Latest news with #RebeccaBligh
Cision Canada
15-07-2025
- Health
- Cision Canada
Government of Canada and FCM Invest $16.9 million to Grow Greener Communities and Enhance Wellbeing with Tree Planting Projects Français
OTTAWA, ON, /CNW/ - Tree canopy coverage plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in urban and rural environments. Healthy canopies offer a wide range of benefits to communities, including reduced risks of flooding and erosion, decreased heat island effects, improved air quality, increased biodiversity and enhanced mental and physical health. Today, the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, and Rebecca Bligh, President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), announced an investment of $16,886,020 to support communities in planting 77,000 new trees. The 27 projects receiving funding will result in 77,519 new trees planted in Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia, restoring or increasing canopy in rural and urban areas, enhancing recreational spaces, improving habitat connectivity, providing health benefits to residents and creating tree maintenance jobs. The funded projects will plant trees on streets and boulevards, in parks and recreational spaces, on private and institutional land, in residential areas and for ecological restoration and connectivity. Notable projects include: The City of Kitchener, ON, will plant 19,207 trees to enhance park spaces, expand naturalized areas and create habitat for wildlife and pollinators, while replacing trees that were lost to Emerald Ash Borer infestations. The project focuses on planting trees in areas with low canopy cover to reduce heat island effects and to ensure an equitable distribution of environmental benefits to all community members. The innovative tool the City developed to help prioritize tree planting in underserved areas was recognized with a Smart 20 Award from Smart Cities Connect. Assiniboine Park Conservancy, a not-for-profit organization working in partnership with City of Winnipeg, MB, will plant 600 trees in Assiniboine Park. The initiative aims to enrich the biodiversity, forest health and ecosystem services of the area, while addressing the loss of trees due to Dutch Elm disease and helping achieve 42% canopy coverage by 2065. The City of Charlottetown, PEI, in partnership with local watershed groups, will plant 1,200 trees and shrubs in 4 parks across the city. In the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona in 2022, the city lost an estimated 12,600 mature trees, dropping the canopy cover rate from 20.9% to 17.6%. The project is a key part of the city's efforts to restore canopy cover levels by 2034. The City of Ottawa, ON, working in partnership with EnviroCentre, a not-for-profit organization, will plant 3,750 trees on private residential lands. As approximately 40% of Ottawa's urban area is private property, planting on residential lands is an important opportunity to expand canopy cover and provide benefits to residents, like cleaning the air and reducing the impact of heat waves. Funding for these projects is being provided by the Government of Canada's 2 Billion Trees Program and delivered through FCM's Growing Canada's Community Canopies (GCCC) initiative. Announced in May 2024, GCCC will support the planting of at least 1.2 million new trees across Canada by the end of March 2031 while offering funding, resources and coaching to communities. Communities looking to expand their tree canopies can apply for funding until September 18, 2025. Tree planting funding will accept applications until September 18, 2025, for the 2026 planting season to support communities in expanding their canopies. For more information about funded projects, please see the backgrounder. "Trees are a powerful tool in building stronger, more-resilient communities. This project is a great example of local leadership driving national progress which will deliver meaningful benefits for Canadians and our environment. Through the 2 Billion Trees program, we are proud to partner with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities to grow greener, healthier and more-resilient neighbourhoods across the country for generations to come." — The Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources "This government is committed to protecting and restoring nature like never before. Planting trees is one of the most effective ways to fight climate change, improve air and water quality, protect biodiversity, create good jobs, and bring nature closer to Canadians. The thousands of trees being planted in communities across the country will provide health and ecological benefits for generations to come." — The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change "Trees are an essential part of the fabric of our communities, and the projects funded through GMF's Growing Canada's Community Canopies initiative will build greener and healthier spaces for all Canadians. Restoring and expanding tree canopies in communities through new tree planting efforts will protect and restore vital ecosystems and create local jobs while providing tangible health benefits to residents. Investing in our canopies today is an investment in the quality of life for generations to come." — Rebecca Bligh, FCM President About FCM's Green Municipal Fund FCM's Green Municipal Fund (GMF) is a globally unique organization providing funding and education to municipalities to help them both reach net-zero and build resilient communities, while also delivering economic and social benefits such as jobs, housing and infrastructure. Since inception in 2000, it has helped reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2.9 million tonnes, funded more than 13,000 person-years of employment, enabled nearly 30,000 sustainable affordable housing units, and contributed $1.24 billion to the national GDP via the more than 2,336 approved projects. GMF manages approximately $2.4 billion in programs funded by the Government of Canada. Quick facts GMF's Growing Canada's Community Canopies (GCCC) is a $291M initiative, ending in 2031, that supports planting new trees across the country. GCCC funds planting the right type of trees in the right places so that communities across Canada can grow, manage and protect their tree canopies. The initiative is designed with smaller, rural, and remote communities in mind to encourage local climate action while enhancing tree survivability rates, fostering equitable access to trees across communities. Trees offer vital ecosystem services to communities as they provide carbon sequestration, stormwater management, cooling and air filtration. For example, the annual value of ecosystem services by the Niagara Peninsula in Ontario is estimated at $331 million. Investing in green infrastructure delivers substantial returns. According to TD Economics, for every dollar spent on annual maintenance, Toronto's urban forest returns anywhere from $1.35 – $3.20 worth of benefits and cost savings each year. TD Economics (2014, June 9). Trees improve public health by reducing stress and air pollution. For example, PaRX is a nature prescription program that emphasizes nature as a tool for improving mental and physical health. Through a partnership with Tree Canada, urban forestry experts provide personalized support to tree planting funding applicants in the application and implementation phases of projects, bridging the urban forestry knowledge gap many communities face. The guidance from urban forestry coaches helps ensure high tree survivability rates and maximize the environmental and social impacts of planting projects. GCCC has produced an evolving suite of knowledge and training resources designed to enhance urban forestry expertise in Canadian communities. Resources cover topics from selecting the right species and planting site to putting equity at the centre of tree planting projects. Associated links Federation of Canadian Municipalities Green Municipal Fund Growing Canada's Community Canopies GCCC Tree planting funding GCCC Urban forestry coaching Government of Canada 2 Billion Trees Commitment Government of Canada 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan Tree Canada SOURCE Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM)
Hamilton Spectator
24-06-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
B.C.'s first ‘flying ferry' makes waves at the Squamish oceanfront
For video- In a demonstration that felt more like science fiction than public transit, an all-electric 'flying' ferry took to the waters of Howe Sound on June 23, showcasing its green technology. A flying ferry? Yes, you read that right. It uses hydro-foiling technology—'wings' that lift the vessel out of the water—only this one is fully electric. The Artemis EF-12 Escape, a zero-emission passenger vessel built by Belfast's Artemis Technologies, has arrived in B.C. in its latest run of demonstration voyages across North America. Leaving the Matthews West Harbour Air dock on Monday, June 23, hosts FRS Clipper and Greenline Ferries took The Squamish Chief, as well as representatives from the District of Squamish—including council members and Mayor Armand Hurford—representatives from the Squamish Chamber of Commerce, the downtown Squamish BIA, Tourism Squamish, Vancouver City council member Rebecca Bligh, and Sea to Sky MLA Jeremy Valeriote, in the Artemis EF-12 Escape for a literal spin around the harbour at 25 knots. The vessel's interior is comfortable and spacious, making up the 'premium' experience promised by Artemis Technologies, all with very little noise, which some may expect to be very much otherwise. Artemis Technologies states on its website that they aim to create 'a more sustainable maritime future… committed to pioneering sustainable solutions that tackle the global climate challenge.' 'We want to create a sustainable business to serve the people of Squamish, and we have to test certain things like speed, durability, and energy consumption,' said chief executive officer (CEO) of FRS Clipper, Mark Collins. 'This technology represents a fundamental change in operating costs; that's a game changer for the economics.' Other FRS Clipper and Greenline staff aboard explained how the vessel's technology works using hydro-foils, so as it accelerates and comes out of the water, 70 to 90% less energy is used for the engine. The foils or 'wings' can also be used to sail the boat, enabling it to turn at high speeds. With hydro foiling, in addition to the Artemis EF-12 Escape being made of lightweight carbon fibre, the vessel's weight is very limited; staff explained that the vessel's minimal weight also significantly reduces its wake. A boat's wake can disturb local life in waterways and the surrounding environment. 'The wake can damage the shoreline, and there are both cultural and economic problems with that,' said Collins, 'So, if you take out the wake, you reduce the chances of damage to people's private property, to cultural sites, archaeology, and history.' The electric vessel will have 'charge barges' (like EV stations); the founder and CEO of Greenline Ferries Callum Campbell, said that a trip to Bowen Island from downtown Vancouver, for example, could be done with charge only from Vancouver. However, if the vessel were to travel to downtown Vancouver from Squamish, which staff estimate would take just under an hour, it would need a charge at both docks. 'The ideal scenario [is] having charging everywhere so the [vessel] can always have an available fuel source, but you don't have to build up the system to the ideal right away; you do the operational plan with the infrastructure that you have for minimum viable service, and build up from there over time,' said Collins. The Artemis EF-12 Escape is the demonstrative vessel that is part of a wider sustainable transport project to be completed by 2027, which will feature larger passenger vessels, such as the Artemis EF-24 Passenger. The project will consist of an express ferry service between Gibsons, Bowen Island, and downtown Vancouver, taking approximately 56 minutes dock to dock at a maximum speed of 30 knots. FRS Clipper and Greenline Ferries staff said they plan to expand the express service to Victoria. Regarding Artemis Technologies' demonstrations taking place in B.C., Campbell explained Greenlines' affiliation and like-mindedness with the manufacturer. 'One thing we really want to showcase is that the technology is here, right? The engineers have done their work; the shipbuilders have done their work. 'This technology exists [in B.C.], so it's important for us to show that this is not one of our challenges in deployment and services; it is a big, ambitious project to bring in a new, all-electric ferry service into B.C.' Artemis Technologies is currently providing voyage demonstrations across North America; you can find more details about their technology and range of vessels to be launched on their website. Ina Pace is The Squamish Chief's Local Journalism Initiative (LJI) Reporter. This reporting was produced through the LJI, which supports original civic journalism across Canada. •Please note that The Squamish Chief updated this story after it was first published to include all the parties with representatives on the tour. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . 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CBC
19-06-2025
- Business
- CBC
Council approves extra $22.5M to move forward with Vancouver Aquatic Centre reno, 25-metre pool
Vancouver city councillors have voted to approve the park board's request for an additional $22.5 million in funding to renovate the Vancouver Aquatic Centre, bringing the price tag for the controversial project to $175 million. The decision came Wednesday night after several speakers, including multiple children, shared their opposition to replacing the existing 50-metre, Olympic-sized pool with a new 25-metre one, citing impacts to competitive swim training. After considering the potential impacts of a delay and the building's seismic safety, councillors voted 10-2 in favour of approving the funding. Coun. Peter Meiszner was absent, and Coun. Peter Fry abstained from voting due to a conflict of interest. "We're kinda stuck between a rock and a hard place right now," said Coun. Rebecca Bligh after the vote. The aging Vancouver Aquatic Centre made headlines in March 2022 after a large piece of the building's facade fell off. The centre has served as a premier sporting venue in Vancouver's densely populated West End since it opened in 1974, drawing swimmers, synchronized swimming teams, water polo players and divers for training and competitions. Recently, however, the pool has been described as being at "the end of its functional lifespan." A majority of voters in the 2022 municipal election supported the aquatic centre's renewal, but the first mention of a smaller 25-metre pool didn't come until February of this year — revealed in the design proposal brought forward by city staff — sparking outcry from the swimming community. Park board staff said it wasn't feasible to deliver a 50-metre pool within the existing building footprint while also meeting industry standards for maintenance and accessibility. The Vancouver Park Board approved the design the following month, subject to city council agreeing to an additional $22.5 million for the project — a request swimming advocates asked city council to reject, earlier this week. During the Wednesday meeting, one speaker said the park board has "lost the trust and confidence of the people of Vancouver and especially the swimming community." "No one voted for a lazy river and a 1,300-square-foot hot tub," said resident Scott Lear. "Vancouver just needs a 50-metre pool, it doesn't need a fancy designed building. It needs something functional first, and form second," he said. WATCH | Dozens speak out against aquatic centre proposal: Dozens show up to Vancouver Park Board meeting on controversial aquatic centre 4 months ago Duration 1:44 Dozens of people lined up to speak at Monday night's Vancouver Park Board meeting over a controversial new aquatic centre. The proposed redesign would replace a 50-metre pool with one half that size. As Meera Bains reports, swim clubs and other users are upset with the plan and loss of training space. One 10-year-old, Georgia Neill, who trains with the Canadian Dolphin Swim Club at the aquatic centre, appealed to councillors to "please think of other ways to keep our 50-metre pool, not for me or my teammates, but for all the people who signed the petition to say this is not what we want in Vancouver." Another young swimmer, Geoffrey Mu, said relocating the club and training to the Hillcrest Aquatic Centre, as park board staff have recommended, would make it difficult to attend practice, or force other members to consider joining another swim club. "If you support VAC's plan to change our 50-metre pool, you'll be taking away the future of many young swimmers including me," said the 12-year-old. WATCH | 50-metre pool not feasible, staff report says: City staff say 50-metre pool at Vancouver Aquatic Centre impossible without more money 3 months ago Duration 10:21 In the latest twist to the saga of the Vancouver Aquatic Centre renovation, park board staff released a final report that went back to the 25-metre pool that was initially proposed. While park board commissioners had directed staff to try to include a 50-metre pool in the renovation, Green commissioner Tom Digby says that it would be impossible without at least $50 million in funds that the city has not provided. Addressing the speakers after the vote, Bligh said she's not in favour of doing away with a 50-metre pool, but that she understands the need to upgrade the aquatic centre. She thanked speakers for their advocacy and acknowledged their concerns. "This is an impossible decision for me on the topic.... We have to get to a better solution here," Bligh said. "I'm not sure we're going to find it today, but I'm absolutely in your corner for what you shared and what you brought to the conversation today." The Vancouver Aquatic Centre is scheduled to close for the renovations in 2026 and reopen sometime in 2029.
Cision Canada
19-06-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
The Government of Canada and FCM invest $15 million to cut energy bills and pollution
, /CNW/ - Improving the energy efficiency of homes is a smart investment that helps homeowners lower home energy bills, reduce emissions, and create more comfortable living spaces, while also creating local jobs. Today, the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, and Rebecca Bligh, President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), announced a $15-million investment through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' Green Municipal Fund (GMF) to support an enhanced residential retrofit program in partnership with Saint John Energy. This funding, which includes a $5-million grant and a $10-million loan, will make it easier for homeowners to access financing for energy-saving upgrades such as insulation, heat pumps, and solar installations, as well as renewable energy options including photovoltaic solar panels and electric vehicle charging stations. It will significantly lower energy costs for homeowners who undertake the upgrades, while driving substantial benefits such as improved home comfort and quality. Importantly, residential loans will be repayable through Saint John Energy utility bills for increased convenience. This builds upon a well-established Saint John Energy program that enables customers to pay a monthly fee on their energy bills to rent energy products including heat pumps and hot water heaters. The upgrades will also significantly curb household greenhouse gas emissions and create economic benefits through local jobs in the construction, renovation and skilled trades sectors. In addition to helping homeowners save money and reduce emissions, the program is intentionally designed with scalability in mind. By documenting lessons learned and sharing tools and templates with partners, Saint John Energy will be supporting other communities that may be looking to implement similar home retrofit programs in the future. This project is funded through GMF's Community Efficiency Financing initiative, which leverages innovative financing models such as loan repayments on utility bills to transform how Canadians access and implement home energy upgrades that lower bills and improve home comfort. With over 40 programs already in action, which are enabling energy efficiency upgrades for thousands of Canadians, CEF proves that energy-efficient housing is within reach for all Canadians. About the FCM's Green Municipal Fund FCM's Green Municipal Fund (GMF) is a globally unique organization providing funding and education to municipalities to help them build sustainable, resilient communities, while also delivering economic and social benefits such as jobs, housing and infrastructure. Since inception in 2000, it has helped reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2.9 million tonnes, funded over 13,100 person-years of employment, enabled nearly 30,000 sustainable affordable housing units, and contributed $1.24 billion to the national GDP via more than 2,300 approved projects. GMF manages approximately $2.4 billion in programs funded by the Government of Canada. About Saint John Energy Saint John Energy, a trusted energy provider since 1922, delivers high-quality products and services to more than 36,000 homes and businesses in Saint John, New Brunswick. A top-rated utility renowned for innovation, reliability and top customer service, it is committed to being a national utility leader in the transition to net zero. For more information, visit Quotes "Energy efficiency means cost savings for Canadians—and a powerful opportunity to build a stronger, more sustainable future by helping homeowners lower their energy bills, reduce pollution, and creating good, local jobs, we are unlocking the full potential of our communities to lead in enhancing Canada's energy security and sustainable economy." The Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources "Canada's transition to becoming an energy superpower requires innovative solutions that help Canadians reduce costs while improving their quality of life through energy savings. By investing in residential energy efficiency, we are building healthy, sustainable communities, all while lowering Canadians' energy bills." The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change "Saint John Energy continues to punch above its weight, proving that a locally owned utility can be a national leader in innovation, sustainability and service. Its forward-thinking approach and exceptional customer focus are helping families lower costs while positioning our community at the forefront of Canada's clean energy transition. I'm proud to support programs like this, delivered through FCM and our government, that make life more affordable while tackling the climate crisis head-on." The Honourable Wayne Long, Member of Parliament for Saint John–Kennebecasis and Secretary of State for CRA and Financial Institutions "This investment helps Saint John families lower their energy bills while making energy efficiency more affordable. It also empowers homeowners to improve home comfort and curb emissions. Saint John Energy is proud to deliver a program that supports local jobs and strengthens our path to net zero, made possible through a shared vision and a strong partnership with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the federal government." Ryan Mitchell, President and CEO, Saint John Energy "With climate change, affordability and energy self-sufficiency being some of Canada's biggest challenges, GMF, supported by the Government of Canada, is proud to partner with Saint John Energy to enable local residents to make home energy upgrades that will lower their utility bills while also advancing sustainability objectives." Federation of Canadian Municipalities Green Municipal Fund Saint John Energy SOURCE Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM)
Cision Canada
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Cision Canada
Media Advisory - FCM releases vision for the future of Rural Canada Français
OTTAWA, ON, May 30, 2025 /CNW/ - The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) is releasing a comprehensive report on the future of rural Canada. The report is the first of its kind in seven years and reflects input from rural leaders across Canada. The report not only highlights today's most pressing issues but also outlines a practical path forward. It emphasizes how rural communities are essential to Canada's economic growth and calls for their inclusion as key decision-makers shaping the country's future. Date and time: Saturday, May 31, at 12:00 p.m. ET Location: Rogers Centre, Ottawa, 55 Colonel By Drive, room 211. Participants: Rebecca Bligh, FCM's President, and Vancouver, BC, Councillor Neal Comeau, FCM's Rural Forum Chair and Sturgeon County, AB, Councillor Kathy Valentino, FCM's Second Vice-President and Thompson, MB, Councillor Jacques Demers, President of la Fédération québécoise des municipalités and Sainte-Catherine-de-Hatley, QC, Mayor Brittany Merrifield, Town of Grand Bay-Westfield, NB, Mayor Scott Pearce, FCM's Past President, and Gore Township, QC, Mayor Notes for media: The Federation of Canadian Municipalities is the national voice of municipal governments, with over 2,000 members representing more than 92 percent of the Canadian population. SOURCE Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM)
