Funding now available for municipalities to tackle greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change (15/03/2017)
New funding is now available for municipalities to undertake plans and studies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), and adapt to climate change and extreme weather conditions.
Municipalities have influence over roughly half of Canada's GHG emissions and they are already modelling some of the most innovative green initiatives in the country. With new funding available, municipal leadership on climate change and resilience will be enhanced for the benefit of Canadians and their communities.
This new funding is offered by the Municipalities for Climate Innovation Program, a $75-million initiative funded by the Government of Canada and delivered by Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM). The type of projects that will be funded include studies to assess flooding patterns; plans to reduce GHG emissions; action plans to promote sustainable transportation; studies to assess the feasibility of wastewater treatment plants; and studies to better manage natural assets.
The application process will be accessible all year round to cities and communities across the country. Details about the program and funding opportunities are available online: FCM's Municipalities for Climate Innovation Program (MCIP).
"Protecting the environment and growing the economy go hand in hand. The Government of Canada has committed to investing in sustainable infrastructure that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, contributes to a clean growth economy and strengthens the middle class by ensuring communities are healthy and productive places to live. Thanks to the new Municipalities for Climate Innovation Program, we are engaging with municipalities across Canada to help build 21st century communities that will provide a high quality of life for generations to come."
The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
"Whether large or small, urban, rural, or remote, municipalities are leaders when it comes to innovation and have the know-how to deliver local solutions to climate change. Funding announced today will drive local solutions and support national results. Together with our federal partners, FCM is making our cities and communities more sustainable."
Clark Somerville, President, Federation of Canadian Municipalities
- Budget 2016 announced investments over the next five years in infrastructure that protects communities and supports Canada's ongoing transition to a clean growth economy.
- In addition to the Municipalities for Climate Innovation Program, the Government has also endowed the FCM with $50 million to establish the Municipal Asset Management Program.
- The Government will provide more than $180 billion in infrastructure funding over 12 years for public transit, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, transportation that supports trade, and Canada's rural and northern communities.
- Funding for MCIP demonstration projects and staff support, as well as peer-learning and knowledge-sharing opportunities will be coming later in 2017.