Ottawa – In communities across the country, Canadians are experiencing the impacts of climate change. By investing in initiatives that lower emissions and increase the resiliency of communities, we are creating jobs and building Canada’s low-emission energy future.
The Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Natural Resources and Joanne Vanderheyden, President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), today announced an investment of one million dollars through FCM’s Green Municipal Fund (GMF) to help reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improve the quality of water and land in communities across Alberta.
The Town of Crossfield will receive $363,950 to test whether Swirltex Lagoon Unit technology can eliminate the need for constructing additional lagoon cells at the town’s existing water treatment facility. This would meet the demand of a growing population and enhance water quality in the Nose Hill watershed.
Brazeau County will receive $260,880 for a pilot project to assess the use of constructed floating wetlands to treat municipal sewage in waste stabilization ponds and improve the quality of wastewater before it is discharged into the environment.
The University of Calgary supported by the City of Calgary will receive $175,000 to conduct a feasibility study on decarbonizing the university’s main campus district energy system which is responsible for approximately 60 percent of its annual GHG emissions.
The City of Leduc will receive $135,690 to assess environmental site conditions and develop a risk management or remedial action plan for its Public Services Main Shop and Public Services Storage Yard. Previous studies identified high chloride concentration and the presence of a chloride plume originating from the study area and migrating into nearby Telford Lake.
The City of Brooks will receive $82,000 in funding to undertake a feasibility study to determine whether significant capital and operating cost savings can be achieved through the design of an innovative wetland-based wastewater treatment system. This would address the insufficient storage capacity of the current wastewater lagoons that are also in breach of provincial regulatory requirements.
The Town of Canmore will receive $42,050 in funding to conduct a study to identify renewable energy or low-carbon energy projects that it could pursue to meet its greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. Along with the expected GHG reductions, the study will examine the technical feasibility and financial and risk implications associated with each possible project.
The Town of High River will receive $35,150 to conduct a technical and financial feasibility study of constructing a pedestrian and cyclist bridge across the Highwood River to enhance the community’s connectivity and activity.
These varied initiatives highlight some of the ways GMF continues to build on its 20-year record of supporting transformative environmental initiatives at the municipal level. The Government of Canada has invested $1.65 billion in GMF since its inception, enabling municipalities to support projects like these that leverage local resources to drive innovative solutions.
Quotes
“Our cities and communities influence half of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions. That means local action is critical. With support from the Green Municipal Fund, this is what’s happening: municipalities of all sizes are implementing smart low-carbon solutions. Empowering this local expertise is vital to meeting Canada’s climate goals. When orders of government work together to reduce emissions, we’re building more resilient communities.”
– Joanne Vanderheyden, President, Federation of Canadian Municipalities
“Local green solutions create jobs, lower emissions and build a more prosperous and sustainable economy for all. This is how we get to net-zero by 2050.”
– The Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Natural Resources
“Cities are key partners in pioneering practical climate solutions. Through the Green Municipal Fund we’re supporting municipalities in their efforts to lower emissions through projects like energy efficient retrofits, electric and hybrid electric transit pilots and efficiencies in wastewater treatment. By working together, we can create good jobs and grow the economy, protect the environment, and build cleaner, more inclusive communities.”
– The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
“Canadians in communities across the country are working hard to cut pollution and create jobs. Improvements like these in Alberta will help municipalities reduce emissions and save on energy costs, while ensuring cleaner air and cleaner water for our children and grandchildren.”
– The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
Associated links
Green Municipal Fund
Investing in Canada: Canada's Long-Term Infrastructure Plan
Investing in Canada plan project map
Contacts
FCM Media Relations
613-907-6395
media@fcm.ca
Ian Cameron
Senior Communications Advisor
Office of the Minister of Natural Resources
613-447-3488
Ian.Cameron@canada.ca
Media Relations
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
343-292-6100
NRCan.media.RNCan@canada.ca
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