October 3, 2023 Hamilton, Ontario Natural Resources Canada
Across the country, Canadians are feeling the impacts of climate change. By investing in initiatives that lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, increase energy efficiency and support green infrastructure, we can accelerate our progress toward net zero by 2050 and build strong, resilient and sustainable communities in every region of the country.
Today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, and Scott Pearce, President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), announced an investment of $335,000 through the Green Municipal Fund (GMF) to support two feasibility studies aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the City of Hamilton.
Hamilton Community Enterprises receives $175,000 to explore, in collaboration with a range of stakeholders, the commercial and technical viability of a district energy system that will use locally available industrial residual heat as a fuel source for a proposed low-carbon thermal corridor. If successful, the project could provide enough heat for more than 80 million square feet of building space, the size of almost 1390 football fields, which would decrease Hamilton's building carbon footprint by about 70% and spur job growth.
The City of Hamilton receives $160,000 to study ways to develop a home retrofit financing program that will encourage homeowners to adopt energy efficiency improvements including fuel switching, air sealing, insulation and the purchasing of power-saving appliances. The scope of the study will include identifying target areas for home energy upgrades, analyzing different program delivery models, examining ways homeowners can take advantage of other incentives and developing strategies to maximize uptake of the program once approved.
GMF, administered by FCM and funded through an endowment by the Government of Canada, helps local partners switch to sustainable practices faster by giving them the tools they need to reduce emissions and build sustainable, prosperous communities. By taking action to adapt to climate change we can build communities and economies that are able to thrive for generations to come.
