Building meaningful relationships between municipalities and First Nation communities can contribute to Reconciliation, enhance the well-being and economic health of communities, and lead to more equitable approaches to governance. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada defines Reconciliation as: 

An ongoing process of establishing and maintaining respectful relationships. A critical part of this process involves repairing damaged trust by making apologies, providing individual and collective reparations, and following through with concrete actions that demonstrate real societal change. 

Despite progress over the past number of years, significant challenges remain in fostering equitable and respectful relationships between municipalities and Indigenous communities. Historical injustices, a lack of genuine consultation and insufficient recognition of Indigenous sovereignty and rights are key obstacles. Each must be addressed to build effective and sustainable government-to-Nation relationships.

This factsheet outlines principles, strategies and examples of successful government-to-Nation relationships, all of which recognize Indigenous communities as equal, sovereign partners. 

Many municipalities are embracing Reconciliation

• The City of Regina, SK, established an Indigenous procurement policy, with a goal of having a minimum of 20 percent of the total value of city procurement contracts being held by Indigenous vendors. Regina’s approach to economic Reconciliation is guided by an Indigenous Procurement Advisory Committee.
• The City of Montreal, QC’s 2020-2025 Strategy for Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples comprises seven objectives, including the development of a government-to-government relationship in city institutions by recognizing Indigenous governments as privileged partners in regional dialogue. The strategy also recognizes Indigenous civil society and its organizations as necessary actors in discussions as well as in the search for solutions and decision-making about urban issues that concern them.
• The City of Edmonton, AB, entered a relationship with Enoch Cree Nation and signed a Memorandum of Understanding outlining their intent to build a new relationship as neighbours. This partnership has led to collaborative efforts in areas such as recreation, land-use planning and public transit, enhancing regional prosperity and community well-being.
• The Commitment to Indigenous Peoples, demonstrated leadership by engaging in meaningful partnerships with local Indigenous communities. This includes joint economic initiatives, cultural events and regular consultation meetings that foster a collaborative and respectful relationship.
• The City of Kenora, ON, has placed its land acknowledgement that it is located on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe and Métis at the forefront of its website. Recognizing the historical land base of the Wauzhushk Onigum, Niisaachewan and Washagamis Bay First Nations, shows Kenora’s commitment to Reconciliation and partnership with its Indigenous neighbours.

Building government-to-Nation relationships

Municipalities that wish to advance their relationships with Indigenous communities may wish to consider how the following essential considerations, core principles and structural of partnerships might strengthen their Reconciliation work. 

Essential considerations

• Government-to-Nation relationships must acknowledge Indigenous communities as sovereign partners.
• Successful relationships require genuine consultation, shared decision-making and cultural sensitivity.
• Long-term engagement and continuous collaboration are crucial to sustainable partnerships.

Core principles of Reconciliation

• Respect: Recognizing the inherent value and dignity of Indigenous cultures.
• Recognition: Acknowledging Indigenous rights and sovereignty.
• Partnership: Engaging in meaningful collaboration with Indigenous communities.

“Understanding and educating is the biggest part of Truth and Reconciliation. Fighting prejudice. Few people know the contribution that First Nations have made to the development of Canada." 
~Chief Lance Haymond, Kebaowek First Nation
 

Structural partnerships 

• Collaborate with local Indigenous leaders and organizations.
• Form partnerships and coalitions with Indigenous groups.
• Establish municipal Reconciliation committees.
• Set up Indigenous community advisory boards or committees.
• Create informal partnership tables and spaces for discussion and cooperative action

Examples and practical steps to foster Reconciliation efforts 

Educate municipal staff and residents about Indigenous rights and history

The City of Yellowknife, NWT, mandates training for all municipal staff on the history and legacy of residential schools. This helps ensure that city staff are informed about Indigenous histories and the impacts of colonialism, promoting a culture of understanding and respect. Some valuable resources that can foster a deeper understanding and respect for Indigenous rights and history include: 

• University of Alberta Indigenous Canada: A exploring the history and contemporary perspectives of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, from an Indigenous viewpoint. It's a comprehensive resource for anyone looking to broaden their knowledge.
• Reconciliation Saskatoon, Be A ConnectR: Provides opportunities to learn about Indigenous peoples’ past and present experiences. The site offers various paths to start a learning journey.
• Royal Alberta Museum: An extensive collection of resources that includes reading lists, films, documentaries, radio programs, podcasts, Indigenous language apps and other materials. 

Start with respect and understanding to forge and strengthen long-term, sustainable relationships with Indigenous communities

• The Declaration of Mutual Commitment and Friendship: A joint initiative by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario and the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres that provides a framework for collaboration between municipalities and Indigenous communities. The declaration emphasizes Reconciliation and sets a provincial and federal standard for meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities in urban and rural areas.
• The Community Economic Development Initiative (CEDI): This initiative partners First Nations with neighbouring municipalities to develop relationships and create joint economic development projects. More than 20+ partnerships between First Nations and municipalities have been established since 2013. Each was guided by the “stronger together” approach, and this has been translated into a practical toolkit that offers steps to connect with Indigenous neighbours and collaborating on joint initiatives. 

Engage in inclusive consultation with Indigenous neighbours and residents

The City of Hamilton, ON, has implemented a robust consultation process with Indigenous communities, outlined in its Urban Indigenous Strategy report. The process includes regular meetings and dialogue with Indigenous leaders to ensure their active participation in city planning and development initiatives, reflecting a commitment to ongoing and meaningful engagement. 

The following approaches can build meaningful and inclusive consultation with Indigenous communities:

• Establish regular consultation meetings: Schedule regular meetings with Indigenous leaders and community members to discuss ongoing projects, community needs and potential areas for collaboration. This opens ongoing dialogue and opportunities for active participation in decision-making processes.
• Develop a consultation protocol: Create a written protocol that outlines how consultations will be conducted, including who will be involved, the frequency of meetings and the methods of communication. The protocol should be developed in partnership with Indigenous communities to ensure it meets their needs and expectations.
• Implement community liaison roles: Designate community liaison officers who are responsible for maintaining open lines of communication between the municipality and Indigenous communities. These officers can help facilitate consultations, address concerns and ensure that the voices of Indigenous residents are heard and considered in municipal decisions.

Build capacity on both sides to enable full participation of Indigenous communities in municipal projects

The City of Thunder Bay, ON, has partnered with Fort William First Nation to conduct an Indigenous Economic Impact Analysis. Developed in collaboration with the Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission, this initiative aims to assess and enhance the economic contributions of Indigenous communities in the region.

The following capacity-building approaches can contribute to effective and sustainable collaboration:

• Resources and training: Offer resources, training programs and workshops to enhance the skills and knowledge of municipal and Indigenous community members. Edmonton’s Indigenous Relations Office develops community capacity-building projects that include training and workshops focused on topics such as governance, leadership development and project management. It offers technical support and expertise to Indigenous communities to help them participate more fully in municipal projects. Activities can include assistance with infrastructure development, environmental assessments or other technical areas. The City of Vancouver, BC, has partnered with local Indigenous communities to provide technical assistance to develop housing projects, offering expertise in topics such as urban planning, architectural design and construction management. The goal is to support Indigenous-led housing initiatives that meet the needs of Indigenous residents.

Reconciliation action plan

Concrete action is needed to advance Reconciliation efforts and strengthen relationships between municipalities and Indigenous communities. A Reconciliation action plan can be the foundation for this work.

The following questions can be helpful in guiding the development of a municipal Reconciliation action plan.

• Current initiatives: What Reconciliation efforts are currently underway in the municipality?
• New initiatives: What are one or two initiatives that the municipality might commit to right now?
• Steps to implementation: What three steps might the municipality undertake to implement these new initiatives?

Related resources

• Factsheet: Advancing equity, diversity and inclusion in municipal service delivery | The Federation of Canadian Municipalities
• Factsheet: Applying an Indigenous inclusion lens to climate adaptation | The Federation of Canadian Municipalities
• Understanding and implementing UNDRIP | The Federation of Canadian Municipalities 
• A Municipal Guide to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action | The Alberta Urban Municipalities Association
• Indigenous Engagement Strategic Plan | The University of Regina
• Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action | The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada

Tanya Tourangeau, a proud Dene woman and founder of Tanya T Consulting | Reconciliation Strategist | Canada provided her expertise as a Reconciliation strategist in the writing of this factsheet, and FCM thanks her for her insights.

Considering principles of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) as core aspects of municipal planning and service delivery can increase social cohesion and fairness for all residents. 

This factsheet shares definitions and benefits that can inform local governments who are in the early stages of incorporating EDI principles and considerations into municipal plans. 

What are equity, diversity and inclusion?

Equity is a principle and process that promotes fair conditions for all persons to fully participate in society. In contrast with equality, equity recognizes that while all people have the right to be treated equally, not everyone experiences equal access to resources, opportunities, or benefits. Equity based initiatives, strategies, or considerations address specific needs, barriers, and accommodations to ensure groups have equal access and opportunity to participate in all aspects of society.

Diversity refers to a wide range of qualities and attributes that can apply to a person, a group or a community. These include differences in ability, age, sex, gender identity, language, race, national or ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status and others.

Working effectively with diverse populations means recognizing differences and acknowledging how they shape a person and affect their lived experiences and opportunities. It also means cultivating a culture and practice that values and sees diversity as a strength. 

Inclusion refers to creating, fostering and sustaining systems, practices and conditions that enable people with diverse backgrounds and identities to feel respected, valued and have a sense of belonging. By embracing diversity, inclusion creates fair, equitable, healthy and high-performing organizations and communities, where all individuals feel engaged and motivated, and their contributions are valued. 

While equity, diversity and inclusion are distinct concepts, they are closely related. When they are woven together, more equitable, fair impacts and outcomes are likely to result. 

Why is EDI relevant to municipal service delivery?

Consider a few statistics exploring why incorporating the needs of all residents into municipal planning is necessary. 

• In Toronto, black men are three times more likely to be stopped by police than other racial groups.
• Black women in Canada are three times less likely than their non-racialized counterparts to have access to a family doctor.
• Across Canada, over 50 percent of racialized communities live in neighbourhoods where housing is unaffordable and unsafe.
• During Vancouver’s 2021 heat dome event, the majority of deaths were among people who were elderly, had a disability, lived in poorer neighbourhoods or lived alone. 

How does incorporating EDI into municipal planning benefit communities?

Incorporating EDI principles into municipal planning can:

• Strengthen social cohesion: Promoting EDI principles fosters a sense of belonging for all residents, regardless of their race, ethnicity, ability, sex, gender, background or other factors. This can lead to stronger social cohesion within communities, reduce tensions among communities and promote harmony.
• Improve public services: EDI initiatives can help identify and address disparities in access to public services such as education, healthcare, housing and transportation. By distributing services fairly and equitably and maintaining infrastructure assets to meet the service needs of diverse communities, local governments can enhance the well-being of all residents and create a more just society.
• Increase economic growth: Inclusive policies can stimulate economic growth by tapping into the talents and skills of diverse populations. When individuals feel valued and have equal access to opportunities, they are more likely to contribute to the local economy through entrepreneurship, innovation and productivity.
• Enhance public safety: Addressing discrimination and inequality can contribute to safer communities. For instance, promoting trust and cooperation between law enforcement agencies and marginalized communities can improve public safety outcomes and reduce crime rates.
• Support resilience and adaptation: Inclusive communities tend to be more resilient and better able to adapt to shocks and challenges. Harnessing the collective strength of diverse perspectives and experiences allows communities to better respond to crises, reduce risks and build sustainable futures for all.
• Increase democratic participation: EDI initiatives can increase civic engagement and democratic participation by including and valuing all voices in decision-making. This leads to more representative governance and policies that reflect the needs and priorities of the entire community.
• Reduce legal risk: Implementing EDI initiatives helps local governments comply with laws and regulations, reducing the risk of lawsuits and legal liability associated with discriminatory practices. It can also protect the local government’s reputation and standing within the community.

Related resources

• Factsheet: Applying an Indigenous inclusion lens to climate adaptation | The Federation of Canadian Municipalities
• Factsheet: Municipal Reconciliation-Advancing government-to-Nation relationships | The Federation of Canadian Municipalities
• Integrating Equity, Diversity and Inclusion into Municipal Climate Action | ‍The Partners for Climate Protection from ICLEI Canada and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities
• Considerations for developing a gender equity and inclusion municipal strategy: Themes and trends from Canadian municipalities | The Federation of Canadian Municipalities

GMF’s Climate Adaptation Communities of Practice bring together municipal staff, elected officials and partner organizations who are working to build climate resilience in their communities. These free, member-driven groups offer expert-led content, peer examples, and access to tools and resources that support climate adaptation planning and project implementation. 

 Register Now

Why join a Community of Practice?

Municipalities across Canada face common climate risks, capacity pressures and resource constraints. A Community of Practice offers a structured way to exchange knowledge, compare approaches and strengthen local adaptation work while reducing duplication of effort.  

By participating you can:  

• Build confidence in planning and project decisions through shared learning
• Reduce the time spent searching for tools, precedents, or comparable examples
• Better understand how others are approaching risk assessments, adaptation planning and implementation
• Access knowledge that supports both immediate needs and long-term resilience

Membership is free and designed to support communities of all sizes. 

How do our Communities of Practice work?

Communities of Practice meet every two months for virtual sessions that combine expert insights, member presentations, facilitated discussions and practical activities. Sessions focus on real municipal challenges and highlight approaches being used across Canada.  

Between sessions, members can:

• Access materials through a dedicated Teams channel
• Continue conversations and share resources with peers
• Review session recordings and presentation decks
• Sessions are offered in both English and French. 

Sessions are offered in both English and French. 

Which Community of Practice is right for you?

We offer two climate adaptation Communities of Practice to support municipalities at different points in their climate adaptation work. 

Climate-Ready Plans and Processes Community of Practice 

Designed for municipalities in the early stages of adaptation, focusing on developing strategies, plans and methodologies.  

Topics you’ll focus on:  

• Forming cross-functional teams and gaining council alignment
• Developing climate risk and impact assessments
• Creating adaptation plans and prioritization frameworks
• Integrating adaptation into asset management, land-use planning and municipal systems
• Engaging stakeholders, rightsholders and community partners 

Adaptation in Action Community of Practice 

For municipalities preparing or implementing adaptation projects that reduce community climate risks.

Topics you’ll focus on:  

• Project initiation: Moving from risk assessments and plans to selecting priority projects
• Project planning: Developing clear, actionable project scopes
• Project implementation: Coordinating partners, timelines and on-the-ground work
• Close-out operations: Ensuring long-term performance, maintenance and reporting 

Who can join? 

Communities of Practice are open to:  

• Local government staff
• Elected officials
• Provincial and Territorial Association staff

Participants may register for one or both Communities of Practice. 

How to register

• Review eligibility requirements and program format
  • Climate-Ready Plans and Processes
  • Adaptation in Action
• Complete and submit the registration form.

Note: While we encourage early applications to take advantage of the full year of networking and peer learning, registrations are accepted on an ongoing basis. CoP cycles renew each April, and early registration allows members to benefit from the full year of programming.

You are welcome to register for both the Climate-Ready Plans and Processes CoP and the Adaptation in Action CoP. 

 Registrer Now

Are you looking to strengthen your municipality's climate adaptation work?  

If you are applying or preparing for Adaptation in Action funding through the Green Municipal Fund’s Local Leadership for Climate Adaptation initiative, you can benefit from free coaching from climate adaptation experts to support your project design and implementation. 

What is Adaptation in Action coaching?

Adaptation in Action coaching empowers municipalities with expert guidance, ensuring your climate adaptation projects are effective, equitable and resilient. Tailored coaching is available to help you navigate the complexities of climate adaptation implementation with the latest information and consideration, so your projects are successful and inclusive.

Our coaching aims to deliver up to 10 hours of personalized coaching sessions per municipality, project or team, tailored to help you navigate and succeed in your climate adaptation projects.

Benefits of coaching: 

• Tailored, on-demand expert support  

  Our coaching is designed to maximize the impact of your climate adaptation projects by providing personalized support tailored to your community's specific needs. Coaching helps ensure that your projects are effective, equitable and resilient.

• Expertise you can trust 

  Our coaches are seasoned professionals with extensive experience in key areas of climate adaptation. They bring a deep understanding of the unique challenges municipalities face and are fully equipped to guide you through them.

• Free of charge

  These services are offered at no cost to participating municipalities. Our priority is to ensure you have access to the resources you need to make a lasting impact.

Areas of expertise

Eligible municipalities can access free expert guidance in the following areas. Expand each section to learn more about our expert coaches, their areas of expertise, and how they can support your climate adaptation initiatives. 

Indigenous Knowledge and Engagement Methods

What this coaching will help you achieve:

• Advancing Indigenous rights through climate adaptation aligned with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).  
• Applying a holistic Indigenous lens to adaptation planning, grounded in Michi Saagiig Nishnabeg rights, culture and spirituality.  
• Exploring Indigenous-led adaptation, Two-Eyed Seeing, and bridging Western and Indigenous knowledge systems.  
• Strengthening respectful, rights-based engagement approaches and supporting early and ongoing collaboration with Indigenous communities while honouring governance structures, knowledge sovereignty, protocols and culturally appropriate ways of knowing. 

Coaches

• Gary Pritchard, Chief Executive Officer, 4 Directions of Conservation Consulting Services

  Gary is the Chief Executive Officer of 4 Directions of Conservation Consulting Services and a member of Curve Lake First Nation. With experience working with nearly 300 Indigenous communities across North America, he brings expertise in Indigenous-led conservation, Two-Eyed Seeing in ecological monitoring, capacity building, and bridging Western and traditional sciences.

• Erin Walker, DEI Consultant, Inclusive Kind  

  Erin is a leader in advancing equity and inclusion across institutions and communities. With extensive experience, she specializes in driving transformative change to foster environments where everyone can succeed.  

Anti-Racism, Equity, and Inclusion

What this coaching will help you achieve:

• Embedding Anti-Racism, Equity, and Inclusion (AREI) principles into the design and implementation of adaptation projects.  
• Identifying systemic barriers and inequities that shape climate vulnerability, particularly for equity-deserving and historically marginalized communities.  
• Applying an AREI lens across project stages, prioritizing lived experience and developing practical tools and guiding questions that promote inclusive, transparent and accountable adaptation actions with more equitable and lasting outcomes.  

Coaches

• Gabby Zuniga, Principal Consultant, Inclusive Kind  

  Gabby is the founder of Inclusive Kind, focusing on advancing equity and inclusion across institutions and communities. She brings decades of expertise in driving systemic change to create environments where everyone can thrive.  

• Erin Walker, DEI Consultant, Inclusive Kind  

  Erin is a leader in advancing equity and inclusion across institutions and communities. With extensive experience, she specializes in driving transformative change to foster environments where everyone can succeed. 

Inclusive Engagement and Community Collaboration

What this coaching will help you achieve:

• Nicole Armos, Associate Director, Knowledge & Practice, Simon Fraser University Centre for Dialogue

  Nicole leads the Centre for Dialogue’s research, knowledge exchange and capacity building initiatives. With over a decade of experience supporting local, provincial and federal public engagement projects, she advances innovative and equitable approaches to participatory democracy.

• Michelle Bested, Associate Director, Engagement and Social Enterprise, Simon Fraser University Centre for Dialogue

  Michelle has led the consulting services team since 2019. She works with partners across Canada to design inclusive public and stakeholder engagement initiatives on issues such as housing and climate change. With a background in international cooperation and degrees from the London School of Economics and the University of Ottawa, she is passionate about fostering meaningful, inclusive dialogue.  

Project Management

What this coaching will help you achieve:

• Strengthening the planning, implementation and evaluation of climate adaptation initiatives.  
• Defining scope, timelines, roles, governance structures, and performance indicators to ensure projects are delivered effectively and sustainably.  
• Gaining practical tools for budgeting, funding identification, risk management and internal coordination.  
• Enhancing project structures and decision-making processes, helping teams deliver adaptation outcomes on time, on budget and with measurable impact.  

Coaches

• Dr. Chúk Odenigbo, Environmental Scientist, Tamarack Institute

  With over 10 years of experience in bilingual community engagement and project management with an anti-racism lens, Chúk has worked conducting environmental impact assessments. This technical expertise, combined with his leadership in social impact projects, positions him as a key player in helping municipalities design sustainable and resilient climate solutions. 

Technical Solutions

What this coaching will help you achieve:

• Identifying and implementing effective technical climate adaptation measures, including grey, green and hybrid infrastructure.  
• Assessing climate risks, analyzing feasibility and selecting context-appropriate engineering and nature-based solutions.  
• Exploring innovative and nature-positive approaches that enhance resilience while ensuring durable, technically sound outcomes.  
• Providing support tailored to municipal needs, drawing on multidisciplinary expertise to strengthen long-term sustainability.

Coaches

• Harris Switzman, M.A.Sc., P.Geo., ENV SP, Senior Sustainability and Climate Change Specialist, Onterris (formerly Montrose Environmental Solutions)

  Harris is an environmental and sustainability professional with over 15 years of experience developing and implementing strategies for corporate and operational aspects of climate change adaptation, GHG emissions reductions, water management and overall environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance.

• Amanda McKay, P.Eng., Project Manager and Main Contact, Onterris

  Amanda is a senior water resources engineer with over 12 years of consulting experience specializing in assessing and mitigating climate change effects on hydrology, hydraulics, and environmental water management. She has led and contributed to a wide range of projects across Canada, including flood risk studies, watershed management, river restoration, stormwater management (SWM), and environmental assessments.

The rest of the team is also from Onterris, with expertise in water resources, ecology, engineering and climate risk, supporting project delivery, including:

• David Van Vliet, Service Director, Climate Risk and Strategic Services  
• Nicholas Krygsman, Service Director, Eastern Water Resources and Principal Civil/Water Resources Engineer
• Mariëtte Pushkar, Principal Fluvial Geomorphologist  
• Shari Muscat, Service Director, Eastern Ecology  
• Isabelle Filion, Senior Engineer  
• Daron Abbey, Principal Hydrogeologist  
• Fabio Tonto, Senior Engineer 

Who is eligible for coaching?  

Coaching services are available to municipalities that are applying or preparing for Adaptation in Action funding, including:

• Municipalities with approved Adaptation in Action funding (feasibility studies and implementation projects)  
• Applicants that were not selected for funding but remain eligible for support  
• Municipalities that have completed an Adaptation in Action pre-application form and are preparing a full application  
• Municipalities that have completed Climate-Ready Plans and Processes (CRPP) funding and are moving towards implementation, with eligibility for Adaptation in Action funding 

How to access Coaching?

Step 1: Express your interest in coaching  

Municipalities that are applying or preparing for Adaptation in Action funding can express their interest in coaching. To provide insights on your needs and project, you will complete an online form. This form serves a dual purpose: it signals your interest in coaching and helps us understand your project’s specific needs.

Step 2: Co-develop your coaching plan 

Based on the needs identified in your project, FCM staff will collaborate with you to co-create a tailored coaching plan. This personalized learning journey may involve one or more coaches, depending on your specific context and needs. The goal is to ensure that the path forward reflects your priorities and responds to your municipality’s specific needs.

Step 3: Begin your coaching sessions 

Book your coaching sessions at your convenience. Sessions will be conducted virtually, providing flexibility for your team.

Step 4: Implement and succeed 

With the guidance of your coaches, you’ll be better equipped to implement your project successfully, overcoming challenges and achieving your climate adaptation goals. Throughout your coaching experience and at the end of the coaching sessions, we will seek your feedback to ensure the experience is valuable and to help us improve our services for future participants. 

Cost

Completely Free

The Adaptation in Action Coaching Services are provided at no cost to participating municipalities. Our mission is to empower you to take meaningful climate action without financial barriers.

Canadian municipalities are responsible for building and maintaining the infrastructure that provides essential services to residents and businesses. To deliver services consistently and reliably, local governments must proactively manage their assets, as a reactive approach to repairing and replacing infrastructure can lead to higher overall costs and lapses in service delivery. A long-term financial plan can help your organization shift from reactive to proactive asset management.

Below you will find:

• Resources that describe the benefits of long-term financial planning for municipal asset management
• Tools to help you develop effective long-term financial strategies for funding infrastructure services
• Guidance on embedding levels of service, lifecycle costing, generational equity and climate resilience into long-term financial planning

Video: The benefits of long-term financial planning 

From minimizing asset lifecycle costs to managing the financial impacts of climate change, long-term financial planning can help you meet community needs today and in the future. This video explores these benefits and more alongside key examples.

Read the transcript.

Tools for developing a long-term financial plan for asset management

Are you ready to take the next step on your long-term financial planning journey? Use this suite of tools.

How levels of service and lifecycle costing inform long-term financial planning

In this guide, you’ll learn how levels of service and lifecycle costing inform long-term financial planning, and some ways that social equity and climate resilience goals can be embedded into this process. You’ll find tips, strategies, and examples that shed light on what contributes to an effective long-term financial plan for asset management.

Read the guide.

Guides, templates, tools and more to help you write your own long-term financial plan

The following tools were developed by Asset Management BC (AMBC) in collaboration with the Union of BC Municipalities and the BC Ministry of Municipal Affairs.

By identifying and establishing long-term financial goals, your community can lower ongoing asset maintenance costs while effectively funding community infrastructure and service delivery. However, drafting a plan without prior experience can be a challenging process. 

To help municipal practitioners get started with long-term financial planning, or to help more experienced staff sharpen their skills, AMBC has developed a guide, a customizable template, an Excel tool and a slide presentation. These resources were developed for a broad audience and can help you write a long-term financial plan, compile data and make calculations, summarize and present your plan, and more. 

Access the tools today. 

A neighbourhood in Markham, Ontario, will be the first net-zero community in Canada to connect all of its houses to a geothermal energy system, a major step toward achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. It’s just one of many innovative projects supported by GMF as we empower Canadian municipalities to take bold steps in addressing climate change, fostering resilience, and advancing sustainability.  

In 2023-24, GMF had our most impactful year yet, as we invested nearly $200 million in local projects and secured more than $820 million in new funding. We’re helping communities across Canada access funding, knowledge and capacity to face the diverse challenges of climate change and environmental sustainability by undertaking innovative, scalable projects that make a real difference. 

Explore GMF’s 2023-24 Annual Report