The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce was pleased to receive notice today that we are one of 14 successful funding applicants to the Province of Manitoba’s Conservation & Climate Fund.
The MCC will launch this project in the fall, hosting a number of climate summits throughout the province (in-person and virtually) with some of our network’s chambers.
“In 2019, we designed and undertook a climate change engagement project in conjunction with IISD and Novel Futures, which resulted in valuable information-sharing and practical resources for SMEs looking to reduce emissions and mitigate climate change,” says Elisabeth Saftiuk, Vice President, Policy & Government Relations. “We are very grateful to the Province of Manitoba for this new funding, which will enable us to convene in-person summits in multiple locations throughout Manitoba, as well as to host virtual discussion events, with a goal to consult on best practices, deliver updated information and educate SMEs on climate adaptation.”
Leveraging the lessons we learn throughout the upcoming process, we will produce climate adaptation tools and resources to benefit the SMEs in our network.
Manitoba Government Invests $1.5 Million In Green Projects Through Conservation And Climate Fund
The Manitoba government is awarding $1.5 million in grants from the Conservation and Climate Fund to support 14 projects throughout the province that work to help protect the environment by addressing the effects of climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, Environment, Climate and Parks Minister Jeff Wharton announced today.
“Our government is proud to support these green projects that work to mitigate carbon emissions, develop green technology and conserve Manitoba’s varied natural landscapes and abundant waterways,” said Wharton. “These environmentally responsible initiatives will help protect the environment while advancing the Manitoba government’s priority to transition the province to a sustainable, low-carbon economy.”
This year, the Manitoba government increased the fund to $1.5 million to support even more green projects and initiatives, noted Wharton. Grants are awarded using a merit-based selection process that evaluates project outcomes against the priorities of the Made-in-Manitoba Green Plan.
This year’s recipients are:
- Manitoba Organic Alliance Inc. – $92,000 for a web-based nutrient budgeting tool;
- Carbon Lock Technologies Inc. – $125,000 for a project that carbonizes biosolids to address methane emissions and nutrient loading;
- Red River College – $67,500 for a drain water heat recovery system;
- The Fort Whyte Foundation Inc. – $80,000 for the development of bioswales for improved site drainage and six electric vehicle charging stations;
- Little Brown Jug Brewing Company Ltd. – $150,000 for a carbon dioxide recapture system;
- Red River College – $150,000 for a digital project to support the development of flood-resilient infrastructure;
- Winnipeg Repair Education and Cycling Hub – $150,000 for the expansion of the Bike Cycle Project;
- Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba – $148,000 for a training program focused on climate risk assessment and adaptation strategies;
- The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce – $125,000 for a project that will promote climate resiliency and adaptation among Manitoba small and medium-sized enterprises;
- Lake Winnipeg Foundation Inc. – $25,000 for the expansion of a water sample analysis program;
- The University of Winnipeg Community Renewal Corporation – $150,000 for a net-zero housing project;
- Village of St-Pierre-Jolys – $134,700 for a drainage retrofit program;
- City of Flin Flon – $75,800 for the installation of a propane-to-electric fuel switch project at the airport; and
- Rural Municipality of Cartier – $27,000 for the installation of two electric vehicle-charging stations.
“This funding will allow Little Brown Jug to adopt carbon dioxide recapture technology used at only one other brewery in Canada. The recaptured carbon dioxide will be diverted back to beer production and a recently launched flavoured carbonated water line called Brite Water,” said Kevin Selch, founder, Little Brown Jug Brewing Company. “The future of sustainability is when small facilities, like Little Brown Jug, can conserve resources in a manner previously reserved for much larger producers.”
Launched in 2020, the Manitoba government launched the Conservation and Climate Fund to support projects being implemented by non-profit organizations, educational institutions, municipalities and northern communities to address climate change and protect the environment.
For more information on the Conservation and Climate Fund, visit www.gov.mb.ca/grants/.
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