Quebec communities invited to attend FCM's Sustainable Communities Conference (16/01/2012)

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) invites all Quebec communities to attend the 2012 Sustainable Communities Conference and Trade Show. The theme of the conference is Making the Business Case for Sustainability. The event will take place in Ottawa, February 8 to 10, and will bring together mayors, councillors, municipal staff, and sustainability professionals working in the private sector, not-for-profit organizations, and other orders of government.

Given the current context of tight municipal budgets, the 2012 edition of the conference will be devoted to initiatives that respect the environment and reduce operating costs while supporting the local economy.

"The conference is an excellent opportunity for municipalities to gain and share knowledge on sustainable development that is rooted in practical expertise acquired in the field," said Pauline Quinlan, mayor of the City of Bromont and FCM board member. "What better chance for Quebec municipalities to share their sustainable development expertise and learn more about municipal green projects from all over Canada?"

Through seminars, workshops, presentations, study tours and advanced training sessions, the conference will make the business case for sustainable development with a focus on seven key topic areas, including sustainable rural development, procurement, water, social and economic linkages to sustainability, building partnerships, financing sustainable infrastructure, and climate action.

The 2012 conference will pay special attention to small and medium-sized communities, and various sessions will be tailored to their needs. Delegates will be able to meet with representatives from small and rural municipalities to learn how they are going green.

The trade show will provide delegates with the opportunity to visit some fifty booths to find out about the latest green products and services.

Above all, information and knowledge sharing will be front and centre at the conference, enabling delegates to create their own networks for practical information, expertise and skills sharing.

FCM will also announce the winners of the Sustainable Communities Awards, which recognize exceptional municipal projects in nine categories. Previous winners of these awards include the cities of Victoriaville, Montréal and Gatineau - proof positive that Quebec municipalities are at the forefront of innovation.

Watch what delegates from previous editions of FCM's Sustainable Communities Conference had to say about the conference on FCM's website.

For those unable to attend the conference, many sessions will be webcast on FCM's website. Simultaneous translation will be provided throughout the conference and for the webcasts.

FCM encourages all delegates to report back to their council and colleagues to share the knowledge and expertise they acquire through this event. FCM will also provide summaries as well as PowerPoint presentations of most sessions.

To register or find out more about the 2012 Sustainable Communities Conference and Trade Show, visit FCM's website. Follow the conference on Twitter at #scc2012.