Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program - British Columbia - Green Infrastructure - Environmental Quality

Overview

The Environmental Quality (EQ) Program is dedicated to capital infrastructure that will support:

• Access to drinking water
• Treatment and management improvements for wastewater
• Treatment and management improvements for stormwater
• Increased capacity to divert and manage solid waste
• Increased capacity to reduce or remediate soil & air pollutants

On October 8, 2021, the Canadian and British Columbian governments committed up to $270 million towards the third intake of the Environmental Quality Program to support cost-sharing of infrastructure projects in communities across the Province. This intake is designed to target projects starting in 2023 and completing by 2026.

Funding under the first and second intakes, which represented a commitment of up to $399 million by the Canadian and British Columbian governments, is fully allocated.

Please ensure directions are followed to prepare an application as funding is competitive and merit-based, with previous intakes oversubscribed. The applications that will be successful are those that:

• Show a clear connection to program criteria and objectives
• Are based on the principles of sustainability
• Add value for a better planet in the long term
• Are supported by long term community planning
• Demonstrate consideration for climate change impacts
• Demonstrate consideration for water conservation/demand side management
• Are supported by Asset Management Plans to ensure sustainable service delivery

Application

To apply for this funding follow these steps:

1. Before submitting an application, refer to:
   • Environmental Quality Program Guide (PDF, 995 KB)
   • Accessing the Online Application (PDF, 165 KB)
   • Application Questions SAMPLE ONLY (PDF, 705 KB)
   • Project Examples (PDF, 132 KB)
   • Detailed Cost Estimate Template (Excel, 51 KB)
   • Confirmation of Secured Funds Template (Excel, 38 KB) 
   • Council/Board/Band Council Resolution Sample (PDF, 123 KB)
   • How to Create a .KML File (PDF, 1.4 MB)
2. Determine if your project meets requirements for funding
3. Determine if your organization is eligible to submit an application
4. Ensure you have a business BCeID and Access to Local Government Information System (see the Accessing the Online Application above for details)
5. Complete the online application
6. Upload your completed mandatory documents with your application which may include but are not limited to:
   • Council/Board/Band Council Resolution
   • Detailed Cost Estimate
   • Site Plan/Map
   • Project location .KML file
   • Preliminary Design Report
   • Evidence of secured funds
   • List and status of required licenses, permits and approvals (or indicate if not applicable)
   • For Drinking Water or Wastewater Projects: Water Conservation Plan and a copy of the Council/Board/Band Council endorsement for the plan

Project Financing and Cost Sharing

Applicants must be prepared to finance project construction, cost-share the project, and cover any cost over-runs. The program is claims based. Please see the Program Guide for additional details. The total federal and provincial contributions depend on the type of applicant. 

Projects from Local Governments

Funding is available up to 73.33% of the eligible project costs (40% Government of Canada, 33.33% Province of British Columbia).

• Municipalities may submit one application.
• Regional Districts may submit one application for each community in their area.
  A community is defined as a settlement area within a regional district electoral area or an established or proposed service area.

Indigenous Ultimate Recipient Projects - Off-Reserve

Funding is available up to 90% of the eligible project costs (75% Government of Canada, up to 15% Province of British Columbia)

• Indigenous Ultimate Recipients may submit one application.