Feds announce Natural Infrastructure Fund
The federal government launched a $200-million fund to support a variety of natural infrastructure projects on June 25.
Communities and Infrastructure Minister Catherine McKenna and Toronto Mayor John Tory were on hand to make the announcement in Toronto.
Under the program, which is the first of its kind at the federal level, up to $120 million will be invested in large natural infrastructure projects. The program will support projects that use natural or hybrid approaches to protect the natural environment, support healthy and resilient communities, contribute to economic growth, and improve access to nature for Canadians.
Several major cities with innovative natural infrastructure strategies—including Toronto—will be invited to apply for funding to up to $20 million under the fund’s Large Project Stream.
“Now more than ever, Canadians know the positive impact nature can have on our physical and mental well-being, but not all communities have access to local green space. That’s why the government is creating a new, $200-million Natural Infrastructure Fund,” said McKenna.
Toronto’s Ravine Strategy aims to protect, manage and enhance the ecological services and recreational opportunities provided by an urban ravine network spanning more than 300 kilometres, including in areas where the surrounding neighbourhoods have limited access to green space. The strategy is an example of the kind of natural infrastructure solutions supported by the fund.
“The $20 million funding for our Ravine Strategy through the Natural infrastructure Fund will help us further advance our goals of building a greener city,” said Tory. “By proactively investing in our ravines we can ensure that we are protecting these spaces and enhancing them so future generations can continue to enjoy them.”
The federal government says it expects to release further details about the Large Projects Stream in the coming weeks.
An additional stream will be created under which recipients may submit smaller projects for review through an open and merit-based process. At least 10 percent of the program funding will be allocated to Indigenous recipients.
Announced in Budget 2021, the $200 million Natural Infrastructure Fund will support a number of large and small-scale projects across the country.