On January 27, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) announced the winners of the 2024 Sustainable Communities Awards, celebrating the most innovative sustainable initiatives across Canada. From flood mitigation strategies and waste reduction efforts to the integration of clean energy in affordable housing, nine remarkable projects in communities of all sizes were awarded for their commitment to improving the lives of Canadians and setting new standards for sustainability.
The Sustainable Communities Awards honour projects that achieve environmental responsibility and excellence while yielding social and economic benefits for their communities. This year, awards were presented in eight categories: community energy, waste, climate change mitigation, natural assets, sustainable buildings, transportation, climate adaptation, and Reconciliation and anti-racism, equity and inclusion (AREI).
FCM's Green Municipal Fund will host an award ceremony at the Sustainable Communities Conference 2025 on Tuesday, February 11 in Fredericton, New Brunswick. The event will provide an opportunity to celebrate the winning municipalities and showcase their impactful work to a wider audience.
2024 FCM Sustainable Communities Awards winners
Town of Bridgewater, Nova Scotia
Climate change mitigation
Energize Bridgewater: Energy poverty reduction program
Region of Waterloo, Ontario
Sustainable buildings
Redevelopment of Waterloo Region housing (420 Kingscourt Dr.)
Metro Vancouver, British Columbia
Community energy
Energy recovery policy and district energy projects
Durham Region, Ontario
Reconciliation and anti-racism, equity and inclusion (AREI)
Moving towards a flood resilient transportation system
District of Saanich, British Columbia
Transportation
Community e-bike incentive pilot program
Comox Valley Regional District, British Columbia
Climate adaptation
Dyke Road Park Green Shores demonstration site
Strathcona County, Alberta
Waste
HodgePodge Lodge
Ville de Longueuil, Quebec
Natural assets
Plan for the protection and conservation of Longueuil's natural environment
City of Surrey, British Columbia
Natural assets
Pilot testing living dykes in Mud Bay
Please read the backgrounder for more information and a quote about each project.
Quote
"In the face of increasing extreme weather events and the growing impacts of climate change, this year's Sustainable Communities Award winners highlight the vital role of Canadian municipalities in driving resilience and innovation. From clean energy to equity-focused climate adaptation, these projects are setting a bold standard for Canadian communities tackling urgent challenges while building a sustainable future. Congratulations to the winners for their visionary leadership."
Rebecca Bligh, FCM President and Vancouver City Council
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