Friday, March 21, 2025
Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, and Federation of Canadian Municipalities president Rebecca Bligh, announced $30 million to build resilient communities to support 30 climate adaptation projects, 17 feasibility studies, and 34 partner grant recipients through the Green Municipal Fund’s (GMF) Local Leadership for Climate Adaptation initiative.
The funded projects will help municipalities address urgent climate risks by protecting infrastructure, enhancing public safety and reducing long-term costs. Funded GMF partners will provide communities with tailored training, tools and resources to build the knowledge and technical capacity needed to implement effective climate adaptation strategies.
“Our federal government is committed to working alongside municipal leaders to tackle our greatest challenges and support communities from coast to coast in preparing for both current and future climate risks. Climate change is causing more frequent extreme weather events across the country, and municipalities have been at the forefront of helping their residents stay safe and recover. Today’s investments are a crucial step in supporting local initiatives that will help build safer and more resilient communities for generations to come,” said Guilbeault.
“When communities have the right knowledge and training, they’re better equipped to take on the challenges of climate change. These grants are about giving municipalities the tools they need to lead with confidence and create stronger, more adaptable communities,” added Bligh.
The Local Leadership for Climate Adaptation initiative supports projects that address priority climate risks with practical, locally tailored solutions. Representing an investment of $17.2 million, this funding not only encompasses $16.1 million for 30 newly funded Adaptation in Action implementation projects, which range from improved flood protection to green infrastructure that reduces stormwater impacts but also includes almost $1.1 million for 17 feasibility studies that evaluate the viability of potential projects, and provide informed, strategic decision-making.
The announcement also included the recipients of GMF’s Partner Grants. These grants empower a network of organizations to create and deliver training and resources that help municipalities across Canada take bold steps in their climate adaptation journeys.
This year, 34 recipients have been awarded $13 million in funding to deliver adaptation training to local governments. This training will continue over the next two years and provide municipalities with technical assistance and collaborative training to address critical climate risks.
Through workshops, hands-on learning, and tailored tools, these partners are working to close the knowledge gaps, build technical expertise and encourage collaboration across regions. The calibre of these partnerships reflects FCM’s commitment to equipping local government with the knowledge and support they need to succeed.
Launched in June 2024, the Local Leadership for Climate Adaptation (LLCA) is a $530-million initiative funded through the Government of Canada’s Adaptation Action Plan and National Adaptation Strategy to help municipalities across Canada build long-term climate resilience.
Featured image: Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change. (Government of Canada)
