Discover practical and cost-effective sustainability solutions for your community
Many of today's innovative best practices in sustainability seemed radical just 10 years ago. In a series of six articles, we explore inspiring projects and sustainability solutions being implemented in cities and towns of all sizes across Canada.
Read the whole series to find new ideas to bring to your municipal council, learn more about concepts you may already have heard about, and find resources to help you implement these solutions in your community.
Learn about Cranbrook, BC's award-winning project to reclaim wastewater for irrigation. Part of a series on sustainability ideas for Canadian communities.
Net-zero energy buildings are designed to produce as much energy as they consume. Learn how this can help your community reduce greenhouse gases and costs.
Follow Ottawa's lead and integrate transit and cycling to increase bike use year-round. Part of a series on sustainability ideas for Canadian communities.
This series was inspired by "From Crazy to Common Sense: 'Radical' Ideas Whose Time Have Come," a workshop held at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' 2016 Sustainable Communities Conference.
Cities and communities across Canada have brownfield sites in their municipality — former commercial or industrial sites that are vacant or underutilized, and suitable for redevelopment.
Watch our webinar recording to learn how your community can take on brownfield projects and programs to redevelop these sites, from engaging stakeholders and developing a brownfield strategy, to implementing solutions and tracking your successes.
During this webinar, you'll:
Learn about best practices in brownfield redevelopment
Discover key steps for brownfield renewal initiatives
Hear about FCM's brownfield revitalization resources and funding
Who should watch
Municipal staff in the brownfields sector, as well as staff from the economic and urban planning departments. Elected officials interested in learning more about brownfield redevelopment can also benefit from the webinar.
Speakers
Alex Cool-Fergus, Project Coordinator, Knowledge Services, FCM's Green Municipal Fund
Benjamin Koczwarski, Advisor, Programs Outreach, FCM's Green Municipal Fund
To restore the highly eutrophicated Saint-Augustin Lake and prevent the proliferation of cyanobacteria, Quebec City, QC conducted two field tests to determine the effectiveness of various nutrient control techniques. In the first test, waterborne phosphorus was precipitated in the bottom sediments, which were then covered and hence neutralized. The second test involved precipitating the phosphorus and then pumping out the sediment for treatment and disposal. In both cases, the city assessed the release rate for existing and new sediment, and conducted a technical and socioeconomic assessment, including a preliminary study of environmental impacts. The findings showed that the first method produced better results.
There are few examples of in situ management of sediment-derived phosphorus in Canada. The findings from the pilot project will therefore be invaluable for municipalities faced with similar issues.
Results
Environmental
Economic
Social
Restoring the lake will reduce the existing phosphorus concentration from 70 μg/l to 10 μg/l.
The selected treatment restricts the proliferation of algae such as cyanobacteria, enhances biodiversity and improves the aquatic ecosystem.
Dredged lake sediments can be recycled as backfill or cover material.
A rise in recreational and tourism activities will boost the city's economic vitality.
Riverside property values will not decrease, they may even rise.
Once the lake is restored, it will again be used for recreational purposes.
People can use the lake without fear of any health risks.
Challenges
This project involved a number of municipal, provincial, federal and private partners, who each had their own agreement models with various obligations and commitments. Reaching an agreement that accommodated the individual stakeholders various constraints was therefore a rather lengthy process.
Installing the floating platform also raised numerous issues, specifically anchoring the enclosures at the bottom of the lake. Under the circumstances, the City had to use professional divers.
In addition, extreme weather conditions compromised the effectiveness of the platform. Numerous minor repairs were required.
Lessons learned
If a complete assessment reveals the presence of various pollutants, control measures for the entire watershed must be put in place. Control measures can then be directly applied to the aquatic ecosystem.
The two field tests were conducted only once in each case for three to four months. Also before attempting to restore the entire lake, it is essential to conduct tests in isolated areas for two to three years. The effectiveness of the technologies can therefore be estimated and documented.
Municipalities interested in restoring a lake with a similar problem will find an overview of the project in the final report including a description of the pilot project, research findings and test results, a comparative analysis of the remediation measures tested, along with conclusions and recommendations.
On the basis of this experience, Quebec City was pleased that it had set up a multidisciplinary committee. Given that the project involved every sphere of sustainable development, the multidisciplinary committee provided a broader perspective and increased the chances of success.
Alexandre Baker
Environmental Advisor
Environment Department, Water Quality Division
Quebec City, QC Alexandre.baker@ville.quebec.qc.ca
T. 418-641-6411, ext. 2827
T. 418-641-6556
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.
Best practices for meeting Canadian municipal wastewater regulations
Are you looking for technical information and examples of best practices to help you with your municipality's wastewater treatment initiative?
We have developed case studies to help Canadian cities and towns of all sizes meet the wastewater regulations introduced by the federal government.
The case studies provide valuable information that you can apply to your own wastewater treatment plant projects and upgrades. They include technical information, project details, tips on best practices and the significant benefits gained by community members.
Read the case studies to learn the steps you can take to:
Upgrade, retrofit or replace your wastewater treatment system.
Increase capacity and extend the service life of your wastewater treatment plant.
Improve wastewater quality, reduce odour levels and eliminate chemical residues.
Learn about alternative ways to minimize energy use.
Each study also includes contact information so you can connect with people who have firsthand experience overcoming specific challenges and obstacles in these initiatives. Connect with them to ask for advice on projects in your municipality.
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.
This checklist outlines the best practices for your municipality to follow to ensure a successful wastewater upgrade project. It is based on a three-part article series that provides a framework to help municipalities develop innovative and sustainable wastewater system projects.
It highlights important points to consider during each of the three phases of a successful project:
How a wastewater treatment project is defined and who is involved in defining it set the stage for the rest of the project.
Activity
Yes
No
Develop a long-term vision Your municipality (council) has considered and/or discussed a long-term vision for serving the community. Operations staff have been included in those discussions.
Engage early and broadly Your project manager has engaged all of the relevant stakeholders. This may include regulators, citizen groups, council, operations staff and staff from other relevant departments (e.g. procurement, environment or engineering).
Conduct background research Your engineering department and/or operations staff have identified technologies that might work for your system. You have completed a comprehensive review of information from other sources such as regulators, other municipalities, the Canadian Water and Wastewater Association, the Canadian Water Network, equipment suppliers and regional wastewater associations.
Develop a clear project scope The project manager has outlined the goals and realistic objectives to address your project needs.
Innovative and sustainable projects require an integrated approach to planning, management and decision making.
Activity
Yes
No
Use integrated teams and processes You have representation from the various relevant departments within your municipality (e.g. procurement, operations, engineering, environment, communications). You are planning to have regular team meetings.
Optimize long-term returns on investment You have undertaken a value-engineering analysis. A part of your team is undertaking a life-cycle cost analysis.
Include contingencies in the project budget and schedule A percentage of the budget has been set aside for contingencies. You have factored the costs associated with extreme weather events in your budgeting. You have considered how the schedule could be affected by delays in funding.
Building your wastewater facility requires a mix of careful planning, coordination and flexibility.
Activity
Yes
No
Use flexible procurement processes You have consulted with your procurement department. You have established a procurement process. You have considered alternative service delivery methods.
Use effective communications and project management You are communicating with each stakeholder group. You are sharing information with councillors.
Develop a comprehensive training and change plan You have considered how you will keep operations staff up to date with training.
Prepare detailed testing and commissioning work plans You have a testing plan in place throughout the project. Your commissioning plan is in place.
Case study: City of Sarnia Integrated Community Sustainability Plan
Sarnia's Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (ICSP) brings together initiatives already underway to optimize budgets, personnel and other resources across municipal departments.
Sarnia is the largest urban centre in Lambton County. It has had a long history of partnership with the county, as well as with the local Aamjiwnaang First Nation community of about 850 Chippewa (Ojibwa) aboriginal peoples.
While there were existing sustainability-related initiatives in the City, the ICSP is the first document to knit the existing initiatives together. It is not intended as a prescriptive plan, but rather a reference document for those developing community projects to ensure sustainability goals can be achieved.
Some specific objectives outlined in the ICSP include brownfield redevelopment, improved services for the greying population, encouragement of new green and bio-based industries, and "destination" tourism through an art gallery, a museum and First Nations culture.
Results
Environmental
Economic
Social
Brownfield redevelopment
More energy efficient vehicles introduced to city fleet, including hybrid vehicles
Reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) used to measure environmental impact
Encouragement of "Destination" tourism through art gallery, museum and First Nations
Encouragement of growth and development of new green and bio-based industries
Incorporating disaster resilience and mitigation into decisions and actions
Improved services for the greying population
Raising the profile of cultural activity in community planning and development
Citizens of Sarnia and Lambton working together to achieve sustainability goals
Challenges
Culture as part of sustainability was a matter of significant discussion and some delay.
In the end, culture was included as an essential element of the ISCP. Members of the community, including the local First Nations, confirmed the wisdom of this decision.
The Plan has not yet received significant media coverage, but positive recognition is expected as sustainability projects are implemented.
Lessons learned
Determine what sustainability initiatives already exist in the community, what success has already been achieved, and whether any disappointments have been experienced and, if so, why.
Ensure that municipal council, management, staff, industry and the private sector are supportive of the principles of sustainability.
Determine in advance whether the plan is prescriptive or high-level.
Establish ICSP development milestones, how metrics will be developed, and the budget and timeline expected.
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.
The City of Kingston, ON wanted to create a sustainability plan with a difference. City staff felt that to truly work, sustainability had to be an idea that is owned not just by city staff and council, but by the community as well.
The idea of community ownership drove much of the discussion around the plan. In the end, there are three-prongs to Kingston's "community-owned" plan. There is the plan itself; a website that — among other things — lays out a set of best practices for individuals, businesses and organizations to follow; and the creation of an arms-length governing body that will drive sustainability forward in Kingston.
Results
Environmental
Economic
Social
A best practices website
Creation of an arms-length governing body to drive sustainability forward in Kingston
Reduce and/or mitigate GHG emissions to become carbon neutral
Establish Kingston as a leader in green energy - wind, solar, biofuel
Become a hub for research and development companies
Support and implement green procurement policies
Reduce reliance on food bank usage
Support the inclusion of affordable housing in new developments
Increase opportunities for those who wish to age-in-place
Challenges
How to make concrete the idea of "community ownership" of a sustainability plan
Getting buy-in from council on the idea of an arms-length body being responsible for sustainability
Lessons learned
Invitation-only meetings were key to making the idea of community ownership concrete
Don't underestimate the importance of buy-in from politicians and staff in the process
Paul MacLatchy
Director, Environmental and Sustainable Initiatives
Kingston, ON
T. 613-546-4291
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.
The City of Rivière-du-Loup, QC has prioritized economic, environmental and social development in the community. To chart a course for its future, the city prepared a long-term sustainable development plan based on The Natural Step planning framework. Its goal was to build an integrated community plan that will unfold over 40 years.
The city also wanted to ratify its municipal policies and review its zoning bylaws. The plan was developed in five stages: create a vision, assess the current situation, pinpoint areas for improvement, implement the plan, and follow up.
Other Canadian municipalities, especially those that are similar to Rivière-du-Loup, can learn from this exercise and use it as a basis for their own plans.
Results
Environmental
Economic
Social
More green space and natural areas that are accessible to residents
Responsible use of natural resources (energy, water, air, soil) to ensure their sustainability
The local economy is bolstered by the city's investment in diversity, innovation and sustainability
A healthier economy results from responsible production and consumption
A united community that shares a common vision
An improvement in overall quality of life for residents
Challenges
A lack of funds hampered progress and added to the timeline, which discouraged some stakeholders.
The municipal council had to share some decision-making power with various public interest groups.
Lessons learned
Public consultation slows the process down, but is essential for both the successful rollout and long-term implementation of the plan.
Using outside expertise and having someone work full-time on the project proved to be important because too long a process can discourage stakeholders.
Council must be absolutely committed to the process.
Éric Côté, Director
Service de l'environnement et du développement durable
City of Rivière-du-Loup, QC
T. 418-867-6663
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.
The City of St-Jean-sur-Richelieu studied the feasibility of using municipal sewage sludge as agricultural fertilizer.
Every year, the municipal wastewater treatment plant trucks 11,000 tonnes of biosolids to a landfill more than 100 kilometres away. After field tests, the study team gave a thumbs-up to spreading the sludge on land. The study showed that an open-air composting site would have to be built to treat the biosolids during winter and rainy periods. Ideally, the bulking agent added to the sludge would be organic waste from household collection.
Spreading municipal biosolids on agricultural lands is a solution that has financial benefits for farmers and the municipality, and is good for the environment.
Results
Environmental
Economic
Social
13,000 tonnes of GHG emissions avoided annually by not landfilling sludge
Other environmental impacts of truck traffic reduced
The project costs $457,000 per year less than landfilling sludge
Farmers benefit from an estimated $120,200 worth of fertilizer per year
Field tests showed that there would not be unpleasant odours
The project will create at several permanent jobs and contribute to the local economy
Challenges
Devising a composting and/or storage scenario for winter, when biosolids cannot be transported directly to farmers' fields.
Overcoming the public's discomfort with the idea of spreading sewage sludge on land.
Lessons learned
During winter, composting is preferable to simple storage because it brings biosolids to maturity sooner and improves their physical characteristics.
Field tests were important in showing that the project would not have negative impacts like unpleasant odours.
The proximity of vast agricultural areas is a big part of what made this project economical.
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.
The Municipality of the District of Shelburne studied the feasibility of building a local waste transfer station to reduce the costs and environmental impact of trucking waste to a landfill in another municipality.
Under a shared service agreement, the district also provides collection and disposal for the Town of Shelburne and the Town of Lockeport. Once filled, the curbside collection trucks, better suited to short hauls, make a three-hour return trip to the landfill. A transfer station would allow specially-designed long-haul trucks to make the trip to the landfill.
Building a waste transfer station would reduce fuel consumption. It would, however, provide economic benefits only if two neighbouring municipalities (the District of Barrington and the Town of Clark's Harbour) participated in the project.
Results
Environmental
Economic
Social
Fuel consumption from truck travel to and from the landfill would be reduced by about one-third
The transfer station system would be cost-effective if five municipalities participated
An awareness campaign to promote separation of recyclable and compostable waste would further reduce landfill use
Challenges
Finding a suitable location for a waste transfer station.
Estimating financial savings in the face of changing energy prices.
Familiarizing outside consultants with the needs of the rural community.
Lessons learned
Engage staff in the early stages of any feasibility study.
Make sure all quantities included in the analysis, such as amount of fuel used, are adequately researched.
Make sure that the process for evaluating the technical and economic feasibility is defined clearly and early.
Use the skills of the steering group.
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.
