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), announced an investment of $175,000 on August 10 through FCM's Green Municipal Fund (GMF) to lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and drive cost savings in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.
The City of Yellowknife will receive $175,000 to complete a study to evaluate the feasibility of a turn-key residential energy-efficiency financing program. The study seeks to address various existing barriers, including high upfront costs for energy. Benefits of a successful program would include reduced energy consumption from residential buildings with a target of 100 homes for a four-year program, increased accessibility of retrofit financing, and potential job creation in the region.
GMF's Community Efficiency Financing initiative helps communities of all sizes implement innovative local financing programs that directly help homeowners cut their GHG emissions, make their homes more energy-efficient, comfortable, and affordable, and create local jobs to keep the local economy moving.
These initiatives highlight some of the ways GMF continues to build on its 20-year record of supporting transformative environmental initiatives at the community level. The Government of Canada has invested $1.65 billion in GMF since its inception, enabling municipalities to support projects like this that leverage local resources to drive innovative solutions.
Quotes
"Canadians want new ways to make their homes energy efficient and affordable. FCM's Green Municipal Fund can enable more local action, right in their homes, and help achieve Canada's climate change goals. GMF is empowering municipalities, big and small, to get results on the ground. Today's (August 10) announcement helps communities build better lives for Canadians with more energy-efficient homes."
Joanne Vanderheyden, President, Federation of Canadian Municipalities
"Improvements in energy efficiency are our 'hidden fuel' - they help us exceed our climate goals. These local green solutions create jobs, lower emissions and build a more prosperous and sustainable economy for everyone. 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
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