An expansion of Ottawa\u2019s community grants program to include projects designed to reduce or reuse waste now has the support of the city\u2019s environment committee, though some councillors question whether the funding amount is adequate. <\/p>\n
Community groups could apply for funding in 2026 if the committee decision is supported by city council.<\/p>\n
Ottawa\u2019s Community Environmental Projects Grant Program (CEPGP) has provided support to small-scale initiatives since 1995. Recent projects that have received funding<\/a> include a Pinhey Sand Dunes<\/a> restoration and a Terry Fox Park Monarch butterfly garden.<\/p>\n The grant program disperses up to $102,000 yearly, leaving some councillors questioning whether this is sufficient to deliver a measurable environmental impact.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is baby steps in the right direction,\u201d said Bay Coun. Theresa Kavanaugh during the Feb. 17 Environment and Climate Change Committee meeting.<\/p>\n Kavanaugh said, for example, waste reduction investments could ultimately save the city millions in landfill and operational costs. The funding could support food rescue programs, reuse pilots and community composting. City staff says the designation of a waste reduction stream in the grant program would align with the city\u2019s Solid Waste Master Plan<\/a>.<\/p>\n The dedicated stream would set aside funding within the existing CEPGP exclusively for waste avoidance, reduction and reuse initiatives. Rather than creating a new grant program, the plan would guarantee that such projects are funded under the same eligibility criteria and application process. The stream would be supported through Solid Waste Services and would take effect in the 2026 application cycle.<\/p>\n City staff said the dedicated stream responds to council-approved waste policy direction and strong community support. Requests for CEPGP funding are typically more than double the available funds.<\/p>\n