Programs Supporting the Viability and Long-Term Sustainability of Municipalities

6 Result(s)

  1. Community Development Trust Fund

    Overall funding for the following two programs has been made available through the National Community Development Trust.

    Rural Community Adaptation Grant Program

    This program is a $15 million initiative to support projects that increase the capacity of rural communities and regions to transition and adapt.

    Eligible project activities include:

    • Assessment and Planning - projects that engage a community to take stock of its current situation and plan for an adaptation or transition;
    • Capacity Building – projects that increase community knowledge, skills and training through building youth, enhancing community leadership, or strengthening community organizations;
    • Rural economic development – community led economic development projects or strategies such as entrepreneurship encouragement, regional cluster development, the innovative use of technology, value added product development, other economic infrastructure, and economic diversification;
    • Unique community solutions – other adaptation activities driven by rural communities and regions that can demonstrate a lasting impact that might not otherwise be included in the above.

    The program funds up to 90 per cent of eligible non-capital projects costs and up to 50 per cent of eligible capital costs to a maximum grant of $500,000.

    Community Broadband Infrastructure Pilot Program

    This program is a $9 million initiative to support projects that increase the capacity of rural communities and regions to enable access to reasonable high-speed broadband service.

    Eligible project activities include:

    • Infrastructure projects to benefit from the Alberta SuperNet;
    • Testing and evaluating technologies to extend or enhance broadband service;
    • Feasibility studies in support of broadband infrastructure projects;
    • Outreach and extension programs to create a culture of broadband use and skill sets.

    The program will fund up to 75 per cent of eligible costs to a maximum grant of $500,000.

    Both programs require applicants to complete an application form and submit a project proposal to Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development where it will be screened for meeting program requirements and criteria. Not all projects will be approved. Only those best meeting the criteria will be considered.

    Program funding will expire on March 31, 2011 or earlier depending on the availability of funds.


  2. Grants in Place of Taxes (GIPOT)

    A municipality may apply for GIPOT funding if there is property in the municipality that the Crown has an interest in to assist with the cost of providing municipal services.

    GIPOT grants are based on the property taxes the Crown would pay if the property were not exempt  from taxation.

    To receive GIPOT funding, applications for eligible property must be submitted during the tax year the  municipality is applying for funding.  Applications are approved by the Minister of Municipal Affairs.

    Budget allocation for 2012/13: $56.4 million.


  3. Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) – Capital

    Since 2007, municipalities have been allocated a total of $3.6 billion in MSI capital to meet the demands of growth, address local infrastructure needs, and enhance municipal sustainability.

    All municipalities in Alberta (i.e., city, town, village, summer village, specialized municipality, municipal district, improvement district, special area) Métis Settlements and the Townsite of Redwood Meadows Administration Society are eligible for MSI capital funding based on their grant allocation.

    To receive MSI capital funding, project applications are required and must be approved by the Minister of Municipal Affairs.  Eligible projects include municipal roads, bridges, public transit, water and wastewater systems, emergency services facilities and equipment, solid waste management facilities and equipment, and other municipal buildings and facilities such as recreation and sports facilities, libraries, public works buildings, and cultural/community centres.

    MSI funds may be combined with, or used to fund the municipal contribution required under other provincial-municipal or federal-municipal grant programs, unless doing so is prohibited by that program.

    Budget allocation for 2012/13: $846.0 million.


  4. Prescribed Rebate Off-Road Percentages (PROP) Program

    TEFU and PROP rebates are eliminated for fuel purchased or used after February 24, 2011.

    For more information please visit:
    www.finance.alberta.ca/publications/tax_rebates/fuel/fuel31.html


  5. Regional Collaboration Program (RCP)

    Since 2010, the RCP has provided a total of $29.5 million to improve the viability and long term sustainability of municipalities through regional collaboration and capacity building.

    Eligible projects include regional planning, exploring and establishing regional shared administrative or municipal services, municipal internship placements, inter-municipal mediation, and establishing municipal cooperation protocols.

    Budget allocation for 2012/13: $9.0 million.


  6. Tax Exempt Fuel User Program

    TEFU and PROP rebates are eliminated for fuel purchased or used after February 24, 2011.

    For more information for more information please visit:
    www.finance.alberta.ca/publications/tax_rebates/fuel/fuel31.html