On November 15, 2018, Colin Fraser, Member of Parliament for West Nova, on behalf of François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and Bill Karsten, First Vice-President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and Councillor for Halifax Regional Municipality, announced more than $3.4 million in grants and loans through the FCM’s Green Municipal Fund to restore and expand green infrastructure in the Municipality of Argyle.
“The Government of Canada is pleased to partner with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities to support green infrastructure projects that will build healthier, cleaner communities now and for future generations. This innovative municipal building in Argyle is another step towards improving the energy efficiency of municipal infrastructure in our communities, reducing our carbon footprint, and creating better lives for Canadians,” said Fraser.
Argyle coastline.
Investing in green infrastructure helps communities reduce their carbon footprint and increase their resilience against climate change. It also helps safeguard public health, protect the environment and revitalize the economy via clean growth.
This investment will allow Argyle to build a new, fully accessible and net-zero-energy municipal administrative building that will only use as much energy as it creates, to better serve the region. The facility will also include better insulation and air tightness, a heating and cooling geothermal system, low-flow taps and ultra-low-flush toilets, and solar panels to supply building electricity. Furthermore, the new building will have increased accessibility with a larger parking lot, wheelchair accessible entrances, and more spacious rooms and meeting spaces.
“Today’s announcement highlights how municipal leaders understand both the needs on the ground and local solutions that work. They are innovating to build more sustainable, resilient and livable communities. Thanks to our partnership with the Government of Canada, our programs support local solutions with national impact, contributing to infrastructure renewal and our transition to a low-carbon economy,” explained Bill Karsten, FCM First Vice-President.
Through investments in green infrastructure, Argyle will be able to maximize municipal resources to revitalize the quality of life for its citizens, while restoring the local environment.
The Green Municipal Fund is funded by the Government of Canada and delivered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
“Green infrastructure investments help grow the economy, create jobs and enable Canada to achieve its climate change goals. The Government of Canada is proud to support initiatives like the District of Argyle project that will help transform Canada’s buildings to be more energy-efficient – reducing greenhouse gas emissions and lowering energy bills,” concluded Amarjeet Sohi, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources.
All photos courtesy of the Municipality of Argyle.