Province announces municipal infrastructure grant, mostly for mid-sized cities

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on October 23, 2024.

To help municipalities experiencing population growth-related pressures on public infrastructure, applications are open for the province’s Local Growth and Sustainability Grant.

“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,” said Ric McIver, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “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 $20-million LGSG is an application-based program that will be open to municipalities under 200,000 people experiencing significant growth and related infrastructure pressures, or which are seeking to capitalize on specific economic development opportunities. It is intended as a complement to existing infrastructure programs, such as the Local Government Fiscal Framework.

This opportunity for municipalities comes in two parts, with the growth component meant to help mid-sized communities meet growth-related infrastructure needs such as vital roadways, and the sustainability component meant to help smaller communities address pressing health or safety issues, such as water treatment.

“Like many Alberta municipalities, Lethbridge is experiencing growth pressures. The Local Growth and Sustainability Grant offers essential funding opportunities for our priority projects, such as expanding the Wastewater Treatment Plant and enhancing efforts to recruit more health-care workers,” said Lethbridge Mayor Blaine Hyggen. “We are grateful to the province for introducing this new funding stream, and we look forward to submitting competitive proposals that ensure a sustainable and healthy community for our residents.”

Between July 2023 and July 2024 Alberta’s population grew by roughly 200,000 people (4.4 per cent), the highest growth rate of any province.

Alberta’s population grew by 3.9 per cent over the same period in 2022 and 2023.

Applications are open from now until Nov. 29. McIver says the province hopes to make available $20 million a year for three years.