The Circular Cities & Regions Initiative (CCRI) is a one-year pilot created and developed by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Green Municipal Fund, the National Zero Waste Council, the Recycling Council of Alberta and RECYC-QUÉBEC to advance circular economy knowledge sharing and capacity building in Canadian cities and communities of all sizes.
Through direct support and guidance locally focused to their needs, and access to a peer network that will encourage and foster collaboration amongst participants, those taking part in CCRI will:
- learn how to get started and to embed circular economy approaches in their respective communities,
- access one-on-one mentoring, support and advice in the development of their local circular economy roadmap,
- identify benefits to the members of their communities, challenges to overcome and opportunities during this transition,
- collect lessons learned and best practices to support the future transition of other cities and regions to a circular economy,
- and more.
Fifteen local governments have been selected to participate in the Canadian Circular Cities & Regions Initiative’s (CCRI) Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Network, designed to promote job creation and sustainable practices in the post-pandemic economy. The following local governments are part of the CCRI P2P Network:
- Calgary (AB)
- Canmore (AB)
- Chapais (QC)
- Gatineau (QC)
- Mississauga (ON)
- Montréal (QC)
- Nanaimo (BC)
- New Glasgow (NS)
- Region of York (ON)
- Richmond (BC)
- Saskatoon (SK)
- Sherbrooke (QC)
- St. John’s (NL)
- Vancouver (BC)
- Whitehorse (YK)
Accelerating the transition to a circular economy is recognized as an opportunity for new jobs and environmental sustainability — at a time when governments and communities are in critical need of both. As the Canadian economy rebounds from the COVID-19 downturn, the circular economy provides a framework for achieving climate action commitments and nurturing a prosperous and equitable future for residents and businesses.
In a news release, Joanne Vanderheyden, President, FCM stated; “Municipalities want new models of economic practices that are efficient, better balanced, sustainable, and local. The circular economy is a key part of the solution.”
A series of national webinars is being hosted throughout the year to profile leading examples from within Canada and abroad. Webinars are open to the public and delivered in English with French simultaneous interpretation. Registration is available online.
