Eleven municipalities in Nova Scotia are set to benefit from a recent federal initiative. A total of $5.2 million will be shared among 70 municipalities across Canada to help them adapt to climate change.
Julie Dabrusin, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, spoke at a gathering in Dartmouth. She emphasized that climate change is no longer a far-off concern; it’s a real and urgent issue affecting communities everywhere.
Kyle Slaunwhite, from the Town of Pictou, mentioned they would use their share of the funds to hire a dedicated climate action coordinator. “Being a small municipality, we don’t have the resources for a full-time climate expert,” he explained. This hire will allow them to focus on climate issues without burdening existing staff.
The funding comes through the Green Municipal Fund, which is a partnership between the federal government and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. A significant portion, $2.8 million, will support 43 municipalities across Atlantic Canada. This investment also aims to foster local leadership in climate adaptation.
In Kentville, for instance, the funding will help create a climate risk database, host public workshops, and develop climate adaptation plans. Dabrusin noted that the types of projects funded can vary widely. Communities can decide what they need most, whether it’s backup generators, storm-water management, or dike construction. Each area faces unique climate challenges, from coastal erosion in Nova Scotia to flooding in other regions.
Also, a survey by Environment and Climate Change Canada revealed that over 60% of Canadians now feel the impacts of climate change in their everyday lives. This funding is a significant step toward empowering local communities to tackle these pressing issues head-on.
The municipalities receiving funding include:
- County of Antigonish: $70,000
- Municipality of Argyle: $70,000
- Cape Breton Regional Municipality: $104,550
- Municipality of the County of Inverness: $70,000
- Municipality of the County of Richmond: $70,000
- Municipality of Victoria County: $70,000
- Municipality of the District of Yarmouth: $70,000
- Town of Yarmouth: $70,000
As communities prepare for the challenges posed by climate change, this funding may prove pivotal. It’s a chance to check in with local needs and invest in a sustainable future. For more detailed information on the program, you can visit Green Municipal Fund.
