Funding for Sustainable Community Initiatives
Two important environmental projects are receiving funding from the Province’s Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund.
Environment and Climate Change Minister Timothy Halman announced the $430,000 investment today, August 15, in Porters Lake.
“These investments mark significant strides towards our commitment to a greener future for Nova Scotia,” he said. “Projects like these promote forward-thinking strategies that reduce emissions and waste and make communities even healthier. This underscores the essence of the Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund – community-based solutions to address climate change and create a better tomorrow."
Non-profit organization MusGo Rider will receive $130,400 to install solar panels to power electric vehicle chargers and its office building. It will also retrofit the building, which will reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 589 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.
Halifax Regional Municipality will receive $306,600 to develop a solid waste strategy that aligns with climate objectives in Nova Scotia. The strategy will reduce waste and energy consumption in solid waste systems.
The Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund is available to municipalities, non-profit and community organizations, post-secondary institutions and First Nations communities to help them respond to, prepare for and fight climate change, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Quotes:
“By securing this important funding for the municipality's solid waste strategy review, we can better align our solid waste management approach with our climate goals in HalifACT, creating a more sustainable future for our region.”
– Mayor Mike Savage, Halifax Regional Municipality
“We are grateful for the support from Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund. This funding supports our vision of making MusGo Rider a greener community transportation organization.”
– Jessie Greenough, Executive Director, MusGo Rider
“The Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities acknowledges the immense significance of the Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund and the initiatives it supports. These endeavours, driven by local communities, highlight the considerable impact that co-operative actions can have on tackling climate change. We are pleased to support these endeavours, which will play a role in shaping a more sustainable future for all. We applaud MusGo Rider highlighting the benefits of electric vehicles, and HRM for their comprehensive strategic review of solid waste programs.”
– Juanita Spencer, CEO, Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities
Quick Facts:
- the Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund was established on October 27, 2021, as part of the Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act, the government’s legislated commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, respond to climate change, transform how Nova Scotians produce and use energy, make homes more energy efficient, and more
- the fund provides $15 million over three years for projects that help communities adapt to climate change, mitigate its impacts and help Nova Scotia reduce its greenhouse gas emissions
- the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities was selected through a request for proposals process to develop and administer the Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund on behalf of the government
Additional Resources:
More information on the Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund is available at: https://nschallengefund.ca/
Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act: https://nslegislature.ca/sites/default/files/legc/statutes/environmental%20goals%20and%20climate%20change%20reduction.pdf
News release – Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities to Deliver Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund: https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20220414003