TOWN OF VIEW ROYAL COUNCIL REPORT - REQUEST FOR DECISION – BUILD COMMUNITIES STRONG FUND
Staff recommendation to pursue federal grant funding for three 'shovel ready' infrastructure projects.
TOWN OF VIEW ROYAL COUNCIL REPORT
TO: Council DATE: July 2, 2026 FROM: Ivan Leung, P.Eng, Director of Engineering MEETING DATE: July 7, 2026
REQUEST FOR DECISION – BUILD COMMUNITIES STRONG FUND
RECOMMENDATION:
THAT staff pursue grant funding under the Government of Canada’s Build Communities Strong Fund (Direct Delivery Stream) for the following projects: i. Bus Shelter Installation Program (C-139); ii. Watkiss Way Community Park Development (C-122); iii. Six Mile Road Corridor Streetlight and Crosswalk Installation (C-018).
AND THAT staff submit an expression of interest to the Government of Canada’s Build Communities Strong Fund for the future consideration of the following projects: iv. Intersection Improvements – Helmcken Rd at Watkiss Way (C-128); v. Atkins Pump Station Pump Replacement (C-030).
PURPOSE:
To obtain Council support to submit a grant application for the Government of Canada’s Build Communities Strong Fund - Direct Delivery Stream¹ (the “Grant Fund”).
BACKGROUND:
The Grant Fund is a federal grant opportunity for a wide range of infrastructure projects that support economic prosperity, housing, sport, education, health, transit, and climate adaptation. The current “Direct Delivery Stream” is a program that will provide $6B over 10 years, starting in 2026-2027.
However, the eligibility of projects must follow strict requirements that significantly pares down the Town’s ability to apply for the Grant Fund. This includes:
- Projects must be shovel ready, able to begin before the end of 2026, and has demonstrated that all sources of funding have been secured for the project – this pares down the Town’s project list to only items that are immediately ready for construction, within 2026, identified in the Financial Plan;
- Projects must have at least a Class C Cost Estimate (a construction cost estimate that is fairly accurate, within 15% of actual costs) – this pares down the project list to projects that, midway through 2026, is at the 90%-100% design stage;
- Project must not have commenced yet – as we are midway through 2026, some projects such as the Atkins Road sidewalk upgrades are not eligible;
An expression of interest submission can be provided for projects that are not shovel ready but are anticipated to commence construction later in 2026, and provided that a Class C Cost Estimate has been developed.
Therefore, at this time there are only three (3) eligible shovel ready projects and (2) that are eligible for an expression of interest:
| Capital Project | Why Eligible? |
|---|---|
| Bus Shelter Installation Program (C-139) • Budget: $130,000 • Recommended to be top ranked priority in the Grant application |
• Considered a regionally significant project that delivers benefits beyond the immediate location of the project (transit) • High Council priority • Design is complete and the Class C estimate indicates additional budget may be required |
| Watkiss Way Community Park (C-122) • Budget: $153,000 |
• Considered to be an eligible local infrastructure project that increases the quality of park facilities (greenspaces, park spaces) • Design is complete and will be tendered shortly |
| Six Mile Road Corridor Streetlight and Crosswalk Installation (C-018) • Budget: $310,000 |
• May be an eligible local infrastructure project that supports a complete community • The project is in the Tender Phase (shelf ready and exceeds the Class C estimate requirement) |
| Intersection Improvements – Helmcken Rd at Watkiss Way (C-128) • Budget: $700,000 • Expression of interest only due to project not being shovel ready |
• Considered to be a regionally significant project that delivers benefits beyond the immediate location of the project (commute times, Victoria General Hospital and Eagle Creek benefits) • Expected construction to commence in late 2026 |
| Atkins Pump Station Pump Replacements (C-030) • Budget: $100,000 • Expression of interest only due to project not being shovel ready |
• Considered to be a local infrastructure project that increases the capacity of community infrastructure (wastewater pumping stations) |
¹ Government of Canada, 2026. Build Communities Strong Fund Direct Delivery Stream. https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/bcsf-fbcf/direct-delivery-prestation-directe/index-eng.html#how-to-submit-eoi
ANALYSIS:
Impacts and implications can be summarized as follows:
| Impact Area | Implication |
|---|---|
| Financial Implication: | Less emphasis on the usage of Casino Revenue, Community Works Funds, other reserves, or reliance on other grant contributions. |
| Inter-governmental Relations Impact: | A letter of support will be requested from BC Transit, Ministry of Transportation and Transit and neighbouring municipalities for projects that would benefit them too. |
ALIGNMENT:
The recommended option aligns with the Town’s following core guiding documents as follows:
Strategic Plan: Priority D, Goal 1: Financial Sustainability and Service Excellence – Confidence in the fiscal health and financial sustainability of the Town.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION GOAL:
The desired level of public participation for the recommended option is:
[x] Inform [ ] Consult [ ] Involve [ ] Collaborate [ ] Empower [ ] N/A
TIME CRITICAL:
The deadline for submitting the grant application(s) is July 15, 2026
| CONCURRENCE: | Initials | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Chief Administrative Officer | SS | I concur with the recommendation. |
| REVIEWED BY: | Initials |
|---|---|
| Director of Corporate Administration | N/R |
| Director of Finance | N/R |
| Director of Development Services | N/R |
| Director of Engineering | IL |
| Director of Protective Services | N/R |
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