Since 2020, GMF’s $150-million Community Buildings Retrofit (CBR) initiative has been helping municipalities of all sizes across Canada transform their community spaces through energy upgrades.
CBR impacts:
- $90+ million allocated to 199 projects across 9 provinces
- 51 community buildings are being retrofitted across Canada
- 125 feasibility studies underway to guide the most impactful retrofits
- 6,750 tonnes of CO₂ emissions expected to be reduced annually
By investing in their community buildings, municipalities are reducing energy use and maintenance costs, creating local jobs, and improving comfort and services for residents—all while cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
FCM’s Community Buildings Retrofit initiative is delivered through our Green Municipal Fund and funded by the Government of Canada.
Funding update
Community Buildings Retrofit (CBR) funding applications are now closed.
GMF remains committed to helping municipalities and their partners plan and deliver impactful community building projects. Funding for community buildings will become available again in early 2026 through GMF’s Sustainable Municipal Buildings (SMB) offer.
This transition will provide municipalities and their partners with a clear, streamlined path to fund retrofits and new construction projects for municipally owned buildings (i.e. town halls, indoor swimming pools, libraries, emergency centres, etc.).
As the CBR initiative nears the end of its funding window on March 31, 2026, any unallocated funds from CBR may be reallocated to SMB to support new community building construction projects under that offer.
More information
If you have concerns about the future of a CBR project, please contact a GMF advisor at gmfinfo@fcm.ca, 1-877-417-0550, or book a meeting.
Stay informed about new and returning funding opportunities by subscribing to GMF’s newsletter, Connect.
Funding applications are now closed
Feasibility study: Green Buildings Pathway
Funding to explore opportunities for energy-saving upgrades that lower costs and improve the performance of your community buildings
Read moreCapital project: GHG impact retrofit
Funding for upgrades that reduce energy use and operating costs in your community buildings.
Read moreCapital project: Green Buildings Pathway retrofit
Funding for long-term, energy-saving projects that reduce maintenance costs and improve comfort in your community buildings.
Read more
Factsheets: Community Buildings Retrofit initiative
Learn how to retrofit existing community buildings to lower GHG emissions and extend their life cycle. View moreFeatured resources
Whether you’re in the early stages of planning or are ready to implement energy upgrades to community buildings, GMF resources will always be available on our website to support you at every stage of the process.
Guide: Taking your indoor ice rink to net zero
Learn how to develop an actionable roadmap to net zero ice rinks
Read moreGuide: Taking your indoor swimming pool to net zero
Key measures and lessons learned to help you build a net-zero plan
Read moreE-learning courses: Tackling energy use in your municipal and community buildings
Learn how to improve the energy performance of buildings in your municipality
Read moreGuides: Equity and non-energy benefits of community building retrofits
Explore how retrofits can build more equitable and resilient municipalities.
Read moreToolkit: Improving energy efficiency in Alberta community buildings
Insights and proven approaches from municipalities across Alberta
Read moreResource library: Community Buildings Retrofit
Practical knowledge to support your local facility upgrade
Read moreHave questions about Community Buildings Retrofit?
Contact our Outreach team who can answer any questions you have relating to this funding opportunity.
Take me to CBR funding offer
Get funding to retrofit existing community recreation and cultural facilities.
Delivered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, GMF manages approximately $2.4B in programs funded by the Government of Canada.