Small Communities Transportation Fund

The Small Communities Transportation Fund (SCTF) is a new, application-based fund that will support rural Manitoba communities' investments in transit infrastructure projects, including purchase of handi-transit vehicles, and active transportation infrastructure. Funding is provided through the new Canada Manitoba Gas Tax Agreement.

A total of $1.0 million is available over five years (2014/15 - 2018/19) for eligible transit, handi-transit or active transportation projects undertaken across Manitoba. Annual funding of up to $200,000 will be available for allocation in each of the five years, starting in 2014.

This fund will provide 50% cost-shared funding up to a maximum of $50,000 per project per year for active transportation and transit projects, including the purchase of handi-transit vehicles. Consideration may be given for 50% cost-shared funding of more than $50,000 for new public transit systems where none currently exist.

Manitoba municipalities with populations less than 50,000 are eligible to apply for active transportation infrastructure funding. Manitoba municipalities with populations less than 40,000 are eligible to apply for transit infrastructure funding.

Eligible Projects / Expenditures:

Transit Infrastructure

Eligible projects would include, but not be limited to:

  • Transit Buses: including hybrids, diesel, natural gas and fuel cell buses, light and heavy rail cars, trolleys, ferries;
  • Intelligent Transport System (ITS): fare collection, passenger information, maintenance, propulsion and communication technologies, transit priority signaling, passenger and traffic information, and transit operation systems, including technology that enhance safety and security of operations;
  • Related Transit Infrastructure: transit stations, park and ride facilities, storage and maintenance facilities and terminals; and
  • Handi-transit vehicles.

Active Transportation Infrastructure

Eligible projects would include, but not be limited to:


  • Bicycle security (e.g. bike racks, lockers, or enclosures);
  • Bicycle facilities (e.g. bike lanes or paths, roadway configuration to accommodate active transportation);
  • New sidewalks/pathways for pedestrian use, including curb cut-outs or ramps to enhance accessibility;
  • Lighting and signage on trails, sidewalks and bike paths; and
  • Active transportation design/project plans which lead to future active transportation development (e.g. pathway design plans, updates to Transportation Plans to include active transportation plans, etc.)

The 2018 Small Communities Transportation Fund application intake is from January 2, 2018 to February 28, 2018. 

To review the SCTF Program Guidelines and to complete a 2018 SCTF Application Form, log in to Manitoba Municipalities On-line and follow the link "Grants to Municipalities Guides and Forms" from the main menu.

If you have questions about the Small Communities Transportation Fund, please contact the Manitoba Strategic Infrastructure Secretariat at (204) 945-4074 or at infra@gov.mb.ca