Description

The $1-billion fund has been structured to provide a balanced response to local infrastructure needs in urban and rural Canada, and will ensure that all Canadians, whether they live in large, small or remote communities, will share in the benefits of infrastructure investments. It will build on past successes in partnership infrastructure funding of over 3,000 projects that have directly benefited Canadians.

The Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund will improve and increase the stock of core public infrastructure in areas such as water, wastewater, cultural, recreation, and those very things that make our communities vibrant and productive places to live and work and raise families. MRIF targets communities of less than 250,000 residents and First Nation communities. Like other infrastructure programs, the MRIF seeks to ensure that the projects it funds support the goals of the federal government, encourages new and innovative approaches and favours partnerships, including an emphasis on 'green' projects which are sustainable and reduce greenhouse gasses.

Through the MRIF, the Government of Canada will continue to work in productive partnerships with provinces, territories, and municipalities, as well as First Nations and the private sector, to invest in local infrastructure projects. These projects will be vital to sustaining economic growth and supporting an enhanced quality of life in Canadian communities.

The MRIF will be cost-shared, with the Government of Canada contributing, on average, one-third of total project eligible costs. Provinces and municipalities will contribute the remainder. In recognition of the unique circumstances of the First Nations and the Territories, where many communities have no tax base, the Government of Canada may contribute more than one-third.

Shared Outcome(s)

The overall expected outcomes are:

• Improved and increased stock of core public infrastructure in areas such as water, wastewater, cultural and recreation.
• Improved quality of life and economic opportunities for smaller communities and First Nations.

Governance Structures

MRIF is based on a federal partnership arrangement between INFC and five federal departments: Western Economic Diversification, Industry Canada (for Ontario projects), Canada Economic Development - Quebec, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. MRIF is negotiating to create 14 sub-programs, one joint sub-program for each province and territory and a sub-program for First Nations communities. Each of the 14 MRIF sub-programs will follow the same general conditions, priorities and approaches, but, recognizing the individual nature of each sub-program, the agreements will encompass the nuances pertaining to the partnering order of government.

To stimulate expected outcomes, MRIF eligible projects will have to conform to a policy leveraging framework, based on a common baseline but adapted for each jurisdiction. To ensure broad support and effective, innovative project delivery, partnerships of various types, including public-private partnerships, are encouraged in the formulation and delivery of MRIF projects. The program will rely on strong input from local and rural municipalities, including the support of the locally elected councils. In addition, municipal representatives will be involved in the processes and management of the program in the respective province or territory.

Partners

• Western Economic Diversification
• Industry Canada (for Ontario projects)
• Canada Economic Development - Quebec
• Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
• Indian and Northern Affairs Canada

Contact

Tony Varriano, 
Director General - Issues Management
Tel (613) 948-3996
e-mail: varriano.tony@infrastructure.gc.ca