A major partnership for British Columbia
Canada’s new government is expanding its national building agenda with a major infrastructure partnership in British Columbia. Prime Minister Mark Carney joined British Columbia Premier David Eby to announce more than $5 billion in federal investment over 10 years for local infrastructure across the province.
The agreement is designed to support faster homebuilding, stronger health services, improved transportation, and new community facilities. It forms part of a broader federal strategy to advance major projects, including ports, mines, highways, energy infrastructure, affordable housing, hospitals, and transit systems.
Housing costs targeted through the BCSF
Through the new Build Communities Strong Fund, known as BCSF, the federal government will provide nearly $1.6 billion over 10 years for housing-enabling infrastructure and lower development charges. British Columbia will match that amount, bringing the potential total to up to $3.2 billion.
The funding is intended to reduce development charges for multi-unit housing by up to 50% in priority communities. The measure could save up to $40,000 per unit while also helping expand water systems, wastewater systems, and local roads needed to support new residential construction.
New money for health infrastructure
The federal government will also invest more than $600 million over three years to modernise and expand health infrastructure in British Columbia. With matching provincial funding, the total investment could reach up to $1.2 billion.
The money will support hospitals, emergency rooms, urgent care centres, and other critical health facilities, with the goal of helping more British Columbians access care faster and closer to home.
Support for coastal communities
Another component of the plan includes up to $50 million over five years for community infrastructure projects in coastal communities. Projects in Terrace and Prince Rupert will be given priority under this stream.
A $284 million transfer to accelerate building
To further increase housing construction, the Government of Canada has introduced legislation that would provide a one-time transfer of $284 million to British Columbia. The funding is aimed at reducing barriers that slow or complicate new construction.
Vacant condos to become affordable homes
The federal and provincial governments have also agreed to create the Canada-British Columbia Partnership on Condo Conversion. Through Build Canada Homes and BC Housing, the initiative will use innovative financing tools to convert more than 2,200 vacant condo units in priority growth areas into affordable homes.
Officials described the approach as one of the quickest and most efficient ways to increase housing supply, because it can move British Columbians into existing units faster than many traditional construction projects.
$2.5 billion for public transit
Through the Canada Public Transit Fund, the federal government will invest $2.5 billion over 10 years in new transit projects and service improvements. The funding will support projects such as the Surrey-Langley SkyTrain extension, which is already underway, while also increasing access and frequency in high-traffic areas.
This new transit commitment comes in addition to the $852 million previously announced by the federal government for TransLink and BC Transit.
Tumbler Ridge to receive new facilities
Canada and British Columbia are also partnering on new infrastructure for the community of Tumbler Ridge. The plan includes a new secondary school and renovations to the local health centre.
The federal and provincial governments will each contribute $100 million for construction. Work is expected to begin as early as this summer, starting with the removal of the existing school.
Carney says mandate is to build
“Canadians gave our government a clear mandate to build a stronger country – one where people are empowered with more opportunities, lower costs, safer communities, and homes you can afford. We’re working in partnership with the Government of British Columbia to deliver – building affordable homes, modern transit, and new community spaces all across B.C. Together, we’re building a stronger British Columbia, and a stronger Canada for all.”
The Rt. Hon. Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada
Eby points to cooperation during uncertainty
“At a time when global uncertainty is creating real pressure here at home, British Columbians expect governments to come together and get things done. This partnership builds on the strong steps B.C. has taken on housing, by making it easier to build homes and investing in the infrastructure communities rely on. That means more homes people can afford, better services, and more good job opportunities as we work together to strengthen B.C. and Canada.”
The Hon. David Eby, Premier of British Columbia
Robertson highlights faster construction
“Building more homes faster is one of the most important things we can do to make life more affordable for Canadians, and it goes hand in hand with investing in the infrastructure communities need to grow. This new partnership with British Columbia will help cut the costs of building, unlock new housing supply, and get shovels in the ground sooner. At the same time, we’re investing in critical infrastructure to support growing communities. By working together with the province and municipalities, we’re making it easier to build the homes British Columbians need, while creating good jobs and supporting strong, growing communities.”
The Hon. Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada
Boyle stresses practical housing solutions
“British Columbia is committed to working with the Government of Canada to create more homes for people across our province. These investments build on the partnership announced earlier this year to help people move into stable homes and increase access to affordable, permanent housing. We will keep moving this work forward and find practical, innovative solutions with our federal partners so our communities can keep growing, with the housing and infrastructure that people need.”
The Hon. Christine Boyle, British Columbia’s Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs
Key details behind the funding
Launched in April, the BCSF is investing $51 billion over 10 years in infrastructure across Canada. The fund supports economic growth, housing, health care, education, public transit, sport, and climate adaptation.
The program operates through three streams: the Provincial and Territorial stream, the Direct Delivery stream, and the Community stream. The online portal is now open for BCSF applications under the Direct Delivery stream for projects that are shovel-ready in 2026.
British Columbia will receive $326 million through the BCSF Community stream in 2026-27 for core infrastructure projects across the province. Over the next three years, from 2026-27 to 2028-29, that support will total $1 billion.
Across Canada, projects supported by the BCSF are expected to sustain an average of 42,000 jobs each year and increase Canada’s GDP by $95 billion over the next decade.
The new BCSF funding announced for British Columbia will be delivered through the Provincial and Territorial stream, pending a bilateral funding agreement with the province.
Regional development funding for B.C.
Beginning in 2026-27, Canada’s Regional Development Agencies will deliver $1 billion over four years through the Direct Delivery stream. The funding will support essential infrastructure projects that strengthen communities and advance regional economic development.
As part of this funding, PacifiCan will deliver $136.3 million over four years for community infrastructure projects in British Columbia that reflect local priorities and support regional economic growth. Eligible applicants will be able to apply online.
Housing partnership builds on earlier measures
Subject to Treasury Board approvals, the new partnership between Build Canada Homes and BC Housing will build on existing federal and provincial efforts to improve housing supply and affordability in British Columbia. These measures include the federal Goods and Services Tax rebate for eligible first-time home buyers.
In February 2026, Build Canada Homes partnered with BC Housing to support the delivery of 1,100 affordable, supportive, and transitional homes across British Columbia.
A broader push to build across Canada
The agreement with British Columbia reflects the federal government’s wider effort to build during a period of global uncertainty. Ottawa says the goal is to unlock investment, create strong career opportunities, and help deliver safer, more affordable communities through cooperation with provinces and territories.
