Canada launches $51B infrastructure fund to boost housing, community projects

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the rollout of the Build Communities Strong Fund, first unveiled in Budget 2025, alongside the fund’s inaugural project, a C$64 million community centre and park in Brampton, Ontario.

The Embleton Community Centre and Park project will include a 175,000-square-foot facility with recreational, childcare and fitness amenities, marking the first of 13 projects backed by an initial C$300 million in federal funding.

The government said the fund would support the construction of essential infrastructure such as hospitals, transit systems, water networks and educational facilities, while helping unlock housing supply by reducing development bottlenecks.

Officials estimate the programme will leverage nearly C$17 billion in provincial contributions, alongside additional municipal and private investment, and support an average of 42,000 jobs annually.

The initiative is also projected to add C$95 billion to Canada’s GDP over the next decade.

The funding will be distributed through three streams, including C$17.2 billion for provincial and territorial infrastructure projects, C$6 billion for direct federal delivery of major projects, and C$27.8 billion for community-level infrastructure such as roads, bridges and water systems.

According to a statement, housing-enabling infrastructure, including transit, roads and utilities, will be a key focus, with provinces required to match federal funding and take steps to lower construction costs, including reducing development charges.

“Canada’s new government is on a mission to build big things,” Carney said, adding the programme would help deliver “the housing and infrastructure Canadians need".

The initiative comes as Canada faces mounting housing shortages and infrastructure strain, driven by population growth and urban expansion, prompting governments to accelerate investment in public works and housing supply.