Infrastructure development initiative

Funding description

The aim of funding provided under the initiative for the development of regional economic infrastructure in Quebec is to support infrastructure projects that contribute to the economic vitality and attractiveness of our communities.

The funding has three components:

• Transportation infrastructure 
• Tourism infrastructure 
• Research infrastructure    

Transportation infrastructure component

Construction, modernization or expansion of transportation infrastructure (rail lines or ports). This component falls under the QEDP.

Examples of funded project

• Construction, modernization or expansion of hangars (including loading docks), industrial parks or industrial motels that are incorporated into, or enhance or improve, existing rail or port facilities. 

Examples of ineligible projects

• In the case of ports, all wharf-related activities (construction, repairs, expansion, etc.)
• Projects involving parking lots
• Projects targeting safety operations and equipment
• Subsequent phases of a multi-phase project
• Studies, plans, etc.

 

Financial assistance

Maximum of $7 million per project

For SMEs

• Financial assistance generally up to 50% of authorized costs. Exceptions may be made based on the business plan submitted by the proponent and if the need can be justified.
• The funding is repayable, without interest. Repayment begins two years after the end of the project.

For NPOs   

• Non-repayable financial assistance

 

Eligibility

Examples of eligible clients

• Municipalities and RCMs
• Municipal corporations
• NPOs that own or manage transportation infrastructure
• NPOs located on the transportation infrastructure site
• Indigenous organizations
• Airports that accommodate less than 3,000,000 passengers per year

 

Selection criteria

• Projects carried out in municipalities with fewer than 200,000 inhabitants may be given priority.
• The project must be in line with the objective of the initiative and the component.
• One project per client
• The project must be completed by March 31, 2023.
• The project must generate direct and measurable economic spin-offs in the short or medium terms (e.g., an increase in exports).
• The link between the project and the SMEs, and the benefits of the project, must be clearly demonstrated in the business plan (the project must be able to service several existing SMEs – exceptionally, it could attract new business and must make it possible to increase SMEs’ access to the region’s main external markets).
• Projects must not have received financial assistance under any other federal capital assistance program. 
• Project must be prioritized by the community (e.g., demonstration that the project stems from a regional development strategy or plan).
• In the case of projects consisting of several phases:
  • CED will only fund one phase of a project that meets the above-mentioned criteria and whose results are not conditional upon completion of other phases of the project. 
• The following criteria may also be considered: 
  • Projects that are “shovel-ready” and have a confirmed funding package
  • Projects that require a lesser percentage of federal funding (participation of other funders).

Analysis criteria

Projects will also be analyzed against the following analysis criteria:

• expected results
• the viability of your organization
• your organization’s technical and financial management capacity
• the contribution of partners in terms of financial resources or professional services
• the degree of risk

Tourism infrastructure component

Construction, modernization or expansion of tourism infrastructure likely to improve the attractiveness of regional tourism. This component falls under the QEDP. 

Examples of funded projects

• New construction, restoration or upgrades, including the expansion of tourism infrastructure open to the public.
• Hospitality infrastructure may be eligible on an exceptional basis.

 

Examples of ineligible project

• Subsequent phases of a multi-phase project
• Studies, plans, etc.

 

Financial assistance

Maximum of $3 million per project

For SMEs

• Financial assistance generally up to 50% of authorized costs. Exceptions may be made based on the business plan submitted by the proponent and if the need can be justified.
• The funding is repayable, without interest. Repayment begins two years after the end of the project.

For NPOs 

• Non-repayable financial assistance

 

Eligibility

Examples of eligible clients

• Municipalities and RCMs
• Municipal corporations
• NPOs that own or manage tourism infrastructure
• Tourism infrastructure businesses
• Co-ops
• Indigenous organizations

 

Selection criteria

• Projects carried out in municipalities with fewer than 200,000 inhabitants may be given priority.
• The project must be in line with the objective of the initiative and the component.
• One project per client
• The project must be completed by March 31, 2023.
• Projects must make it possible to consolidate the existing tourism offer, attract tourists from outside Quebec, increase the length of stay, optimize investments already made or strengthen the drawing power of the region’s tourism products.
• Projects must not have received financial assistance under another federal assistance program, such as the Canadian Experiences Fund (CEF).
• Projects must be:
  • prioritized by the community (e.g., demonstration that the project is part of a regional development strategy or plan)
  • structural: having a major impact on regional economic development (e.g., a multiplier effect) in terms of spin-offs for the region (e.g., attracting tourists from outside Quebec, investments, etc.)
• Projects supported by an ATR or an ATS:
• In the case of projects consisting of several phases: 
  • CED will only fund one phase of a project that meets the above-mentioned criteria and whose results are not conditional upon completion of other phases of the project.
• The following criteria may also be considered: 
  • Projects aimed at consolidating tourism circuits, destinations, etc.
  • Projects that support tourism hubs
  • Projects that are “shovel-ready” and have a confirmed funding package
  • Projects that require a lesser percentage of federal funding

Analysis criteria

Projects will also be analyzed against the following analysis criteria:

• expected results
• the viability of your organization
• your organization’s technical and financial management capacity
• the contribution of partners in terms of financial resources or professional services
• the degree of risk

Research infrastructure component

Acquisition of equipment to foster the development of initiatives involving applied research and technology transfer to business. This component falls under the REGI program.

Examples of funded project

• Acquisition of specialized equipment, computer and technological tools (e.g., setting up a laboratory and purchasing equipment).

Examples of ineligible projects

• Subsequent phases of a multi-phase project
• Studies, plans, etc.

Financial assistance

Maximum of $7 million per project

For SMEs

• Financial assistance generally up to 75% of authorized costs. Exceptions may be made based on the business plan submitted by the proponent and if the need can be justified.
• The funding is repayable, without interest. Repayment begins two years after the end of the project.

For NPOs 

• Non-repayable financial assistance

 

Eligibility

Examples of eligible clients

• Technology transfer centres
• Universities and colleges
• Incubators and accelerators
• Other non-profit research organizations
• Indigenous organizations  

Selection criteria

• The project must be in line with the objective of the initiative and the component.
• One project per client
• The project must be completed by March 31, 2023.
• The project fosters technology transfer or business spinoffs—capacity to demonstrate a direct impact on SMEs in terms of the production or marketing of products and services (a list of potential clients will need to be submitted).
• In the case of projects consisting of several phases: 
  • CED will only fund one phase of a project that meets the above-mentioned criteria and whose results are not conditional upon completion of other phases of the project.
• Projects are carried out in partnerships/consortia (collective projects) with spin-offs throughout Quebec or in several regions of the province.
• The project must be “shovel-ready” and its funding package must be confirmed. 
• The following criteria may be considered: 
  • Projects targeting promising sectors of a region’s economy, or Quebec's positioning in key technological fields.
  • Projects that require a lesser percentage of federal funding.

 

Analysis criteria

Projects will also be analyzed against the following analysis criteria:

• expected results
• the viability of your organization
• your organization’s technical and financial management capacity
• the contribution of partners in terms of financial resources or professional services
• the degree of risk