Canadian municipalities can now apply for
Municipal Climate Resiliency Grants
TORONTO, Oct. 4, 2021 /CNW/ - Across the country this past
summer, Canadians have experienced the devastating impacts of
climate change-induced extreme weather: from record-breaking heat
waves to destructive wildfires to catastrophic flooding.
Municipalities play a critical role in protecting communities
from the impacts of climate change. More than ever, investment is
needed to support municipalities as they adapt to extreme weather.
Intact Public Entities (TSX: IFC) and the Intact Foundation are
here to help.
Through the Municipal Climate Resiliency Grant, they're
investing $1 million in cities and
towns across Canada that are
developing practical and effective solutions to protect communities
from floods or wildfires.
"We need to enable municipalities across Canada to build resilient communities
together. We're in a unique position to help bring plans to life so
we can action change and make a difference," said Larry Ryan, President, Intact Public Entities.
"We all understand the urgency and these grants will help
municipalities to protect people from the impacts of climate change
we're experiencing today and build our resilience for the
future."
"Successfully adapting to extreme weather is key to fighting
climate change and keeping our communities safe. We need to act
urgently to implement adaptation solutions to limit the impacts of
otherwise unrelenting extreme weather," said Diane Flanagan, Chair of the Intact Foundation.
"It will depend on taking collective actions, and the ability of
governments to direct resources and implement proven
solutions."
The Municipal Climate Resiliency Grants will prioritize the
following types of projects:
- Shovel-ready projects: greening and natural
infrastructure solutions such as wetland restoration to reduce
flood risk or vegetation management techniques to create a
community fire guard.
- Climate mitigation tools: these could include incentives
for homeowners to install sump pumps or fire-retardant
roofing.
- Research readiness and feasibility assessments: these
could include updating flood and/or wildfire-risk mapping or
undertaking a flood or wildfire hazard assessment.
- Awareness and education: these could include
distributing home flood and/or wildfire protection materials or
creating an online portal for residents to obtain flood-risk
information.
Over the years, the Intact Foundation has supported more
than 90 projects through climate adaptation grants across
Canada, committing more than
$16 million to support these
practical solutions.
For more details about the Municipal Climate Resiliency Grant
program, including the link to apply, visit Intact Public Entities
or the Intact Foundation websites.
Key facts
- Intact's approach to climate resiliency was laid out in a
recent opinion piece in the Globe and Mail. It calls for the need
to futureproof critical infrastructure; to build right – in the
right places – the first time; and to use natural infrastructure as
a first line of defense. You can read it here.
- Municipalities own and operate 60% of the public infrastructure
in Canada.
- Nearly two million Canadian households are at high risk of
flooding, yet most people don't know they're at risk.
- About 60% of all Canadian cities, towns, settlements, and
Indigenous communities are at risk from wildfires. Most communities
threatened by wildfires are in regions with burn areas projected to
increase by 50% to 200% due to climate change.
About Intact Financial Corporation
Intact Financial Corporation (TSX: IFC) is the largest provider
of property and casualty (P&C) insurance in Canada, a leading provider of global specialty
insurance, and, with RSA, a leader in the U.K. and Ireland. Our business has grown organically
and through acquisitions to over $20
billion of total annual premiums.
In Canada, Intact distributes
insurance under the Intact Insurance brand through a wide network
of brokers, including its wholly-owned subsidiary BrokerLink, and
directly to consumers through belairdirect. Intact also provides
affinity insurance solutions through the Johnson Affinity
Groups.
In the U.S., Intact Insurance Specialty Solutions provides a
range of specialty insurance products and services through
independent agencies, regional and national brokers, and
wholesalers and managing general agencies.
Outside of North America, the
Company provides personal, commercial and specialty insurance
solutions across the U.K., Ireland, Europe and the Middle East through the RSA brands.
SOURCE Intact Financial Corporation