Empowering Startups and Communities to Grow Together
The Merge Program - Resources for Startups
The goal of the MERGE Program is to intertwine community well-being with business prosperity, the MERGE Program aims to foster resilient local economies through targeted investments in community infrastructure, education, and empowerment.
MERGE Program’s mission is to create a thriving business ecosystem that supports both community and business growth.
Request For Proposals (RFP) are now open!
Deadline to Apply: May 7
RFP 007: Solid Waste Collection Harmonization
Municipality: Arcadia
The Municipality of Arcadia is seeking an innovative startup to help unify and modernize its fragmented waste collection system following a recent municipal amalgamation. The project will standardize policies, clarify service eligibility, and map collection points using GIS to ensure consistent, efficient, and equitable waste services across all areas.
Highlights:
Review current practices, resolve inconsistencies, and create clear, consistent policies for waste collection across Arcadia
Develop GIS-mapped pickup locations and deliver a framework that streamlines operations and supports the 2026 contract re-tender
Budget: Up to $25,000
Help Arcadia improve service delivery and establish a streamlined, equitable system that supports long-term municipal operations and future planning.
RFP 008: David Bell Memorial Park Site Plan
Municipality: Hanwell
Hanwell Rural Community is seeking a comprehensive, phased site plan for David Bell Memorial Park to guide capital investment and park improvements starting in Spring 2027. The plan will integrate recreation amenities, trails, essential infrastructure, safety, accessibility, and maintenance considerations, creating a fundable and implementable roadmap that maximizes the park’s potential as a community recreation hub.
Highlights:
Design a detailed site plan with recreation amenities, infrastructure, and safety considerations
Develop a phased implementation roadmap
Budget: Up to $25,000
Help Hanwell turn the David Bell Memorial Park into a safe, accessible, and vibrant recreation hub.
RFP 009: Digital Workflow Modernization
Municipality: Oromocto
The Town of Oromocto is seeking a solution to fully digitize a high-impact municipal workflow, eliminating paper forms, emails, and manual coordination. The project will streamline intake, approvals, notifications, and status tracking through CityWorks or a complementary platform, providing a modern, auditable, and scalable system that improves efficiency, accountability, and service delivery.
Highlights:
Design a fully digital, automated process with measurable success criteria using CityWorks or a complementary platform
Build and implement processes including digitized forms, routing, notifications, and tracking
Budget: Up to $25,000
Help Oromocto implement automations to ensure faster, more consistent service delivery.
RFP 010: Municipal Asset Condition Assessment and Risk-Based Decision Support Tool
Municipality: Oromocto
The Town of Oromocto is seeking a digital asset condition assessment and risk-based decision support tool that builds on existing CityWorks and GIS systems. The solution will standardize condition scoring and risk evaluation across asset classes, support lifecycle forecasting and capital planning, and provide dashboards and reporting features to enable data-driven, long-term investment decisions.
Highlights:
Standardize condition scoring and risk evaluation for all municipal assets to enable data-driven decision-making
Deliver dashboards, reporting, and governance tools that support lifecycle forecasting, capital planning, and future funding applications
Budget: Up to $25,000
Help Oromocto create a digital solution to standardize condition and risk assessments, forecast lifecycle needs, and support capital planning.
Completed MERGE Projects
See the projects that have been completed in 2025
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RFP 001: Enhancing Accessible and Sustainable Transportation
Municipality: Grand Lake
Grand Lake seeks innovative solutions to improve accessible and sustainable transportation for residents without personal vehicles. This initiative addresses barriers for seniors, low-income families, and individuals with limited mobility, focusing on eco-friendly and community-centered solutions.
Highlights:
Develop a community-based transportation network with a reliable schedule
Prioritize eco-friendly options and innovative solutions
Budget: Up to $25,000
Help Grand Lake improve connectivity, access essential services, and foster sustainability.
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RFP 002: Enhancing Land Identification for Strategic Growth
Municipality: Hanwell & Central York
Hanwell and Central York are looking for innovative tools to streamline the process of identifying suitable land for projects like business spaces, affordable housing, and recreational facilities.
Highlights:
Develop a platform for real-time access to land data
Improve decision-making for strategic growth projects
Budget: Up to $25,000
Your solution could shape the future of land management in these communities.
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RFP 003: Enhancing Recreational and Tourism Opportunities
Municipality: Arcadia
Arcadia seeks a development plan to maximize the tourism potential of its Harts Lake properties. The project focuses on eco-tourism, inclusive water sports, and creating a vibrant recreational destination.
Highlights:
Design facilities like parking, picnic areas, washrooms, and docks
Integrate environmental stewardship and accessibility
Budget: Up to $25,000
Contribute to Arcadia’s vision of becoming a regional recreational hub.
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RFP 004: Ensuring Sustainable Water Access for Community Growth
Municipality: Arcadia & Hanwell
Arcadia and Hanwell are seeking innovative solutions for sustainable water resource management to support their growing populations and development needs.
Highlights:
Implement scalable and eco-friendly water management solutions
Protect natural resources while accommodating growth
Budget: Up to $25,000
Be part of a project that ensures long-term water sustainability for these communities.
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RFP 005: Enhancing Blue Trail-Based Economic Development and Connectivity
Municipality: Capital Region Service Commission
Capital Region Service Commission is seeking innovative solutions to enhance economic development and connectivity through blue trails. This initiative aims to leverage waterways as a driver for tourism, recreation, and local business growth while improving accessibility and community engagement.
Highlights:
Develop strategies to increase tourism and local business activity along blue trails
Improve infrastructure and accessibility to water-based recreation
Foster environmental sustainability and community partnerships
Budget: Up to $25,000
Help the Capital Region Service Commission strengthen its blue trail network, boost local economic activity, and enhance regional connectivity.
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RFP 006: Identifying Water Sources
Municipalities: Arcadia & Hanwell
Arcadia and Hanwell seek innovative approaches to identify and secure reliable water sources for their communities. This initiative addresses water scarcity concerns, ensuring long-term sustainability and resilience for residents and businesses.
Highlights:
Assess and map potential water sources within municipal boundaries
Develop cost-effective and sustainable solutions for water access
Address regulatory and environmental considerations
Budget: Up to $25,000
Support Arcadia & Hanwell in securing sustainable water sources to meet future community needs.
