The Alberta government is hoping that $60 million over three years will be able to help combat the population growth that many municipalities in the province are facing.
The funds are available through the Local Growth and Sustainability Grant to help with needs like roads, bridges, and water treatment systems.
The announcement was made on Monday by Minister of Municipal Affairs Ric McIver.
“We have heard clearly from our municipal partners that population growth and expanding industrial and commercial activity, though good for local economies, are also putting significant pressure on public infrastructure in some Alberta communities. The LGSG is designed to bring some relief to recent growth pressures while attracting new investment that provides jobs for Albertans and helps to keep our provincial economy thriving.”
The LGSG is an application-based program for Alberta municipalities that are looking to expand development opportunities.
The growth component is around $15 million in 2024-25 to help mid-sized communities with populations between 10,000 and 200,000 to meet growth needs like roadways.
The Town of Strathmore and the City of Chestermere are eligible to apply for the growth component of the funding.
The sustainability portion is nearly $5 million in 2024-25 for communities with fewer than 10,000 people to address health or safety issues like water treatment.
According to the province, projects under the growth component will be cost-shared with municipal governments and initiatives under the growth component will provide up to 50 per cent of the total costs for projects.
Applications are now open and will close on November 29.