Apply for funding to invest in employment opportunities in a municipality: Community Works Program

The Community Works Program helps municipalities invest in employment opportunities to help individuals gain skills and experience in their field.

Funding amount

The Community Works Program may fund up to 50% of eligible costs to a maximum of $25,000 for each employment project (maximum of 2 projects per applicant). The applicant needs to fund the balance of the costs.

Eligible employment costs

Eligible employment costs include:

• municipal accessibility coordinators
• administrative positions (like public administration and accounting)
• operational positions (like planning, engineering and communications)
• tourist ambassador opportunities
• employees to complete approved project work under the Beautification and Streetscaping Program

Priority is given to employment opportunities that:

• provide work for members of underrepresented groups
• provide work for youth
• support the development of municipal accessibility plans
• support existing plans (like a community master plan, municipal planning strategy or regional economic strategy)

Ineligible costs include:

• wages for existing labour
• training costs
• buying equipment for project work
• operating costs
• ongoing maintenance costs

Reporting requirements

If you receive funding from the Community Works Program, you need to submit a Project Closeout Report and Statement of Expenditures (with proof of employment) within 60 days of completing the project.

Accessing the funding

Once a project is approved, the Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing provides an approval letter and terms and conditions that outline the conditions of the funding. The department provides 100% of the funding after you agree to the terms and conditions (and return the signed document).

Returning funding

The Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing may ask that you return any funding you didn’t spend and any funding that was spent on items that weren’t part of the project. You also need to return the funding if you cancel the project.

Eligibility

Only municipalities and villages can apply for funding. Municipalities and villages need to follow municipal policies and procedures for fair hiring practices.

You need to apply for funding by 13 June 2024.

How to apply

1. Review detailed program criteria in the Community Works Program Guidelines.
2. Complete the application form.
3. Check the application for details on all required supporting documents.
4. Send your completed application and supporting documents by email.
5. Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing reviews your application after the submission deadline (this can take 6 to 8 weeks).

How long it takes

It should take 6 to 8 weeks for the Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing to review your funding application and let you know if your funding application is approved. It can take longer if more information is needed or if your application hasn’t been filled in correctly.

Cost

There is no cost to apply for the funding.

Before you start

Make sure you have:

• job description for each employment opportunity
• Keyhole Markup Language (KML) file of each employment opportunity location

Application form

Applications are closed.