That's why the Government of Canada and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities is investing more than $2.4 million for 51 new projects in communities through the Green Municipal Fund and Municipal Asset Management Program.
The announcement was made by the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Canada's Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and Bill Karsten, President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, the national voice of local governments.
The projects announced today demonstrate the work being done in municipalities of all sizes.
For example, the Town of Morris, Manitoba, will use its Green Municipal funding to work with the Manitoba Ozone Protection Industry Association, an independent organization devoted to mitigating climate change. The partners will conduct a study to explore the feasibility of establishing a regional system for responsibly recycling and disposing of large household appliances, such as refrigerators and washing machines. This study is expected to identify opportunities to divert waste from landfills and reduce the greenhouse gases that cause climate change.
Meanwhile, in Quebec, the City of Victoriaville is using its funding from the Municipal Asset Management Program to improve its ability to collect data on the state of its buildings and sewer systems, which will help the community make better, well-informed decisions on its infrastructure investments.
Quotes
"All Canadians benefit from modern, green and resilient infrastructure that will help make their communities even better places to live. We are proud to make investments that help municipalities across the country better plan, build and maintain their public infrastructure. These projects are helping build a cleaner, healthier, more livable communities both now and into the future."
The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
"Green infrastructure investments help grow our economy, create good, middle-class jobs for Canadians and help us build a clean energy future. Canada is proud to support Green Municipal Fund projects that are improving air, water and land quality while reducing pollution."
The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources
"Cities are on the frontlines of climate change. Supporting municipalities in their efforts to build more resilient communities will help Canadians across the country mitigate its worst impacts. By working together, we can create good middle class jobs, protect the environment and grow the economy."
The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
"Municipalities own nearly 60 per cent of the public infrastructure that supports Canada's economy and quality of life. This is the foundation of our communities - and our country - and we're making the most of the tools we have to strengthen it. From fostering strong asset management practices to supporting green innovation that can be scaled up and replicated across the country, today's announcement is about orders of government working together to build better lives for Canadians."
Bill Karsten, President, Federation of Canadian Municipalities
Quick facts
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The Government of Canada and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) announce support for 51 new initiatives in communities across Canada amounting to just over $2.4 million.
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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.
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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. Budget 2019 proposes $950 million to increase energy efficiency in the built environment.
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The Municipal Asset Management Program (MAMP) is designed to help Canadian municipalities strengthen infrastructure investment decisions based on sound asset management practices.
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The program provides asset management training, funding and information sharing to enable municipalities to access the data needed to plan effectively. MAMP is a five-year, $50-million program, delivered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and funded by the Government of Canada. Budget 2019 proposes $60 million to continue helping small communities to get skills training on how to inventory, grow and maintain infrastructure assets.
