News: Backgrounder: FCM announces the winners of the 2024 Sustainable Communities Awards

About the FCM’s Green Municipal Fund

GMF is a globally unique organization providing funding and education to municipalities to help them both reach net-zero and build resilient communities, while also delivering economic and social benefits such as jobs, housing and infrastructure. Since its inception in 2000, it has helped reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2.9 million tonnes, funded over 13,000 person-years of employment, supported over 30,000 sustainable affordable housing units and contributed $1.24 billion to the national GDP via the more than 2,300 approved projects. GMF manages approximately $2.4 billion in programs funded by the Government of Canada.

Judges

FCM's 2024 Sustainable Communities Awards were judged by a panel of sector experts and FCM board members. The judges are highly experienced in their fields, and many are or were peer reviewers for GMF funding applications. See the full list of judges here.

Award winners

Municipality, province and award category	Project information and quote
Town of Bridgewater, Nova Scotia Climate change mitigation	Energize Bridgewater: Energy poverty reduction program This project reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while tackling energy poverty by providing easy access to an innovative energy monitoring technology, a technical and financial navigation program for deep energy retrofits—created in partnership with Efficiency Nova Scotia and Clean Foundation—and a navigation program for comprehensive social support services that address housing insecurity and homelessness, delivered by the South Shore Open Doors Association. “Everyone wins when no one gets left behind—that’s been the guiding premise behind the Energize Bridgewater program and the spectrum of services that we’ve been able to develop for our community,” says Mayor David Mitchell, Town of Bridgewater.
Region of Waterloo, Ontario Sustainable buildings	Redevelopment of Waterloo Region housing (420 Kingscourt Dr.) Aiming to be completed in the summer 2025, this energy-efficient building will provide 73 households with affordable housing and amenity spaces for community programming. This project is also piloting a Community Benefits Program to support the inclusion of a diverse labour force, with an emphasis on reaching groups who are underrepresented in the construction industry. “Everyone deserves a place to call home,” says Karen Redman, Regional Chair, Region of Waterloo. “We are working hard not just to build homes across the Region of Waterloo, but also to be responsible stewards of the environment as we grow. 420 Kingscourt is a proud example of the care Region staff have put into creating homes that serve this community. These energy-efficient projects help us build what we need for today and tomorrow.”
Metro Vancouver, British Columbia Community energy	Energy recovery policy and district energy projects This first-of-its-kind policy and implementation guide is leading the way to the creation of district energy facilities that convert waste heat into usable energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and displacing natural gas use. Six sewer and effluent heat recovery projects are already in the works across Greater Vancouver, such as the the Sen̓ áḵw district energy project, a partly First Nations-led initiative that will provide low carbon sustainable energy for over 6,000 rental units in the City of Vancouver. “Sustainability and innovation are at the heart of what we do at Metro Vancouver. Energy recovery policy and district energy projects are a perfect example of how we can turn resources that would otherwise go to waste into long-term solutions, providing efficient, sustainable heating for decades while building a greener, more resilient future for our communities,” says Mike Hurley, Chair of the Metro Vancouver Board.
Durham Region, Ontario Reconciliation and anti-racism, equity and inclusion (AREI)	Moving towards a flood resilient transportation system This flood risk assessment analyzed existing flood- and climate-related data with an innovative social equity lens to ensure that transportation assets and financial planning considers increasing flood risks and other climate change impacts, while prioritizing infrastructure that supports vulnerable communities and social services. "At Durham Region, delivering an equitable and reliable transportation network is a core service. This project enables us to make informed infrastructure investments that withstand future climate conditions and address potential flooding impacts on all our communities. We are honoured that FCM has recognized Durham’s initiative with a Sustainable Communities Award and look forward to continuing this vital work," says Sandra Austin, Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives.
District of Saanich, British Columbia Transportation	Community e-bike incentive pilot program To help lower transportation emissions and reach the city’s climate goals, this income-based incentive pilot program supports residents in purchasing electric bikes. Over 380 incentives have been distributed, and the program has since been a model for similar initiatives in B.C. and North America. Research indicates both a major reduction in GHG emissions and the long-lasting satisfaction of participants. “We hope that 10 years from now, most participants will still be getting around by e-bike and encouraging their friends and families to also choose e-bikes for more trips, resulting in widespread e-bike adoption as a climate-friendly, convenient and affordable transportation option,” says Mayor Dean Murdock, District of Saanich.
Comox Valley Regional District, British Columbia Climate adaptation	Dyke Road Park Green Shores demonstration site To adapt to increasing flooding impacts, this park restoration project is upgrading outdated infrastructure and restoring natural processes with the guidance of the Green Shores framework and principles, all with input and support from five land use authorities, including leaders from the K’ómoks First Nation. “This award is the result of a true collaboration between the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD), K’ómoks First Nation and the Stewardship Centre of BC. Working together, the CVRD and its partners have created the Dyke Road Park Green Shores demonstration site, which represents a shared vision for environmental protection, restoration and climate adaptation,” explains Will Cole-Hamilton, CVRD Board Chair. “This innovative and inclusive approach allowed us to work with community partners who are passionate about climate change and mitigating risks in the community. Thank you to all those involved.”
Strathcona County, Alberta Waste	HodgePodge Lodge This community hub is diverting an impressive amount of waste from landfills by offering opportunities to reuse items that can’t easily be recycled and promoting a circular economy. Residents can both donate items and take things they need for free. The Lodge also provides opportunities for volunteerism and community partnerships. “We are very pleased for our HodgePodge Lodge to be recognized with a Sustainable Community Award,” says Rod Frank, Mayor of Strathcona County. “It highlights the importance of sustainability in how we manage our possessions, and has become a real hub for bringing our community together. Residents love HodgePodge!”
Ville de Longueuil, Quebec Natural assets	Plan for the protection and conservation of Longueuil's natural environment This project executes strategic planning to protect and restore existing natural spaces, while also increasing the natural environment by 1,500 hectares, which will result in 21 percent of the city being protected. This plan aims to increase regional biodiversity and a resilience to climate impacts, while also offering citizens greater access to green spaces. “As local governments, municipalities are on the front lines of the effects of the climate crisis. They also have a responsibility to act and to make forward-looking decisions. Protecting 1,500 hectares of natural habitat to conserve 21% of the land is the greatest legacy we can leave to future generations,” says Catherine Fournier, Mayor of the City of Longueuil.
City of Surrey, British Columbia Natural assets	Pilot testing living dykes in Mud Bay In collaboration with Semiahmoo First Nation and the City of Delta, this project explores the use of different nature-based assets throughout 27 test areas to protect one kilometer of coastal infrastructure from flooding and erosion, all while supporting the habitat of existing local species and restoring a carbon sequestering salt marsh. “I am incredibly proud that Surrey has been recognized for our commitment to innovative, nature-based solutions in the face of climate change. The award for our pilot testing of living dykes in Mud Bay is a testament to our city's unwavering dedication to sustainability. Together with our partners, we are taking proactive steps to protect our community, our infrastructure, and our unique ecosystems against the growing challenges of sea level rise and flooding. This recognition embodies our belief that through collaboration and visionary thinking, we can build a resilient future for Surrey and lead the way for other communities," says Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke.

Municipality, province and award category

Project information and quote

Town of Bridgewater, Nova Scotia

Climate change mitigation

Energize Bridgewater: Energy poverty reduction program

This project reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while tackling energy poverty by providing easy access to an innovative energy monitoring technology, a technical and financial navigation program for deep energy retrofits—created in partnership with Efficiency Nova Scotia and Clean Foundation—and a navigation program for comprehensive social support services that address housing insecurity and homelessness, delivered by the South Shore Open Doors Association.

“Everyone wins when no one gets left behind—that’s been the guiding premise behind the Energize Bridgewater program and the spectrum of services that we’ve been able to develop for our community,” says Mayor David Mitchell, Town of Bridgewater.

Region of Waterloo, Ontario

Sustainable buildings

Redevelopment of Waterloo Region housing
(420 Kingscourt Dr.)

Aiming to be completed in the summer 2025, this energy-efficient building will provide 73 households with affordable housing and amenity spaces for community programming. This project is also piloting a Community Benefits Program to support the inclusion of a diverse labour force, with an emphasis on reaching groups who are underrepresented in the construction industry.

“Everyone deserves a place to call home,” says Karen Redman, Regional Chair, Region of Waterloo. “We are working hard not just to build homes across the Region of Waterloo, but also to be responsible stewards of the environment as we grow. 420 Kingscourt is a proud example of the care Region staff have put into creating homes that serve this community. These energy-efficient projects help us build what we need for today and tomorrow.”

Metro Vancouver, British Columbia

Community energy

Energy recovery policy and district energy projects

This first-of-its-kind policy and implementation guide is leading the way to the creation of district energy facilities that convert waste heat into usable energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and displacing natural gas use. Six sewer and effluent heat recovery projects are already in the works across Greater Vancouver, such as the the Sen̓ áḵw district energy project, a partly First Nations-led initiative that will provide low carbon sustainable energy for over 6,000 rental units in the City of Vancouver.

“Sustainability and innovation are at the heart of what we do at Metro Vancouver. Energy recovery policy and district energy projects are a perfect example of how we can turn resources that would otherwise go to waste into long-term solutions, providing efficient, sustainable heating for decades while building a greener, more resilient future for our communities,” says Mike Hurley, Chair of the Metro Vancouver Board.

Durham Region, Ontario

Reconciliation and anti-racism, equity and inclusion (AREI)

Moving towards a flood resilient transportation system

This flood risk assessment analyzed existing flood- and climate-related data with an innovative social equity lens to ensure that transportation assets and financial planning considers increasing flood risks and other climate change impacts, while prioritizing infrastructure that supports vulnerable communities and social services.

"At Durham Region, delivering an equitable and reliable transportation network is a core service. This project enables us to make informed infrastructure investments that withstand future climate conditions and address potential flooding impacts on all our communities. We are honoured that FCM has recognized Durham’s initiative with a Sustainable Communities Award and look forward to continuing this vital work," says Sandra Austin, Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives.

District of Saanich, British Columbia

Transportation

Community e-bike incentive pilot program

To help lower transportation emissions and reach the city’s climate goals, this income-based incentive pilot program supports residents in purchasing electric bikes. Over 380 incentives have been distributed, and the program has since been a model for similar initiatives in B.C. and North America. Research indicates both a major reduction in GHG emissions and the long-lasting satisfaction of participants.

“We hope that 10 years from now, most participants will still be getting around by e-bike and encouraging their friends and families to also choose e-bikes for more trips, resulting in widespread e-bike adoption as a climate-friendly, convenient and affordable transportation option,” says Mayor Dean Murdock, District of Saanich.

Comox Valley Regional District, British Columbia

Climate adaptation

Dyke Road Park Green Shores demonstration site

To adapt to increasing flooding impacts, this park restoration project is upgrading outdated infrastructure and restoring natural processes with the guidance of the Green Shores framework and principles, all with input and support from five land use authorities, including leaders from the K’ómoks First Nation.

“This award is the result of a true collaboration between the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD), K’ómoks First Nation and the Stewardship Centre of BC. Working together, the CVRD and its partners have created the Dyke Road Park Green Shores demonstration site, which represents a shared vision for environmental protection, restoration and climate adaptation,” explains Will Cole-Hamilton, CVRD Board Chair. “This innovative and inclusive approach allowed us to work with community partners who are passionate about climate change and mitigating risks in the community. Thank you to all those involved.”

Strathcona County, Alberta

Waste

HodgePodge Lodge

This community hub is diverting an impressive amount of waste from landfills by offering opportunities to reuse items that can’t easily be recycled and promoting a circular economy. Residents can both donate items and take things they need for free. The Lodge also provides opportunities for volunteerism and community partnerships.

“We are very pleased for our HodgePodge Lodge to be recognized with a Sustainable Community Award,” says Rod Frank, Mayor of Strathcona County. “It highlights the importance of sustainability in how we manage our possessions, and has become a real hub for bringing our community together. Residents love HodgePodge!”

Ville de Longueuil, Quebec

Natural assets

Plan for the protection and conservation of Longueuil's natural environment

This project executes strategic planning to protect and restore existing natural spaces, while also increasing the natural environment by 1,500 hectares, which will result in 21 percent of the city being protected. This plan aims to increase regional biodiversity and a resilience to climate impacts, while also offering citizens greater access to green spaces.

“As local governments, municipalities are on the front lines of the effects of the climate crisis. They also have a responsibility to act and to make forward-looking decisions. Protecting 1,500 hectares of natural habitat to conserve 21% of the land is the greatest legacy we can leave to future generations,” says Catherine Fournier, Mayor of the City of Longueuil.

City of Surrey, British Columbia

Natural assets

Pilot testing living dykes in Mud Bay

In collaboration with Semiahmoo First Nation and the City of Delta, this project explores the use of different nature-based assets throughout 27 test areas to protect one kilometer of coastal infrastructure from flooding and erosion, all while supporting the habitat of existing local species and restoring a carbon sequestering salt marsh.

“I am incredibly proud that Surrey has been recognized for our commitment to innovative, nature-based solutions in the face of climate change. The award for our pilot testing of living dykes in Mud Bay is a testament to our city's unwavering dedication to sustainability. Together with our partners, we are taking proactive steps to protect our community, our infrastructure, and our unique ecosystems against the growing challenges of sea level rise and flooding. This recognition embodies our belief that through collaboration and visionary thinking, we can build a resilient future for Surrey and lead the way for other communities," says Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke.

Source: GMF and FCM

Green Municipal Fund