Press releases
05 / 09 / 2023
Major philanthropic support for the LC3 network
Major philanthropic support for LC3 network: McConnell Foundation and Trottier Family Foundation offer $12 million to support decarbonization of major Canadian cities
On the occasion of the Sommet Climat Montréal 2023, the League of Canadian Low-Carbon Communities (LC3) announces major philanthropic support from the McConnell Foundation and the Trottier Family Foundation, two leading Canadian philanthropic foundations, for a total of $12 million.
This philanthropic investment will enable LC3 to accelerate its support for innovative projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in major Canadian cities, while providing equitable benefits for local public health, the economy, affordability and community resilience.
More specifically, the $12 million from the two foundations will support various programs in line with their missions:
- Contributions to support climate solutions that promote social equity and/or reconciliation with indigenous peoples, thanks to the McConnell Foundation’s $5 million contribution to all city-regions in the LC3 network;
- The launch of a new program to decarbonize multi-residential buildings in the Montreal Metropolitan Community, thanks to a $5 million donation from the Trottier Family Foundation in support of the Greater Montreal Climate Fund;
- The acceleration of building renovation in the Greater Toronto Area and Hamilton, thanks to a $2 million contribution from the McConnell Foundation in support of The Atmospheric Fund.
A major vote of confidence in the LC3 network from the philanthropic sector
This funding from the McConnell Foundation and the Trottier Family Foundation testifies to the important role the LC3 network can play in the fight against climate change. These contributions are in addition to the $183 million financial commitment made by the federal government to set up the LC3 Network and accelerate local climate action.
Canadian cities have multiple levers at their disposal to accelerate the adoption of urban climate solutions and generate positive spinoffs for urban Aboriginal populations, newcomers to Canada and low-income households. The LC3 financial model enables foundations to mobilize both financial contributions and opportunities for public and private co-investment. We invite other foundations and investors to explore these different partnership options to contribute to an LC3 center and maximize positive climate impacts in urban communities.
Lili-Anna Pereša
President and Executive Director, McConnell Foundation
In Montreal, residential, institutional and commercial buildings generate 28% of the city’s emissions. The Trottier Family Foundation is proud to support the Greater Montreal Climate Fund’s efforts to decarbonize Montreal’s building sector through its new MultiRes® program. The Foundation’s donation will help accelerate the decarbonization of hundreds of buildings and the phase-out of fossil fuels in the Greater Montreal region, while saving energy and improving the health of people living in Montreal’s most vulnerable neighborhoods.
Éric St-Pierre
Executive Director, Trottier Family Foundation
The Government of Canada is working with its partners to support climate solutions across the country. Today’s announcement will accelerate the decarbonization of buildings and the implementation of climate solutions led by Aboriginal and local communities. I want to congratulate the McConnell Foundation, the Trottier Family Foundation, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the LC3 Network for their vision and leadership on climate.
Jonathan Wilkinson
Minister of Natural Resources
As extreme weather events occur with increasing frequency across the country, recent years have demonstrated the real force of climate change and the urgent need to respond. Today’s announcement of new funding for the Canadian Low-Carbon Communities League, of which FCM’s Green Municipal Fund has been a partner since the beginning, couldn’t come at a more opportune time. From forest fires to floods, local communities across Canada are suffering and looking forward to more sustainable development.
Alan DeSousa
Chairman, FCM Green Municipal Fund
About the LC3 network
The League of Canadian Low-Carbon Communities (LC3) accelerates climate action by helping cities reach their full greenhouse gas emission reduction potential and increasing national potential through the best local solutions.
LC3 works with local municipalities and community partners to de-risk and scale up local climate solutions that reduce major sources of emissions and create significant and equitable benefits for communities.
LC3 is a collaboration between seven local centers in urban areas, home to 50% of Canadians, and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Green Municipal Fund (FCM-GMF). It was created thanks to an endowment from the Government of Canada.
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