needs: the Canada Community-Building Fund (formerly known as the Gas Tax Fund). It’s direct, effective and predictable. And twice now—in the 2019 and 2021 federal budgets—the government doubled this transfer to municipalities for one year.

As municipalities look for new fiscal tools to rebuild after the COVID-19 pandemic, the Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF) provides a shining example of what is possible with direct, reliable infrastructure funding. Last year’s boost is already building better lives in communities that are in the midst of recovering from lockdowns and other pandemic restrictions.

What is the Canada Community-Building Fund?

Read our report
Read our report

Formerly known as the Gas Tax Fund, the Canada Community-Building Fund is a permanent, indexed fund provided directly to municipalities, flowing through provinces and territories to support strategic infrastructure investments. It provides over $2 billion annually for local priorities.

Last year approximately $2.2 billion was distributed to over 3,600 communities. It is allocated on a per-capita basis for provinces, territories and First Nations, but provides a base funding amount of 0.75 percent of total annual funding for Prince Edward Island and each territory.

In response to FCM’s call for an ongoing federal revenue-sharing arrangement, the federal government legislated a permanent annual investment of $2 billion in municipal infrastructure through the GTF in Budget 2011 and an annual increase of two percent was applied as an index to protect the Fund against inflation in 2014-15. Budgets 2019 and 2021 included a one-time doubling of the GTF, transferring an additional $2.2 billion to communities each year.

60%
Canada’s public infrastructure owned by local governments
10%
Portion of Canada’s tax dollar available to municipalities
84%
Canadians who say the federal government must empower municipalities
The Canada Community-Building Fund in action
Learn how municipalities are building better lives, thanks to local expertise and the Canada Community-Building Fund.
The renovated Complex Crémazie in Montreal
A sustainable facility for bus training and maintenance in Montreal

Montreal is putting the Gas Tax Fund to work rebuilding its Complexe Crémazie to improve flexibility and efficiency of services, and accommodate future expansion of hybrid and electric bus technologies. Not only will the new complex facilitate greener transit, but the building itself will feature a number of sustainability improvements, such as reflective white rooftops and green roof systems, water catchment and recycling, and an energy-efficient heat recovery system.

A new pool and fitness centre in Cariboo
A new pool and fitness centre in Cariboo

The Cariboo Regional District in BC used federal Gas Tax funding to renew its aquatic centre. The project resulted in the expansion its shallow water leisure pools; the replacement of the main lap pool tank; construction of a multi-purpose fitness centre; new change rooms; installation of upgraded mechanical and electrical systems; and the redesign and resurfacing of the parking lot. In addition to improved services for residents, the upgrades will also reduce municipal operating costs by $200,000 per year.

Water pipes
Replacing water meters in Lasalle

The Town of LaSalle, ON invested $2.2 million from the federal Gas Tax Fund into replacing 85 percent of its water meters that were not providing accurate readings. The new meters allow staff to identify abnormal water use patterns at any time, leading to early leak detection, less water usage and ultimately, lower water bills. The Town has also brought utility billing in-house to better serve residents. Water customers now have a one-stop shop for any service or billing requests and can also access their accounts online. This new system is more convenient for residents and allows for better customer service.

Aerial photo of the Lakeside Village of Grainisle, BC
Bioenergy breakthrough in Granisle

The Village of Granisle, BC used federal Gas Tax funding to expand its bioenergy capacity. The new biomass boiler system supplies heating to the Village office, ice arena, elementary school, curling rink, fire hall, public works office and tourist information centre. This project has assisted the Village of Granisle in achieving carbon neutral status by decreasing GHG emissions. A win for the environment and the bottom line.

Cyclist using a bike lane
A cycling and walking path in Terrebonne

The City of Terrebonne, QC is starting work now on a new multi-functional path that will create a safe environment for pedestrians and cyclists along a busy road, thanks to the long-term predictability created by the federal Gas Tax, and the ability to look ahead to GTF funding available in upcoming years.

Bridge in North Cowichan
New steel bridge in North Cowichan

The District of North Cowichan, BC replaced an aging bridge over the Chemainus River using Federal Gas Tax funding. The original single-lane bridge was a 58 year-old wood timber construction without pedestrian or cycling capacity. The bridge replacement combines a steel plate girder design with a concrete deck and is anticipated to have a serviceable life of at least 75 years.

Alt text: Clearview Public Transit bus
A new transit service in Clearview

Clearview Township, ON invested the federal Gas Tax Fund in launching a new municipal transit service. By launching a transit service now, the small community of 14,500 residents is meeting today’s needs while planning for growth that will happen in the future. With help from the federal Gas Tax Fund, Clearview has been able to implement an affordable, reliable transit system that gives residents options for getting around town. Bus stops are located so that all residents can access them within a 3-5 minute walk.

Compressed natural gas (CNG) fuelling station.
Low emission bus fuelling in Nanaimo

BC Transit used Federal Gas Tax funding to construct a compressed natural gas (CNG) fuelling station to service its low-emission bus fleet within the Regional District of Nanaimo. In comparison to conventional buses, use of CNG reduces fleet greenhouse gas emissions by 15 to 25 percent and costs 25 to 50 percent less than traditional diesel fuel. Compared to diesel, the CNG-powered buses boast significantly quieter engines and simplified emission systems. Riders say that quieter buses make for a more enjoyable ride.

Wastewater treatment plant in the District of Lake Country, BC.
Wastewater treatment upgrade in Lake Country

The District of Lake Country, BC upgraded its wastewater treatment plant with Federal Gas Tax funding. The renewed facility doubled plant capacity to allow for the extension of sanitary sewer service to residences and provide capacity for future development. The new facility reduced operational energy consumption by 50 percent. It also protects of groundwater and surface waters through cleaner effluent and reduces the amount of hydrogen sulfide and methane released into the environment.

Ice rink with hockey players
Giant recreation centre in North Perth

The Steve Kerr Memorial Complex in North Perth, ON gives residents a place to exercise, take part in local events and have fun. Home to the local hockey team, the 63,500 square foot facility features a large arena, an indoor track and community activity rooms. At a cost of $13.7 million, Steve Kerr Memorial was funded by the municipality of North Perth, local fundraising efforts, and the federal Gas Tax Fund.

Town of Oakville, ON downtown core
A revitalized downtown Oakville

The town of Oakville, Ontario is revitalizing its historic downtown core. Work includes streetscape improvements, reconstruction of the Lakeshore Road bridge, and, with support from the federal Gas Tax Fund, the conversion of one-way streets to two-way streets. The conversion will make it easier for motorists to explore Oakville's downtown core. Implementation of a dedicated cycling loop during the conversion will also give cyclists more flexibility when navigating downtown.

Solar panel
A solar roof in Victoria, PEI

Over the past 10 years the Rural Municipality of Victoria, PEI, has made big strides in energy sustainability as a result of the federal Gas Tax Fund. This tight-knit community of less than 100 people felt it was important to determine ways to reduce energy consumption and provide for local energy needs using renewable power. The fund enabled the design and implementation of a sustainable energy strategy for the community, including retrofitting the local community centre and installing solar panels on the roof.

Hall Beach, Nunavut
Refreshed Elders’ Centre and sports facilities in Nunavut

Pond Inlet and Hall Beach in Nunavut are renovating and refreshing recreational and community spaces, thanks to the federal Gas Tax Fund. The Elders’ Centre in the Hamlet of Hall Beach is in the midst of renovations to provide a location for programs, meetings, and search and rescue operations. And Pond Inlet is renovating its community centre to accommodate sports, community wellness and recreational opportunities.

 Swimming pool at Genesis Place Recreational Centre
Renewable energy powers recreation centre in Airdrie

Airdrie’s Genesis Place Recreation Centre is now being powered by a solar rooftop, in part thanks to the federal Gas Tax fund. The $2.8 million, 1.55 megawatt system is now providing renewable energy to the fitness facility just north of Calgary. Power is generated by the sun's energy through 3,880 solar panels on the roof. Solar power will make up 30 percent of Genesis Place’s yearly electrical needs and will save the facility upwards of $80,000 per year. The second phase of the project will soon be completed when 240 more modules will be placed on a carport in the facility’s parking lot.

A fleet of new buses in Saskatoon
Twenty new buses in Saskatoon

Saskatoon was recently able to use the Gas Tax Fund to purchase 20 new buses for their transit fleet. The new buses have air conditioning and meet accessibility standards, improving comfort and convenience for transit riders. The buses they replaced were some of the oldest in the system – 20 years old with more than 1.5 million kilometres on the odometer. The result is a safer, more reliable, and more environmentally-friendly transit system.

Colourful chairs and tables in downtown Kitchener
The streets light up in Kitchener, ON

The streets of Kitchener are looking a little brighter thanks to the Canada Community-Building Fund. The Queen’s Street Placemaking Project was three years in the making, finally completed in August 2020. The city’s downtown became a lot more pedestrian-friendly, with the addition of benches, planters, lights and eye-catching street art. The revitalization of Kitchener’s core will not only allow residents and tourists to make memories and access more space, but also support local businesses. Community-building means bringing people together even in the densest of areas, and the Placemaking Project does just that.

Interior of the Oakes Ridges Public Library in Richmond Hill, Ontario
Library expansion in Richmond Hill, ON

The Canada Community-Building Fund is often associated with road widening projects, but it has also helped bolster social infrastructure like libraries. With support from the Fund, Richmond Hill’s new Oakes Ridges Library saw double the visitors (13,00 people) within its first month of reopening. The library is comprised of two floors, spanning over 19,000 square feet, highlighting the natural elements and local history of the community. People can enjoy open study spaces, a 3D printer and many children’s programs. Community libraries are essential to building equitable and healthy communities.

Upgrades to the Squamish River Dike underway
Flood protection in Squamish, BC

Preventing disasters caused by increased rain and more flooding is a key concern for communities in the wake of climate change. In Squamish, BC, an area at risk for multiple floods, upgrades the dike along the Squamish River were made possible by the CCBF. Raising, widening, and strengthening the dike enhanced the community’s protection against floods. This helped keep residents safe and preserved both commercial and environmentally sensitive areas. The project will also protect critical transportation infrastructure including highway 99 and CN rail.

A RapidBus in Vancouver, BC
RapidBus expansion in Vancouver, BC

Funded in part by the CCBF, Vancouver’s RapidBus brings faster, more frequent, and reliable services to the Metro Vancouver area. It serves as an example of the future of green transit. The new hybrid-electric buses produce 20% less GHG emissions than traditional diesel buses, providing real-time information at stops and making transit more accessible through text to audio functions. RapidBus is 20% faster than other routes, stopping less often and allowing all-door boarding. Using the CCBF to build a green transit is critical to healthy and long-lasting communities.

© 2024 Federation of Canadian Municipalities