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HomeMy WebLinkAboutINS-17-086 - 2017 Municipal GHG Challenge Fund Submission REPORT TO: Committee of the Whole DATE OF MEETING: November 6, 2017 SUBMITTED BY: Justin Readman, Interim Executive Director, Infrastructure Services - 519 741 2200 X 7646 PREPARED BY: Lynda Stewart, Interim Director, Facilities Management 519 741 2600 X 4215 WARD(S) INVOLVED: All DATE OF REPORT: October 31, 2017 REPORT NO.: INS-17-086 SUBJECT:2017 Municipal GHG Challenge Fund Submission ___________________________________________________________________________ RECOMMENDATION: That Council endorse a submission to the Municipal GHG Challenge Fund and commit a proportionate share of project costs identified in the application. REPORT: On August 14, 2017, the Province of Ontario announced a new program focused on helping municipalities reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. According to the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MOECC), this initiative is part of Ontario’s Climate Change Action Plan and is funded by proceeds from the province’s carbon market. TheMunicipal GHG Challenge Fund is a competitive, application-based program that will fund up to 100% of eligible costs for GHG emissions reduction projects proposed by municipalities. Municipalities may request up to $10 million per project. While the province may fund 100% of eligible costs; proposals that leverage up to 50% of eligible costs will be scored higher. Staff have identified a number of energy efficiency projects that have the potential to reduce GHG emissions from City of Kitchener operations. Applications to the fund are due November 14, 2017 and successful applicants will be informed in early 2018. It is envisioned that the City of Kitchener portion could be funded by existing capital balances and energy savings over a ten year period. *** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. *** Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance. 3 - 1 ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN: Strategic Priority: Sustainable Environment and Infrastructure Strategy: 4.3 Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption in all areas of city operations 4.6 Improve the City of Kitchener’s ability to leverage funding opportunities for the development and renewal of infrastructure through federal or provincial programs and other partnerships. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: The completion of energy efficiency projects would result in energy consumption reductions and a corresponding savings in utility costs, which would be used to offset the capital costs of any projects. Existing capital funds related to these initiatives will also be used. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: INFORM – This report has been posted to the City’s website with the agenda in advance of the council / committee meeting. ACKNOWLEDGED BY: Justin Readman Interim Executive Director, Infrastructure Services 3 - 2