Northern Ontario communities to benefit from $39 million in federal infrastructure dollars

FedNor to deliver the Build Communities Strong Fund - Local Impact stream to help communities build, repair and upgrade local infrastructure

June 30, 2026 – Thunder Bay, ON – Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario – FedNor

Building a strong Canada starts with building strong communities. That’s why the Government of Canada launched the Build Communities Strong Fund, a $51 billion investment to build the infrastructure that Canadians rely on every day.

Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible

for FedNor, announced $1 billion of the Build Communities Strong Fund, which will be delivered by Canada’s Regional Development Agencies.

In Northern Ontario, FedNor will receive $39 million for the Local Impact stream  to help communities build, repair, and upgrade the places and spaces families and individuals rely on every day. Communities, municipalities, Indigenous organizations and other eligible groups can now apply to FedNor for funding to support projects that reflect local infrastructure needs, create jobs, and help communities grow.

The Build Communities Strong Fund is a cornerstone of the Government of Canada’s plan to build the infrastructure needed to build Canada strong – today and for generations to come. In Northern Ontario, strong partnerships with provincial governments, municipalities, Indigenous partners, and the private sector will help make today’s federal investment go further, build the infrastructure people need, and deliver better value for Canadians.  

Quotes

“The Build Communities Strong Fund will ensure that FedNor has the resources it needs to support high-impact, shovel-ready projects that create jobs and help build resilient communities for the future. Through these investments, communities in Northern Ontario will have the infrastructure they need to bring people together, support good-paying jobs, and drive regional economic development. That strength matters, because when Northern Ontario is strong, Canada is stronger.”

• The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for FedNor

“The Build Communities Strong Fund will support communities across the country by building reliable infrastructure at a speed and scale not seen in generations. Through Canada's Regional Development Agencies, we will deliver high-impact community infrastructure projects that Canadians can rely on -- helping build Canada strong from coast to coast to coast.”

• The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada

Quick facts

• Potential applicants can find more information on how to submit their project application on the FedNor website.

  •  Project funding is subject to the signing of a contribution agreement between the Government of Canada and the recipient.
  • Federal funding is conditional on fulfilling requirements, including those related to consultation with Indigenous peoples and environmental assessment obligations.

• The Build Communities Strong Fund provides $51 billion over 10 years to support a wide range of infrastructure projects that support economic prosperity, housing, sport, education, health, transit, and climate adaptation across the country.

• Starting in 2026-27, the Build Communities Strong Fund is providing:

  • $17.2 billion over 10 years through the Provincial and Territorial stream, which includes $5 billion in health infrastructure funding over three years;
  • $6 billion over 10 years through the Direct Delivery stream, including $1 billion over 4 years that is being delivered by Canada's Regional Development Agencies to support high-impact community infrastructure projects; and,
  • $27.8 billion over 10 years and, indexed at 2% to deliver $3 billion per year ongoing, as planned, through the Community stream (formerly the Canada Community-Building Fund).

• The Build Communities Strong Fund will be a force multiplier in infrastructure – with funding that will be matched by nearly $17 billion from provinces, and additional billions leveraged through municipal and territorial partnerships as well as private capital. The fund will boost Canada’s GDP by $95 billion over the next decade.