Active Transportation Fund
Update
Applications are currently being accepted to the Capital Project stream until February 26, 2025 through the Applicant Portal. Capital project applications from eligible Indigenous recipients are being accepted through the Applicant Portal until April 9, 2025.
The application period for the Planning Project stream is currently closed. Future intakes to the Planning Project stream may be announced at a later date.
On this page
- Overview
- Benefits of active transportation
- Program details
- How to apply
- Indigenous applicants
- Important resources
- Contact us
Overview
Active transportation refers to the movement of people or goods powered by human activity and includes walking, cycling and the use of human-powered or hybrid mobility aids such as wheelchairs, scooters, e-bikes, rollerblades, snowshoes, cross-country skis, and more. The most effective active transportation infrastructure provides a complete network that allows users to safely move through their communities and between destinations, from main streets to schools, parks, public transit hubs and residential neighborhoods.
The Government of Canada has allocated $3 billion annually on average beginning in 2026-27 for permanent public transit programming under the Canada Public Transit Fund, a historic investment that will support transit in communities of all sizes across Canada. This also includes targeted funding for specific types of public transit and active transportation projects ranging from capital to planning. Targeted Funding intakes will vary and will provide flexible, call-specific funding to address federal priorities that meet local needs.
This approach builds on the successful launch of the Active Transportation Fund in 2021. In support of Canada's National Active Transportation Strategy, the Government of Canada invested $400 million over five years to support the expansion and enhancement of active transportation infrastructure, making travel by active transportation easier, safer, more convenient and more enjoyable.
Benefits of active transportation
Increasing opportunities for Canadians to engage in active transportation comes with many benefits. While moving people from point A to point B, active transportation allows people to be active in their daily lives, improving physical and mental health, while promoting social connectedness and reducing healthcare costs. Active transportation also offers personal costs savings, while stimulating economic activity, and fostering more equitable, inclusive, livable communities. As active transportation requires less paved space compared to motorized vehicles, it can help preserve natural areas and open space. Environmental benefits are also significant and include reduced road congestion, improved air quality, less noise pollution, and fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
Improved Health
Inclusive Communities
Cost Savings
Cleaner Air
Program details
The Active Transportation Fund is a direct-application program. Eligible recipients, including municipal or regional governments, public sector bodies, not-for-profit organizations, provincial or territorial governments and Indigenous recipients may apply directly to Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada for funding for eligible projects.
Please note that individuals and for-profit organizations are not eligible to apply.
The Active Transportation Fund offers two funding streams:
Planning projects involve the development or enhancement of formal active transportation strategic planning documents or stakeholder engagement.
Capital projects involve new construction, enhancement of existing infrastructure, and/or improvements to design and safety features that encourage active transportation.
Costs related to furnishing and non-fixed assets which are not essential for the operation of the assets included in the project are ineligible for funding.
Please consult the pertinent Applicant Guide for more information on applicant, projects, and cost eligibility.
Projects that are determined to be eligible will be further evaluated against the program's merit criteria. Final project selection is undertaken with a view to balancing funding support by taking into consideration such factors as regional distribution, the type of project, and equitable access.
How to apply
Eligible applicants can apply for capital projects through the Applicant Portal until February 26, 2025.
Indigenous applicants may apply until April 9, 2025.
Follow these steps to submit an application:
- Determine eligibility by reviewing applicant and project eligibility requirements in the Applicant Guide for Capital Projects. Eligible Expenditures and Maximum Program Contributions should also be reviewed in order to determine the requested amount of funding.
- Consult the Step-by-Step Guide for Capital projects for clear and simple instructions on preparing an application.
- Log in to the Applicant Portal to complete the application and upload supporting documentation. Note that applications can be saved prior to submission as many times as necessary and do not need to be completed in one session.
Indigenous applicants
The Active Transportation Fund has allocated a minimum of 10% of the total funding envelope for Indigenous recipients.
Eligible Indigenous Recipients include:
- Indigenous Governing Bodies;
- Federally or provincially incorporated not-for-profit organizations whose mandate is to improve Indigenous outcomes, organizations serving Indigenous communities living in urban centers and First Nations living off reserve; and
- Indigenous development corporations.
For additional support in completing an application, please contact the Active Transportation Fund team at ATF-FTA@infc.gc.ca.
Important resources
Contact us
If you have any questions, please contact: ATF-FTA@infc.gc.ca.
If you are interested in receiving updates about the Active Transportation Fund, please send us an email to subscribe to our Mailing List. You will receive a welcome message as a confirmation of your subscription.
Report a problem on this page
- Date modified: