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The Alberta and federal governments have signed a major infrastructure agreement aimed at supporting new housing construction by investing in water and wastewater systems across the province.
The partnership will provide more than $510 million in federal funding over the next eight years through the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF). Alberta has also committed to contributing at least one-third of eligible municipal project costs, unlocking up to $428 million in additional provincial funding.
Together, the agreement represents a potential investment of more than $938 million in housing-supporting infrastructure.
Premier Danielle Smith said reliable infrastructure is essential for growing communities.
"Strong communities start with the infrastructure to support them. By investing in the water and wastewater systems communities rely on, we're doing what it takes to build more housing, attract new investment and keep pace with Alberta's growth," she said.
Prime Minister Mark Carney described the agreement as an example of cooperation between the two levels of government.
"Alberta has an ambitious plan to scale up homebuilding and our government is backing it. We're partners in this mission, working in the true spirit of cooperative federalism," Carney said. "We are building a stronger Alberta and a stronger Canada for all."
Under the agreement, Alberta will retain responsibility for identifying and prioritizing projects, allowing the province to align investments with regional needs while protecting provincial jurisdiction over infrastructure planning.
The funding will help municipalities, rural communities and Indigenous communities expand critical water and wastewater infrastructure needed to support new residential development and economic growth. Twenty per cent of the available funding has been set aside specifically for projects in rural and Indigenous communities.
Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors Devin Dreeshen said provincial oversight will ensure projects are selected where they are needed most.
"With provincial oversight of project selection, we will be able to select projects that will meet regional needs and support growing Alberta communities," he said.
The announcement comes as Alberta continues to experience rapid population growth. More than 600,000 people have moved to the province over the past five years, increasing demand for both market and affordable housing while placing additional pressure on public infrastructure.
Scott Fash, chief executive officer of the BILD Alberta Association, welcomed the investment, saying strong collaboration between industry and government will help deliver the infrastructure needed to support new neighbourhoods and improve housing affordability.
The province's Ministry of Transportation and Economic Corridors is now preparing its first list of infrastructure projects for submission to the federal government by November 30.
The Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund supports investments in water, wastewater, stormwater and solid-waste infrastructure that enable new housing development. Eligible applicants include municipalities, Indigenous communities, public-sector organizations and certain private-sector partners working with public entities.
(Source: Government of Alberta)
