As Canada gets set to turn 150 in 2017, the federal government is helping improve local infrastructure.

$171,765 in federal funding was given to communities and organizations on Wednesday as part of the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program.  

Of those areas getting government funding, Black Diamond is receiving $78,298 to improve its pathway system.

Macleod MP John Barlow says he couldn't be more excited for communities in the riding receiving those much needed funds to help expand or finish projects.

"This is fantastic," he says. "We wanted to make sure that we tried to spread it out as much as we could, to ensure that there's something for almost every community in the riding, and these are for groups who have a real tough time accessing federal and provincial dollars."

Other organizations receiving assistance via the Canada 150 Program are the Millarville Racing and Agricultural Society which is receiving $50,000 to upgrade the community hall and riding arena.

The Nanton Ag Society received $9,268 to install a light tower at the rodeo grounds. Both the Vulcan and Okotoks Legions received over a combined $12,000 for renovations and repairs and the Bragg Creek Community Association will receive $21,810 for upgrades to the community centre.

Barlow says the Canada 150 program is a great way to help the riding.

"The one opportunity they have to do some projects and renovations, some expansion that they may have been sitting on for years and just never had the chance to do it, so this is their chance."

As part of the Canada 150 grant, the communities awarded with funding have to match what the government tolls out, and Barlow credits the hard work by the organizations to go that extra mile in getting the funding they deserve.

"Very difficult for them to raise $10,000, let alone $100,000, so for them to be able to access these funds is just a huge thing for them, and we'll have these facilities for years to come."

All the projects are set to be completed by Canada Day, 2016.