TORONTO — The Ontario government is committing $6 million to support new Indigenous infrastructure projects across the province, launching the latest intake for applications under the Indigenous Community Capital Grants Program (ICCGP).
The funding, announced Tuesday by the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation, will support projects that strengthen local economies through construction and renovation of community facilities, business hubs and cultural centres.
“Working in tandem with Indigenous communities, our government is supporting critical infrastructure projects that are important to building strong, prosperous communities,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation and Minister Responsible for Ring of Fire Economic and Community Partnerships. “Through the Indigenous Community Capital Grants Program, we’re investing directly in Indigenous-led capital projects that create economic opportunities and jobs and reflect our commitment to partnerships that sustain long-term prosperity across the province.”
Building on Past Projects
The ICCGP, first established in 1989 and re-launched in 2016, has played a key role in helping Indigenous communities address infrastructure gaps. Previous rounds of funding have backed projects such as a new recreation centre in Webequie First Nation, a community and business centre in Anishinabe of Wauzhushk Onigum First Nation, and a multi-use facility in Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug.
Officials said these examples demonstrate the program’s reach, supporting everything from cultural facilities to commercial spaces designed to attract investment and create sustainable employment opportunities.
Applications Open Until Mid-November
Applications for the 2025 intake are now open and will remain available until November 13, 2025, at 6 p.m. EST. Communities and organizations interested in applying must submit their proposals through Transfer Payment Ontario, the province’s online funding portal.
The ministry emphasized that eligible projects will be Indigenous-led and focused on long-term community development.
Supporting Economic Reconciliation
Ontario has positioned the ICCGP as part of a broader commitment to Indigenous economic reconciliation. Alongside the capital program, the government is also investing $3 million in its Capacity and Growth Fund to strengthen Indigenous economic development, food security and wealth creation initiatives.
“Ontario’s continued investment through the ICCGP reflects the province’s commitment to advancing economic reconciliation and supporting Indigenous-led development throughout Ontario,” the ministry said in a statement.
Rickford has repeatedly tied these programs to the government’s wider strategy for regional growth, including in northern Ontario where many communities face infrastructure shortages and limited access to services.
Track Record of Investment
In 2024–25, the province funded 48 projects through both the ICCGP and the Indigenous Economic Development Fund (IEDF), underscoring what officials describe as a strong pipeline of proposals from Indigenous communities.
By funding projects that range from community centres to business incubators, the government aims to boost job creation while providing long-term social and economic benefits.
Business and Community Impact
For Indigenous communities, the grants are designed not only to address immediate infrastructure needs but also to lay the foundation for broader prosperity. Community-owned facilities often serve as multi-purpose hubs — spaces for cultural preservation, training, business activity and social programming.
Analysts note that such investments can have multiplier effects in remote and northern regions, where the costs of construction are higher and access to capital is limited. Government funding, therefore, plays an outsized role in ensuring these projects move forward.
Looking Ahead
With applications now open, Indigenous leaders and organizations are expected to bring forward a range of proposals. Given past uptake, officials anticipate a competitive round, with projects likely spanning housing, recreation, economic development and cultural preservation.
The program’s funding is relatively modest compared to Ontario’s overall infrastructure spending, but supporters argue it fills a critical gap by targeting Indigenous-led initiatives that might otherwise struggle to secure financing.
As Rickford put it, the latest round is intended to deepen collaboration with Indigenous partners: “Through the Indigenous Community Capital Grants Program, we’re investing directly in Indigenous-led capital projects that create economic opportunities and jobs and reflect our commitment to partnerships that sustain long-term prosperity across the province.”
