Small towns, big impacts: GMF in small and rural communities

Inspiration and resources for your next sustainability project

Rural, northern and remote communities help fuel Canada’s economy and provide vital resources that make our country run.

Since 2000, the Green Municipal Fund (GMF) has invested nearly $346 million in rural municipalities across Canada—supporting innovative sustainability projects that reduce energy costs, strengthen local economies, increase affordable housing, and more.

Explore the videos and resources below to get inspired and discover ideas for your next municipal sustainability project.

Helping residents achieve home-energy savings

Small, rural and northern municipalities are helping homeowners afford energy upgrades that will cut utility bills, improve home comfort and reduce emissions.

Learn how the rural Town of Rocky Mountain House became one of the first municipalities in Alberta to implement a Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE)-style program under the province’s legislation. The initiative helps homeowners finance energy retrofits—saving participants an average of $800/year on utility bills.
Learn how the Heiltsuk (Haíłzaqv) First Nation, located on a British Columbia island with no roads linked to the rest of the province, replaced oil furnaces with high-efficiency electric heat pumps to save homeowners over $1,500/year in heating costs.

Making housing more affordable and efficient

Municipalities and housing providers are achieving affordable housing with cost-effective utilities.

Learn how the small town of Valemount, in British Columbia, is planning 18 new energy-efficient housing units that will let seniors stay close to family and community—while using sustainable and replicable design principles.
Learn how Port Rexton, a rural town of fewer than 400 residents in Newfoundland and Labrador, is addressing homelessness by building energy-efficient units that include both affordable and rent-geared-to-income housing options.

Creating jobs and building sustainable community spaces

Small, rural, and Indigenous communities are investing in green buildings that support local employment and strengthen community well-being.

Learn how Cambridge Bay, a rural community in Nunavut, is revitalizing Inuit practices through a new cultural campus that blends traditional design with low-carbon construction—while supporting Northern and Indigenous-owned businesses.
Learn how the City of Iqaluit, a small town in Nunavut with no road access, transformed an abandoned site into a popular aquatic centre that brings the community together, cuts emissions with a new district energy system, and created 38 local jobs.
Learn how Saint-Valérien, a small municipality in Quebec, 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.

Related resources

Funders list for sustainable affordable housing

Learn about additional funding sources to support your next affordable housing project

Regional Energy Coaches

Regional Energy Coaches help affordable housing providers initiate and plan energy-efficient retrofits and new builds. The program is open to municipalities, not-for-profit organizations and housing cooperatives looking to improve their communities.