The schedule for FCM’s Sustainable Communities Conference (SCC) 2025 has something for everyone! From expert panel discussions to interactive workshops and networking opportunities, the SCC program will help you fast-track sustainable change in your community. Benefit from Green Municipal Fund’s experts on hand to help you convert ideas into high-impact, sustainable projects.
Pre-conference trainings and study tours
Join these one-of-a-kind activities to get an in-depth look at new GMF resources or to explore key sustainability initiatives across New-Brunswick's capital city.
All event times are displayed in Atlantic Time (AT).
Schedule is subject to change without notice.
- Trainings | Tuesday, February 11
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. From numbers to nature: Municipal budgeting for climate goals
Be the first to access the Municipal Net-Zero Action Research Partnership's (N-ZAP) guide on carbon accounting and climate budgeting. Gain access to practical tools, learn from communities and take-home approaches to implement concrete next steps in your community.9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Advancing socio-economic benefits through inclusive engagement and social procurement
Unlock the power of inclusive engagement and social procurement as tools to drive meaningful socio-economic impact in your community. This practical workshop will provide you with the tools and strategies needed to foster meaningful engagement of your community and tailor social procurement practices to your municipality, whether small or large. You’ll gain hands-on experience with GMF’s socio-economic benefits framework, accompanying resources and real-world examples to help you implement these approaches effectively. By the end of this session, you’ll be equipped with actionable insights to create spaces that promote equity and strengthen local economic development.9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. From feasibility to capital project implementation
Getting a project from the study stage through to budget approvals and "shovels in the ground" can feel like a mountain of work. Drawing from successful initiatives across the GMF priority areas, join this training to discover tips, tools and lessons on how to build support and get going with your capital project.- Study tours | Tuesday, February 11
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 12 Neighbours micro-home community and social enterprise centre
Take a tour of Fredericton’s dignified micro-home community and social enterprise center. 12 Neighbours provides fully independent tiny homes as affordable rental units, as well as a social enterprise center with training designed to help people develop new skills and overcome employment barriers.9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Fredericton green buildings tour
Take a closer look at the Grant Harvey Recreation Centre, its geo-thermal heating system and its public dashboard. Then, explore our conference site itself in a behind the scenes tour of the Fredericton Convention Centre, a LEED silver certified event centre.9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Greenhouse and snowshoe tour with the City of Fredericton and the Nature Trust of New Brunswick
Check out Fredericton's newest greenhouse, where they grow seedlings to support local urban forestry efforts. After that, explore a local wetland and nature reserve by snowshoe, while getting to know local climate adaptation and resilience initiatives with the Nature Trust of New Brunswick. Snowshoes will be provided.
Concurrent workshops
Interactive workshops will be held throughout SCC 2025, allowing participants to actively learn from expert presentations and case studies, discover adaptable, real-world tools and ask questions relevant to their local challenges. Explore the topics of our workshops below—more information will be added soon.
All events and session times are displayed in Atlantic Time (AT).
Schedule is subject to change without notice.
- Tuesday, February 11
3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Moving towards 2050: Shifting transportation behaviours
Many municipalities are transitioning to electric fleets as part of their efforts to reduce GHG emissions and achieve net-zero by 2050. In this workshop, learn from municipal leaders as they share innovative approaches to overcoming challenges and develop successful strategies. This session will provide practical insights to help drive this transition forward in your community.3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. The mind and heart in the midst of a climate crisis
There is no doubt that we are facing a crisis climate crisis. But a pathway to a regenerative future can be created by cultivating mindfulness and compassion. This workshop will explore how inner awareness mirrors the outer world, guiding participants through reflection and discussion on eco-anxiety and community resilience. Together, we will explore how municipalities can incorporate mindfulness and regenerative thinking into their climate actions.3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Accommodating the future
How do we ensure that everyone benefits as our communities grow? Learn how fast-growing Canadian municipalities are accommodating the future through community conversation and strategic planning.- Wednesday, February 12
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Enhancing your building retrofit with effective multi-solving strategies
With so many competing priorities in Canadian climate action, it is more important then ever to integrate multi-solving strategies into building retrofit initiatives. This workshop will highlight inspiring examples of successful retrofit projects and provide participants with essential insights into the benefits of incorporating resilience, natural assets, and circulatory—just to name a few—into their municipal projects.10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Building the case for healthy equity in climate adaptation efforts: Tools and strategies for resilient communities
Join us for an interactive workshop exploring the vital connections between climate change, public health and community well-being. Through a dynamic game and engaging discussions, participants will delve into the importance of integrating nature and health considerations into climate adaptation strategies and discuss barriers to implementation. Learn how inclusive community engagement, equitable resource allocation and resilience-building projects can foster healthier, more resilient communities for all. Hear inspiring stories of cross-sectoral partnerships that bridge public health with community planning, design and climate action, ensuring that all community members benefit from these efforts.10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Together, we're making a difference
To achieve ambitious community climate goals, we need everyone at the table. Join us in learning from a broad range of regional collaborations working to advance net-zero action.
2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Leading the way: Emerging investment opportunities for local climate action
Municipal projects that help communities mitigate and adapt to climate risks are increasingly essential to drive climate action in Canada. In this workshop, participants will gain insights into effective strategies at the intersection of climate mitigation and adaptation, and explore how to leverage private capital to accelerate municipal climate solutions that build community resilience.2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Planting the seeds of Reconciliation across Canadian urban forests
Urban forests offer a unique opportunity for Reconciliation in Canadian municipalities, which sit on diverse Indigenous territories. This participatory workshop will explore how community tree canopies can integrate Indigenous stories and stewardship. Together, we will share ideas and stories to bring Reconciliation to life in your community's urban forests and tree canopy planning.2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Harnessing local resources for community energy solutions
Municipalities are increasingly advancing local power generation to combat the dual challenge of increasing energy costs and climate action. Join us to learn how to harness local resources and how to overcome common challenges that will support you to successfully build diverse and locally generated energy solutions.- Thursday, February 13
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Harnessing big challenges: Addressing energy poverty, housing crisis and retrofit gap in municipal planning
Tackling energy poverty alongside a national housing crisis seems daunting. However, by leveraging partnerships between municipalities and affordable housing providers, we can take on these big challenges with sustainable solutions. Join this workshop to gain valuable insights on addressing these competing demands and learn from inspiring initiatives that use innovative methods to overcome challenges and develop successful strategies.10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Walking the path to nature-positive communities by protecting and enhancing biodiversity
How can we mitigate the impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss to build resilience? How do we ensure a high quality of living amidst increasing urbanization? In the recent context of COP16 urging communities to make peace with nature, join us for an insightful workshop focused on working with nature to improve infrastructure project outcomes. This session will explore how municipalities can integrate nature and biodiversity into urban planning, development, community engagement and overall well-being. Through collaborative activities and expert insights, this workshop aims to equip participants with the knowledge and tools to create sustainable, biodiversity-rich and resilient communities that thrive in harmony with nature.
Schedule
From inspiring speakers and expert panel discussions to interactive workshops and a variety of networking opportunities, the SCC 2025 schedule has something for everyone.
All events and session times are displayed in Atlantic Time (AT).
Schedule is subject to change without notice.
- Tuesday, February 11
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Continental breakfast 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Pre-conference trainings and study tours 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Industry Showcase 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Lunch 1:00 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. Opening ceremony 1:45 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. Keynote address by Tanya Talaga, Award-winning journalist and author, Seven Fallen Feathers 2:45 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. Coffee break 3:15 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Concurrent workshops 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Sustainable Community Awards ceremony 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Opening reception - Wednesday, February 12
7:30 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. Breakfast 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Industry Showcase 8:45 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. Welcome and daily update 9:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. Panel: No one left behind – Collaborative climate solutions for inclusive action 10:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. Coffee break 10:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Concurrent workshops 12:00 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. Lunch 2:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. Concurrent workshops 3:15 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. Coffee break 3:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. Panel: A new era of climate action – Economic opportunity, job creation and cost savings at the forefront of action 4:45 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. End of day recap and reflection 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Social: East Coast Kitchen Party, Boyce Farmers Market - Thursday, February 13
7:30 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. Breakfast 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Industry Showcase 8:45 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. Welcome and daily update 9:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. Panel: Risk and resilience 10:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. Coffee break 10:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Concurrent workshops 12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m. Lunch 12:45 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Closing keynote by Laura Lynch, award-winning journalist, CBC's What On Earth 1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Closing ceremony 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Social tours