Town of Banff

FCM’s Green Municipal Fund supports The Fenlands

January 23, 2012, Banff, AB -  Berry Vrbanovic, president of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and councillor for the City of Kitchener, Ontario, and Member of Parliament Blake Richards, representative of Wild Rose, today announced Green Municipal FundTM (GMF) loan and grant contributions for the Town of Banff. The town put the $4.4 million in funding toward a LEED-certified expansion of its recreation centre, to meet the growing community’s recreational and cultural needs.

“FCM’s Green Municipal Fund offers a range of resources and services that specifically address the sustainable community development needs of municipal governments,” said Vrbanovic. “The financing and knowledge provided by the Fund supports the development of communities that are more environmentally, socially and economically sustainable.”

“The Government of Canada is assisting municipalities across the country in achieving their goal of a cleaner and healthier environment for Canadians through the Green Municipal Fund,” said Mr. Richards. “Today’s announcement is another example of how our government — in partnership with FCM — is helping the Town of Banff build a greener future for our citizens.”

Built to the LEED Silver standard, the new recreation centre is expected to exceed the energy performance specifications of the Model National Energy Code for Buildings by 42.5%. This will generate an estimated energy saving of 6,328 Gigajoules per year and save at least 37.3 per cent (about $100,000) per year on operating costs.

Areas used for paved parking and buildings—including the new curling rink—are set farther back from adjacent creeks. Riparian zone habitat and water quality have been restored through the planting of native species, meltwater filtration, and mitigation of soil contamination.

 “The Fenlands is helping Banff achieve its sustainability goals in many ways,” says Mayor Karen Sorensen. “It strengthens our community’s bond, offers a contemporary gathering place for our residents and visitors that showcases green technology, and it celebrates our connection with the majestic nature around us. We are grateful for the support from FCM Green Municipal Fund in helping us realize our vision for a new recreation centre.”

The Government of Canada endowed the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) with $550 million to establish the Green Municipal Fund. The Fund supports partnerships and leveraging of both public and private-sector funding to reach higher standards of air, water and soil quality, and climate protection.

FCM has been the national voice of municipal governments since 1901. It fosters the development of sustainable communities to improve quality of life by promoting strong, effective, and accountable municipal government.

For information:

Town of Banff
Diana Waltmann
Manager of Communications
www.banff.ca

FCM’s Green Municipal Fund

Maurice Gingues
Media Relations Officer
Green Municipal Fund
Federation of Canadian Municipalities
Tel.:     613-907-6399
Fax:     613-244-1515
E-mail:     mgingues@fcm.ca
www.fcm.ca/gmf

Natural Resources Canada
Patricia Best
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Natural Resources Canada
Tel.:     613-996-2007

Media Relations
Natural Resources Canada
Tel.:     613-992-4447