Ontario Construction News staff writer
The federal government says it will launch of a program across Canada to support green and inclusive community buildings through retrofits, repairs, upgrades, and new builds.
The Strengthened Climate Plan is expected to provide $1.5 billion in funding over the next five years to projects that improve “the places where Canadians gather, access services, and connect with others in the community, while saving energy, cutting pollution, and offering thousands of good jobs.”
Some examples of projects that could benefit from this initiative include: the construction of an Indigenous cultural centre built to green specifications; and other such projects that would reduce energy and waste, improve ventilation and contribute to inclusive community spaces.
Information about the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program may be found on the Infrastructure Canada website. Interested governments, not-for-profit and Indigenous governments, governing bodies and organizations are invited to apply.
Applicants with small and medium retrofit projects to existing community buildings will be accepted on a continuous basis and funded on a rolling intake basis.
Those with large retrofit projects to existing community buildings or new community building projects will be accepted through a competitive intake process. The deadline for receipt of applications for the scheduled intake stream is July 6.
Projects could include the installation of energy efficient windows in public libraries and construction of an Indigenous cultural centre built to green specifications.
“Our community buildings, like arenas, libraries and recreation centres, are important parts of our towns and cities across the country. Upgrading our existing community buildings and building new, green centres will help Canadians create healthier and more vibrant communities. By working together, we can cut pollution, help communities save on energy costs, and create good jobs,” said Jonathan Wilkinson, minister of environment and climate change.
Local governments, provincial and territorial governments, and not-for-profit and Indigenous organizations may now apply for funding through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program for projects that retrofit or build new publicly-accessible buildings that provide services to the public. At least 10 per cent of this funding will be allocated to projects serving First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, including Indigenous populations in urban centres.
“Making ‘Every Building Greener’ is critical for Canada’s sustainable development and net-zero emissions future. This means that the environmental, social and economic benefits of green buildings need to reach every corner of our country,” said Thomas Mueller, president and CEO, Canada Green Building Council. “In addition to the positive environmental outcomes, green building has the power to improve occupant health, promote well-being and support learning outcomes – benefits that all Canadians should enjoy.”
Announced in December 2020, Canada’s Strengthened Climate Plan includes 64 new measures and $15 billion in investments towards a healthy environment and economy, including $1.5 billion over five years for green and inclusive community buildings.