The Climate-Ready Communities (CRC) Assessment Tool empowers local governments to evaluate and enhance their climate adaptation efforts. Through a structured self-assessment, the CRC assessment tool can help your municipality identify gaps and next steps and find effective ways to integrate adaptation into existing municipal processes. The pillars of the CRC Assessment Tool are interdependent. Each play an important role in supporting a community's pathway to becoming more resilient to climate impacts. On this webpage you will find three steps to get started on your journey: the assessment tool, tip sheets to read before you begin, and a guide and video to walk you through the process to complete.
Step one: Download the Climate-Ready Communities Assessment Tool
Evaluate your climate adaptation progress and identify how you can boost resilience with the Climate-Ready Communities Assessment Tool.
Benefits: Helps municipalities evaluate their climate adaptation efforts, pinpoint areas for improvement, and create a clear plan for strengthening adaptation efforts.
What you will learn: Gain insights into your municipality's current resilience, identify key areas for growth, and develop actionable strategies to integrate climate adaptation into existing processes.
Who should use it: Designed for local governments of all sizes and locations across Canada.
Access the Tool Please download the file and save it to your computer to ensure full functionality.
Things to know before you begin
Collaborative Process: This tool is meant to be used in collaboration with key municipal departments.
Time Commitment: The tool is designed to be thorough, and municipalities should expect to dedicate approximately one week to gather input, assess current resilience, and develop a roadmap for improvement.
Starting Point: If your municipality has not yet conducted a climate risk assessment, it is recommended to start there. The tool builds on this foundational work.
Step two: Discover key considerations in the tip sheets
Reconciliation & Inclusion
Find tips and examples for integrating Reconciliation, anti-racism, equity and inclusion into your climate adaptation activities.
The Green Municipal Fund’s Sustainable Affordable Housing (SAH) initiative offers support to affordable housing providers—including municipal and not-for-profit organizations and housing co-ops—to construct energy-efficient new builds or retrofit existing affordable housing units that reduce GHG emissions.
Because a deep energy retrofit can be disruptive, engaging with residents is an important part of the process. This webinar aims to help housing providers develop their own plans for resident engagement that consider the unique circumstances of each project.
This webinar was delivered in English with French simultaneous interpretation.
Watch the webinar recording to learn:
How to effectively communicate to residents the challenges and disruptions associated with a deep energy retrofit, as well as the tangible benefits they’ll see as a result
Examples of best practices for resident engagement, such as training for new equipment
The positive effects of effectively engaging with residents to emphasize benefits such as energy efficiency, cost savings and quality of life
Lessons learned from previous projects that can be adapted and applied to your own project
How SAH’s funding and resources can help your project
Speakers:
Kaitlin Carroll, The Atmospheric Fund
Jon Jackson, Sarcee Meadows Co-op
FCM’s Sustainable Affordable Housing initiative is delivered through our Green Municipal Fund and funded by the Government of Canada.
Course: Building climate resilience with asset management
How to protect municipal infrastructure from climate hazards
Courses and training
Take this self-paced 10-module course and build climate resilience with asset management
Climate hazards like flooding, drought, extreme storms, and increased precipitation pose significant challenges to communities across Canada's diverse and varied landscapes. While these challenges are experienced differently across regions, they can threaten the reliability of municipal infrastructure and the vital services they deliver to residents and businesses.
It is important that local governments prioritize and integrate climate planning into their municipal decision-making processes so that they can guarantee the efficiency of infrastructure for current and future climate impacts.
Learn about the importance of integrating climate action into asset management planning with the Building climate resilience with asset management course.
This free, 10-module course is self-paced, with each module taking approximately 30-45 minutes to complete. It is designed for municipal practitioners from communities of all sizes, who are already familiar with the basic concepts of climate resilience and are looking to take their planning to the next level.
In this course, you’ll learn about:
How weather and climate change impact regions, communities and people
A framework for building climate resilience with asset management
How setting levels of service fits into municipal climate resilience
How to embed climate resilience strategies into your community’s plans and processes
This webinar highlights the role of community energy systems in helping municipalities implement innovative, sustainable energy solutions that reduce emissions while fostering local economic development. Through GMF’s new Accelerating community energy systems funded learning initiative, municipalities can access tailored support and funding to assess, plan and deploy community energy solutions, driving zero-emission strategies.
This webinar was delivered in both French and English with simultaneous interpretation.
Watch the webinar recording to learn more about:
The transformative impact of community energy systems on reducing GHG emissions, boosting local economic development and building partnerships.
GMF’s new funded learning initiative, designed as an “on-ramp” to help municipalities explore and implement community energy projects.
Tailored support available for municipalities during the application and project development process.
Unique opportunities for mid-sized municipalities to access funding and resources to launch CES projects.
Real-world case studies and best practices for securing funding and implementing energy solutions.
Practical steps for municipalities to apply for this initiative and advance their energy transition goals.
Panelists:
Lydia Fialka, District Energy Strategy Lead, Integrated Infrastructure Services, City of Edmonton
Alen Postolka, P.Eng, CEM, CP, Director, District Energy/Chief Operating Officer, Lulu Island Energy Company Ltd.
Explore how your municipality can accelerate its energy transition and unlock funding opportunities through GMF’s support. Don’t miss this opportunity to fast-track your municipality’s transition to sustainable energy solutions.
FCM’s Accelerating Community Energy Systems initiative is delivered through the Green Municipal Fund and funded by the Government of Canada.
Factsheet: Advancing tree equity and growing community canopies
Learn how to put tree equity at the centre of your urban forestry plans and practices.
Have you considered how to put equity at the centre of your tree planting projects? This factsheet explores ways that local governments and community partners can centre equity in their urban forestry plans and practices.
What is tree equity?
Tree equity is a dimension of urban forestry that seeks to address disparities in how urban forests and other greenspaces are distributed in communities across Canada. It involves taking steps to improve access to local trees and greenspaces for those who are statistically the least likely to benefit from these spaces. By applying an equity lens to urban forestry, local governments and their partners can assess how trees are distributed across neighbourhoods in relation to factors such as race, culture, income or education. This can help inform tree planting efforts and ongoing tree maintenance.
Tree equity also means ensuring all communities have a voice and are active participants in the planning and management of tree planting projects. There are many ways to put equity at the centre of these projects. For example, you can prioritize planting more trees in low-income neighbourhoods, ensure accessibility features are included in project designs and hire suppliers and tradespeople from equity-deserving groups.
Beyond individual planting projects, local governments can work with community partners to ensure that the urban forest as a whole is managed in a way that is equitable and inclusive, involving multiple stakeholders and rights holders in decision making and stewardship.
Why is advancing tree equity important?
Advancing equity in urban forestry is vital to ensuring that the benefits provided by trees and greenspace are available to all.
In Canada, historical and current instances of environmental racism have led to equity-deserving groups (including racialized residents, low-income residents and residents with disabilities) being more likely to live in neighbourhoods with low tree canopy cover and limited access to greenspaces. These trends appear in communities of all sizes.
Key resource: Nature Canada’s report, Bringing the Canopy to All, shows that in communities across Canada, neighbourhoods with greater proportions of low-income and racialized residents often have lower tree canopy cover than more affluent and less racialized neighbourhoods.
The social, environmental and economic benefits provided by trees are indispensable in creating liveable and healthy communities. Communities that lack adequate tree coverage are more vulnerable to health impacts from environmental hazards like extreme heat, air pollution and flooding. By improving access to trees and adopting equity-focused approaches to urban forest projects, local governments can:
Reduce the number of heat-related deaths and illnesses in equity-deserving communities.
Lower residents’ utilities bills in areas experiencing energy poverty.
Create outdoor gathering spaces to increase social connection and improve mental and physical health in nature-deprived areas.
Improve resilience to flooding and other extreme weather events in high-risk areas with aging infrastructure.
Equity Goals – The 3-30-300 Rule (conceived by urban forester Cecil Konijnendijk in this article)
The 3-30-300 rule states that everyone should be able to see at least three trees from their home, that all neighbourhoods should have at least a 30 percent tree canopy, and that all residents should have a greenspace of at least one hectare within 300 metres of where they live.
Nature Canada offers other considerations for equitable urban forests, including that everyone should have access to high-quality and biodiverse urban forests, and that everyone should have the opportunity to be active participants in governance and decision-making.
How can local governments advance tree equity through urban forestry?
Advancing tree equity requires a vision, setting priorities, innovative thinking to shift the status-quo, collaboration and accountability. Where resources are limited, local governments should prioritize investing in low-income neighborhoods with low canopy cover. These investments have the potential to provide greater benefits, significantly improve quality of life and create resilience to climate change impacts.
Wherever possible, local governments should collaborate with community organizations, particularly those led by equity-deserving groups, to collect data, lead consultations and inform decision-making.
Assess your urban tree canopy cover to identify opportunities for equitable planting
An important first step is to create a baseline tree inventory and canopy cover assessment. Conducting a spatial inventory using aerial or satellite imagery will help determine which areas have low canopy cover. If you already have a more detailed tree inventory, you can use it to learn more about specific gaps or areas with fewer and less diverse trees.
Next, collect data about the communities living in these areas. You can use census data or other surveying techniques to learn about the people living in these neighbourhoods. Resources such as HealthyPlan.City or American Forests’ Tree Equity Score can help you understand how different equity indicators, such as income, race or age, are represented across your community and in areas with low canopy cover.
Example: The Region of Peel, ON, brought together planners, conservation authorities, foresters, municipal officials and public health professionals to identify the environmental, economic and social priorities that could be addressed by tree planting. The group developed a detailed map identifying neighbourhood vulnerabilities to issues such as extreme heat. This map combined data such as canopy cover, socioeconomic factors and the adaptive capacity of each neighbourhood to create a Vulnerability Index Score. Peel is using the scores now to prioritize tree planting initiatives in neighbourhoods across the region.
Develop urban forestry plans and policies that centre equity and create accountability
Plans made today about planting, tree protection and management will have lasting impacts for generations. An urban forest management plan (UFMP) articulates a local government’s goals and sets out a roadmap for implementation and tracking progress made towards the management, expansion and protection of healthy and resilient urban forests.
If your municipality does not currently have a UFMP or is planning a new edition, consider how equity can be embedded in the plan as a key performance indicator or a guiding principle. This will create greater accountability for including equity considerations in future planting or management activities. A UFMP should have information on the current state of the urban forest (including areas with low tree equity) and a list of priority actions to address identified gaps.
If your municipality is not currently updating or developing a UFMP, consider other policy opportunities or strategic initiatives to increase equity. This could include creating or updating a tree planting action strategy that centres tree equity, developing tree protection bylaws, or updating your municipality’s public engagement strategy to better connect with diverse communities.
Example: The City of Winnipeg’s Urban Forest Strategy integrates equity considerations as foundational principles. It lays out specific goals and actions to achieve equitable distribution of tree and forest assets across the community and to foster Reconciliation and stewardship through purposeful partnerships.
Involve equity deserving groups in decision-making
A key aspect of equity-focused urban forestry is gaining perspectives and input from diverse communities, particularly those that are historically marginalized and underserved. The following are some best practices related to community engagement:
Provide information that is culturally and linguistically accessible.
Consult communities on the timing, format and location of any public consultation activities. Provide accommodations so that they can actively participate.
Seek out and include all relevant community members, including Indigenous peoples whose rights may be affected by urban forest management activities.
Approach different equity-deserving groups based on their specific protocols for engagement and in collaboration with community organizations representing these groups.
Build intentional relationships with diverse communities at all stages of the planning process. Before making any decisions, gather input on community values and interests. Continue engagement after a project is complete.
Working with external consultants with lived experience who specialize in conducting community-based consultations with equity-deserving groups is an important way to ensure your engagement approaches follow best practices.
Example:Halifax Regional Municipality adopted specific consultation strategies for engaging with Indigenous, African Canadian and Acadian and Francophone communities in the development of its Urban Forest Management Plan. An engagement summary for each community group is included with the materials for the draft plan.
Leverage partnerships to achieve tree planting and other equity goals
Ambitious tree planting in communities across Canada is needed to meet canopy cover targets and increase tree equity. However, planting trees in areas with low canopy cover is often challenging due to the lack of plantable areas, high impervious surface cover, poor soil quality and other factors.
An important way to tackle this challenge is to leverage partnerships to increase access to plantable spaces and get more trees into the ground. Partnerships with community organizations and housing projects, schools, hospitals and other places with suitable land and community access can provide opportunities to increase canopy cover in neighbourhoods where people live, work and go to school.
On private property, programs designed to encourage and subsidize planting trees for residents, schools and businesses are important ways to increase canopy cover. For the survival and health of the trees planted, build in educational opportunities to ensure trees are planted properly and to cultivate a shared stewardship over the trees in your community.
Collectively, these partnerships offer ways to extend the benefits of the urban forest across more of the community, foster public buy-in, and integrate more perspectives and experiences into the management of the urban forest.
Example:La Société de verdissement du Montréal métropolitain (Soverdi) is a non-governmental organization that works with local governments and institutional and other private landowners in Montreal to identify suitable locations and plant trees to provide canopy cover to equity-deserving communities who will benefit the most.
Next steps
Here are additional resources that can help you get started with advancing tree equity and growing community canopies:
This resource was created in partnership by Tree Canada and FCM’s Green Municipal Fund for the Growing Canada’s Community Canopies initiative, which is delivered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and funded by the Government of Canada.
The Exhibitor's Corner is your comprehensive guide to assist you in making the necessary arrangements for your exhibit at FCM's 2025 Sustainable Communities Conference to be held in Fredericton, New Brunswick, on February 10 – 13 (Industry Showcase dates).
Please make note of your Exhibitor Deadline Checklist to keep track of all important deadlines to make your participation even more successful.
If you have not already done so, submit your 40-word profile to be included on the SCC Industry Showcase exhibitor listings webpage and in the SCC mobile app.
Visit Plan your trip for full details and contact information.
Hotel block discount available until January 10, 2025.
FRAUD ALERT: Industry Professionals participating in FCM’s Sustainable Communities Conference and Industry Showcase may be contacted by companies claiming to have promotional offers such as delegate lists and lower hotel guestroom rates than the FCM negotiated rates. These companies are not associated with FCM, nor authorized by FCM to contact our clients, partners and/or Industry Professionals. FCM does not advise purchasing services or booking your guestroom(s) through this method.
MicroSpec Lead Retrieval Scanners offer Exhibitors the opportunity to obtain delegate information captured from barcode located on delegate conference badges.
What is included with your booth
The following is included in the purchase price of each exhibit space:
Standard Exhibitor Package – Exhibit space 8"D x 10"W x 8"H:
Two conference passes with access to conference activities including plenaries, keynotes, workshops, meals and social events. Furniture consisting of one six-foot skirted table (white linen), two banquet style fabric chairs, show drape, 40-word company profile and website link on conference website and the conference mobile app.
FCM does not provide a delegate list.
Exhibitor staff registration
IMPORTANT – Photo I.D. required
All Exhibit Staff must present a government-issued photo ID to pick up your badge on-site. Exhibitors will be required to wear the FCM issued badge and lanyard during the trade show hours. Name badges are not transferable under any circumstances.
A maximum of two Exhibit Staff Access Trade Show Only Badges will be issued per booth. This allows exhibiting staff access to the Trade Show Hall during the dates and times of installation and dismantle, and during official hours of operation. Badges are non-transferable. Register your Exhibit Staff through MicroSpec at Exhibitor Resource Center - FCM's Sustainable Communities Conference 2025.
Additional badges may be purchased on-site by visiting the registration desk.
Early bird - available until December 13, 2024: $1,000
FCM permits booth sharing but requires each exhibiting organization to be approved by FCM Show Management. Exhibitors may not host representatives or display material (brochures, banners, etc.) from a third-party organization without FCM Show Management approval. To share a booth, the third-party organization must complete and remit the form for FCM approval, agree to the Terms and Conditions and pay the applicable fee. Applicant will also be required to undergo FCM Prospect Clearance and be approved by FCM.
Empty booth – Inspection deadline*
All booths must be completely set up on/before 5 p.m. on Monday, February 10, 2025. Any exhibitor not checked-in by 3 p.m. will be presumed abandoned and space may be released. Should exhibitor experience a travel delay, he/she must contact tradeshow@fcm.ca before 1 p.m. to advise of the delay. No-show exhibitors may result in loss of booth space opportunities for the following year.
Dates and times
The Trade Show floor will be accessible for move-in on Monday, February 10 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Dollies will not be permitted after 5 p.m. All crates and/or cartons must be unpacked and labeled for storage by 5 p.m. Any crates and/or cartons remaining on the Trade Show floor will be removed.
Show Management reserves the right to schedule a move-in sequence, and to set target installation dates and times for individual booths. Exhibitors agree to abide by instructions given by Global Convention pertaining to the move-in of exhibits.
Exhibitors who are shipping items from outside Canada are strongly advised to use the services offered by Global Convention. Contact info@globalconvention.ca for more information.
When exhibitors arrive on-site:
Please check in at the Exhibitor Registration Desk to pick up your badge. FCM Registration Desk opens at 8:00 p.m. Monday, February 10, 2025.
Photo I.D is required. Please remember, you must always wear your badge. For security reasons, only personnel wearing badges will have access to the Trade Show floor
If you have pre-paid for materials handling, your material should be in your booth. If your material is not in your booth, check with the Global Convention on-site Exhibitor Service Desk.
Parking
24-hour parking is available in the 529 spaces located at the East End Parking Garage, accessible from King or Queen Streets. Current costs are as follows (costs subject to change without notice): - $1.25/hour or $15/up to 24 hours.
Booth installation
Exhibitors are allowed to install their own exhibits using the services of their own employees. Additional assistance can be requested. Should Exhibitors require additional assistance in the setup of their display, please contact info@globalconvention.ca.
If using the services of a display contractor other than Global Convention, please note:
Exhibitors must identify this company by completing the online Exhibitor-appointed Contractor Form via the FCM Exhibitor Show Management Form no later than January 13, 2025.
The Exhibitor-appointed Contractor must submit evidence of Certificate of Insurance (COI) before access to the Trade Show is granted.
Representatives of the Exhibitor-appointed contractor must present themselves to the Exhibitor Registration Desk to pick up their Temporary Exhibit staff badge before access is granted into the Trade Show hall.
Empty container handling and storage (only available if material handling has been ordered)
All crates and cartons must be unpacked and labeled for storage by 5 p.m. on Monday, February 10. “Empty Crate” labels will be available at the Global Convention Exhibitor Service Desk;
Exhibitors are advised that storage of crates is not secure; valuable materials and products should not be consigned to storage. Empty containers are stored off-site during the show and are not accessible during the show.
All crates and materials are stored on a non-insured basis. Exhibitors have sole responsibility for any insurance required to cover crates and materials on-site or in transit.
Exhibitor move-out
Early departure
No exhibits or booth displays may be dismantled before the official close of the trade show on Thursday, February 13 at 3:30 p.m. Exhibitor move-out will continue until 6:00 p.m.
*Failure to comply to show regulations, No-show booths or early dismantling/departure may result in loss of booth opportunities for the following year.
Packing of display materials and dismantling of exhibits will not be permitted until after the close of the Industry Showcase at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 13.
All exhibitor materials must be removed from the exhibit facility by Thursday, February 13 at 6 p.m. Any exhibits left assembled or not in the process of being dismantled by 6 p.m. will be dismantled and removed by Global Convention upon instructions from Show Management at the Exhibitor’s risk and expense.
Return of crates
Immediately following the close of the Trade Show and as soon as delegates leave the Trade Show floor, the delivery of hand-carried and carton freight will commence first, followed by the return of larger crates. The process generally commences within 30 minutes of the close of the show.
Removal of exhibit material
Show Management reserves the right to schedule a move-out sequence and set target dismantle times for individual booths. Exhibitors agree to abide by instructions given by GES pertaining to the move-out of exhibits.
If an Exhibitor fails to arrange for shipments of its material at the close of the Trade Show, Show Management reserves the right to re-route shipments via the official carrier to a warehouse, pending advice from the Exhibitor at the exhibitor’s expense.
Booth display requirements and regulations
General requirements
The aisle and air space at the Trade Show belong to FCM. Exhibits, signs, ceiling or floor coverings, displays or other advertising matter is not permitted to extend beyond the contracted booth space.
All display fixtures greater than four feet in height must be a minimum of five feet back from the aisle to avoid blocking the sight lines of other Exhibitors. Exhibitors whose displays exceed these dimensions may be asked to alter or dismantle that part of their display. Please refer to FCM’s booth specifications document on next page.
All exposed parts of the display structure must be draped or finished to present an attractive appearance when viewed from aisles or adjoining exhibits and should not be objectionable to other Exhibitors or to Show Management. When necessary, drapes will be installed by GES at the Exhibitor’s expense to cover exposed or unfinished parts of displays.
Exhibits, signs, display materials or other display structures may not be posted, nailed or otherwise affixed to walls, doors or any part of The Fredericton Convention Centre. Exhibitors will be responsible for cleaning and damages caused by failure to observe this rule.
The only adhesives allowed are listed below. Please note these are NOT available for purchase on site.
Walls: 3M wall mounting tabs, no. 7220
Floors - Echo Tape CL-W6300 or VI-N6120 or equivalent double Face Echo Tape DC-W188F
Brick walls: 3M wall mounting tabs, no. 7220
Booth exhibits - The following is included in the purchase price of each booth space:
Standard 8’D x 10’W x 8’H booth space with draped back wall set at a height of eight feet and draped side walls set at a height of three feet. Corner booths will not include a draped sidewall on the exterior side of the booth space, unless requested by the Exhibitor.
To ensure the display value of adjoining booths is not unduly limited, exhibit booth designs and walls, signs, fixtures and counters, product and exhibit displays may be erected to a maximum height of eight feet only in the rear three feet of the booth. From this point to the front of the booth, they may not exceed a height of four feet.
Any booth/displays exceeding eight feet in height must contact tradeshow@fcm.ca to verify height restrictions that may apply to exhibit booth.
Custom booth designs, signs, product and exhibit displays must be arranged in such a manner that they conform to this linear booth design. Maximum height of booths, products and display materials may not exceed eight feet unless pre-approved by FCM.
Where necessary in linear booth locations, drapes will be installed at the Exhibitor’s expense to cover exposed or unfinished parts of displays.
Carpeting
The flooring at the Fredericton Convention Centre is covered with carpet; therefore, booth carpeting/floor covering rental is not required by the exhibitor.
Seating
Prevent aisle congestion, seating for demonstration and theatre areas must be placed a minimum of three feet from the aisle.
Banners and hanging decor
IMPORTANT - RIGGING
Any Exhibitor ordering rigging services will require pre-approval by FCM Show Management. For FCM approval, please contact tradeshow@fcm.ca on or before January 13, 2025, if you plan to use any ceiling-suspended hanging signs and/or banners.
Submission of a visual rendering with dimensions will be required at time of approval request. Once approved, FCM will connect you with appropriate person at to coordinate.
Exhibit rules and guidelines
Introduction
The policies, rules and guidelines contained in this Exhibitor site guide should be read in conjunction with the Terms and Conditions contained on page 2 of the Application and Contract for Exhibit Space. They are part of the contract made between the applicant for booth space (hereinafter called the Exhibitor) and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (hereinafter called FCM). The term “Trade Show” shall mean the Industry Showcase portion of FCM’s 2025 sustainable Communities Conference.
Contract
Submission of the Application and Contract for Exhibit Space, full payment of the required booth space cost and your receipt of a copy of the Application and Contract for Exhibit Space, countersigned by FCM, will constitute a contract to use the space assigned.
Interpretation of rules and guidelines
Exhibitors agree to abide by the conditions and deadlines published in this Exhibitor Guide, the Terms and Conditions in the Application and Contract for Exhibit Space and by all conditions under which the space was leased to FCM by The Fredericton Convention Centre.
Exhibitors further accept responsibility for informing all their employees, suppliers or agents, appointed contractors and temporary staff involved with their exhibit activities, of these conditions and rules.
FCM shall have full power to interpret and/or amend the rules and regulations, which in FCM’s discretion shall be in the best interest of the conference and Trade Show. The decision of FCM must be accepted as final, as is the case in any dispute with the Exhibitor or in any situation not covered by the rules and regulations.
FCM reserves the right to terminate the contract on-site, if an Exhibitor:
fails to observe and follow these policies, rules and regulations
engages in unfair or deceptive trade practices
behaves in a manner which is prejudicial to the proper management of the Trade Show
does not comply with local, provincial and federal laws, rules, regulations and ordinances in force
Sales of products
The purpose of the Trade Show is to educate and broaden the knowledge of conference delegates through demonstrations, presentations, products and service displays. Sales are permitted on the Trade Show floor provided that transactions are conducted in an appropriate, professional and business-like manner. FCM reserves the right to restrict sales activities that it deems inappropriate or unprofessional.
It is the Exhibitor’s responsibility to comply with any Canadian federal, provincial, territorial or municipal laws in force, and to collect and remit any taxes payable.
Advertising and publicity
FCM Show Management reserves the right to determine what is acceptable publicity and advertising by Exhibitors within the Trade Show and to restrict, at any time, any display or activity which in FCM’s judgment does not conform with the purpose of the conference or Trade Show. In the event that FCM deems such displays or activities to be inappropriate or undesirable, FCM will issue an order to cease and desist. FCM will assume no liability for any losses, costs or other expenses incurred by the affected Exhibitor.
Exhibitors may distribute promotional material and literature or other articles within the booth space allocated. Exhibitors are encouraged to use promotional methods that eliminate or minimize the use of printed materials. Product and service demonstrations, presentations, interviews or other activities within the Fredericton Convention Centre are restricted to the Exhibitor’s allocated booth space.
Printed and visual products and promotional literature must be designed and produced in accordance with the professional nature of FCM’s Sustainable Communities Conference 2025.
Exhibitors are responsible to ensure that promotional and product or service-related information intended for distribution to delegates during the Trade Show is factually accurate and is professional and tasteful in its presentation. Whenever possible, FCM asks that information be provided in English and French.
The name and logo of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities are propriety trademarks for exclusive use by FCM and may not be printed, used or displayed for any purpose, without the express knowledge and written permission of FCM. Such permission will not be granted for purely promotional purposes, or in any way to imply endorsement of an Exhibitor, product, service or activity.
The only Exhibitors permitted to display the Federation’s “Corporate Partner” signs and logos are Corporate Partners in good standing.
To prevent misunderstandings, Exhibitors’ promotional materials may not be phrased like this: “in conjunction with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities” or use similar language.
Any questions or inquiries contact tradeshow@fcm.ca or call 343-417-0510.
Demonstration, display and presentations
All interviews, demonstrations, detailing or distribution of literature must take place within the space assigned, and not interfere with normal aisle traffic or infringe upon neighboring Exhibitors.
Exhibitors must not place demonstration areas at the edge of their booths if they expect many people to congregate there at one time and should allow sufficient space within their booth area to absorb the majority of the anticipated crowd.
Exhibitors whose display arrangements or presentations cause spectators to interfere with normal aisle traffic, or unduly overflow the display area of neighbouring exhibits, may be asked to limit or eliminate their presentations.
Food and alcoholic beverages
Exhibitors wishing to distribute food products or beverages or cook food products in their booth are required to contact the Fredericton Convention Centre, specifying the nature of the product to be distributed and the type of appliance used. Please contact fccinfo@frederictonconventions.ca.
Sales and distribution of food, alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages from exhibit booths are not permitted. Alcoholic beverages may be consumed only in designated areas.
Samples and giveaways
Contests, drawings, entertainment, incentives and raffles from exhibit booths must be approved by FCM before they can take place. Contact tradeshow@fcm.caon or before January 13, 2025.
It is the Exhibitor’s responsibility to ensure that contests, draws and games of chance comply with provincial lottery authorities.
The distribution of novelty items, giveaways and souvenir gifts such as buttons, models, decals or flags is left to the discretion of the Exhibitor, provided their intrinsic value is nominal. FCM reserves the right to refuse Exhibitors to distribute novelty items, giveaways and souvenir gifts which it deems to be objectionable or inappropriate.
Audio and visual components of exhibits
Exhibitors may not operate public address, sound producing or amplifying devices which project sound above the normal level of conversation.
Audio and visual equipment as part of a display is acceptable; however, sound equipment which would be audible beyond the display should be equipped with earphones or enclosed within a special listening room. In addition, spectators at exhibits viewing audio and video displays may not obstruct aisles or interfere with access to other exhibits. Absolutely no manner of sound amplification is permitted for Exhibitors conducting live presentations.
Show Management reserves the right to determine when sound levels from audio and visual equipment constitute interference with others or become unacceptable. In such cases, sound levels will be reduced, or the equipment will be removed at the Exhibitor’s expense.
Electrical services
All electrical wiring and outlets shall be at the Exhibitor’s expense.
All operating electrical equipment used in the booth, as well as merchandise, lighting and display equipment must have C.S.A. or equivalent provincial-power authority. Exhibitors should take the required steps to ensure electrical equipment meets these requirements. Failure to comply with the requirements to have electrical equipment approved may result in the equipment being refused connection to the source of electrical supply and may be ordered removed from your exhibit.
Noise, lights and odors
FCM Show Management reserves the right to determine when sound levels from electrical and mechanical apparatus, or display-lighting and odor-generating devices or activities constitute interference with others or become unacceptable. In such cases, sound levels will be reduced, or the equipment will be removed at the Exhibitor’s expense. Any questions or inquiries contact FCM at tradeshow@fcm.ca
Helium balloons
No helium-filled balloons, whether for decorative purposes or inflated for distribution to registrants, will be permitted within the Fredericton Convention Centre.
Animals
Live animals, birds, mammals, rodents or reptiles are not permitted on the Trade Show floor without prior written permission from FCM.
Certified guide/service/companion dogs assisting a person with special needs are welcome onsite.
Advance notification is required. Contact tradeshow@fcm.ca on or before January 13, 2025.
Care of facility property
Exhibitors are responsible to ensure the care of facility property during the Trade Show.
Exhibits, signs, display materials or other display structures may not be posted, taped, nailed or otherwise affixed to walls, doors or any part of the Fredericton Convention Centre. Exhibitors will be responsible for cleaning and damages caused by failure to observe this rule.
FCM Show Management and the Fredericton Convention Centre warn that Exhibitors distributing adhesive-backed promotional materials and stickers will be responsible for the costs of cleaning and repairs for removal of this material from the walls and floors of the facility.
Promotional floor decals or stickers must have pre-approved for use at the Fredericton Convention Centre. Provide a digital sample with material and size specs to tradeshow@fcm.ca via email on or before January 13, 2025 for review and approval.
Display vehicles
If you are planning to bring a vehicle onsite, exhibitor must contact tradeshow@fcm.ca on/before January 13, 2025 for approval.
FCM must receive the exact weights and measurements of the vehicle (photo or diagram where possible) should there be a floor load bearing issue.
Specific rules and regulations exist pertaining to any vehicles to be displayed at onsite. For additional information contact tradeshow@fcm.ca
FCM and the Fredericton Convention Centre must approve the positioning and location for vehicles. Spotting for mobile vehicles into and out of the facility is the responsibility of the Fredericton Convention Centre and will be coordinated by FCM having regard for all other move-in/out activity taking place.
Photographing and videotaping
Exhibitors may not photograph or videotape other Exhibitor booths on the Trade Show floor without the permission of that Exhibitor.
Exhibitors may photograph or videotape their own booths only before or after Trade Show hours. Any security or lighting requirements for such activities must be made in advance at the Exhibitor’s expense.
The rights to any and all photography of the event are the exclusive property of the Fredericton Convention Centre and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. The Fredericton Convention Centre and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities reserves the right to photograph the event for its own records, publicity and promotion purposes.
Security in the Trade Show
FCM Show Management, the Fredericton Convention Centre and Global Convention cannot guarantee against loss, theft or damage of any kind during installation, exhibition or dismantling. There will be no overnight security on the Trade Show floor.
Exhibitors who wish to remain in the Trade Show after hours must first receive permission from tradeshow@fcm.ca to work late. Exhibitors wanting to remove any goods or items from the Trade Show must obtain an Exhibit Material Release Form from Global Convention and present a signed form to security personnel when removing goods from the hall.
All Exhibitors are responsible for their own exhibit material, and should insure their exhibit materials against loss, theft or damage during the Trade Show.
Entry to Trade Show
FCM Show Management reserves the right to refuse admission to the Trade Show to any visitor, Exhibitor or agents or employees of Exhibitors who, in the opinion of Show Management, are unfit, intoxicated or in any way creating disruption to the Trade Show.
Children under the age of 18 will not be allowed in the Trade Show during show hours unless they are a registered Conference Delegate or registered companion for a person with special needs.
Exhibitors may not bring children under the age of 18 into the Trade Show during setup or tear-down for safety reasons. Proof of age may be required.
Smoking, vaping, e-cigarettes
FCM’s Sustainable Communities Conference 2025 is a smoke-free event. Smoking and vaping are prohibited by law and by FCM policy at all times within the Fredericton Convention Centre.
Recycling and residual waste management
The exhibitor has the obligation to use the equipment provided at his disposal for recycling (paper, paperboard, glass, plastic) for the duration of the event (including setup / dismantling and during the exhibition). Additional selective collection may be added to those mentioned above.
Fire regulation
The Fredericton Convention Centre has strict fire safety regulations and requirements. The purpose of these requirements is to maintain an acceptable level of fire safety within the venue. The Exhibitor assumes responsibility for compliance with municipal and provincial regulations concerning fire, safety and health. Aisles and exits must be kept clear at all times with exit signs clearly visible.
All exhibits are subject to approval by FCM Show Management. Exhibits are subject to a show site review and if modifications are necessary, they will be at the Exhibitor’s expense.
All Exhibitors are required to complete the Fire Safety Requirements on our Exhibitor Show Management Form no later than January 13, 2025.
Liability
The Federation of Canadian Municipalities will not be liable for any loss or damage to the property of the Exhibitor or its employees, due to fire, theft, accidents or any cause whatsoever that may arise during use and occupancy of the leased space at the Fredericton Convention Centre.
The Exhibitor agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, GES and the Fredericton Convention Centre and its employees against any and all claims of any persons whomever arising out of acts of omission of Exhibitors and their employees. (Exhibitors shall furnish their own public liability insurance).
FCM assumes no liability for damages or losses resulting from, or relating to, the failure of an Exhibitor to comply with the provisions of the Terms and Conditions as set out in the Application and Contract for Exhibit Space. If, due to unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of FCM, an Exhibitor’s materials do not arrive in time for display during the entire period of the Trade Show, or any portion thereof, FCM assumes no liability for damages or losses to the Exhibitor and is under no obligation to refund the Exhibitor’s fees.
Before any exhibit may be removed from the Fredericton Convention Centre, Exhibitors must make arrangements satisfactory to FCM Show Management, the Fredericton Convention Centre and the official and exclusive contractors, for the payment of any charges incurred by the Exhibitor in connection with presenting its exhibit.
IMPORTANT—Certificate of Insurance (COI) required
Each Industry Professional agrees to accept responsibility for maintaining adequate insurance against injury to persons, damage to or loss of property, products, equipment or decoration and inability to meet obligations outlined in the Showcase Manual and Terms and Conditions as set out in the Application and Contract for Exhibit Space.
Industry Professionals must provide evidence of Comprehensive General Liability insurance with a minimum limit of $2,000,000 CAD by completing and returning their Certificate of Insurance (COI) to FCM Show Management Form no later than January 13, 2025.
Insurance protection of the type described will not be provided to the Exhibitor by either FCM or the Fredericton Convention Centre.
Exhibitors or their agents who desire insurance on their exhibit booths, display goods and staff must place the same at their own expense.
IMPORTANT: FCM reserves the right to prohibit access to the Industry Showcase floor to any Industry Professional from whom no proof of insurance has been received.
Have questions about SCC 2025?
We'd love to hear from you. If you have any questions about SCC 2025, please send us an email and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
Factsheet: The role of tree diversity in strengthening urban forests
Learn what tree diversity means in the context of an urban forest and how tree diversity contributes to both climate resilience and urban biodiversity.
Are you looking for ways to make your urban forest more resilient? This factsheet explains what tree diversity means in the context of an urban forest and how tree diversity contributes to both climate resilience and urban biodiversity. It highlights approaches municipal staff, including urban foresters and other sustainability professionals can take to make their urban forests more resilient and biodiverse through tree planting and protection.
The importance of tree species diversity
Integrating diverse tree species into urban forest management is an important step towards creating a more resilient urban forest. Urban forests and the many benefits they provide are threatened by pests, disease and extreme weather. With extreme weather events like storms, floods and droughts on the rise, increasing tree diversity through strategic planting and management is vital for making urban forests more resilient.
Tree species diversity measures the richness and evenness of tree species within an urban forest. Species richness refers to the total number of different tree species present, while species evenness indicates how evenly those species are represented. High species diversity is characterized by a variety of tree species represented evenly.
At the scale of an entire municipality, many Canadian urban forests are species-rich. This is due to the variety of trees planted in private gardens, native trees that exist in patches of remnant or restored ecosystems, and publicly planted trees on city streets and in parks. However, at both the scale of an entire municipality and at a smaller scale (e.g., a street or city block), the species evenness of most urban forests is poor. This leads to urban forests with low diversity and lower resilience to environmental stressors, like pests and extreme weather events.
How urban forests with high tree diversity are more resilient to pests and diseases
Major pests and disease outbreaks like Dutch elm disease and emerald ash borer infestations have decimated urban populations of American elm and green ash trees, showing the importance of species diversity in urban forests. At their peaks, these trees made up a large portion of the urban forest in cities and towns across North America. In many cases, they were planted unevenly, making up more than half the trees planted on city streets and in parks. The loss of these dominant species revealed urban forest vulnerabilities that resulted in substantial canopy loss.
Municipalities can avoid this type of devastating canopy loss in the future by planting tree species with an eye to increasing diversity.
How species diversity contributes to climate resilience
Urban forests can “climate-proof” a city in various ways, including cooling streets during heatwaves and mitigating the effects of flooding.
Diverse urban forests are even more effective at climate-proofing, exhibiting greater resilience to extreme weather events like droughts and floods. A diverse urban forest is more resilient to drought, for example, because different tree species have varying levels of drought tolerance. Drought-tolerant species continue to grow normally, preserving the overall health of the urban forest as other, less tolerant species struggle during a drought.
As trees have long lives, consider selecting species that can thrive in future climatic conditions in your community. Select both native and non-native species adaptable to a wide range of hardiness zones, or those found at the southern edge of your municipality’s hardiness zone. These trees will be better equipped to handle extreme weather and rising temperatures.
Cities like Vancouver, British Columbia have created urban tree lists that take climate resilience into account, providing a model for other municipalities that want to select suitable tree species.
Case study: Planting trees using functional diversity measurements in Montreal, Qc
Montreal has committed to planting 500,000 trees as part of its 2030 Climate Plan. To inform species selection for climate resilience, the city undertook a study assessing the functional diversity of its urban forest.
Functional diversity groups tree species together based on similar functionality rather than taxonomic groupings. Functional groupings are linked to the ecosystem services each species provides (e.g., large, drought-resistant trees). The proportions of functional groups in an urban forest can represent how that urban forest will respond to future stress, particularly future climate change stressors.
The study revealed that Montreal’s urban forest had low functional diversity (3.7/9), making it vulnerable to the effects of climate change and biotic threats (i.e., pests and diseases). However, by strategically choosing species for its planting target, a high functional diversity (8.2/9) could be reached, significantly enhancing urban forest resilience.
Diverse tree species also offer varied habitats and food sources for wildlife. For instance, eastern white cedars provide cover for small birds, while white oaks produce acorns for birds and mammals to eat. Increasing tree diversity in urban forests supports wildlife, which is crucial in urban ecosystems where food and habitat are often scarce. While native species typically offer better habitat for local wildlife, carefully chosen non-native species can also play a role, particularly in challenging urban conditions. Non-invasive, non-native trees can provide temporary corridors for wildlife, facilitating movement between higher-quality habitats.
How your municipality can promote and advance species diversity
Conduct tree and plantable space inventories: A tree inventory provides insights into species diversity within an urban forest. An urban forest’s vulnerabilities cannot be reduced if its species diversity is not known. Inventorying the trees located in publicly owned streets and parks is the best way to understand the tree diversity in your municipality.
Doing an inventory of spaces where trees could be planted will identify available locations for new plantings of diverse species in your municipality. Planting in these locations not only supports a more resilient urban forest but also promotes its growth. Tree and plantable space inventories can be conducted using software like i-Tree or geographic information systems (GIS).
Make enhancing tree diversity your goal when selecting species to plant: Based on your tree inventory, create a plan to prioritize (and de-prioritize) certain tree species for planting. With inventory data in hand, your municipality can develop a planting plan that will start to balance out species diversity. For example, your municipality may choose only to plant tree species that make up less than 10 percent of its urban forest. Whenever possible, prioritize native and larger trees for their ecological benefits, while considering non-native, non-invasive species in constrained urban environments.
One guiding principle for minimizing urban forest vulnerabilities is the 10-20-30 rule. It suggests that there should be no more than 10 percent of a single species, 20 percent of a single genus and 30 percent of a single family in an urban tree population. Although challenging to implement, this guideline serves as a benchmark for enhancing species diversity and increasing urban forest resilience.
Conserve existing tree diversity in your community: Maintaining and protecting existing trees, especially those that are large and mature, is important to promote species diversity and urban forest resiliency.
Larger and more mature trees provide greater ecosystem services and biodiversity support than newly planted trees. Individually, they are also more resilient to extreme weather or biotic threats and have much lower mortality rates than newly planted trees. Large and mature trees need to be managed for long-term urban forest resilience and diversity goals to be met. They should be maintained and protected to support urban forest health and growth.
Engage with the community to promote diverse tree planting and conservation: Education and engagement are great ways to connect residents with nature and raise awareness of urban forest management practices. Share the results of your inventories with residents and explain the importance of tree diversity and tree protection in creating a more biodiverse and resilient urban forest.
Connecting with residents can also lead to new opportunities for planting as homeowners and other landowners may have available plantable space on their properties. In many municipalities, tree diversity and ecosystem services can peak in residential neighbourhoods because these locations often have the space available to plant medium and large trees.
Consider creating lists of preferred species to plant based on tree diversity and available space. Share these lists publicly to guide residents and landowners in species selection and to advance municipal tree planting goals.
Next steps
Explore how other communities have integrated tree species diversity into their urban forestry plans and tree planting strategies:
Vancouver Urban Forest Strategy – Learn how the City of Vancouver has integrated tree diversity data into its future planting goals (see pages 33–35).
Winnipeg Urban Forest Strategy – Review the City of Winnipeg’s public tree diversity plan, including its recommended species list and information on loss of elm and ash trees from pest and disease in the city.
Camden Tree Planting Strategy – Learn about the London Borough of Camden’s planting strategy, which includes information on how it will increase the quality and diversity of trees to support urban forest resilience.
Urban Tree Diversity for Sustainable Cities – Review this policy brief by Nordic Forest Research summarizing the benefits that come with diverse urban tree populations and recommended actions to improve species diversity.
This resource was created in partnership by Tree Canada and FCM’s Green Municipal Fund for the Growing Canada’s Community Canopies initiative, which is delivered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and funded by the Government of Canada.
Unlocking the potential of PACE financing: A comprehensive report on Canadian legislation
HOME ENERGY AND RESILIENCE UPGRADES
Home-energy upgrade financing program
Attachment type: PDF Document
Discover an overview of PACE legislation in Canada
The Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) model is transforming how municipalities across Canada finance home energy upgrades, making it easier for homeowners to reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency, and lower energy costs. Yet, the success of these programs depends on enabling legislation that varies widely from province to province.
An overview of PACE Legislation in Canada provides a detailed analysis of the legislative landscape, highlighting where PACE frameworks already exist, where gaps remain, and how municipalities can leverage these frameworks to launch or scale financing programs.
Why PACE financing matters
PACE programs allow homeowners to access financing for energy upgrades—such as heat pumps, insulation, and solar panels—with no upfront costs. Repayments are tied to property taxes, making the loan transferable if the property is sold. This innovative model reduces financial barriers for homeowners and encourages long-term investments in energy efficiency. This report sheds light on the policy gaps and opportunities for expanding PACE frameworks nationwide.
What you’ll find in the report
Provincial and territorial legislative overview: Learn which regions have adopted PACE-enabling legislation and where policy development is still needed.
Policy insights: Gain a deeper understanding of the key features of existing PACE legislation in Canada—such as the eligibility of resiliency measures, available administration models, and variations in program design across jurisdictions.
Opportunities for municipal leadership: Explore how municipalities can take advantage of existing frameworks to deliver energy retrofits and reduce emissions.
Flexible financing models: Learn how PACE programs can be tailored to meet diverse local needs, enabling both residential retrofits and commercial energy upgrades to drive long-term energy efficiency improvements.
Have you considered investing in your community’s urban tree canopy? This factsheet is designed specifically for municipal staff, including urban foresters and climate action teams, who are involved in enhancing and managing their community’s green spaces. This resource will help you develop a strong business case to elected officials for investing in your community’s urban tree canopy by highlighting the numerous environmental, economic and social benefits that urban forests offer.
How investing in urban forests benefits local governments
Establishing a long-term vision that prioritizes urban forests as critical urban infrastructure is a cost-effective investment that provides numerous municipal services to the community, such as:
Offering green infrastructure services that municipalities are already responsible for, including stormwater management, air quality improvement and carbon sequestration.
Reducing the impacts of climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide, reducing the urban heat island effect and managing stormwater during heavy rainfalls.
Increasing resilience to climate impacts like flooding and heatwaves.
Improving health and well-being with better air quality, more shade, reduced stress, and more greenspaces for recreation and social interaction.
Trees provide vital ecosystem services
Ecosystem services are benefits that nature offers to support well-being. Trees provide carbon sequestration, stormwater management, cooling and air filtration.
These services are extremely valuable because they make cities more resilient to climate change. For example, the annual value of ecosystem services by the Niagara Peninsula in Ontario, which includes the Niagara regions and portions of the City of Hamilton and Haldimand, is estimated at $331 million.
Trees are a low-cost way to create climate-resilient communities
Trees help absorb and slow stormwater runoff, reducing flood risks. Their roots stabilize soil, preventing erosion, while their canopies can shield against strong winds. Although trees can be vulnerable to storm damage, well-planned urban forests are better able to withstand severe weather events.
Investing in green infrastructure delivers substantial returns. For example, urban forests in Toronto have demonstrated up to $3.20 for every $1.00 invested.
Trees can help improve public health
Trees foster community health and well-being by providing green spaces for recreation and social interaction. They improve public health by reducing stress and air pollution.
Six steps for building a business case for your urban forest
A strong business case for your urban forest can help secure support and funding for tree initiatives in your community. The following six steps provide a structured approach for assessing the value of urban forests, engaging the right stakeholders and driving decision-making.
Step 1: Assess ecosystem services
Develop a list of the benefits trees can provide in your community and collect data on the ecosystem services they provide (e.g., stormwater management, air quality improvement, etc.).
Action: Consider conducting a needs assessment for your community (e.g., reducing heat islands, managing stormwater and promoting biodiversity) to determine which needs are a priority and which tree species can help meet those needs. You can make use of various data sources for this process, including publicly available census information, heat mapping and flood risk maps. Many municipalities are using the Natural Assets Initiative’s Roadmap Program to help kickstart their natural asset management journey.
Step 2: Conduct an economic analysis
Help decision-makers understand that trees are a cost-effective infrastructure investment by analyzing the value they provide and the cost of replacing them. Integrate this analysis with existing asset management systems to compare the value of natural assets (trees and green spaces) with built assets (roads and buildings).
Action: Seek out examples from other municipalities and academic research to quantify the economic benefits of urban forests, such as energy savings and increased property values. These can be estimated for a given municipality using the i-Tree Eco tool.
Step 3: Engage people
Use a tailored approach to engage different groups within the boundaries of the municipality. This means recognizing the unique needs and interests of various groups and adapting engagement methods accordingly. Consult widely using different methods (e.g., surveys, public forums, community conversations, etc.) to gather input from as many community members as possible—particularly from equity-deserving groups. These diverse perspectives will reveal insights into the importance of urban forests in your community.
Use stories and tangible data to make the case to decision-makers and the broader community. Focus on the benefits that resonate most with your audience (e.g., economic, environmental, social, health-related, etc.).
Action: Consider how urban forests can help achieve municipal commitments towards reconciliation and equity goals, particularly for areas of need and in underserved communities (e.g., neighborhoods with limited access to green spaces or those experiencing urban heat islands).
Step 5: Start small
Start with small, achievable actions such as developing policies and/or bylaws that ensure newly planted trees are climate-resilient, pest-resistant and tolerant to local conditions.
Action: Begin by assessing whether your municipality has existing policies, bylaws or plans that support climate-resilient tree planting and protection. If such frameworks are absent, outline a set of steps to initiate their development (e.g., forming a working group of key stakeholders, conducting a gap analysis of current practices, consulting with urban forestry experts, drafting initial policy proposals and engaging the public/council for feedback). If policies or bylaws already exist, consider reviewing and updating them to ensure they’re effective and relevant to current environmental challenges.
Step 6: Ensure effectiveness
Ongoing monitoring and evaluation are essential to understanding the successes and challenges of your project. Ensure that you define clear indicators, use the appropriate technology for data collection (e.g., GIS mapping, drones, remote sensing) to monitor tree health and growth, changes in canopy cover and other key indicators.
Action: Regularly publish reports and updates on the performance of your urban forest. Highlight successes, best practices and lessons learned.
Trees are integral to your community
Planting and protecting trees in your community is more than a beautification effort. Trees are essential assets that provide environmental, social and economic returns. They are a low-cost way to make your community more climate-resilient while providing essential ecosystem services, improving public health and inspiring people. Strategies for making the case for urban forests can help you work with your community to achieve these vital benefits and have a long-lasting impact.
This resource was created in partnership by Tree Canada and FCM’s Green Municipal Fund for the Growing Canada’s Community Canopies initiative, which is delivered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and funded by the Government of Canada.
Aspen Heights: Redefining affordable housing in Saskatoon
SUSTAINABLE AFFORDABLE HOUSING
New construction of sustainable affordable housing
This article is part of a series calledTransforming communities with Sustainable Affordable Housing.The series demonstrates how energy-efficient, community-centered housing can foster resilience and well-being. Discover practical solutions for affordable, climate-friendly homes that improve lives and build a sustainable future.
In Saskatoon, SK, the National Affordable Housing Corporation (NAHC) has set a new standard with Aspen Heights, a 56-unit townhouse development that combines energy efficiency with affordability. Completed in 2024, Aspen Heights is a mixed affordable-market development that provides a fresh approach to affordable housing, where comfort, sustainability, and community truly come together. As Stacie Beever, Chief Operating Officer of NAHC, reflects, “There are so many successes worth noting and celebrating at Aspen Heights—including the achievements of our team and our high-needs tenants.”
A place to call home
Aspen Heights offers two- and three-bedroom townhomes, with 30 percent reserved for low-income households, including families and individuals with mental health and developmental needs. These homes are built with energy-saving features like extra-thick walls, insulated concrete foundations for better warmth, high-quality insulation, heat pumps that have natural gas backups, and triple-pane windows. Together, these features help keep utility costs low for residents and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“Access to quality homes like those at Aspen Heights truly changes lives,” Beever notes, “for those who may not otherwise have the means to live in new areas and communities like this.”
These sustainable features don’t just help the environment—they also keep costs predictable for tenants, helping them build stable lives and plan for the future.
Building connections and supporting residents
Aspen Heights is more than just a collection of homes; it’s a place where people connect and feel supported. Post-occupancy surveys reveal that two-thirds of affordable rental residents feel a stronger sense of community here. Many have reported an increased sense of safety and security—demonstrating NAHC’s commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive environment.
“The transformations we’ve witnessed through quality housing and our tenants' newfound stability,” says Beever, “are a testament to our team’s commitment to doing what’s right for communities in Saskatchewan.”
Rising to the challenge with innovation
Building a net-zero ready development in the harsh prairie climate has given NAHC opportunities to innovate and adapt. During the first two years at Aspen Heights, the air source heat pumps needed extra support, especially on Saskatoon’s coldest days. Rising to the challenge, NAHC brought in specialized HVAC experts to fine-tune the system, optimizing heating to keep residents comfortable year-round. The insights gained from Aspen Heights have already shaped NAHC’s approach to future projects. They recently completed Willow Grande, a 60-unit development with centralized commercial air source heat pumps powered by solar panels, and they are well underway on a second project, Aspen North, which further builds on the lessons learned from Aspen Heights and Willow Grande. These advancements—made possible through the learnings and support from GMF-backed projects like Aspen Heights and Plainsview Townhomes—have paved the way for more resilient, sustainable housing models across Saskatchewan.
A lasting model for sustainable living
Aspen Heights has sparked economic activity in Saskatoon by creating jobs during construction and supporting ongoing employment in property management and tenant support. Staff roles, such as the Director of Tenant Inclusion & Support, ensure that residents feel at home and secure year-round.
“The commitment to quality housing at Aspen Heights changes lives, allowing individuals and families to build brighter futures in homes they’re proud to call their own."
What is tree equity?
Why is advancing tree equity important? 
How can local governments advance tree equity through urban forestry? 
Assess your urban tree canopy cover to identify opportunities for equitable planting 
Develop urban forestry plans and policies that centre equity and create accountability 
Involve equity deserving groups in decision-making
Next steps
How urban forests with high tree diversity are more resilient to pests and diseases
How species diversity contributes to climate resilience
How tree species diversity supports biodiversity
How your municipality can promote and advance species diversity 
How investing in urban forests benefits local governments
Trees are integral to your community
