Even as he acknowledged it falls short of what local governments are asking for, Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault announced Monday a new federal fund with more than half a billion dollars to help municipalities adapt to climate change. Even as he acknowledged it falls short of what local governments are asking for, Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault announced Monday a new federal fund with more than half a billion dollars to help municipalities adapt to climate change.
Municipalities can also apply for grants of up to $1 million for shovel-ready projects, such as fire breaks to control wildfires, artificial wetlands to prevent flooding, urban tree planting to help shade community streets, and cooling centres.Tim Tierney, the third vice-president of the FCM and an Ottawa municipal councillor in the city's east end, said the money could be used to bury electrical lines in the nation's capital.
Craig Stewart, vice president of climate change and federal issues at the Insurance Bureau of Canada, said Ottawa and other levels of government need to do more to address Canada's climate adaptation challenges. CBC asked Guilbeault why it took almost two years to roll out the program. He said the funding was first "confirmed" in April's budget and his department and FCM have been working on the program details.