Across Quebec, RCMs are making progress in developing their climate plans. Some have already had their plans approved, while others are still working on them. The Accelerating Local Climate Transition program (ATCL; see our article for more details) specifically supports this work and the implementation of the actions that follow.
For local municipalities, these plans provide a valuable foundation. However, climate risks do not affect every municipality in the same way. Two neighbouring municipalities may face the same climate projections but have very different vulnerabilities due to their infrastructure, topography, population, or urban development.
The RCM climate plan essentially provides the regional map. Municipalities can then zoom in on their own territory to determine more precisely where and how to act.
This is exactly the type of work that can be supported through the Green Municipal Fund’s (GMF) Climate-Ready Plans and Processes initiative (which we previously discussed here), administered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM).
Up to $140,000 to Advance Climate Adaptation at the Municipal Level
The program funds initiatives that help communities better understand their climate risks and integrate adaptation into planning and decision-making. For the funding cycle currently open in Quebec, applications can be submitted until December 8, 2026.
The maximum grant depends on the municipality’s population:
Population
Fewer than 50,000 residents
50,000 to 500,000 residents
More than 500,000 residents
Maximum Grant
$70,000
$105,000
$140,000
The GMF’s base contribution covers 60% of eligible costs. However, cumulative funding enhancements may increase this rate to 100%. These enhancements may notably take into account the size of the municipality, meaningful consideration of equity, inclusion or Reconciliation, as well as certain intermunicipal collaborations or partnerships with an Indigenous community.
What Types of Initiatives Can Be Funded?
For a municipality already covered by an RCM climate plan, several options are available. The key is to build on existing knowledge rather than starting the analysis again from scratch.
The GMF identifies the following as eligible activities, among others:
- a climate risk or vulnerability assessment, to better understand potential impacts on infrastructure, municipal services, and populations;
- a municipal adaptation plan or strategy, to translate identified risks into priorities and measures tailored to the local context;
- hazard and risk mapping, for example to better identify exposed areas;
- integrating resilience into land-use planning, regulations, asset management, or design standards;
- integrating climate considerations into municipal processes, including procurement, council decisions, or other internal mechanisms;
- training and capacity building for municipal teams, as well as certain community engagement initiatives.
A municipality may therefore choose to develop a more detailed adaptation plan at the local level. It may also decide to explore certain issues already identified in the RCM climate plan in greater depth, such as heavy rainfall, flooding, heat, erosion, or the vulnerability of specific municipal systems.
In the case of a highly targeted analysis focused on a single asset or an already defined project, however, it is important to carefully consider which funding program is most appropriate. The Climate-Ready Plans and Processes initiative prioritizes a community-wide approach and consideration of multiple climate risks. This work can also help prepare for the next stages. Once risks and priority solutions are better defined, other GMF programs may support a feasibility study and, eventually, the implementation of an adaptation project.
From Climate Plans to Decision-Making Processes
Climate adaptation is not only about producing a new plan. A municipality can also work to integrate the findings of its climate plan into its day-to-day decisions.
This is one of the objectives of the Climate Test, a decision-support tool that helps assess municipal projects from both a GHG emissions reduction and climate resilience perspective. CCG supported the City of Québec in designing and implementing such a tool. We also documented our experience in this article.
The GMF explicitly identifies the integration of adaptation into municipal processes as an eligible activity. This approach can therefore offer another way to build on the work already completed through the climate plan.
What Costs Can Be Covered?
The program covers several categories of expenses directly required to carry out the project. Consultant, professional, and subcontractor fees are eligible. The municipality may also include the actual time spent on the project by its staff, subject to the program’s applicable rules.
Certain costs related to public consultations, project communications, required travel, translation, or other administrative expenses directly related to the project may also be eligible. However, the municipality’s general operating expenses are not.
One element deserves particular attention: costs related to preparing the funding application itself may be eligible up to a maximum of $5,000, when incurred no more than 90 days before FCM receives the application. This does not mean that other expenses incurred before submission automatically become eligible.
Building on the Work Already Completed
Based on your RCM’s climate plan, CCG can help you identify the issues specific to your municipality, structure an appropriate approach, and prepare your funding application to the GMF.
The current application period for the Climate-Ready Plans and Processes initiative closes on December 8, 2026. However, the GMF recommends submitting applications as soon as they are ready to allow sufficient time for review before the program closes.
Do you have a project or an issue you would like to explore further? This is a good time to assess its eligibility and begin structuring your application. Contact us to discuss it.