The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) and Peace Hills Trust Company (PHT) have finalized a $50-million loan-participation agreement to expand access to enabling infrastructure financing for Indigenous community development projects across the country.

PHT, Canada’s largest and oldest First Nations-owned federally regulated financial institution, will lend alongside the CIB and match project loans, creating a co-ordinated financing package aimed at accelerating development timelines. The partnership will provide communities with access to affordable and flexible project financing for infrastructure that supports sustainable economic development.

Eligible enabling infrastructure includes site preparation, roadwork, water and wastewater systems, and utility connections—key foundations needed to advance housing, commercial and industrial projects.

The CIB has committed about $1 billion to over 30 projects in partnership with Indigenous organizations and communities, supporting efforts to close infrastructure gaps and boost economic participation. Through its Indigenous Community Infrastructure Initiative, the bank works with First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities on projects designed to deliver long-term benefits.

“Our partnership with Peace Hills Trust reflects our commitment to supporting Indigenous communities and their infrastructure priorities,” said Ehren Cory, CEO of CIB. “By extending our capital to PHT, their experience, paired with our affordable loan will help clients to advance projects that deliver long-term benefits to local communities.”

Housing and Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson said investment in enabling infrastructure is essential to unlocking housing and economic development opportunities in Indigenous communities.

“This partnership between the Canada Infrastructure Bank and Peace Hills Trust Company will make it easier for communities to access flexible, affordable financing to advance projects that support their priorities and long-term prosperity. “By working with trusted Indigenous financial institutions, we are helping remove barriers and accelerate community-led development across the country.”

David Boisvert, president and CEO of PHT said the new partnership’s “natural synergy” should help close the infrastructure gap, referring the large difference between available supply and demand.

Pictured: Ehren Cory, CEO of CIB, and Dawn Madhabee, who is a PHT board member.