Across Canada and around the globe, cities are taking action on climate change. The next ten years is pivotal for society to scale up transformative solutions to the challenges that climate change will bring to our landscapes and our communities. Cities cannot do it alone. All levels of government, and all sectors have a role to play in creating a sustainable future.
Our role? We are a critical source of funding, training and skill building for Alberta’s environmental community. That’s why we are taking a moment to celebrate the arrival of our $43.4 million endowment from the Government of Canada.
“We thank the Government of Canada for this strategic and timely investment to support urban climate action,” says Pat Letizia, President & CEO of Alberta Ecotrust. “As a founding member of Low Carbon Cities Canada and trusted local partner, we now have the means to leverage new funding and financing opportunities in Alberta’s two largest cities.”
These funds are part of a $183 million initiative called Low Carbon Cities Canada (LC3) and will support Alberta Ecotrust in hosting two LC3 centres in Calgary and Edmonton. LC3 supports cities and communities in reaching their carbon emissions reduction potential, while improving public health and the local economy. This initiative, implemented in partnership among seven local centres and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, is funded by the Government of Canada. It is part of a national investment in municipal climate action to accelerate urban climate solutions, and to meet Canada’s 2030 and 2050 carbon reduction targets.
What does this mean for Alberta?
Partnering with the two largest municipalities in Alberta, Alberta Ecotrust is launching the Climate Innovation Fund to support activities that reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Calgary and Edmonton.
We’ll support innovative climate action through:
- Strategic Projects & Programming
- Grants
- Direct Investment
Across three focus areas:
- Building Better & Retrofitting Wiser
- Moving on Mobility
- Decarbonization & Renewable Energy
The Climate Innovation Fund does not duplicate work, but fills the gaps, embracing the strengths of an already active, creative and diverse climate action ecosystem in Alberta.
The network approach through LC3 means we will share our successes and leverage actions from across the country to help Calgary and Edmonton meet their climate targets.
We will launch programs later this year. We can’t wait to share the details – who will be eligible, what we’re looking for, and how you can interact with our programs. Stay tuned!
Quotes
“Improvements in energy efficiency will get us a third of the way to our Paris targets. Urban climate centres in Edmonton and Calgary will grow our economy, save Canadians money and create jobs. This is how we get to net zero,” said Seamus O’Regan Jr., Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources.
“Cities play a key role in tackling climate change. The Government of Canada is helping to support urban climate solutions such as building retrofits and electric vehicles. Local solutions to local challenges will result in better jobs, more inclusive communities and practical solutions to climate change,” added Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities.
“Climate solutions require leadership from all levels of government and municipalities are helping to lead the way. This funding will help workers prepare for and participate in the low carbon economy, cut pollution and create healthier communities,” stated Jonathan Wilkinson, Canada’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change.
“Local climate solutions are critical to meeting Canada’s climate goals. This investment will help Calgary and Edmonton reach their full emissions-cutting power. We already see our cities leading the way on low-carbon innovation, and this investment in Alberta Ecotrust will help us go further — to build green and innovative solutions that build better lives for Canadians,” said Garth Frizzell, President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
“This is an investment in Calgary’s future. Natural disasters have been far too common here, and taking real action against the impacts of climate change requires access to the finances required. I welcome this endowment and the work it will support in building, retrofitting, mobility, and renewable energy opportunities,” said Mayor Naheed Nenshi, the City of Calgary.
“These funds will advance the City’s climate action plans by helping to grow the innovation ecosystem in Edmonton and diversify our economy to prepare for a low carbon future. I’m excited to see the impact the Edmonton Climate Innovation Fund will have on our city as it invests in local, innovative solutions that support our energy transition goals and help contribute to our long-term prosperity,” said Mayor Don Iveson, the City of Edmonton.
About Low Carbon Cities Canada
The Low Carbon Cities Canada (LC3) network is a partnership between seven local centres—Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Halifax—and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities intended to accelerate urban climate solutions and help Canada meet its 2030 and 2050 carbon reduction targets.
The LC3 initiative helps cities reduce their carbon footprint by identifying, capitalizing and testing local solutions such as building retrofits, distributed renewable power, zero waste circular economy, electrification of transportation, shared mobility, and integrating transportation with land use patterns.
About Alberta Ecotrust Foundation
Alberta Ecotrust is a registered environmental charity. We partner across boundaries to mobilize and inspire those who champion and protect the environment towards a vision of healthy ecosystems for all Albertans. Through grantmaking, coordinated action and tireless collaboration, Alberta Ecotrust activates our shared sense of responsibility to cultivate a healthier society and natural environment. We welcome you to contribute to our work.
For more information contact
Teigan Kopec, Communications Manager
403 209 2245 x 205
[email protected]