Fogo Island, Newfoundland and Labrador – Sustainable affordable housing solutions in local communities can contribute to both climate action and securing housing for low-income residents. Reducing energy consumption in these developments helps reduce emissions and they can also lower costs for Canadians.
Today the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, and Scott Pearce, President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, announced a series of investments totalling $82,300 through the Green Municipal Fund’s Sustainable Affordable Housing initiative to support the exploration of more affordable and energy-saving housing options in Atlantic Canada.
Résidences Cocagnes Inc., a new non-profit organization in the small rural community of Cocagne, New Brunswick, receives $25,000 to explore the feasibility of constructing a 20-unit, energy-efficient affordable housing building for seniors.
The Municipality of Saint-Isidore, New Brunswick, receives $20,000 to develop a plan to provide more affordable and sustainable housing for seniors in its community.
Fogo Island Growth Incorporated, a non-profit organization based in Newfoundland and Labrador, receives $19,220 to conduct an assessment to better understand the housing and sustainability needs of the coastal island community of Fogo Island.
The Spryfield Social Enterprise & Affordable Housing Society, a non-profit organization in Nova Scotia, receives $18,080 to study how best to incorporate green building practices and technologies into a 40-to-60-unit affordable housing project in Halifax.
The funding announced today comes from a $300-million endowment from the federal government to the Sustainable Affordable Housing initiative, which is part of a $950-million expansion of GMF in Budget 2019. This funding helps housing providers build new, affordable and net-zero housing or retrofit existing units for higher energy performance.
Quotes
“Today’s announcement in Atlantic Canada will support communities in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador in reducing household energy costs while creating a more sustainable and prosperous economy from coast to coast to coast.”
– The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
“By investing in energy-efficient housing, we are building healthy and sustainable communities in Atlantic Canada. Innovative housing solutions create jobs, build climate resilience, and make life more affordable. Initiatives like the one we are announcing today support the development of more affordable and energy-saving housing options in Atlantic Canada.”
– The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
“Seniors have built this country – and they deserve to retire in dignity. At a time when many seniors in Cocagne and across New Brunswick are finding it challenging to keep up with the cost of living, this investment is a meaningful step in offering them an affordable and comfortable place to enjoy their retirement.”
– The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs
“Today’s announcement in Nova Scotia furthers Halifax’s position as a leading city in sustainable development. These investments will advance the development of clean buildings across our community for a clean and prosperous future.”
– Andy Fillmore, Member of Parliament for Halifax
“Municipalities have influence over half of all greenhouse gas emissions in Canada. That is why it is so crucial that they and their partners in local communities are part of the solution to build a more sustainable Canada. Thanks to the funding announced today, FCM’s Green Municipal Fund is not only contributing to reducing energy consumption and emissions but it is also lowering costs for affordable housing tenants. Today is further proof that together, alongside the federal government and other partners, a greener and more affordable Canada is possible.”
– Scott Pearce, 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
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media@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca
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Carolyn Svonkin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
(343) 292-6837
Carolyn.svonkin@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca
FCM Media Relations
613-907-6395
media@fcm.ca