Canada Invests $85.5 Million in Green Municipal Fund to Advance Sustainable Affordable Housing

As part of its effort to combat climate change, the Canadian government has announced an $85.5 million investment in the Green Municipal Fund's Sustainable Affordable Housing stream. This initiative will support 21 capital and pilot projects, as well as planning and feasibility studies, aimed at creating energy-efficient, climate-resilient, and affordable housing solutions for communities across the country.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Canadian government has committed $85.5 million to support sustainable affordable housing projects through the Green Municipal Fund's Sustainable Affordable Housing stream.
  • The investment will fund 21 capital and pilot projects, as well as planning and feasibility studies, in communities of all sizes.
  • The projects aim to develop and scale innovative housing solutions that are affordable, energy-efficient, and climate-resilient.
  • One of the capital projects, a deep energy retrofit of 59 townhouse units at the Sundance Housing Co-operative in Edmonton, Alberta, has reduced total building energy use by up to 94 percent.
  • The Sundance Housing Co-operative retrofit is the first panelized retrofit of its kind for a Canadian co-operative housing provider.
  • The government is committed to ensuring every Canadian has a safe, affordable place to call home, and this investment will help build and retrofit housing that meets the needs of families today and prepares for the challenges of tomorrow.
  • Buildings, including homes, are Canada's third-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, and greening our buildings is key to lowering emissions and achieving the country's net-zero commitments by 2050.

Statistics:

  • $85.5 million: the total investment in the Green Municipal Fund's Sustainable Affordable Housing stream.
  • 21: the number of capital and pilot projects funded through the initiative.
  • 59: the number of townhouse units deep energy retrofitted at the Sundance Housing Co-operative in Edmonton, Alberta.
  • Up to 94 percent: the reduction in total building energy use achieved through the Sundance Housing Co-operative retrofit.
  • Over 96 percent: the percentage of direct building emissions in Canada that come from space and water heating.
  • 2050: the target year for Canada to achieve net-zero commitments.

Sources:

  • Natural Resources Canada
  • The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure
  • The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
  • The Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
  • The Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Prairies Economic Development Canada