Feds, FCM launch Community Buildings Retrofit initiative
The federal government and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) are aiming to help municipalities build more greenhouse-gas reduction projects.
The groups announced the launch of the Community Buildings Retrofit initiative on April 15.
Funded by a $167-million federal investment in FCM’s Green Municipal Fund, the program helps Canadian municipalities and not-for-profit organizations retrofit and make other upgrades to buildings. The aim of the program is to improve communities’ energy performance, lower their operating costs and extend the life of community buildings such as arenas, pools, libraries and recreation and cultural centres.
“Community buildings, such as libraries and arenas, are at the centre of our communities from coast to coast to coast,” said Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkinson. “Upgrading these important public spaces is a critical part of our plan to cut pollution and fight climate change, while creating jobs across the country. Through programs like the Community Buildings Retrofit initiative, we are building a cleaner, healthier future for our children and grandchildren.”
The retrofit initiative will provide grants and loans to fund a portion of each project. FCM expects to disburse the full program funding over the next six years, with projects selected for funding based on innovation.
To be eligible for the program, a project must achieve a reduction in GHG emission of at least 30 percent compared to baseline emissions. Eligible projects may be a single community building retrofit, or a portfolio that could include a series of buildings in one or several municipalities.
The program provides a combined loan and grant for up to 80 percent of eligible project costs to a maximum of $5 million per project. Up to 25 percent of the funding is provided as a grant; the remainder is a loan.
All Canadian municipal governments are eligible to apply, with the exception of Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Halifax Regional Municipality—all of which are already enrolled in the Low Carbon Cities Canada network.
“Whether big or small, local governments are at the heart of climate action,” said FCM president Garth Frizzell. “With community buildings like arenas, pools and recreation centres emitting some of the highest levels of municipal GHGs, successful retrofit projects can have a significant impact on climate change efforts. Together, we can improve our community infrastructure and work to meet Canada’s climate change goals.”
This program is part of a $950-million federal investment in the Green Municipal Fund designed to scale up energy efficiency and lower emissions across Canada. It is complemented by new measures in Canada’s strengthened climate plan to support green and inclusive community buildings through retrofits, repairs, upgrades and new builds.
By supporting municipalities in pursuing these projects, the initiative also aims to create jobs in communities and create retrofit models that can be replicated across Canada to ramp up local employment while reducing GHG emissions at the local level.