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Can nature’s own water management processes effectively deal with stormwater runoff in urban environments? The Town of Okotoks, AB, and its partners have proven that it can. Their Living Soils Filtration Project uses different soils and plants to capture, filter and disperse stormwater, which improves water quality, increases green space, enhances biodiversity and reduces the risks from extreme climate events.

Project demonstrates green infrastructure benefits

The project is an example of Low Impact Development (LID), or green infrastructure, which uses the natural water management processes. The site’s main bioretention bed (also known as a rain garden) is a 3,600-square metre riparian buffer that uses native plants and permeable soils to store, filter and manage stormwater. The system removes excess nutrients to improve water quality and decreases the flow rate of the water released into the river ecosystem, reducing the risk of flooding.

Less costly natural system benefits residents, the environment

Improving water management at the site moderates the risks and effects of extreme climate events. Restoring native vegetation increases soil stability, promotes biodiversity and creates an enjoyable green space for residents. The green space will be toured by school age children as part of the project’s Environmental Education Centre. The initiative also respects and enhances an existing site of cultural significance to a local First Nations community.

Partnership generates research and knowledge for other communities

This initiative is a collaboration between the Town, the Universities of Calgary and Victoria, the City of Calgary and regional partners. University researchers at the site are examining two types of research, the performance of different soils and vegetation to clean and filter stormwater, and convert methane to CO2 and water—research that is expected to benefit other communities interested in similar projects.

FCM’s Sustainable Communities Awards recognize and celebrate sustainability leaders and trailblazers in municipalities of all sizes across Canada.

Want to explore all GMF-funded projects? Check out the Projects Database for a complete overview of funded projects and get inspired by municipalities of all sizes, across Canada.

Visit the projects database

The City of Kingston, ON, won a 2018 Sustainable Communities Award for a creative project that successfully encouraged teens to use public transit. The initiative also received FCM's inaugural Inspire Award for the project that best demonstrates creativity and innovation, as decided by a live vote of delegates at FCM's Sustainable Communities Conference.

This guide is based on their experience and explains how to develop a high-quality sustainability project. It’s designed for municipal staff and decision makers, and contains award-winning strategies and questions to help your community get started on your own initiative. Discover best practices that can help your municipality:

  • Increase students’ use of public transit
  • Influence transit use through education and awareness
  • Give students more independence
  • Create a change in behaviour that lasts into adulthood
  • Save families money compared to driving
  • Increase teens’ access to activities and jobs

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Project guide

The Town of Okotoks, AB, won a 2018 Sustainable Communities Award for an innovative project that uses natural systems to manage stormwater runoff. This guide is based on their experience and explains how to develop a high-quality sustainability project. It’s designed for municipal staff and decision makers, and contains award-winning strategies and questions to help your community get started on your own initiative. Discover best practices that can help your municipality:

  • Use natural stormwater management techniques
  • Save money compared to using engineered systems
  • Collaborate with other organizations or stakeholders
  • Mitigate risks from flooding and extreme weather
  • Protect and enhance natural resources

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Project guide

The Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine, BC, won a 2018 Sustainable Communities Award for its modern waste management facility that is a model for other small and rural communities. This guide is based on their experience and explains how to develop a high-quality sustainability project. It’s designed for municipal staff and decision makers, and contains award-winning strategies and questions to help your community get started on your own initiative. Discover best practices that can help your municipality:

  • Divert more organics and recyclables from landfill
  • Implement curbside collection to maximize waste diversion
  • Extend the life of your existing landfill
  • Encourage local contractors to bid on your project
  • Create local, long-term employment opportunities
  • Involve stakeholders to strengthen the project

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Project guide

The City of Montreal, QC, won a 2018 Sustainable Communities Award for their innovative program of small-scale, community-led projects that encourage active transportation. This guide is based on their experience and explains how to develop a high-quality sustainability project. It’s designed for municipal staff and decision makers, and contains award-winning strategies and questions to help your community get started on your own initiative. Discover best practices that can help your municipality:

  • Use small-scale projects to meet larger goals
  • Encourage walking and biking
  • Calm traffic and improve pedestrian safety
  • Build structures for recreation and social interaction
  • Collaborate with community councils and residents
  • Build in phases to improve projects over time

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Project guide

The Regional Municipality of Durham, ON, won a 2018 Sustainable Communities Award for their pioneering approach to developing a community climate adaptation plan. This guide is based on their experience and explains how to develop a high-quality sustainability project. It’s designed for municipal staff and decision makers, and contains award-winning strategies and questions to help your community get started on your own initiative. Discover best practices that can help your municipality:

  • Increase resilience in the face of climate change 
  • Protect vulnerable populations during severe weather events
  • Consider natural capital and green infrastructure in your plans 
  • Expedite recovery after extreme weather events
  • Reduce reliance on emergency assistance and disaster relief funding

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Project guide

The City of Guelph, ON, won a 2018 Sustainable Communities Award for a sustainable plan to develop an efficient and carbon-neutral live-work community. This guide is based on their experience and explains how to develop a high-quality sustainability project. It’s designed for municipal staff and decision makers, and contains award-winning strategies and questions to help your community get started on your own initiative. Discover best practices that can help your municipality:

  • Design a carbon-neutral community
  • Align sustainable development plans with existing municipal policies
  • Reduce the carbon footprint of urban communities
  • Promote active transportation
  • Enhance social capital by creating shared public spaces

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Project guide

The Village of Salmo, BC, won a 2018 Sustainable Communities Award for their innovative asset management plan. This guide is based on their experience and explains how to develop a high-quality sustainability project. It’s designed for municipal staff and decision makers, and contains award-winning strategies and questions to help your community get started on your own initiative. Discover best practices that can help your municipality:

  • Deliver sustainable services 
  • Manage municipal assets 
  • Protect natural resources
  • Reduce risks from flooding and wildfires
  • Save money on infrastructure and municipal services
  • Build consensus on your priorities for sustainable development

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The Green Municipal Fund's (GMF) capital project funding application forms are designed to help you tell the story of what makes your project outstanding, and how it will generate lessons for other municipalities.

Watch our webinar recording for advice on filling out these forms and get guidance for putting your best foot forward.

Delivered by GMF staff, the webinar recording will help you:

  • Better understand what FCM and our application reviewers are looking for in a strong project application
  • Become familiar with the application format (energy, transportation, waste and water, or brownfield sectors)
  • Understand what information and supporting documents you will need to assemble your application

What will I get from the webinar recording?

During the presentation, GMF advisors walk through the three parts of an application, from the applicant information, to project performance details and, finally, to required documentation. They will also share some of the things our application reviewers are looking for in specific sections of the forms.

Our staff also explain key features of the forms that will help you complete your application more easily. Through specific examples, you'll learn how the form makes it simple to input written answers and documentation, and how it automatically calculates the environmental benefits of your project.

Watch the webinar or download the presentation today

Watch our webinar recording or download the presentation (PDF) today and get the tips that can help you develop a compelling application.

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GMF Five Year Plan 2018-2013Learn about the long-term vision for FCM's Green Municipal Fund (GMF) in this strategic plan for 2018-2023.

The strategic plan outlines how GMF will continue to support Canadian cities and communities of all sizes to develop and implement municipal projects that advance innovative solutions to tackle environmental challenges.

It was developed by GMF staff and council following revisions to the federal funding agreement in 2017 and leverages GMF's experience over the past 17 years.

Read the full plan to learn about the GMF's objectives and work packages for 2018-2023.

Download the plan.
 

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