Grants and Contributions

Community Hall in Edmonton, HVAC replacement project will replace existing face-sealed stucco system with a super-insulated, airtight envelope, complete with high-performing (triple pane, tinted) windows and doors. The number of doors and windows in the building will be strategically reduced to further improve envelope performance. The HVAC system will be replaced with a new boiler and fan coil system that includes energy recovery and demand-controlled ventilation, and that ties into the existing solar array.

The Brokenhead Ojibway First Nation will retrofit their Community Hall, which functions as a central hub for safety, cultural preservation, social gathering, and public administration. The proposed series of renovations: energy efficiency upgrades (air source heat pump, ductwork repairs, demand-controlled ventilation, repairing the kitchen’s heat recovery ventilator), retrofit of the kitchen and washrooms, and addition of a performance stage, sound system and a backup generator.

Their project's nature is twofold. First, in making what are necessary renovations, to undertake them in an energy wise fashion and next, while achieving the former, to create a more accessible and inviting atmosphere, thereby allowing the Centre to effectively serve more people. Their specific means in working to achieve these objectives presently focus in three areas: 1. the installation of a new refrigeration system which will utilize significant green energy and carbon reductions measures. 2. the placement of solar panels as their primary energy source. Together, both will lead to greater efficiency and significantly reduced utility rates and will also be part of a net-zero objective. Finally, a series of building renovations will assist with greater accessibility for an increased number of people.

The proposed facility will safely store firefighting equipment, provide a training space, and include an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC). The EOC will serve as a central hub during evacuations, offering a warm, safe place for community members to gather, access supplies, and connect with loved ones. It will also support emergency volunteers with meals, rest areas, and operational coordination. The building will have a double height 'garage' that will house the fire trucks and rescue vehicle and provide storage for a mobile trailer used for emergencies. There will be a concrete apron in the front of the bays to allow for cleaning, repairs and training on the vehicles.

The Town of Georgina's Sutton Arena is used by children, youth, adults, and seniors for its ice rink and community hall each year. The project will improve the energy efficiency, accessibility, and climate resiliency of the facility by retrofitting the building envelope and equipment to reduce energy usage, upgrading the elevator and flooring to meet accessibility standards, and implementing low impact development features in the parking lot to mitigate climate risks. The project will improve the enjoyment and usability of the space for the community by improving temperature controls and occupancy comfort, improving indoor air quality and accessibility, and building in climate resiliency.

The North Glenora Community League Net‑Zero Retrofit Project will upgrade community league buildings to improve energy efficiency, eliminate on‑site carbon emissions, and enhance accessibility and climate resilience. The project will modernize the building envelope and systems while incorporating renewable energy and inclusive design features. These improvements will reduce operating costs, support year‑round community use, and strengthen the league’s ability to deliver inclusive programming and serve a diverse community.

Over-indebted Consumers in Canada: Mapping and Assessing Contributors, Consequences, and Coping Strategies Among Low-Income Households Before, During, and After COVID-19

Team Rubicon will mobilize in response to Newfoundland and Labrador's request for federal assistance regarding the wildfire situation, to provide humanitarian support and incident management in Newfoundland. The goal is to augment current Emergency Operations Centre staff and conduct Hasty Damage Assessments to support recovery planning within the municipality.

The province of Newfoundland and Labrador requested federal assistance in response to the wildfire situation. This request led to the deployment of Search and Rescue Volunteer Association of Canada (SARVAC) responders under the Humanitarian Workforce (HWF) program. Their role was to support safety and travel management, evacuations, wellness checks, and security efforts in response to increasing capacity demands caused by high summer temperatures, overlapping displacement events, and a dynamic wildfire response situation.

The Search and Rescue Volunteer Association of Canada (SARVAC) will deploy sixteen responders per week over a period of four weeks to support evacuees and those displaced by the Manitoba wildfires, including Indigenous Peoples, in response to Manitoba's request for federal assistance. This deployment will assist with evacuations and shelter operations, the distribution of prepared meals, the provision of basic information, triaging and directions, and the delivery of peer mental wellness supports.