Carney launches $51B Build Communities Strong Fund with first project in Brampton
Build Communities Strong Fund aims to boost housing and infrastructure across Canada
BRAMPTON, ON — Prime Minister Mark Carney has officially launched the federal government’s $51 billion Build Communities Strong Fund, marking a major investment in infrastructure aimed at supporting housing, economic growth, and community development across Canada.
The announcement was made in Brampton, where Carney unveiled the first project under the program: the Embleton Community Centre and Park, a $64 million federal investment that will deliver a 175,000-square-foot facility featuring recreational, childcare, and community spaces.
The project is part of an initial tranche of 13 infrastructure developments nationwide, supported by $300 million in federal funding.
Major national investment in infrastructure and housing
The Build Communities Strong Fund, first introduced in Budget 2025, is designed to accelerate infrastructure construction across the country, including hospitals, transit systems, educational facilities, and housing-enabling projects.
The program is expected to drive approximately $12 billion in infrastructure investment annually over the next eight years, nearly doubling previous federal spending levels.
According to the federal government, the fund will:
- Support an average of 42,000 jobs annually
- Contribute an estimated $95 billion to Canada’s GDP over the next decade
- Leverage nearly $17 billion in provincial funding, alongside additional municipal and private investment
Three funding streams to deliver projects nationwide
The fund will distribute investments through three main streams:
Provincial and territorial stream ($17.2B):
Supports large-scale infrastructure projects, including health facilities, housing-enabling infrastructure, and post-secondary institutions. Provinces must match federal funding and take steps to reduce construction costs, including development charges.
Direct delivery stream ($6B):
Funds regionally significant and community-level infrastructure, including climate adaptation projects and building retrofits. Applications for this stream are now open.
Community stream ($27.8B):
Focuses on local infrastructure such as roads, bridges, water systems, and community centres.
The new Embleton Community Centre in Brampton is one of the first 13 projects being delivered through the Build Communities Strong Fund.
From community centres to hospitals, schools, and transit — we’re speeding up the construction of local infrastructure across the country. pic.twitter.com/g6uUIGcTTs
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) April 7, 2026
Brampton project highlights local impact
The Embleton Community Centre and Park will include:
- A swimming pool and gymnasium
- Fitness and recreational facilities
- Childcare services
- Outdoor recreational amenities
The project is expected to serve residents in southwest Brampton and support long-term community growth.
Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown described the development as a significant investment in local families and future generations.
Focus on housing and affordability
A key component of the fund is its emphasis on housing-enabling infrastructure, including transit, roads, and water systems needed to support new residential development.
The program builds on recent federal-provincial agreements, including a housing partnership with Ontario aimed at reducing development charges and lowering costs for homebuyers.
Federal officials say the fund is intended to remove barriers to construction and accelerate housing supply across Canada.
Indigenous and regional priorities included
The federal government confirmed that:
- At least 20% of provincial funding will go to rural, Northern, and Indigenous communities
- A minimum of 10% of direct delivery funding will support Indigenous-led projects
Federal government emphasizes economic resilience
Prime Minister Carney positioned the fund as part of a broader economic strategy focused on building resilience and supporting Canadian industries.
“With the Build Communities Strong Fund, we are partnering with provinces and territories to move projects forward, reduce barriers to building, and deliver the housing and infrastructure Canadians need.”
Housing and Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson added that the investments will help strengthen productivity and support long-term economic growth.
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