Driving local impact in Quebec

Across Quebec, municipalities are facing a complex mix of challenges including aging infrastructure, rising costs and increasing climate pressures—often felt most intensely in smaller communities with limited ability to absorb unexpected costs. In response, they are investing in practical, forward-looking solutions. At the same time, residents are grappling with affordability concerns, making it essential to balance environmental action with economic realities.

From clean energy and cost-saving transportation to affordable housing and climate resilience, Quebec municipalities are moving the needle on innovative projects that reflect local priorities—and GMF is there to support them. Wherever extreme weather can strain infrastructure and budgets, there is a clear need to balance climate action with affordability, job creation and economic growth.

Read on to explore success stories from across Quebec and discover tools and resources to help bring impactful local projects to life.

GMF’s impact across Quebec

309 projects  completed		2,904 jobs created		$141M+  in wages		$260M added to Canada’s GDP		147,634 tonnes of GHG emission reductions

Quebec communities are at the forefront of sustainable innovation

GMF funding and technical assistance is supporting local governments to deliver practical, cost-effective upgrades that improve residents’ day-to-day lives. The success stories below showcase real, replicable examples to inspire sustainability projects in your own community.  

Energy opportunities

Feasibility study for a regional home energy efficiency financing program in the Laurentians

The Regional County Municipality (RCM) of Argenteuil and six partner RCMs, along with the City of Mirabel, QC, are conducting a feasibility study to design a regional energy-efficiency program for single-family homes in the Laurentians. The study will assess technologies and implementation strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower household energy costs and improve housing quality across the region.  

Studying the impacts of community energy efficiency financing in Candiac

Learn how the City of Candiac, QC, is conducting a study to design a community energy financing program targeting residential upgrades to improve home efficiency, lower energy costs and reduce emissions across the community. The study will evaluate eligibility criteria, financing and governance models, and implementation strategies. 

Community building upgrades

Revitalizing Saint-Valérien's community spaces through energy efficient renovations  

Discover how a small municipality of Saint-Valérien transformed an unused church into a vibrant community hub that boosts tourism, creates local jobs and cuts operating costs through energy-efficient upgrades like a biomass heating system and improved insulation. 

Affordable housing

Inclusive net-zero housing in Montréal

In Montréal, QC, the Société locative d’investissement et de développement social (SOLIDES) is planning to build a net-zero housing project with 50% of units priced at 80% of the median market rate. A share of units will be reserved for equity seeking residents, advancing the city’s social goals while supporting a healthier future.

Laval, QC: Affordable, sustainable co-op housing

Local housing non-profit organization Village Urbain is planning a 40-unit intergenerational co-housing project near downtown Laval. Once completed, the build will feature sustainable electric and plumbing systems and will support the community’s climate goals while addressing the urgent need for affordable housing.  

Transportation

Ville de Varennes: Cutting costs and reducing emissions through electric fire trucks

Leading the way in electric innovation, the City of Varennes, QC, became the first municipality in Quebec to replace a conventional fire truck with an electric model. By partnering with a Quebec-based company, the city is supporting the local economy while adding a cost-effective and sustainable vehicle to its municipal fleet.

A shift to sustainable transport in Atlantic Quebec

In an effort to reduce GHG emissions from transportation and provide more equitable transport options, a group of municipalities in the Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine region teamed up with transit organization RÉGÎM to create TCiTé, a shared mobility project. 

Waste management

Piloting a new method of diverting organics from landfill

In response to Quebec’s organic waste diversion targets, municipalities partnered with local organizations, and secured GMF support, to pilot an innovative mechanobiological treatment system. The project produced valuable insights and practical recommendations for municipalities exploring similar waste diversion technologies.

How Lac-Saint-Jean’s Réemploi+ program is building a circular economy

Many municipalities are seeking ways to divert waste from landfills to reduce emissions and extend landfill life. In Quebec’s Lac-Saint-Jean region, local communities and waste managers partnered with the Réemploi+ initiative to reuse donated goods through resale stores that create jobs and generate revenue, supporting a more circular, low-waste local economy.