Victoria – 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., Minister of Natural Resources and Joanne Vanderheyden, President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), today announced an investment of $1 million through FCM’s Green Municipal Fund (GMF) to help reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and drive cost savings in communities in British Columbia.
Municipalities across the province will receive up to $175,000 to design or conduct feasibility studies on implementing home energy efficiency retrofit financing programs for homeowners in their communities:
- The Capital Regional District will receive $175,000 for a feasibility study on the Capital Region Residential Retrofit Program.
- HomeZero Collective Society, a not-for-profit group of local residents, renewable energy experts and contractors in the City of Vernon, will receive $174,500 to study the feasibility of a neighbourhood approach to home energy retrofit financing in Vernon.
- The City of North Vancouver will receive $169,000 for a feasibility study on transitioning to zero carbon buildings.
- The City of New Westminster will receive $154,400 to design a residential heat pump financing program in the City of New Westminster, the Resort Municipality of Whistler, and the District of Squamish.
- The City of Kelowna will receive $140,400 for a feasibility study for a home energy retrofit financing program.
- The City of Revelstoke will receive $101,200 for a feasibility study for a residential and commercial energy efficiency financing program.
- Ecotrust Canada will receive $79,600 for a feasibility study for Community Energy Financing in the Regional District of Mount Waddington.
- The City of Powell River will receive $61,200 for a Powell River Home Retrofit Program feasibility study.
GMF’s Community Efficiency Financing initiative helps communities of all sizes implement innovative local financing programs that directly help homeowners cut their GHG emissions, make their homes more energy-efficient, comfortable and affordable, and create local jobs to keep the local economy moving.
These initiatives highlight some of the ways GMF continues to build on its 20-year record of supporting transformative environmental initiatives at the community level. The Government of Canada has invested $1.65 billion in GMF since its inception, enabling municipalities to support projects like this that leverage local resources to drive innovative solutions.
Quotes
“Canadians want new ways to make their homes energy efficient and affordable. FCM’s Green Municipal Fund can enable more local action, right in their homes, and help achieve Canada’s climate change goals. GMF is empowering municipalities, big and small, to get results on the ground. Today’s announcement helps communities build better lives for Canadians with more energy-efficient homes.”
– Joanne Vanderheyden, President, Federation of Canadian Municipalities
“Improvements in energy efficiency are our ‘hidden fuel’ – they help us exceed our climate goals. These local green solutions create jobs, lower emissions and build a more prosperous and sustainable economy for everyone. 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
Associated links
Green Municipal Fund
Community Efficiency Financing initiative
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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