In order for CBRM to continue to grow and develop, we need increased revenue and lower property taxes. When 65% of our revenue comes from property taxes, this is hard to do. We can't reduce property taxes without negatively impacting municipal services unless we diversity our revenue streams.
CBRM can learn from Antigonish and Guysborough, two Nova Scotian communities where only 20% of their revenue relies on property taxes. The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) Report "Building Inclusive Communities: A Policy Agenda for Nova Scotia Municipalities that Leaves No One Behind" draws on these communities successes and suggests policy alternatives for other NS communities to do the same.
“For most municipalities, relying so heavily on property tax revenue has put them in a fiscal straitjacket.”
Antigonish used federal grant programs to invest in windmills for their municipal-owned energy utility back in 2016. The incentives from senior levels of government are highest earlier into the launch. Funding applications are generally less competitive early in the program as well.
This is why it is so important for CBRM Council to take initiative and break away from the status quo. Elect Krys for Thoughtful Governance and Sustainable Solutions.
Some of the available funding/ initiatives and recent grants
Green Municipal Fund through the Canadian Federation of Municipalities (open for applications)
Business Case Grant: covers 50% of costs up to $100,000 to prepare for a feasibility study for low-carbon energy for a given site.
Study Community Energy Systems Grant: covers 50% of costs up to $200,000 to conduct a feasibility study which prepares the municipality for a capital project.
Capital Project Community Energy Systems: covers 80% of costs through loans and grants to build and launch a low-carbon community energy system, up to $10,000,000 maximum (combined loan and grant). Grant for up to 15% of costs with an additional 5% grant available if the project involves remediating brownfield sites.
Community Solar Program through the Province of Nova Scotia (open for applications)
Low Carbon Communities through the Province of Nova Scotia (closed July 2024)
NS Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund offers several program streams for municipalities. (open)
Federal Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit of up to 15% (open)
Federal green infrastructure funding programs (some open)
Other federal funding sources for green energy (some open)
Related reading/ resources:
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