The Government of Canada and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) have announced support amounting to just over $2.1 million for 42 new initiatives across Canada.
The initiatives – which aim to reduce pollution, improve energy efficiency, and find new uses for public infrastructure in communities across Canada – will be funded through FCM’s Green Municipal Fund (GMF) and Municipal Asset Management Program (MAMP).
Under FCM’s Green Municipal Fund, communities of all sizes are implementing some of Canada’s most advanced solutions to protect the environment and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
For example, the City of Mount Pearl, Newfoundland, is using funding from GMF to look at ways to transform a former swimming pool into a specially designed innovation hub where researchers and entrepreneurs can work together to turn discoveries into new products and services that create jobs and business opportunities. The proposed retrofit would examine ways to improve the building’s energy efficiency, reduce water consumption and waste, and give an unused facility a new purpose.
“Our investment in the City of Mount Pearl’s innovative project will improve energy efficiency in existing municipal infrastructure, so Canadians can benefit from lower energy costs and a cleaner environment,” said the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources.
The announcement was made by the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and Vicki-May Hamm, President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
“All Canadians should benefit from modern, resilient, and green infrastructure that gives them a better place to call home,” said the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “That’s why the Government of Canada is investing in municipalities that take action to reduce pollution and improve the way they manage their existing infrastructure assets. These investments will result in safer, cleaner and healthier communities that give all Canadians more opportunities to thrive.”
Under FCM’s Municipal Asset Management Program, five rural communities in Manitoba are developing better ways to manage their existing infrastructure assets so that they are safer, better maintained, and last longer. The participating communities include Alexander, Gimli, Morris, and Whitemouth and the Local Government District of Pinawa.
“The investment in the initiatives announced today highlights how municipal leaders across Canada are committed to building more resilient, livable, and sustainable communities,” Vicki-May Hamm, FCM President. “FCM is proud to see municipalities use our programs to support local solutions with national impact, contributing to infrastructure renewal and our transition to a low-carbon economy.”
