A Climate Plan Funded by the "Accelerating Local Climate Transition" Program
The “Accelerating Local Climate Transition” program from the Green Economy Plan 2030 from the government of Quebec supports RCMs (Regional County Municipalities) in developing and implementing climate plans. This program provides financial assistance in the form of a non-repayable grant. Under section 1, it funds the development or updating of a climate plan. For RCMs that already have one, section 2 finances the planning and implementation of projects aimed at reducing GHG emissions and strengthening adaptation to the impacts of climate change. This funding, which has already been disbursed to the RCMs, covers both internal costs and external consulting fees.
A 9-step process
Create a multidisciplinary team including representatives from relevant municipal services (planning, public works, transportation). The participation of municipal leaders and officials is essential to ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of the climate plan.
Analyze the local context in terms of administrative, geographic, population, socioeconomic, and regulatory structure. Understanding these elements helps align the climate plan with local specifics and avoid overlapping efforts with other existing initiatives.
Identify and mobilize key stakeholders from the outset to foster better acceptance and strong engagement in climate projects.
Define clear objectives for adaptation and reduction of GHG emissions, in line with existing public commitments. Adaptation priorities should be tailored to the local context, taking into account geographic and socioeconomic particularities.
Evaluate the potential impacts of climate hazards and prioritize adaptation measures. Use risk analysis matrices to classify and prioritize climate risks based on their probability and severity. Identify specific vulnerabilities and assess the potential impact of climate hazards on infrastructures, services, ecosystems, and populations, as indicated in this guide.
Conduct an emissions inventory, set reduction targets, and define mitigation measures as indicated in this guide. Distinguish between two types of inventories: the corporate inventory (emissions from municipal operations) and the community inventory (emissions from the entire municipal territory). Identify priority sectors for action and develop emission reduction strategies.
Include support measures for the climate transition, both in adaptation and mitigation. Mobilize local stakeholders to strengthen collective will to act and ensure the success of GHG emission reduction and adaptation initiatives.
Plan the implementation of actions by defining responsible sectors, timelines, expected results, costs, and funding sources. Rigorous planning ensures effective implementation and appropriate monitoring of actions.
Consolidate all elements from previous steps into a final document accessible to the public. This plan should include all necessary information for approval by the MELCCFP and detail the steps taken and measures adopted to achieve climate objectives.
The “Accelerating Local Climate Transition” program provides a structured framework and financial support to RCMs to develop effective climate plans adapted to their local realities, thus contributing to the fight against climate change at the local level. For more details on the program and funding modalities, visit this link.
CCG has developed adaptation plans for several RCMs in Quebec, such as the RCM of L’Érable or the RCM of Mékinac, as well as several GHG reduction plans for municipalities.