Frequently Asked Questions

What is CAMRIF?
Canada-Alberta Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund is a partnership among Canada, Alberta and municipal governments for infrastructure projects in the province.
Are there Entitlement projects under CAMRIF?
There is no Entitlement. Other municipal infrastructure programs such as the federal New Deal for Cities and Communities (the Gas Tax) and the province's Alberta Municipal Infrastructure Program (AMIP) provide specific funding allocations for individual municipalities. Under CAMRIF, project approvals will be decided on a competitive basis. The diversity of available infrastructure funding will ensure Alberta municipalities will be able to address many of their priorities for infrastructure renewal.
How much funding is available through CAMRIF?
Canada and Alberta are each providing $88 million in funding for CAMRIF. Together, Canada and Alberta will provide a maximum of two-third’s funding for a project’s eligible costs.
What types of projects are eligible under CAMRIF?
Projects eligible for CAMRIF funding will be construction, renewal and expansion or material enhancement of infrastructure for public use or benefit. Examples include the following:
  • Water and Wastewater Projects
  • Public Transportation Projects
  • Local Roads and Bridges
  • Solid Waste
  • Energy Improvement Projects
  • Recreation Cultural and Tourism Projects
  • Connectivity Projects
  • Municipal Capacity Building (MCB)
Who can apply for CAMRIF?
All local governments will have access to the online application process. They may apply on their own behalf or on behalf of a corporation that is wholly owned by one or more local governments. In addition, a non-governmental organization whose application is submitted and signed jointly with a local government may apply.  This does not include departments, ministries and agencies of Canada or Alberta, federal or provincial departmental corporations or Crown corporations.
When can I apply for a project?

There will be a minimum of two calls for projects. The first call has started and will end on July 31st, 2006. The second call will start in March 2007. The Management Committee will determine subsequent calls.

What is a Municipal Capacity Building (MCB) project?
A MCB project can be used by a municipality to develop the tools to better plan for its infrastructure needs in the short and long term. It may include but is not limited to the acquisition of infrastructure planning software, training to use that software, planning studies to determine the inventory and condition of infrastructure assets in the municipality or the development of a demand asset management system.
What is a green project?
Green infrastructure projects improve the quality of the environment and contribute to clean water, soil or air. They must fall into one of the following categories: water and wastewater, solid waste, public transit or energy efficiency improvements.
How much funding will be directed towards green projects?
55 per cent of the program funding is directed towards green projects.
Can applicants use other federal funding for their projects?
Yes. However, the total amount of federal funding for any project cannot exceed 50 per cent of eligible costs. For example, gas tax funding may be used towards a municipality’s one-third share of the project cost.
Can applicants use other provincial funding for their projects?
Yes. Under CAMRIF, a local government can use provincial grant funding as its share of project funding. For example, Alberta Municipal Infrastructure Program funding may be used towards a municipality’s one-third share of the project cost
Are there any environmental requirements for the CAMRIF projects?
Prior to approval, every project is screened to assess potential adverse environmental impacts that may result from its construction and operation. If environmental mitigation steps are required prior to and/or during construction in order for the project to proceed, then the Recipient is made aware of these requirements through an Environmental Screening Report that is attached to the formal letter advising of project approval. When a project is completed, the Recipient is required to provide an environmental report describing the actual mitigation steps taken.
Is there a funding component under CAMRIF, which allows for non- potable water projects?
No. The objective of the water project category under CAMRIF is “to construct, restore or improve public infrastructure that improves drinking water quality, ensures the sustainable use and management of infrastructure and water resources, and enhances the security and reliability of the public potable water system.” Projects in the water project category contribute to the "green" target of 55 per cent, as they improve the environment and contribute to clean water, soil or air.
How do I apply?
Local governments are encouraged to apply online through the Shared Information Management System for Infrastructure (SIMSI). Every local government will be given appropriate permission to access SIMSI so they can complete the application online and submit it to the CAMRIF Secretariat.
Alternatively, municipalities can download the application form on the website and mail the original signed copy along with supporting council resolution.
Applicants without Internet access can obtain a paper copy of the application form by calling the CAMRIF Secretariat at 1-800-396-0214 or sending an e-mail to CAMRIF@gov.ab.ca.
When can I start our project?
You may start your project after formal written approval of your project has been received.
Can I use municipal forces to build my project?
No, projects approved under this program must be tendered out and records of the tendering process need to be retained and made available for inspection upon request.
How long do I need to retain financial documentation for my project?
Financial documents need to be retained for a minimum of three years past the termination of the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund Agreement. The Agreement terminates at March 31st, 2012
When can I announce events related to my project, such as ground-breaking ceremonies and news releases etc?
In order to obtain approval, you must inform the CAMRIF Management Committee within a minimum of 28 days prior to any events. Please refer to CAMRIF Communications Protocol Guidelines for any Communications questions.
How long do I have to build my project?
Projects must start within six months of the official approval date and construction must be completed no later than March 31, 2010.