Frequently Asked Questions

Categories and nominations Meet the judges Webinar

What’s in it for me?

Increase the profile of your sustainability initiative and make a difference in municipalities across Canada: Nominate a sustainability initiative that can be replicated by others and help municipalities big and small tackle local priorities.

Attend FCM’s Sustainable Communities Conference, free of charge:

• Receive an award at the award ceremony.  
• Give a TED Talk-style presentation at the conference that will be recorded and shared through GMF’s channels (see examples from the 2023 Sustainable Communities Conference).
• Receive individual coaching on public-speaking and support to deliver your presentation.  
• Connect with sustainability leaders from across Canada and discover new ways of approaching sustainability challenges.
• FCM will cover the cost of conference registration and certain travel-related costs for award winners who are travelling outside of their region (for an in-person event). This subsidy is awarded based on need. Contact us to see if you are eligible.
• Each winning project will receive one (1) complimentary full pass to the conference.

Learn from past winners about how winning an Award has helped them share their sustainability success stories during our online event on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 2 p.m. ET. Register today. 

I’m from a small municipality. Why should I nominate a project for an award?

We encourage communities of all sizes from across the country to apply for the awards. We recognize that innovation can mean different things in different contexts and that the most inspiring and creative ideas don’t have to come from those who have the most to invest. Our judges will consider the benefits of your initiative to your local community and the overall quality of your application.

The Town of Bridgewater, home to approximately 8,790 residents in Nova Scotia, won a Sustainable Community Award for a project that reduces GHG emissions while tackling energy poverty by using leading-edge energy monitoring technology, an innovative client-oriented navigation program, and comprehensive social support services that address housing insecurity and homelessness. 

Where can I find more information about the Sustainable Communities Conference?

The Sustainable Communities Conference is taking place in February 2027 in Ottawa, Ontario. This conference brings together municipal sustainability practitioners and local leaders from across Canada to learn from each other and share actionable steps in building an affordable, net-zero future. Discover proven best practices in fostering energy independence and a strong domestic economy anchored in climate-ready infrastructure.

Find more information on our website.

How do I nominate a project for an award?

The nomination process for the Sustainable Communities Awards takes place entirely online. Simply click here and enter answers to the questions on the form. Make sure to upload relevant files and photos.

Please submit your completed nomination form by June 28, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET to be considered for an award.

If we require any additional information about your nomination, we will contact you directly.

How do I craft a compelling nomination?

Consider these key elements for a better chance of winning an Award:

• Include real results and concrete examples of impact when possible.
• Include data and metrics when possible.
• Focus on what makes your project creative and innovative.
• Add photos and relevant documents.
• Add details.

How do I know if I am eligible?

All Canadian municipalities and their partners are eligible to apply for a Sustainable Communities Award. All awards are open to projects that have been started or completed within the last three years (since January 1, 2023). We encourage communities of all sizes from across the country to nominate a project for an award.  

Please note that consultants and other partners may apply on behalf of their partner municipality but must indicate at least one contact who works at the municipality.

You should also be able to comfortably answer questions about:

• The environmental, social and economic benefits of your initiative.
• Lessons learned and/or challenges.
• How you measure or evaluate the success of your initiative.
• The need that your initiative addresses in your communities.
• How your initiative integrates principles of Reconciliation and Anti-Racism, Equity and Inclusion (AREI), and how this strengthened project outcomes.

If you have questions about your eligibility, please contact the FCM awards team.

What additional information will I need to apply?

In addition to answering the questions in the application form, you’ll need:

• A signed letter of support from your mayor, council or a senior municipal staff person. Email us at [email protected] to request a sample letter to help you prepare for your application.
• A photo that FCM can use to promote your initiative (JPEG/PNG/PDF). Be sure to provide the best-quality photo available to you and indicate a photo credit.
• Up to three additional reports, documents, forms or other attachments that you feel help describe your initiative or support your application.
• (Optional) If your initiative received funding from the Green Municipal Fund (GMF), you may provide the project number and title of the initiative.

How many awards will be presented this year?

FCM will declare winners in eight categories:  

1. Sustainable Transportation
2. Community Energy
3. Climate Adaptation
4. Sustainable Buildings
5. Waste
6. Accelerating Net-Zero Transformation
7. Biodiversity and Nature-Based Solutions
8. Reconciliation and Anti-Racism, Equity and Inclusion

The award in Reconciliation and Anti-Racism, Equity and Inclusion does not have its own nomination form: it will be given to a project nominated in any of the first seven categories. It will be possible for a project to win an award in one of the first seven categories, as well as an award in Reconciliation and Anti-Racism, Equity and Inclusion. Entry into this category is optional and will not impact the project's nomination in its primary award category. See more details in the next question below. 

Learn more about the award categories and eligible initiatives, and start your nomination process.

How do I win an FCM Sustainable Communities Award in Reconciliation and Anti-Racism, Equity and Inclusion?

At the bottom of every award nomination form, applicants will be asked if they would like their project to be considered for its impact in advancing Reconciliation and Anti-Racism, Equity and Inclusion (AREI) principles. Entry into this category is optional and will not impact the project's nomination in its primary award category. There is no separate nomination form for this award; an award will be given to a project nominated in one of the other seven categories.

One project will be selected based on how well it demonstrates:

• Meaningful engagement with Indigenous rights holders and/or equity‑deserving groups that influences project decisions, not just consultation.  
• Intentional use of an equity lens to understand who benefits from the project and to address potential inequities or unintended impacts.
• Integration of Reconciliation and AREI principles into project approaches, partnerships, policies or practices in ways that can endure beyond the project itself.

Projects of all types—including plans, studies, policies, programs and capital initiatives—may be considered for an award in this category.

Projects are assessed by a dedicated Reconciliation and AREI judge, using information already provided in the project nomination form and the responses to Reconciliation and AREI specific questions. There is no expectation that projects address every aspect of Reconciliation and AREI; judges focus on quality, appropriateness and authenticity within the project’s context.

When will I find out if my project won?

Award nominations close on June 28, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Nominees will be contacted in September 2026.

How are the winning projects selected?  

Applications are reviewed by a panel of judges, which includes sector experts and FCM board members. For more information about our judges, view the judges’ page.

I still have questions. Where can I get some extra help or find out more?

Please contact us if you have any other questions: [email protected]

We have also prepared two videos to help answer your questions:

Devin LaFleche shares his experience as an applicant and winner of SCA 2020

Read the transcript

How to make your application stand out, by Yves Hennekens (judge for the SCAs)

Read the transcript