The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) has announced investments in cities and communities in Eastern Ontario. About $223,750 from the Green Municipal Fund (GMF) will help improve water quality, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and improve energy efficiency.
“Cities are key partners in pioneering practical climate solutions,” said Catherine McKenna, minister of infrastructure and communities. “Through the Green Municipal Fund, we’re supporting municipalities in their efforts to lower emissions through projects like energy efficient retrofits, electric and hybrid electric transit pilots, and efficiencies in wastewater treatment. By working together, we can create good jobs and grow the economy, protect the environment, and build cleaner, more inclusive communities.”
“Our cities and communities influence half of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions,” added Joanne Vanderheyden, president of FCM. “That means local action is critical. With support from the Green Municipal Fund, this is happening: municipalities of all sizes are implementing smart low-carbon solutions. Empowering this local expertise is vital to meeting Canada’s climate goals. When orders of government work together to reduce emissions, we’re building more resilient communities.”
The City of Ottawa will undertake the following two feasibility studies:
- The Robert O. Pickard Environmental Centre (ROPEC) will identify approaches to optimize the production and benefits of digester gas at its wastewater treatment facility. ROPEC treats an average of 415 million litres of wastewater each day and, as part of the treatment process, it produces biogas through anaerobic digestion. The biogas is used as a fuel source for co‑generation and the boiler plant that produces electricity and thermal energy used on site. GMF is providing $82,450 in funding for the study.
- The City of Ottawa also obtained $83,000 from GMF to study the waste heat recovery potential of its wastewater collection system. The results of the study are expected to be applicable to other municipalities transitioning to more sustainable heating options.
With $33,300 in GMF funding, the Township of Central Frontenac will study the feasibility of redeveloping a former school site on communal water and wastewater servicing. This is a less expensive alternative to centralize municipal services and a more environmentally friendly alternative to private onsite services. Benefits include reduced urban sprawl and smaller development footprints; greater climate change resilience; recycling systems to reduce water consumption and reuse of gray water; and treatment of 10,000 to 15,000 litres a day of wastewater.
The Township of Montague has obtained $25,000 in funding to evaluate options for redesigning or replacing the town’s administration building, fire hall and public works building, all of which were built in the 1970s and in need of renovations. It will examine the energy, financial and social benefits of retrofit measures aimed at increasing energy efficiency and improving safety and accessibility.
