Federal Government Invests in Cody Banks Arena Retrofit

September 16, 2026

A federal investment has been announced of more than $199,000 in the Cody Banks Arena retrofits project through the Direct Delivery stream of the Build Communities Strong Fund

The project will upgrade the facility by installing heat pumps and a solar photovoltaic system, which will be integrated into the City’s existing building automation system.

These upgrades will reduce energy consumption and emissions while providing a more environmentally friendly space for community and recreational use.

Once it is underway, the project will support local community recreation infrastructure, economic development, and promote renewable energy adoption across the City of Charlottetown.

The Build Communities Strong Fund is a cornerstone of the Government of Canada’s plan to build the infrastructure needed to build Canada strong – today and for generations to come. 

Quick Facts

• The federal government is investing $199,500 in this project through the Direct Delivery stream of the Build Communities Strong Fund and the City of Charlottetown is contributing more than $299,000.
• Starting in 2026-27, the Build Communities Strong Fund will deliver funding through three major streams:
  • A Provincial and Territorial stream, which provides $17.2 billion over 10 years, including $5 billion in health infrastructure funding over three years;
  • A Direct Delivery stream, which provides $6 billion over 10 years, including $1 billion over 4 years as part of a Local Impact Stream that is being delivered by Canada’s Regional Development Agencies to support community infrastructure projects with local impact; and,
  • A Community stream (formerly the Canada Community-Building Fund), which provides $27.8 billion over 10 years and, indexed at 2% to deliver $3 billion per year ongoing.
• The Buy Canadian Policy is an important part of the Build Communities Strong Fund. It will help ensure that more of every public dollar goes right into the Canadian economy – creating Canadian careers, using Canadian resources, and benefiting Canadian communities.
• The Build Communities Strong Fund will be a force multiplier in infrastructure – with funding that will be matched by nearly $17 billion from provinces, and additional billions leveraged through municipal and territorial partnerships as well as private capital. The fund will also boost Canada’s GDP by $95 billion over the next decade. 
• Under the Direct Delivery stream, at least 10% of the funding will go towards investments in Indigenous communities.
• Project funding is subject to the signing of a contribution agreement between the Government of Canada and the recipient.
• Federal funding is conditional on fulfilling requirements, including those related to consultation with Indigenous peoples and environmental assessment obligations, if applicable.

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