On September 11, 2018, François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and Vicki-May Hamm, President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) announced over $2 million in funding for 41 new initiatives in communities across Canada through three programs: the Green Municipal Fund (GMF), the Municipalities for Climate Innovation Program (MCIP), and the Municipal Asset Management Program (MAMP).
Investing in innovative municipal infrastructure projects contributes to a clean growth economy and strengthens the middle class by ensuring communities are healthy and sustainable places to live.
Hamm said, “Today’s announcement highlights how municipal leaders, right across Canada, are driving innovation to build more sustainable, resilient and liveable communities. We are proud to see FCM’s programs support local solutions with national impact, contributing to infrastructure renewal and our transition to a low-carbon economy.”
The Government of Canada believes that local leaders know best what their communities need and is committed to working with them to strengthen their infrastructure. Municipalities are implementing some of Canada’s most advanced green solutions, reducing Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions and supporting local priorities such as improving public transit, saving energy and improving waste management.
The projects announced today demonstrate the work being done in municipalities large and small. Examples include:
- The City of Maple Ridge, British Columbia, is using a grant from GMF to study net-zero energy options for a new community centre. The goal is to find efficient design elements to achieve energy reductions of 70 to 90 per cent, and renewable energy options to offset remaining demand.
- With funding from MCIP, the Northwest Territories Association of Communities (NWTAC) is looking to host 33 communities for a climate change adaptation forum and charette with the goal of developing a community-centered, territory-wide, strategic and collaborative approach to adaptation.
- The Town of Penetanguishene, Ontario, is using funding from MAMP for new digital inspection technologies to assess conditions of their roads and sidewalks, as well as asset management training for key staff, and a new process for assessing community buildings which will help the town develop a capital plan for their facilities. In the end, decision makers will have more information to help create a strategy for the preservation and rehabilitation of community infrastructure.
Champagne said, “The Government of Canada is committed to investing in local infrastructure to support municipalities as they plan, build and maintain their infrastructure more strategically. Our investments in green infrastructure will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contribute to a clean growth economy and strengthen the middle class, helping us plan and build the infrastructure of the 21st century.”
The Green Municipal Fund (GMF) supports initiatives that advance innovative solutions to environmental challenges. These projects improve air, water and land quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and generate economic and social benefits to local communities. Through GMF, municipalities share lessons learned and successful new models for advancing sustainability in communities of all sizes in all regions across Canada. GMF is a $625 million program, delivered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and funded by the Government of Canada.
Amarjeet Sohi, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, added, “A clean energy future starts at the local level and includes provincial and federal investments in innovative initiatives that drive economic growth, cut pollution and create good, middle-class jobs for Canadians. We are proud to support the great work being done in municipalities to make Canada a cleaner and healthier place for everyone.”
The Municipalities for Climate Innovation Program (MCIP) helps municipalities and partner organizations by providing funding, training and information sharing. It is designed to encourage Canadian municipalities to better prepare for and adapt to the new realities of climate change as well as reduce greenhouse gas emissions. MCIP is a five-year $75-million program, delivered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and funded by the Government of Canada.
The Municipal Asset Management Program (MAMP) is designed to help Canadian municipalities strengthen infrastructure investment decisions based on sound asset management practices. The program provides asset management training, funding and information sharing to enable municipalities to access the data needed to plan effectively. MAMP is a five-year, $50-million program, delivered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and funded by the Government of Canada.
Photo of hiker courtesy of the City of Maple Ridge, BC.