FCM’s Sustainable Communities Awards

Municipality and award category

Town of Bridgewater,
Nova Scotia
Climate change mitigation

Energize Bridgewater: Energy poverty reduction program

This project reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while tackling energy poverty by providing easy access to an innovative energy monitoring technology, a technical and financial navigation program for deep energy retrofits—created in partnership with Efficiency Nova Scotia and Clean Foundation—and a navigation program for comprehensive social support services that address housing insecurity and homelessness, delivered by the South Shore Open Doors Association. Read the full case study.
 

Region of Waterloo,
Ontario
Sustainable buildings

Redevelopment of Waterloo Region housing (420 Kingscourt Dr.)

Aiming to be completed in the summer 2025, this energy-efficient building will provide 73 households with affordable housing and amenity spaces for community programming. This project is also piloting a Community Benefits Program to support the inclusion of a diverse labour force, with an emphasis on reaching groups who are underrepresented in the construction industry. Read the full case study.
 

Metro Vancouver,
British Columbia
Community energy

Energy recovery policy and district energy projects

This first-of-its-kind policy and implementation guide is leading the way to the creation of district energy facilities that convert waste heat into usable energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and displacing natural gas use. Six sewer and effluent heat recovery projects are already in the works across Greater Vancouver, such as the the Sen̓ áḵw district energy project, a partly First Nations-led initiative that will provide low carbon sustainable energy for over 6,000 rental units in the City of Vancouver. Read the full case study.
 

Durham Region,
Ontario
Reconciliation and anti-racism, equity and inclusion (AREI)

Moving towards a flood resilient transportation system

This flood risk assessment analyzed existing flood- and climate-related data with an innovative social equity lens to ensure that transportation assets and financial planning considers increasing flood risks and other climate change impacts, while prioritizing infrastructure that supports vulnerable communities and social services. Read the full case study.
 

District of Saanich,
British Columbia
Transportation

Community e-bike incentive pilot program

To help lower transportation emissions and reach the city’s climate goals, this income-based incentive pilot program supports residents in purchasing electric bikes. Over 380 incentives have been distributed, and the program has since been a model for similar initiatives in B.C. and North America. Research indicates both a major reduction in GHG emissions and the long-lasting satisfaction of participants. Read the full case study.
 

Comox Valley Regional District, British Columbia
Climate adaptation

Dyke Road Park Green Shores demonstration site

To adapt to increasing flooding impacts, this park restoration project is upgrading outdated infrastructure and restoring natural processes with the guidance of the Green Shores framework and principles, all with input and support from five land use authorities, including leaders from the K’ómoks First Nation. Read the full case study.
 

Strathcona County,
Alberta
Waste

HodgePodge Lodge

This community hub is diverting an impressive amount of waste from landfills by offering opportunities to reuse items that can’t easily be recycled and promoting a circular economy. Residents can both donate items and take things they need for free. The Lodge also provides opportunities for volunteerism and community partnerships. Read the full case study.
 

Ville de Longueuil,
Quebec
Natural assets

Plan for the protection and conservation of Longueuil's natural environment

This project executes strategic planning to protect and restore existing natural spaces, while also increasing the natural environment by 1,500 hectares, which will result in 21 percent of the city being protected. This plan aims to increase regional biodiversity and a resilience to climate impacts, while also offering citizens greater access to green spaces. Read the full case study.
 

City of Surrey,
British Columbia
Natural assets

Pilot testing living dykes in Mud Bay

In collaboration with Semiahmoo First Nation and the City of Delta, this project explores the use of different nature-based assets throughout 27 test areas to protect one kilometer of coastal infrastructure from flooding and erosion, all while supporting the habitat of existing local species and restoring a carbon sequestering salt marsh. Read the full case study.