The Government of Canada and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) have announced funding for 67 initiatives in communities across Canada through three programs: the Municipalities for Climate Innovation Program (MCIP), the Municipal Asset Management Program (MAMP), and the Green Municipal Fund (GMF).
“These investments will help municipalities across the country to plan, build and maintain their infrastructure more strategically,” said Amarjeet Sohi, minister of infrastructure and communities. “Investments in green infrastructure projects help build healthy, liveable, cleaner, and more sustainable communities now and for future generations.”
Communities across the country want to be sure they are investing their infrastructure money wisely, and that they are ready to adapt to the potential effects of climate change as they make local infrastructure investment decisions. The projects announced demonstrate the work being done on these fronts in municipalities large and small.
For example, the City of Montreal, Quebec, is receiving funding through MCIP for a pilot project that will create green spaces in alleyways. Rooftop drains will be disconnected from sewer systems and excess rainwater will be used to water plants and walkways between buildings, improving both public and private spaces. This project could potentially divert the equivalent of two Olympic-sized swimming pools worth of water from the city’s sewers.
Funding through MAMP is helping Canadian municipalities make informed decisions on infrastructure investments based on sound asset management practices. In Newfoundland, seven municipalities are receiving funding to train local officials on asset management planning, preparing a local inventory of assets, and reporting on the preliminary state of infrastructure. This training will help communities make informed investment decisions for infrastructure assets that will deliver value for money, while serving their citizens’ needs.
Through GMF, communities are not only improving the environment around them, they are maximizing municipal resources and improving the lives of their citizens. The Township of Douro-Dummer, Ontario will study the feasibility of constructing a net-zero energy centralized public works and emergency services building, which would produce at least as much energy as it consumes on an annual basis. This initiative will provide an example for other small rural towns that want to improve and consolidate municipal infrastructure in environmentally sustainable ways.
“Energy efficiency is one of the most effective ways to support the transition to a low-carbon economy and meet our future energy needs,” said Jim Carr, minister of natural resources. “Our Government is looking to achieve this is by working collaboratively with provinces, territories, and industry to create a national model net-zero energy-ready code for new homes and buildings by 2022. We are proud to support projects that are charting our course to the low-carbon future.”
MCIP, MAMP, and GMF are funded by the Government of Canada and delivered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
Click here for more information on the municipalities awarded funding, as well as the specific projects and funds received.
