The province is investing $2 million in funding to celebrate and recognize Earth Day.
The funds, granted through the Climate Action Fund, will be split between several projects that help fight climate change.
“Protecting our environment is a priority for our government,” said Environment and Climate Change Minister Mike Moyes. “We know that by working together we can make real change. Our government is committed to investing in locally led initiatives that will help to tackle climate change and create a better future for future generations. This Earth Day, our government is pleased to announce new projects supported by the Climate Action Fund across Manitoba. These initiatives will help address the challenges of climate change while building a low-carbon economy.”
Of the funds, $1.86 million will go to 35 projects that support greenhouse gas reductions, climate resiliency and clean technology.
They include $430,000 for three projects focused on enhancing climate resiliency in the Pembina Valley and Assiniboine West watershed districts, Sagkeeng Anicinabe Nation and Grand Rapids; $255,000 for 17 community-based climate plan projects across Manitoba in communities like Steinbach, Altona and Dauphin;$500,000 for electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure projects for the installation of 51 EV chargers; and $675,000 for five projects focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting the Manitoba government’s net-zero goals through businesses, transportation and rural home energy use.
"Retrofitting existing homes is one of the most important steps we can take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower energy bills, and improve household resilience in the face of extreme weather,” said Laura Tyler, executive director, Sustainable Building Manitoba. “The Home Energy Use Map is designed to turn awareness into action by helping homeowners understand how their home compares to others – and what they can do about it.”
The Manitoba government will also provide $200,000 to the University of Winnipeg’s Prairie Climate Centre.