Calgary, Lethbridge among communities to receive millions in funding for green initiatives
The federal government is fronting more than $25 million to four municipalities to help implement financing programs for homeowners who want to go green.
Calgary, Lethbridge, Canmore and St. Albert will each receive millions to implement "retrofit financing programs for residential properties," said Jonathan Wilkinson, the federal Natural Resources Minister.
Calgary will receive $15 million, Lethbridge will get $3.8 million, Canmore's allocation is $1.6 million and St. Albert will receive $5 million.
“Climate change has serious implications for our city both now and into the future," said Jyoti Gondek, Calgary's mayor.
"This fund will open the door for Calgarians to make their homes more energy efficient, reduce their carbon footprint and save money."
Calgary's funding portion will help launch the city's Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP), which council passed as a bylaw in December 2021.
It allows homeowners to use the funding for a long list of projects, ranging from high-efficiency boilers, air conditioners or furnaces to smart thermostats and insulation improvements. People would then have to pay back the money used for projects on their own home through their property taxes.
The city says applications for the CEIP are set to open this fall and the program will first be available for residential properties, though non-residential projects may be eligible in the future.
In Lethbridge, the city says it plans to use some of the money to support affordable housing providers with facility improvements.
"The investment from the green municipal fund will ensure we’re able to help residents in our city make real, tangible energy efficiency and sustainability improvements to their homes," said Lethbridge Mayor Blaine Hyggen.
"Thanks to the $3.8 million in grant and loan funding, we’re going to see a reduction in our overall carbon footprint and that supports our environmental responsibility focus as a city council.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.
Body of Quebec man who died in Cuba found in Russia, family confirms
A Montreal-area family confirmed to CTV News that the body of their loved one who died while on vacation in Cuba is being repatriated to Canada after it was mistakenly sent to Russia.