Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Government of Canada and Federation of Canadian Municipalities this week announced more than $15.2 million for four projects that will reduce emissions and increase the sustainability of buildings in Ontario.
The City of Guelph receives $15 million ($5 million in grants and $10 million in loans) for Guelph’s Greener Homes initiative – a residential home energy-efficiency retrofit program that will help residents reduce emissions and make their homes more affordable. Administered by the city, the program will provide loans up to $50,000 to upgrade the energy efficiency in homes and install solar panels to generate renewable energy.
“Heating and cooling buildings makes up a large percentage of greenhouse gas emissions, second only to transportation. It is critical for the federal government to support homeowners who are working to accelerate our path to net zero through programs like Guelph’s Greener Homes initiative. The Climate Change Accountability Act we passed will keep track of progress, and we want Guelph to be in a lead position of communities that are taking the climate crisis seriously,” said Lloyd Longfield, MP for Guelph.
In addition, three feasibility studies will also receive support:
- Brantford – $195,000 to study ways to reduce GHG emissions at the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre, the Lion’s Park Arena, and the Brantford and District Civic Centre. The city hopes to reduce energy consumption by 50 percent within 10 years and by 80 percent within 20 years, ultimately reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.
- Waterloo Region – $67,200 to study two scenarios to reduce GHG emissions in four of its community buildings.
- Halton Region – $28,970 to assess the feasibility of constructing a net-zero energy district facility for the Halton Regional Police Service to help the police force deliver services to Halton Hills and Milton.
The Federation of Canadian Municipalities administers the Green Municipal Fund through an endowment by the Government of Canada. Since 2000, it has funded about $1.11 billion in sustainability initiatives including support of green buildings, energy efficiency and buildings retrofits.
“By investing in energy-efficient housing, we are reducing GHG emissions coming from the buildings sector and building healthy and sustainable communities. Canada’s ongoing transition to a net-zero emissions economy requires innovative housing solutions that create jobs and build climate resilience while making life more affordable through energy savings,” said Steven Guilbeault, minister of environment and climate change. “Today’s announcement will help communities in Southern Ontario reduce their emissions and make their homes more affordable and energy efficient.”