In a recent release, the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Canadian Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and Jenny Gerbasi, President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), have announced funding for 72 Smart City initiatives in communities across Canada through three funding programs: the Municipalities for Climate Innovation Program (MCIP), the Municipal Asset Management Program (MAMP), and the Green Municipal Fund (GMF).
Communities across the North American country want to be sure they are investing their infrastructure money wisely, and that they are aware of and ready to adapt to the potential effects of climate change as they make local infrastructure investment decisions. The projects announced today will demonstrate the work being done on these fronts in municipalities large and small, according to the statement.
"Helping Canadian municipalities make informed decisions on infrastructure investment based on sound asset management practices will make infrastructure dollars go further and will benefit Canadians for years to come,” said Sohi. “The Government of Canada is thrilled to make important investments in green infrastructure projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, help prepare communities for the challenges that result from climate change and help build healthy, liveable, cleaner more sustainable communities."
The City of Coquitlam, British Columbia, is studying new and emerging technologies to harvest and store sources of renewable energy in order to reduce corporate emissions. And in Québec, the City of Gatineau is carrying out a climate change adaptation feasibility study which will strategically increase the quality and quantity of vegetation and open green spaces. These types of projects are crucial as communities tackle climate change and its environmental impacts.
The Town of Smoky Lake, Alberta is completing an inventory and collecting data on the condition of their community's buildings, and using this information to create a 10-year plan for their infrastructure assets. Richibucto, New Brunswick is identifying and filling data gaps through data collection to help them create an asset management plan for the community's assets.
The City of Kingston is completing a feasibility study on the complete restoration of a vacant former factory to establish a new multi-use commercial property designed to high environmental standards.
"I'm proud of the leadership being demonstrated by municipalities across the country. Local leaders are embarking on some of the most innovative solutions to address the impacts of climate change and reduce greenhouse gases,” said Gerbasi. “At the same time, they are taking steps to strengthen decision-making on infrastructure spending, which has a major impact on the day-to-day lives of their residents. Continuing to support this on-the-ground expertise is vital to building the Canada we want."