Subjects: ENI, CMG, CFG
New funding supports better community infrastructure across Canada
OTTAWA, Aug. 7, 2018 /CNW/ - Investing in green infrastructure helps Canada reduce its carbon footprint, creates a clean growth economy and increases our resilience against climate change.
The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and Vicki-May Hamm, President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) today announced over $37 million for 27 community infrastructure projects across the country. The grants will be provided through the Municipalities for Climate Innovation Program and the Green Municipal Fund, delivered by the FCM and funded by the Government of Canada.
A wide variety of green infrastructure initiatives will improve the lives of Canadians through projects such as electric vehicle charging stations, public building energy retrofits and multi-use path systems.
In Baie Verte, Newfoundland and Labrador, the town will have a new municipal office and multi-purpose space by retrofitting an old high school building using environmentally friendly technologies. The renovated facility will provide new space for community celebrations, indoor sports and recreation activities and trade shows.
Vaughan, Ontario, will use the funds to make road improvements that will reduce the frequency and severity of flooding, as severe weather events are likely to become more common as a result of climate change. Mitigating flood risks provides financial and environmental benefits, improves water quality and safeguards public health and safety.
In Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, the city will increase the frequency of its public transit services to better meet the needs of residents who use buses to get to and from school, work, appointments and sports, while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Quotes
"The Government of Canada is pleased to be partnering with the FCM to support green infrastructure projects that will build healthier, cleaner communities now and for future generations. Local projects like the ones we're announcing today will create new opportunities to grow the economy and strengthen the middle class, while improving energy efficiency and reducing our carbon footprint."
The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
"We are proud to support the great work being done in municipalities to make Canada a cleaner and healthier place for everyone. A clean energy future starts at the local level, and we are committed to working closely with communities of all sizes to cut pollution, take action on climate change and improve the quality of life for all Canadians."
The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources
"Cities and towns are important partners in climate action. And through this funding, we are building on the work already being done to protect our environment, strengthen local economies, and create good?paying jobs in communities across the country."
The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
"With federal funding through these FCM programs, communities are driving local change with national impact. Local governments influence around half of Canada's greenhouse gas emissions, and today's announcement demonstrates the concrete steps local leaders are taking toward Canada's GHG targets. With national leadership and investment in the power of municipalities, remarkable progress is possible."
Vicki-May Hamm, President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities
Related product
Backgrounder: Communities across Canada receive support for green innovation and climate change resiliency initiatives
Quick facts
- The Municipalities for Climate Innovation Program (MCIP) helps municipalities and partner organizations by providing funding, training and information sharing. It is designed to encourage Canadian municipalities to better prepare for and adapt to the new realities of climate change as well as reduce greenhouse gas emissions. MCIP is a five-year $75-million program, delivered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and funded by the Government of Canada.
- The Green Municipal Fund (GMF) supports initiatives that advance innovative solutions to environmental challenges. These projects improve air, water and land quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and generate economic and social benefits to local communities. Through GMF, municipalities share lessons learned and successful new models for advancing sustainability in communities of all sizes in all regions across Canada. GMF is a $625 million program, delivered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and funded by the Government of Canada.
- Through the Investing in Canada plan, the Government of Canada will invest more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities.
- $26.9 billion of this funding will support green infrastructure projects, including $5 billion available for investment through the Canada Infrastructure Bank.
Associated links
Municipalities for Climate Innovation Program
Investing in Canada: Canada's Long-Term Infrastructure Plan
Twitter: @INFC_eng
Web: Infrastructure Canada
SOURCE Infrastructure Canada
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