In an era where Canadians are increasingly seeking sustainable communities, the federal government is stepping up its investments in environmental and economic health. The goal is to create places where clean air, affordable housing, and ample job opportunities abound.
On June 24, 2024, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, unveiled four initiatives in the Kitchener-Waterloo area aimed at bolstering community sustainability through enhanced energy systems and eco-friendly transportation solutions.
“We are investing in more than just energy-efficient projects — we are helping to build greener, more energy-efficient, economically prosperous communities for living, working, travelling and playing, across Ontario and across Canada. The investments we are making today in the Region of Waterloo speak to our government’s commitment to more sustainable, more affordable communities where you and your family can charge your car for less, enjoy reliably energy-efficient buildings and benefit from green community infrastructure at all stages of life,” expressed the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.
Under the Codes Acceleration Fund program, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) is allocating $538,730 towards the High-Performance Development Standards for Waterloo Region. This collaborative effort aims to advance the development of high-efficiency new buildings, reducing energy costs and enhancing the energy performance of residential, commercial, and recreational structures.
Furthermore, NRCan is contributing $380,235 through its Energy Efficiency program to aid the Waterloo Region District School Board in establishing an energy management system aligned with the latest ISO 50001 standard. This initiative is set to lower expenses and boost energy efficiency across school facilities in the area.
Through the Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program, NRCan is also promoting the creation of a comprehensive network of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations throughout the region. Specific investments include:
– A $103,622 grant to Drewlo Holdings Inc. for installing four EV chargers in residential buildings in Kitchener and 30 additional chargers in various Ontario cities.
– A $910,000 investment in Grand River Energy Solutions to set up nine chargers for commercial fleets in Kitchener-Waterloo, along with five more in other locations across Ontario.
“We are grateful for this funding that will support a truly collaborative effort to create High-Performance Development Standards. All eight municipalities in Waterloo Region are working together with WR Community Energy and various community stakeholders to improve the energy performance and sustainability of new buildings. This will help us reach our goal of reducing GHG emissions by 80% percent by 2050,” said Karen Redman, Regional Chair, Regional Municipality of Waterloo.
These strategic investments not only bring financial inflows and green jobs to the Region of Waterloo but also highlight the federal government’s dedication to sustainable infrastructure development. This includes the deployment of EV chargers, the construction of greener buildings, and the enhancement of supportive energy systems.
Transitioning from fossil fuels to clean electricity is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality, and steering the country towards a sustainable economy with new job opportunities.
