Winkler, Manitoba — In communities across the country, Canadians are experiencing the impacts of climate change. By investing in initiatives that lower emissions and increase resiliency, we are not only protecting our communities’ well-being but are also creating jobs and building Canada’s clean energy future.
Today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, and Rebecca Bligh, President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), announced an investment of $500,000 through the Green Municipal Fund to support the pilot of a three-year on-demand, door-to-door transportation service in the City of Winkler.
Scheduled to launch on November 27, the pilot is anticipating conducting 11,000 trips per year, while aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30.8 tonnes of CO2 per year by having fewer vehicles on the road and encouraging group transit. If proven successful, lessons learned from the pilot could help small and remote communities provide more public transportation options, especially for those with mobility challenges or who do not have access to a personal vehicle.
The pilot builds on findings from a previous GMF-supported feasibility study in Winkler that explored viable public transportation options, including the ride-sharing program being piloted.
About the FCM’s Green Municipal Fund:
GMF is a globally unique organization providing funding and education to municipalities to help them both reach net-zero and build resilient communities, while also delivering economic and social benefits such as jobs, housing and infrastructure. Since inception in 2000, it has helped reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2.9 million tonnes, funded over 13,000 person-years of employment, supported over 30,000 sustainable affordable housing units, and contributed $1.24 billion to the national GDP via the more than 2,300 approved projects. GMF manages approximately $2.4 billion in programs funded by the Government of Canada.
Quotes
“Energy efficiency means cost savings for Canadians. At a time when we are facing challenges with affordability and climate change, this partnership with the Municipality of Clarington supports a long-term approach to energy efficient improvements that make it more affordable to reduce energy use and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Projects like this are showcasing the real-world benefits outlined in Canada’s Green Buildings Strategy, which is a plan to save Canadians money, create jobs and seize the economic opportunities of a sustainable future.”
—The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
“Investing in public transportation at the local level creates jobs and reduces long-term costs and greenhouse gas emissions for a safer and more resilient future for residents of municipalities like the City of Winkler. With smart and diverse investments, our communities are building Canada’s green economy for years to come.”
—The Honourable Steven Guilbeault Minister of Environment and Climate Change
“The transportation sector is responsible for approximately 25 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in Canada. Municipalities are rising to the challenge, seeking innovative ways to reduce pollution while enhancing the quality of life for their residents. The City of Winkler's pilot project exemplifies this spirit, aiming to decrease the number of vehicles on the road while providing essential services to those in need. Initiatives like this reflect the purpose of the Green Municipal Fund, empowering effective solutions to some of Canada's most pressing challenges. Each day, from coast to coast and in communities of all sizes, we are working together to build a brighter, more sustainable Canada.”
—Rebecca Bligh, FCM President
Associated links
Federation of Canadian Municipalities
Green Municipal Fund
2030 Emissions Reduction Plan: Clean Air, Strong Economy
Contacts
Natural Resources Canada
Media Relations
343-292-6100
media@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca
Cindy Caturao
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
613-795-5638
cindy.caturao@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca
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FCM Media Relations
613-907-6395
media@fcm.ca