The federal government and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) have announced funding for 72 initiatives in communities across Canada through three funding programs: the Municipalities for Climate Innovation Program (MCIP), the Municipal Asset Management Program (MAMP), and the Green Municipal Fund (GMF).

Through Municipalities for Climate Innovation Program, communities such as City of Coquitlam, British Columbia are studying new and emerging technologies to harvest and store sources of renewable energy in order to reduce corporate emissions. And in Québec, the City of Gatineau is carrying out a climate change adaptation feasibility study which will strategically increase the quality and quantity of vegetation and open green spaces. These types of projects are crucial as communities tackle climate change and its environmental impacts.

The Municipal Asset Management Program is helping Canadian municipalities make informed decisions on infrastructure investment based on sound asset management practices. For example, the Town of Smoky Lake, Alberta is completing an inventory and collecting data on the condition of their community’s buildings, and using this information to create a 10-year plan for their infrastructure assets. Richibucto, New Brunswick is identifying and filling data gaps through data collection to help them create an asset management plan for the community’s assets.

Through the Green Municipal Fund, communities are not only improving the environment around them, they are maximizing municipal resources and improving the lives of their citizens. For example, the City of Kingston is completing a feasibility study on the complete restoration of a vacant former factory to establish a new multi-use commercial property designed to high environmental standards. This redevelopment aims to inspire other projects and led to the revitalization of a neighbourhood.

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“I’m proud of the leadership being demonstrated by municipalities across the country,” said Jenny Gerbasi, president of FCM. “Local leaders are embarking on some of the most innovative solutions to address the impacts of climate change and reduce greenhouse gases. At the same time, they are taking steps to strengthen decision-making on infrastructure spending, which has a major impact on the day-to-day lives of their residents. Continuing to support this on-the-ground expertise is vital to building the Canada we want.”

MCIP, MAMP, and GMF are delivered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and funded by the Government of Canada.

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