Canada’s federal and territorial governments have committed significant funding to support infrastructure development in northern and Indigenous communities, including $94.5 million over five years through the renewed Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF). These funds represent an incredible opportunity to address housing shortages, upgrade critical infrastructure and enhance quality of life across the Northwest Territories. The key to accessing these funds lies in being ‘shovel ready’. By prioritizing preparation and readiness, communities can ensure their capital projects are competitive and aligned with funding requirements, whether through the CCBF or other capital funding programs.

Below, I’ve outlined four essential steps northern communities can take to prepare their projects and advance their readiness for funding opportunities.

1. Selecting the Right Project

In remote northern communities, where resources are often limited and priorities are many, choosing the right project is critical. Communities should focus on infrastructure projects that:

  • Address urgent needs, such as housing shortages or access to clean water.
  • Have a high economic impact, creating local jobs and improving community resilience.
  • Support long-term goals, such as reducing environmental impacts or meeting strategic housing targets.

For example, bundling multiple infrastructure upgrades under one project—such as combining water and sewer upgrades with road rehabilitation—can amplify benefits and make applications more compelling. Collaboration with local and regional leadership, including Indigenous governments and band councils, is essential to ensure projects align with community priorities.

2. Completing Pre-Design Work

In the North, the pre-design phase of a project is particularly crucial. Remote locations, limited access to construction materials and seasonal weather challenges such as wildfires, floods and low water levels, can all contribute to delays if not planned for in advance. Completing pre-design work not only makes your project more attractive for funding but also minimizes risks during implementation.

To accomplish this effectively, communities can focus on:

  • conducting project site selection and securing necessary land use agreements;
  • completing geotechnical and environmental studies to identify potential challenges; and
  • ensuring preliminary designs meet the needs of local residents, while incorporating traditional knowledge and sustainable practices.

For example, a northern local government planning a new community hall might prioritize a design that incorporates renewable energy systems to address both cost efficiency and environmental stewardship.

3. Identifying the Best Delivery Method

Selecting the best project delivery model is a strategic decision that directly impacts project timelines and success. For northern communities, flexibility and speed are critical to making the most of short construction seasons and limited resources. While the traditional Design-Bid-Build (DBB) model is common, alternate methods like Construction Management or Progressive Design-Build (PDB) can help accelerate timelines.

In PDB, for instance, construction can begin while design work is still underway, saving valuable time. This approach could be ideal for northern projects like water treatment plants or housing developments that need to move quickly. Working with experienced project management teams ensures communities receive tailored advice and support to select the best approach for their unique needs.

4. Initiating Early Construction Work

Starting early construction activities is another way to gain an edge when competing for funding. However, communities must carefully weigh the benefits against the risks. Early work, such as demolitions, site clearing or purchasing long-lead materials, can demonstrate readiness and commitment to a project but may require upfront investment.

For example, a northern community planning to build a new elders housing complex could initiate contaminant remediation on the chosen site or pre-purchase building materials to ensure availability. These steps not only show project readiness, but also help mitigate delays caused by supply chain challenges, which are common in remote northern communities.

Building the Future Together

Being ‘shovel ready’ is not just about meeting funding requirements; it’s about empowering northern communities to take control of their infrastructure development. By focusing on these four areas, communities can position themselves for success.

At Colliers Project Leaders, we are committed to supporting Indigenous and northern communities in navigating these processes, ensuring projects are not only ‘shovel ready’ but also aligned with long-term community goals. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient North for future generations!