York Region municipalities should apply for money from a new $530-million federal funding package aimed at climate adaptation projects, a local MP is urging.
Aurora-Oak Ridges-Richmond Hill MP Leah Taylor Roy is creating awareness of the Local Leadership for Climate Adaptation fund, announced in June and administered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
Taylor Roy said in a news release that she saw a “lot of potential” for local municipalities to use the funding. She pointed to projects like reducing annual phosphorus loading to Lake Simcoe, rehabilitating the Mill Pond in Richmond Hill, or planting trees throughout Newmarket and Aurora, as projects that could stand to benefit from the funds, if applications are approved.
“My office is open to support (Richmond Hill) Mayor (David) West, (Aurora) Mayor (Tom) Mrakas and their teams to look into how this could be used to build stronger, more liveable communities."
“By working together, we can partner to provide residents with safety and security in the face of a changing climate, and keep our families, homes and businesses sustainable and prosperous for generations to come,” Taylor Roy said in a news release.
The funding is provided through the federal government's $2.4-billion Green Municipal Fund.
Municipalities that have completed climate adaptation plans or risk assessments can apply.
The funding can be used for climate adaptation planning, and there are also available pools of funding for implementation projects, which would allow municipalities to apply for up to $1 million, as well as up to $70,000 for feasibility studies.
The deadline for applications is Aug. 14.
