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New wastewater treatment facility uses green technology

The District of Sechelt's new Water Resource Centre won an FCM Sustainable Communities Award for its community-friendly facility that uses an innovative, odour-free method to turn wastewater into high-quality reclaimed water and Class A compost.

Read the case study below to learn about the project highlights, its challenges and the lessons learned that can help your community in planning similar projects.

Water treatment facility in Sechelt, BC, 2016 Sustainable Communities Award winner

About the project

Municipal population Project duration Total project value
9,500 January 2012–December 2015 $25 million

Located in the middle of town between residential housing and the Sechelt Marsh nature reserve, the new Sechelt Water Resource Centre exceeds the treatment capacity of the two older wastewater treatment plants it replaces. The treated effluent is so clean that it eliminates the need to extend an outfall pipe into the Pacific Ocean.

The facility is designed to meet LEED® Gold certification and includes:

  • a 12-kilowatt solar energy roof
  • a heat recovery system
  • comprehensive odour-control technology
  • tertiary treatment using ultrafiltration membranes and UV rays

It is the first in North America to use a sequencing batch reactor process in which plants are suspended over treatment tanks enclosed in a greenhouse. The plant roots enhance the biological treatment process by making it more efficient, reducing energy and space requirements, and controlling odour. The landscaped grounds are fully accessible to the public and include habitat restoration of a small stream area. The centre, built with support from FCM's Green Municipal Fund, also hosts educational tours.

Transcript

"The water resource facility gives Sechelt a clear vision for the future. It allows us to take a waste product and turn it into a resource."
— Mayor Bruce Milne, District of Sechelt

Greenhouse with aquatic plants used to filter water, Sechelt water treatment facility

Secondary effluent is filtered through ultrafiltration membranes and disinfected with ultraviolet light. The resulting water surpasses standards for indirect potable uses such as irrigation. A local company composts the biosolids into a Class A compost product suitable for unrestricted use.

Jars of water before and after treatment, Sechelt water treatment facility

Project Highlights

Results

Environmental Economic Social
  • 95 per cent reduction in suspended solids in effluent, with similar reductions in un-ionized ammonia and overall fish toxicity
  • Chlorine eliminated from effluent disinfection
  • 38 per cent reduction in energy consumption 
  • 88 per cent reduction in potable water consumption within the facility
  • Nearly double the treatment capacity of two older plants, with minimal increase in operating costs
  • High-quality non-potable water resource generated
  • Partnership with local company to compost biosolids into Class A product
  • $3 million saved by eliminating the need to expand the ocean outfall 
  • Elimination of odour and noise from older treatment plants
  • Improved visual appearance of facility
  • 4700 m2 of landscape restoration, connected to adjacent nature reserve, with public access to grounds
  • Educational tours

Challenges

  • Although the district consulted with the public prior to launching the project, community members voiced concerns prior to and during construction. Ongoing public engagement throughout the process would have helped to address concerns.
  • Working with innovative technology meant that the district had to educate people about the technology without any North American examples to demonstrate its success. 

Lessons learned

  • Consider a design-build approach, which greatly simplifies project delivery and ensures greater accountability within the project team. 
  • Hire an experienced project manager and a separate owner's engineer, to oversee the logistic and technical aspects of the project, respectively.
  • Secure a strong commitment from elected officials and municipal staff to stay open to innovation and creative solutions, even if this means entering "uncharted territory."
  • Make community engagement a priority and share all information as soon as it is available. Work with the community to establish the vision and objectives, while consulting specialists on the technical aspects.
Partners and collaborators Social

More information

Connie Jordison, Communications Manager
District of Sechelt, British Columbia
T. 604-885-1986

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

Brownfields Redevelopment Grant Program revitalizes Edmonton neighbourhoods

The City of Edmonton's Brownfield Redevelopment Grant Program won an FCM Sustainable Communities Award for its strategies to clean up former refuelling sites and revitalize their community.

Read the case study below to learn more about program highlights, as well as the challenges and the lessons learned that can help your community in planning a similar initiative.

Composite image with line drawings of projected building plans overtop a photograph of a brownfield site, Edmonton, AB, 2016 Sustainable Communities Award winner

About the program

Municipal population Project duration Total project value
800,000 April 2010–present $5.8 million in funding committed to date (October 2015); 
$70,000 in start-up costs

The City of Edmonton's Brownfield Redevelopment Grant program offers grants for all stages of brownfield remediation and includes environmental performance incentives. Initially developed with support from FCM's Green Municipal Fund, the program first targeted 50 contaminated gas stations and was later expanded to include all refuelling sites within the City of Edmonton. A task force of city councillors worked closely with a multidisciplinary staff team to create the program, which drew on extensive research into best practices in Canada and beyond, as well as consultation with local property owners, developers and industry experts. A municipal brownfield coordinator acts as a single point of contact for any brownfield-related inquiry.

The program provides financial support through four main phases of brownfield redevelopment:

  • Phase 1: Historical Investigation — Phase I Environmental Site Assessment
  • Phase 2: Testing, Delineation, Remedial/Exposure Control Planning — Phase II Environmental Site Assessment
  • Phase 3: Site remediation
  • Phase 4: Remediation/Exposure Control with an innovative interim land use solution

Phase 3 offers a grant for up to 100 per cent of remediation costs to qualifying applicants whose redevelopment plans meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Silver standards. Grants for this phase are calculated based on anticipated increases in property tax revenue.

Transcript

The task force was very specifically set up to look just at contaminated gas station sites, and it's turned out to be a really good test case for how you can deal with brownfields in a more generic sense.
— Councillor Ben Henderson

Excavator removing contaminated material from brownfield site, Edmonton, Alberta

Mixed-use housing complex built on former brownfield site in Edmonton, Alberta

Project highlights

Results

Environmental Economic Social
  • Eight major remediation projects completed or underway, with more to come
  • Increased urban density, reducing urban sprawl
  • Many buildings certified LEED® Silver or higher, with some incorporating cogeneration and solar energy
  • Over $2 million per year in new property tax revenue anticipated
  • Derelict sites transformed into new buildings
  • Existing infrastructure serves increased urban density (lower construction and maintenance costs/capita)
  • Revitalization benefits neighbouring businesses
  • Beautification of existing neighbourhoods and  fewer public-nuisance areas
  • Mixed-use developments, for a more liveable, walkable downtown core
  • New housing in areas already accessible to public transit and other amenities

Challenges

  • Applicants often need assistance with calculating the value of potential grants vis-à-vis the anticipated remediation costs and projected increase in property value.
  • Once sites with lower remediation costs were redeveloped, feedback indicated that the funding available for Phase 3 (remediation) no longer provided enough financial incentive. The city increased the amount of funding available for this part of the program, and added an innovative performance-based incentive.
  • Challenges arise for projects that do not meet the requirements for 100 per cent funding under Phase 3 (remediation). If remediation costs are high, it may be difficult for the owner to recover the remaining costs, particularly in cases where zoning restricts the scope of redevelopment.

Lessons learned

  • Plan to adjust and update the program once easier, more affordable projects have been completed and the "low-hanging fruit" disappears.
  • Tie a performance standard (such as LEED® Silver or Gold) to grant eligibility.
  • Research best practices from other jurisdictions (regardless of size) to understand what works.
  • Promote the program through environmental consultants, construction firms and other professionals who benefit from brownfield redevelopment projects and are motivated to identify prospective applicants.
  • Ensure that city councillors are familiar with the complexities of brownfield redevelopment, to help build their support for effective solutions.
  • Establish a municipal brownfield coordinator as the single point of contact for owners and developers.
  • Establish a multidisciplinary team of municipal staff to handle all matters related to contaminated properties.
Partners and collaborators Project planning documents

More information

Barbara Daly, Brownfield Coordinator
City of Edmonton, Alberta
T. 780-944-0316

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

An innovative plan for a prime Quebec resort area

Known for its beautiful scenery, rich biodiversity and major ecosystems, Austin adopted a sustainability action plan for what is considered one of the prime resort areas in Quebec. This innovative plan is based on excellent knowledge of the forest, lakes and wetlands. It serves as a comprehensive management reference for sustainability in governance, the environment, the economy and society.  

Read the case study below to learn about project highlights, as well as the challenges and lessons learned that can help your community in planning similar projects.

Landscape of farmland in fall near Austin, QC, 2016 Sustainable Communities Award winner

About the project

Municipal population Project duration Total project value
3,515 (1,507 permanent and 2,008 seasonal) February 2013–December 2014 $107,200

Before beginning to work on its action plan, Austin wanted to determine the areas in which residential and commercial development could be appropriately implemented. This involved evaluating and mapping the load capacity of the municipality's land and water ecosystems. 

Strategic planning was supported by a collaborative approach that for nearly two years engaged elected officials, citizens, local organizations and stakeholders. This approach gave rise to a strong common vision upon which the municipality built a structured action plan focused on four main areas:

  • protecting and enhancing heritage
  • making the community and living environment dynamic and lively
  • aligning development with the community's vision and values
  • meeting new municipal management realities 

This plan is divided into 20 sections, with details on 87 actions to achieve the municipality's vision.

Transcript

"The Green Municipal Fund, which funded much of the project, led us to the resources and coordinating all the work but also consultation with specialists in the field. It was fundamental."
— Mayor Lisette Maillé 

Panoramic view of Green Bay and Mount Orford near Austin, QC

Project highlights

Results

Environmental Economic Social
  • Protection of surface and groundwater, and local conservation areas
  • Reduced municipal greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption
  • Promotion of sustainable transportation and improved waste management
  • Preservation of landscapes and the municipality's rural heritage — much of Austin's income comes from seasonal tourism
  • Economic development based on residential services, aligning with commercial development
  • Support for sustainable agriculture, partly through incorporating the recently adopted Memphremagog RCM agricultural development plan, which includes the land bank project 
  • Open, collaborative approach fostered cohesion in the community, to be more inclusive of people of all ages and to bolster cultural development and social/cultural activities
  • Dynamic, engaging environment that creates a stronger community and protects its environment, culture and heritage
  • More transparent governance 

Challenges

  • This project required collaboration among and outside the traditional silos, so the various stakeholders' roles had to be clarified: elected officials, employees, committees, local groups, citizens.
  • Development of the action plan and the related urban plan review hit a recurring snag: the municipality's environmental stewardship role and the opposition between community property and private property. Austin had to insist on the concept of community property and sustainability (future generations, legacy, etc.) to overcome the perceived detriment to property rights.
  • The plan had to be flexible enough to incorporate new actions as the project advanced, and had to become a practical management aid.     

Lessons learned

  • Action plan development was supported by a number of innovative aspects that any municipality facing similar issues could use: consideration of the load capacity of land and water ecosystems; inclusion of stakeholders in the process; adaptation of the sustainable neighbourhoods concept for a rural community; participative strategic planning that incorporated municipal obligations and commitments.
  • To complete such a project, it is important to set up a team of specialists in various disciplines (geographer, biologist, urban planner, etc.) who work together with open minds.
  • Such a vast project requires many resources and involves substantial costs. The funding from FCM's Green Municipal Fund was very helpful.
  • The project's success depends largely on the elected officials' political support and commitment, and that of the municipal staff; it also requires them to accept change.
  • The project team, consisting of three environment professionals, was a determining factor in the project's success.
Partners and collaborators Project planning documents

More information

Marie-Élaine Lacroix
Spécialiste et inspectrice en environnement
Municipality of Austin
T. 819-843-2388 x 229

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

Cover of guidebookEffectively communicating your municipality's redevelopment opportunities and incentive programs to property owners and developers is key to their success. This guide outlines steps to help you find and engage the right developers and collaborators for brownfields sites in Canadian cities and towns of all sizes.

Read this guide and learn how to:

  • Define your objectives and conduct market research to develop an effective marketing plan
  • Identify the right brownfield contact person for your municipality
  • Create compelling communication materials designed to drive action in developing your brownfield sites
  • Effectively engage and work with your target audience

The guide also includes case studies that offer creative ideas and practical examples that you can apply in your municipality.

The guide is designed for: Municipal staff, such as sustainability coordinators, planners, project managers, economic development officers and chief administrative officers, who are responsible for creating and implementing a brownfield strategy.

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Are you looking to meet the new federal Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations in your municipality?

Join our webinar to learn proven practices to help you identify ways to optimize your existing wastewater treatment resources. Speakers from the Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change and the Grand River Conservation Authority will share lessons learned that you can apply in your municipality.

During the webinar, you'll:

  • Review best practices for data collection and management to make the best use of your current infrastructure, funding and people.
  • Identify how your municipality can use data to better manage your municipal assets, improve your processes and produce better effluent.

The webinar is intended for municipal staff and elected officials. It is presented in English only. 

It features two presentations:

Part 1: Development of training and programs to promote wastewater treatment optimization in Ontario

This presentation will identify lessons learned from a pilot program designed to promote optimization of wastewater treatment plants.

Speaker:

  • Aaron Law, Senior Program Analyst, Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change

Read the transcript.

Part 2: Optimizing wastewater treatment in the Grand River Watershed: Everybody wins!

This presentation will feature case studies that show how collecting the right data helps municipalities manage their assets better, ensure more stable process control and improve effluent quality.

Speaker:

  • Mark Anderson, Water Quality Engineer, Grand River Conservation Authority

Read the transcript.

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Brownfield redevelopment project revives a central neighbourhood

Working with a visionary developer, the Region of Waterloo and the City of Kitchener helped transform an industrial brownfield site in Kitchener's downtown into showcase offices, attracting tenants such as Google and reviving a central neighbourhood. 

Read the case study below to learn about project highlights, as well as the challenges and lessons learned that can help your community in planning similar projects.

Breithaupt Block project on former brownfield site, Region of Waterloo, ON, 2016 Sustainable Communities Award winner

About the project

Municipal population Project duration Total project value
569,000 2009–2015
  • Regional Municipality of Waterloo and City of Kitchener contribution: $1,559,993
  • Perimeter Development Corporation investment: $54M

The Region of Waterloo and the City of Kitchener, ON, worked closely with the Perimeter Development Corporation to turn an abandoned industrial block near its downtown into a technology-oriented office space. The project is bringing new jobs and life to a central neighbourhood.

The Breithaupt Block is located in Kitchener's city core close to a planned transit hub. The site, vacant since 2007, had century-old buildings with great renovation potential. However, both soil and groundwater on the site were contaminated with industrial pollutants including hydrocarbons, zinc and benzene. Perimeter bought the block in 2009, planning to transform it into high-quality office space. The city and region supported the development with grants to help cover environmental assessment and site remediation costs.

The development includes beautifully renovated historic brick and beam buildings and an energy- and water-efficient LEED® Gold addition. The project, which has attracted tech-focused tenants including Google, is generating job opportunities downtown and sparking new growth in the surrounding neighbourhood.

 Transcript

"This is the kind of thing that can happen when you redevelop brownfield sites, when you bring transportation and transit together, and create a livable, economically viable centre core part of the city."
— Regional Chair Ken Seiling

Office space with chair and glass walls at Breithaupt Block, Kitchener, ON

Green space, lawn and pedestrian walkways with buildings at Breithaupt Block, Kitchener, ON

Results

Environmental Economic Social
  • Remediated contaminated site, reducing possible health risks
  • Increased energy, water efficiency with LEED Gold component
  • Reduced GHG emissions by promoting active transportation, discouraging use of cars
  • Reduces sprawl, increases density, makes better use of existing infrastructure
  • Expanded business tax base
  • Developed office space tailored to start-up businesses
  • Increased employment opportunities in downtown
  • Produced economic spin-off in local service industry
  • Preserved character and architectural heritage of the site
  • Introduced green space, pedestrian links between neighbourhood and transit hub
  • Created attractive community destination in residential neighbourhood
  • Contributed to community health and wellbeing

Challenges

  • The Breithaupt Block needed a developer with vision. It was a challenging industrial site with vacant buildings and ponds of process water, but its location in a central neighbourhood and adjacent to a planned transit hub meant it could be pivotal for the city's redevelopment.
  • The first hurdle for the project was getting rid of heavy industrial machinery left on site by the previous owner. The developer found a recycling company that cleared the site in exchange for the value of the recycled material.
  • Coordinating the Breithaupt development with the region's light rail transit plans has been demanding, involving regular contact with representatives from Kitchener's planning department, two Region of Waterloo departments and the consortium building the transit system.

Lessons learned

  • Designate a single contact person from the municipality and ensure that there is regular communication between the developer and municipal staff.
  • Try to develop realistic expectations and timelines; brownfield redevelopment almost always takes more time and more money than you expect.
  • Be patient. Remediation takes time. Redevelopment takes time and reimbursing eligible expenses takes time.
  • Share your vision with the developer and try to ensure that all parties have the same understanding. Sharing a vision and philosophy for brownfield redevelopment goes a long way toward building trust and collaboration on a project.
  • Offer tax incentives for brownfield projects. Developers are more likely to tackle site remediation if they can recover a portion of the costs. It may also help them to negotiate project financing.
Partners and collaborators Project planning documents

More information

Peter Ellis, Planning, Development and Legislative Services
Region of Waterloo, Ontario
T. 519-575-4500 ext. 3112

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 Building Blocks of Asset Management guideLooking to take your first step with asset management but don't know where to start? The Building Blocks of Asset Management guide was created to support communities in the early stages of establishing asset management practices. This step-by-step guide is geared toward those who are just getting started or at Level 1 on the Asset Management Readiness Scale.

Supports you along your asset management journey

Since no two communities are alike, this easy-to-use guide will help you move toward your asset management goals in a way that is unique to your municipality's needs.  

The guide outlines the steps you can take to start implementing asset management practices in five different competency areas: Policy and governance; People and leadership; Data and information; Planning and decision-making; and Contribution to asset management practice.

Get started today

Download the guide today and see how this tool can help your municipality get started on understanding the services your assets provide to your community, and best practices for caring for them over time.

Read the guide.

Watch the webinar: Getting started with asset management in your municipality

This webinar explores the steps municipalities can take to begin the early stages of asset management using FCM’s Building Blocks of Asset Management – A how-to guide for reaching Level 1 of FCM’s Asset Management Readiness Scale. Hear lessons learned from staff and elected officials in other municipalities about the competencies they have worked on, and their practices in caring for their assets over time.

During this webinar, you will:

  • Discover how your community can get started with asset management
  • Understand how to use FCM’s Building Blocks of Asset Management guide to reach Level 1 of FCM’s Asset Management Readiness Scale
  • Learn from other Canadian municipalities that have successfully achieved Level 1 in at least one competency

Speakers:

  • George Tomporowski, Mayor, Town of Shellbrook, SK
  • Brandy Losie, Administrator, Village of Loreburn, SK
  • Dominic Doucet, Directeur général, Municipalité de Saint-Ferdinand, QC
  • Michael Riseborough, Former Mayor and Chief Administrative Officer, Village of Haines Junction, YT

Read the transcript

Click here to view the video in YouTube and jump ahead to relevant topics.

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government-of-canada-logo

This resource was developed by the Municipal Asset Management Program(MAMP)

MAMP was designed to help Canadian municipalities strengthen their infrastructure investment decisions based on reliable data and sound asset management practices. This eight-year, $110-million program was funded by the Government of Canada and delivered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. It was implemented in partnership with municipal, provincial and territorial associations and other key stakeholders.

Are you looking for a self-assessment tool to help you assess your community's current asset management practices? The Asset Management Readiness Scale helps municipalities understand where they are starting from so they can adopt business practices that support better decisions about investing in infrastructure assets like roads, buildings and waste water systems. FCM's readiness scale is a tool you can use at all stages to identify where you can improve your asset management practices over time.

The readiness scale helps you to:

Asset Management Readiness Scale

  • Assess current asset management practices in your municipality
  • Identify opportunities to adopt new practices, or formalize asset management activities that you may already be doing into documented business practices
  • Measure and track the progress of your municipality's asset management practices and activities

The readiness scale is designed for staff and elected officials in any municipality or local government organization across Canada. Your municipality can use the scale as a framework to guide your actions to improve your asset management practices.

Download the Asset Management Readiness Scale

Download the Asset Management Readiness scale self-assessment tool (excel file)

Watch our webinar recording

This 15-minute video explains how to do a self-assessment using this tool. Learn more about the format of the scale and tips to make your self-assessment accurate and representative of all relevant municipal sectors.

Transcript

Click here to view the video in YouTube and jump ahead to relevant topics.

The scale contains some technical terms and information. If your municipality requires support to complete it at any stage, you can contact us for help.

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Please offer suggestions that will improve the learning center for you:
government-of-canada-logo

This resource was developed by the Municipal Asset Management Program(MAMP)

MAMP was designed to help Canadian municipalities strengthen their infrastructure investment decisions based on reliable data and sound asset management practices. This eight-year, $110-million program was funded by the Government of Canada and delivered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. It was implemented in partnership with municipal, provincial and territorial associations and other key stakeholders.

Icon of a clip board

Looking to get started on asset management in your municipality? Are you wondering how to get started?

There are many excellent asset management resources available in Canada. This list provides a sample of great asset management resources for beginners, as recommended by the Technical Working Group of the Municipal Asset Management Program.

Remember that your province or territory may have specific requirements, regulations, or approaches to asset management, so we encourage you to start with local resources if they are available. You can also look to your local asset management community of practice for more information. You can find definitions of common terms on the AM Concepts page.

Guides

Title

Author

Type

Description

Asset management guide for BC First NationsBritish Columbia First NationsGuide, checklist, videoThis asset management guide is designed to help First Nation communities sustainably manage their infrastructure assets over their full lifecycles. It introduces concepts, systems and tools to start a new asset management program, or to further develop an existing one.
Managing Infrastructure Assets for Sustainable Development: A Handbook for Local and National GovernmentsUnited Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA)GuideThis handbook provides guidance and practical tools to assess needs, develop information systems, and creating an action plan for sustainable infrastructure asset management.
The Building Blocks of Asset Management - A how-to guide for reaching Level 1 of FCM's Asset Management Readiness ScaleFCM's Municipal Asset Management ProgramGuide and webinar recordingThe guide and webinar helps communities at early stages of asset management to take the first steps to reach Level 1 on the Asset Management Readiness Scale.
*UPDATED* Asset Management 101 Web PortalCanadian Network of Asset Managers (CNAM)Guide and web portalThis web portal provides the rationale for asset management and details the initial steps to get started and advance in the five competency areas.
Guide de gestion des actifs à l’intention des petites municipalités (available in French only)Centre d’expertise et de recherche en infrastructures urbaines (CERIU)GuideThis guide will help municipalities understand the concepts of asset management and the main steps to developing an AM policy, strategy and plan.
*UPDATED* Guide à l'intention des élus concernant les infrastructures municipales (available in French only)Centre d’expertise et de recherche en infrastructures urbaines (CERIU)GuideThis municipal infrastructure guide for elected officials provides approaches for managing municipal assets like water and wastewater systems, stormwater and roadways. (Available in French only)
Building Sustainable and Resilient Communities with Asset Management: An introduction for municipal leadersFCMGuideThis guide helps municipalities embed sustainability into asset management practices, including climate change considerations, to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery.
Asset Management for Sustainable Service Delivery: A BC FrameworkAsset Management BCGuideThis Framework establishes a high-level, systematic approach that supports local governments in moving toward service, asset and financial sustainability through an asset management process.
The Joy of Governing (your how-to guide for optimal governance)Association of Yukon Communities (AYC)GuideThe Joy of Governing was developed for small northern communities to enhance understanding of governance, leadership, and the link to asset management.  It is also available in Inuktitut.
Asset Management Getting Started GuideSaskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA), Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM), Government of SaskatchewanGuideThis guide will provide readers with fundamental information about asset management and how it can be used to help support municipal operations.
Asset Management Primer for Elected OfficialsAMOPrimerThis primer provides councils with a better understanding of their role in adopting a strategic approach to determine infrastructure investment priorities.
Asset Management: Smart Management Practices 
 		Northwest Territories Association of Communities (NWTAC)BriefThe brief is a series of two-page summaries of the main components and concepts of asset management, as well as the available tools to get started.

 

Tools

Title

Author

Type

Description

Asset Management: The Strategic BasicsRural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA);  Alberta Urban Municipalities Association (AUMA);  Infrastructure Asset Management Alberta (IAMA)WorkbookThis workbook helps elected officials gain an understanding of the benefits and trade-offs of asset management, the role of elected officials, using data for decision-making and communicating to the community.
Asset Management for Municipal Staff: The Technical BasicsRural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA); Alberta Urban Municipalities Association (AUMA); Infrastructure Asset Management Alberta (IAMA)WorkbookThis workbook provides municipal staff with information, exercises and reference material to help them understand asset management concepts and competencies, the asset data required, and the process of building an AM Plan.
Starting the asset management conversation with your municipal council: A communication toolFCM's Municipal Asset Management ProgramToolkitThis toolkit includes a facilitator’s guide and two customizable presentations to start the conversation or go deeper on asset management and provide  municipal council an overview of asset management and its value to the municipality.
Getting Started Toolkit (User Guide and Excel Workbook)Province of AlbertaToolkitThe tools in this toolkit have been designed to help kick-start municipalities who are in the early stages of their asset management journey, or to support others with continuous improvement of their asset management programs.
Estimated Maximum Useful Life Table for AssetAssociation of Yukon Communities (AYC)ReferenceThese tables provide an estimated maximum useful life for tangible capital assets for the purposes of asset management and financial planning.
Asset Management in the Northwest TerritoriesNorthwest Territories Association of Communities (NWTAC)
 		ToolkitThe toolkit includes a series of guides, templates, and workbooks to advance asset management policy, planning and operationalization.

 

Examples

Title

Author

Type

Description

How to develop an asset management policy, strategy and governance framework: Set up a consistent approach to asset management in your municipalityFCMGuide with examplesSee section 2.5 for examples of AM plans.  See section 3.3 for examples of AM strategies and frameworks.  See section 4.7 for examples of governance structures
2015 Asset Management HandbookNorthern Rockies Regional Municipality, BCExampleThis is an example of an AM Handbook from the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality in BC (population 4,800).
Asset management plan for the County of Northumberland, ONCounty of Northumberland, ONExampleThis is an example of an AM plan from the County of Northumberland, ON (population 85,000)
Asset Management Leadership Team Terms of Reference for Frankston City, AustraliaFrankston City, AustraliaExampleThis is an example of the terms of reference for Frankston City’s AM leadership team (population 134,000).
Capital Asset Management Policies and ProceduresSelkirk, Alberta  ExampleThe City of Selkirk shares its policies and procedures for capital asset management, including evaluation, registry, operations and management.

 

Videos and webinars

Title

Author

Type

Description

*NEW* History Of Asset Management in CanadaAsset Management British Columbia (AMBC)Webinar    Four Canadian asset management pioneers share their perspectives on how asset management has evolved in Canada, and the significant actions and initiatives that shaped asset management in Canada.
*NEW* Implementing Asset ManagementAsset Management Ontario (AMONT)  VideoThe video shares approaches to embedding asset management practices into its municipal operations and discover the benefits.
The case for asset management: What is asset management?PEMAC Asset Management Association of CanadaVideo and guiding questions for leadersThe video provides senior leaders with an introduction to Asset Management, and the associated web page includes questions intended to enable leaders to engage in a conversation towards improvement within their municipality.
Municipal Leadership Essentials: A Guide to Asset ManagementMunicipalities of Newfoundland and Labrador (MNL)Webinar recordingThis series of six webinars covers the “what” and “how” of asset management, the tools to implement AM, and how AM can support community planning and development.
Understanding the Benefits and Clarifying Roles in Asset ManagementWaterWolf Planning Inc. (WWP)Webinar recordingThis webinar and handout provides an overview of asset management and the importance of understanding the different roles of staff, administrators, and council members in implementing asset management processes.
Principles of Asset ManagementAsset Management OntarioVideoThis video describes the principles of asset management, why they are important, and the need for sound asset information to make decisions.
La gestion des actifs (available in French only)Centre d’expertise et de recherche en infrastructures urbaines (CERIU)VideoThis video explains the importance of asset management and the first steps that municipalities can take to get started.
Why invest in asset management?FCMVideoThis video explains how asset management can address many of the challenges faced by municipalities relating to service delivery through infrastructure.  
The Big Picture: The Asset Management JourneyInstitute of Asset Management (IAM)VideoThe Big Picture is a visual tool for starting conversations about asset management within your organisation as well as with customers, suppliers and wider stakeholders.
Practical advice for common AM challengesFCM's Municipal Asset Management ProgramWebinar recordingThis webinar provides lessons and advice from municipalities on getting started in asset management, creating a team, using software, hiring a consultant, and taking an asset inventory.
The Building Blocks of Asset Management - A how-to guide for reaching Level 1 of FCM's Asset Management Readiness ScaleFCM's Municipal Asset Management ProgramGuide and webinar recordingThe guide and webinar helps communities at early stages of asset management to take the first steps to reach Level 1 on the Asset Management Readiness Scale.

 

Online courses

Title

Author

Type

Description

*NEW* Asset Management 101
 		Canadian Network of Asset Managers (CNAM) Online courseThis online asset management awareness course helps municipal staff and elected officials in Canada learn how to explain the challenges and understand the benefits of asset management so they can sustainably deliver services to their customers. Registration and fee required.
*NEW* Developing an Asset Management policy and roadmapAtlantic Infrastructure Management (AIM) NetworkOnline courseThe online course enables participants to develop a working policy and to set a strategic roadmap to expand and monitor an asset management program. Registration and fee required.
*Updated* The Basics of Asset Management for Elected Officials (with a new climate change chapter)Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities (NSFM)Online course

This paid course is designed to provide elected officials with a clear understanding of asset management and how to use it to inform decision making and improve service delivery.

Registration and fee required

The Learning Path to Asset Management ReadinessAsset Management Saskatchewan (AMSK)Online course

This paid online course provides an overview of AM concepts, such as levels of service, lifecycle costing and risk, to help small municipalities get started and advance in asset management.

Registration and fee required

Pourquoi se préoccuper de la gestion de ses actifs municipaux?  (Module 1) et

Les étapes du cycle de gestion des actifs municipaux (Module 2) (available in French only)

Fédération québécoise des municipalités (FQM), Centre d’expertise et de recherche en infrastructures urbaines (CERIU)Online course

This free course includes a module about the principles and prerequisites of asset management, and a second module that explains the six steps in the asset management cycle.

Registration required (free)

 

Note: Different jurisdictions can have specific requirements for asset management plans, policies and strategies. For example, Ontario’s regulation O. Reg 588/17 lays out specific requirements for Ontario municipalities. It is always a good idea to check with your province, territory, municipal association, or local community of practice to see if there are specific requirements or approaches in your jurisdiction.

* “New” or “Updated” resource listings are as of October 2024.

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This resource was developed by the Municipal Asset Management Program(MAMP)

MAMP was designed to help Canadian municipalities strengthen their infrastructure investment decisions based on reliable data and sound asset management practices. This eight-year, $110-million program was funded by the Government of Canada and delivered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. It was implemented in partnership with municipal, provincial and territorial associations and other key stakeholders.

It takes a consistent approach to planning and decision-making to properly manage municipal infrastructure assets. This guide will show you how to develop an asset management policy, strategy and governance framework for your Canadian municipality.
 
Learn how to develop asset management practices that are aligned with your municipality's strategic goals. You'll also learn: 

  • What an asset management system is and how its key components work together
  • How to develop the four pillars of your asset management system: a policy, strategy, framework and governance structure
  • Ways to communicate your approach to build support for asset management in all departments
  • Real-world examples from Canadian municipalities of all sizes that have developed asset management systems
  • How to integrate sustainability goals into your asset management practices  

This guide is designed for municipal staff and elected officials in Canadian cities and communities of all sizes.

Read the guide.

This free publication was created through FCM's Green Municipal Fund, funded by the Government of Canada.

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government-of-canada-logo

This resource was developed by the Municipal Asset Management Program(MAMP)

MAMP was designed to help Canadian municipalities strengthen their infrastructure investment decisions based on reliable data and sound asset management practices. This eight-year, $110-million program was funded by the Government of Canada and delivered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. It was implemented in partnership with municipal, provincial and territorial associations and other key stakeholders.

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