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Communities

WD invests in community-driven projects and other initiatives designed to increase productivity and competitiveness, and improve the quality of life in western communities.

Funding is available for community projects that support at least one of WD's three strategic priorities: innovation, entrepreneurship and community economic development.

Our investments are helping rural and urban communities compete in the knowledge-based economy, develop a more diversified economic base and creating new skilled employment for western Canadians. Areas of focus include:

Community innovation,
Value-added production in traditional resource sectors,
Strengthening the capacity of western communities to undertake effective community economic development, and
Improving community and transportation infrastructure.

The following sections provide general information on various programs that are available. However, we strongly encourage applicants to contact the nearest WD office and discuss their proposal with a program officer, who can provide invaluable assistance about sources of funds and the application process.

Groups eligible to apply under these programs include universities and other post-secondary academic institutions, research institutes, industry associations and other not-for-profit organizations.

Western Diversification Program (WDP) (eligibility criteria) is the main program through which WD invests in projects that support our strategic priorities of innovation, entrepreneurship and community economic development.
Western Economic Partnership Agreements (WEPAs) (eligibility criteria) are multi-year funding commitments to strengthen economic activity and improve quality of life in western communities. WEPAs are cost-shared equally with each of the four western provinces, with a total of $200 million allocated to initiatives identified as federal and provincial priorities. Specific priorities in some regions include tourism revitalization, development and promotion of environmental technologies, and ground-breaking health technology research and development.
Urban Development Agreements (UDAs) are partnerships of federal, provincial and municipal governments working in collaboration on broad issues such as inner city revitalization, strengthened innovation or sustainable economic development. To date, UDAs have been signed in Winnipeg, Regina, Saskatoon and Vancouver.
Canada-Saskatchewan Northern Development Agreement (eligibility criteria) is a five-year $20 million agreement that will help northern Canadians improve regional economic infrastructure, employment prospects, educational and business expertise. It will also increase research and industry innovation, and improve the region's ability to attract business investment.

WD is also responsible for delivering a number of national initiatives for communities, including:

The Urban Aboriginal Strategy, funded by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, aims to reduce the level of disparity that urban Aboriginal people currently face by tailoring government programs to address the local needs and priorities of Aboriginal people living in cities. WD is responsible for implementation of Urban Aboriginal Strategy projects in British Columbia, Alberta and Manitoba. Service Canada delivers this initiative in Saskatchewan.
The Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund will invest $278 million in the West to improve and increase the stock of core public infrastructure in areas such as water, wastewater, culture and recreation. Delivered by WD in the West, the source of funding for this program is Transport, Infrastructure and Communities.
The Infrastructure Canada Program is a six-year program that has invested over $543 million in more than 1,600 projects that are improving the environment, supporting long-term economic growth and enhancing community infrastructure across the West. Although no new applications are being accepted, program funds are still being disbursed.

WD's multi-year funding for a Western Canada Business Service Network provides over 100 points of service in rural and urban communities. These business service partners deliver information, technical advice and other assistance to provide new and emerging entrepreneurs with the expertise they need to establish or expand their business. The Network includes: