Place-Based Capital Survey

Place-based capital refers to ways residents and institutions can manage important local resources, such as land, housing, or businesses, to benefit their community for years to come.

At the Shorefast Institute for Place-based Economies, we are gathering examples of place-based capital initiatives in Canada. Through this survey, we’d love to hear of successful projects, as well as areas where more support is needed. Your answers will help shape future financial tools, policies, and programs aimed at returning the control of resources and assets to communities. 

At the end of this survey, we’ve included a few examples of place-based capital projects in Canada for reference. 

We'd love to hear from you

Note: All survey responses will be kept strictly confidential. Only aggregated results may be shared externally, ensuring that no individual or community can be identified.

In what community and province do you live? Please be as specific as possible (town, hamlet, First Nation, island, etc.) *
Province or Territory *
What are examples of Canadian projects or initiatives that have successfully raised money to support communities? Please provide a website if possible.  *
Which policies and programs best foster place-based capital investment in Canada? *
For exampe, The National Housing Co-Investment Fund supports construction of affordable housing in the Northwest Territories, Community Futures Network of Canada provide small business services to people living in rural and remote communities, the First Nations Finance Authority provide all First Nations with the same finance instruments available to other levels of government in Canada, etc.  
Is your community currently seeking funding?
Type of initiative. Select all that apply:
If you selected other, please specify:
How much do you estimate is needed?
Do you consider your community to be “investment ready”?
An initiative is considered “investment ready” when all design, approvals, feasibility studies, and a clear governance framework are in place, supported by robust business planning, documented financials, and a demonstrated plan to deliver returns or impact. 
What support do you need to be “investment ready”?
How do you plan to raise funds? Select all that apply
If you selected other, please specify:
What is the expected financial return of each initiative?
If specifying different returns for the same or multiple initiatives, please tick “Other” and specify each initiative’s return separately.
If you selected other, please specify:
What is the anticipated impact on your community?
Do existing financing options meet your community’s needs for this capital raise?
If you would like to elaborate, please add details here
Optional: If you're open to discussing further, please leave your email.

Examples of Place-Based Capital Initiatives 
ALBERTA
Battle River Railway
In 2009, after facing the threat of losing grain rail service, 180 local farmers in Forestburg, AB, raised $3.4 million to buy and operate 82 miles of short line railway. Now a community-owned co-op, the non-profit maintains essential access to markets, supports agritourism, and pays dividends or other benefits to members.
Learn more →
ontario
Kensington Market Community Land Trust
A non-profit community land trust in Toronto’s Kensington Market, this land trust was formed in 2017 to fight renovictions and displacement. They acquired their first building in 2021 using a $3 million City grant, $3.5 million mortgage financing, and $2 million raised through community bonds and donations. New acquisitions are funded by similar mixed sources to keep residential and commercial spaces affordable and locally controlled. 
Learn more →
british columbia
Thrive Impact Fund
A British Columbia Benefit Corporation launched in 2021 to finance social enterprises in the province prioritizing high-impact and undercapitalized ventures within arts, housing, food, and circular economy sectors. By the end of 2022, Thrive Impact Fund closed $2.4 million in investments from values-aligned philanthropic investors. By 2023, Thrive invested $1.5 million into 7 social enterprises in BC. 
Learn more →

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