Item - 2024.EX14.12

The Executive Committee recommends that:

1. City Council receive the Federation of Municipalities March 2024 report to Council in Attachment 1 to the letter (April 16, 2024) from Councillor Paul Ainslie for information.

As one of the City of Toronto appointees to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Board of Directors, I participated in their most recent Standing Committees virtually from February 21 – 23, 2024. I attended the Board of Directors meeting, held in Prince George, British Columbia from March 5 - 7, 2024. With municipal representatives from across Canada, a wide range of issues was discussed such as Federal infrastructure funding (housing), the need for a municipal growth framework, community safety initiatives and supporting asylum claimants.

Meeting during the pre-budget Federal government budget period provided the Board of Directors with an opportunity to focus on FCM's strategic priorities for potential inclusion in the Federal budget. Presentations outlined advocacy efforts for advancing the priorities of member municipalities, while preparing to push these priorities leading into the Annual Conference and Trade Show in Calgary this upcoming June.

FCM and the City of Prince George partnered to offer Board Members a few “Study Tours which I was able to participate in.

Study Tour #1: We visited the site and spoke with the organizing committee of the 2024 Para Biathlon World Championships, and Para Nordic World Cup Finals. The organizers discussed the preparation and planning required for an event of this magnitude, including discussions on costs and procedural steps taken by the municipality. There was a review as well of previous world events (2020- and 2022-Women’s World Curling) hosted by Prince George.  

Study Tour #2: We discovered how community the Prince George is a pioneer in addressing climate change through innovative collaboration with First Nations, governments and industries aimed at cutting greenhouse gas emissions. We learned about unique initiatives which make Prince George a leader in Canada’s journey toward net-zero:

- Visited the wood Innovation Research Laboratory. It is a mass timber landmark known for its efficiency and insights into wood building performance.

- Toured Lakeland Mills, a family-owned, self-sustaining sawmill with renewable heat and supporting Canada’s largest renewable district heating system.

-  We were able to explore Tidewater Renewables’ newest site which is Canada’s inaugural facility for renewable diesel and hydrogen production.

I invite you to review the attached March 2024 Report to Council, which details the work accomplished at various committees and forums.