Canadian Government Recognizes Green Infrastructure in Federal Budget and Allocates $200 Million in Funding
For the first time, the Canadian Federal Government has recognized Natural (Green) Infrastructure and established a $200 million Natural Infrastructure Fund to be administered by Infrastructure Canada in the budget on April 19th, 2021. In this, green roofs are identified in the federal budget!
The news of the Natural Infrastructure fund is the culmination of hard work and advocacy by a number of organizations including Green Infrastructure Ontario, Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, Greenbelt Foundation and more. The budget will provide $200 million over three years, starting in 2021-222. Infrastructure Canada has been tasked to establish a Natural Infrastructure Fund that supports natural and hybrid infrastructure projects.
"Congratulations to the Trudeau government for recognizing the importance of investing in green infrastructure and green roofs in this budget. More and more governments are now realizing that green infrastructure delivers fantastic value and is worthy of significant public investment. Canada's new Natural (Green) Infrastructure Fund is a very positive step that we've been advocating for and now we can work to grow on this new foundation." Said Steven W. Peck, GRHC and Co-Founder, Green Infrastructure Foundation.
People often associate infrastructure with bridges, roads, buildings - built objects. But, natural infrastructure plays a vital role in making communities livable. Local parks, green spaces and waterfronts are all examples of natural infrastructures that make dense urban cities inviting and homely. These projects support well-being, mitigate the impacts of climate change, and prevent costly natural events (example: hail storms). Cities across Canada have already started to invest in natural infrastructures, such as the City of Montreal's 2030 Strategic Plan which prioritizes nature in the city and puts these spaces at the heart of their decision making.
The news comes at a good time as GRHC has announced their upcoming annual Grey to Green conference. The conference, for the first time on a virtual platform, explores how green infrastructure can support municipalities in COVID-19 recovery. There is an unprecedented opportunity to inform current policy debate and shift investment to green and natural infrastructure in our COVID-19 recovery. The two-day conference will be on June 15&16 and includes opportunities to learn, connect, grow and re-imagine.
Registration is now open for the Grey to Green Conference. To see past GRHC conferences, symposia and training courses, visit the Living Architecture Academy. For more information and news on GRHC, please visit https://greenroofs.org
From the Living Architecture Monitor
