Ottawa – In communities across the country, Canadians are experiencing the impacts of climate change. By investing in initiatives that lower emissions and increase the resiliency of communities, we are creating jobs and building Canada’s low-emission energy future.
The Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources and Joanne Vanderheyden, President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), today announced an investment of $377,310 through FCM’s Green Municipal Fund (GMF) to help reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improve energy efficiency in cities and communities in Central Ontario.
The Township of Selwyn is testing the use of a hybrid electric vehicle to reduce the corporate fleet’s dependency on fossil fuels. This is an opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to reduce fossil-fuel dependency throughout the community and facilitates a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
The City of Barrie will study the feasibility of constructing a new municipal transit hub targeting a net-zero energy performance. The net-zero construction will promote energy efficiency, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and renewable energy use. This supports the city’s Strategic Plan goal to build a greener Barrie while mitigating and adapting to climate change.
The Climate Challenge Network is partnering with five municipalities – Barrie, Brampton, Caledon, Halton Hills and Township of King – to conduct a feasibility study on retrofitting ice rinks facilities in each municipality to be net-zero carbon. The ice rink initiative is a response to each of the five participating municipalities declaring a climate emergency and each setting aggressive targets, ranging from 50 percent GHG reduction by 2050 and net-zero emissions by 2030 in their corporate energy management plans.
The Town of Bradford-West Gwillimbury will study the performance, reliability and robustness of the Bradford water pollution control plant. The study will recommend ways to improve the plant’s operation and maintenance efficiency. The expected environmental benefits include reduction in the nutrient load and contaminant level in the effluent water discharged into the Lake Simcoe watershed. The study also aims to identify ways to reduce the facility’s energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
These initiatives are concrete examples that GMF continues to build on its 20-year record of supporting transformative environmental initiatives at the municipal level. The Government of Canada has invested $1.65 billion in GMF since its inception, enabling municipalities to support projects like these that leverage local resources to drive innovative solutions.
Quotes
“Our cities and communities influence half of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions. That means local action is critical. With support from the Green Municipal Fund, this is what’s happening: municipalities of all sizes are implementing smart low-carbon solutions. Empowering this local expertise is vital to meeting Canada’s climate goals. When orders of government work together to reduce emissions, we’re building more resilient communities.”
– Joanne Vanderheyden, President, Federation of Canadian Municipalities
“Local green solutions create jobs, lower emissions and build a more prosperous and sustainable economy for all. This is how we get to net-zero by 2050.”
– The Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Natural Resources
“Cities are key partners in pioneering practical climate solutions. Through the Green Municipal Fund, we’re supporting municipalities in their efforts to lower emissions through projects like energy efficient retrofits, electric and hybrid electric transit pilots and efficiencies in wastewater treatment. By working together, we can create good jobs and grow the economy, protect the environment, and build cleaner, more inclusive communities.”
– The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
“Canadians in communities across the country are working hard to cut pollution and create jobs. Improving the energy efficiency of our homes and buildings will do just that, while helping Canadians save on energy costs. Together, we are building a cleaner, healthier future for our children and grandchildren.”
– The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
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Associated links
Green Municipal Fund
Investing in Canada: Canada's Long-Term Infrastructure Plan
Investing in Canada plan project map
Contacts
FCM Media Relations
613-907-6395
media@fcm.ca
Ian Cameron
Senior Communications Advisor
Office of the Minister of Natural Resources
613-447-3488
Ian.Cameron@canada.ca
Media Relations
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
343-292-6100
NRCan.media.RNCan@canada.ca
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