The City of Kamloops has opened grant applications to help fight climate change.
Sustainability Educator Jaimi Garbutt says to be eligible for funding, the projects must support priority actions in the Community Climate Action Plan and work to decrease greenhouse gasses.
There is $20,000 earmarked to support grants valued at up to $2,000 each, with Garbutt explaining they are hoping to support projects that promote community resiliency.
“We do have a multi-criteria analysis, so it has to go through that criteria, so it’ll go through city staff first, we will review it and then we will make recommendations to our Livability and Sustainability Select Committee, and then we will take our recommendations to Council.”
Applications must demonstrate how the proposed project will:
- Provide a direct benefit to the community
- Support the implementation of the Community Climate Action Plan
- Improve resiliency to climate change and/or reduce GHG emissions
- Foster neighbourhood pride and/or community wellness
- Respect the principles of equity and climate justice
Garbutt suggests some potential projects could include textile recycling and clothing swaps, repair events, bike safety as well as planting and gardening events.
“It could be anything to do with zero waste or circular economy, or maybe something to do with healthy urban ecosystems.”
Last year, the Climate Action Grant Program funded 13 projects – including repair cafes, community pollinator gardens and a public produce program.
“It is really all about building community, and then fighting climate change all at the same time. The great thing about these projects is we actually saw a bunch of groups come together and work together to make their dollars go a little bit further,” said Garbutt.
Applications for the 2024 Climate Action Grant are being accepted until January 15, 2024.
