Canada requests applications for C$1.2bn PPP fund

The Canadian government has opened the third round of applications for its C$1.2 billion (€866 million; $1.24 billion) public-private partnerships fund.

The public-private partnerships fund, called the PPP Canada Fund, was established in 2009 with the aim of creating about C$5 billion in infrastructure projects through private sector investment. The fund is managed by PPP Canada, a federal agency established in 2008 to advise on and assess public-private partnerships.

The fund has elicited significant interest from provinces, municipalities, and native Canadian communities across the country. In the last round of funding, which closed in 2010, PPP Canada received 68 proposals across 11 provinces and territories, including 35 from municipalities. The first round of funding generated 20 proposals, according to the PPP Canada 2009-2010 annual report.

PPP Canada said previously that it would commit about C$300 million by the end of 2011.

Eligible projects include water, wastewater, renewable energy infrastructure, disaster mitigation projects, national highways, and public transit as well as cultural institutions like museums and archives, according to the PPP Canada Fund application guide.

PPP Canada made its first investment from the fund in May 2010, committing up to C$50 million for an emergency radio initiative, according to its annual report.

The applications are due 30 June. PPP Canada said it will choose winning projects by June 2012.