Committee supports new funding stream to boost community waste‑reduction initiatives

The Environment and Climate Change Committee today approved creating a new funding stream within the Community Environmental Projects Grant Program (CEPGP) to support community‑led waste avoidance, reduction and reuse projects. Starting this year, the new stream would provide up to $102,000 each year, doubling the total annual funding available to community environmental initiatives across Ottawa. 

The new funding stream will help more local organizations launch projects that reduce waste at the source and promote repair and reuse. Examples of eligible community‑led projects include: 

• Textile repair and mending workshops that keep clothing out of landfills
• Surplus food rescue programs that redirect unused food to people who need it
• Community composting setups
• Reusable product pilots, such as take‑back container programs or neighbourhood tool‑sharing initiatives 

These types of projects help extend the life of household items, reduce waste and support practical, community‑level solutions that make reuse and repair more accessible. Many also offer low‑ or no‑cost options for residents, making sustainable choices more affordable while reducing what goes to landfill. 

This funding, allocated from Solid Waste Services’ operating budget, delivers on a specific action in the City’s approved Solid Waste Master Plan, which calls for financial incentives to help residents and community groups reduce waste at the source. Integrating the new stream into the existing CEPGP framework means community organizations can continue using a familiar process rather than having to navigate a new program. This reflects feedback heard during engagement on the Solid Waste Master Plan and builds on an established grant program that has supported local environmental initiatives across Ottawa for 30 years. 

The Committee Chair presented the 2025 Environmental Excellence Awards, recognizing City employees who have made significant contributions toward a greener and more sustainable municipality. This award recognizes exemplary innovation, leadership and positive environmental results.  

The internal award, for initiatives that reduce the City’s corporate environmental footprint, was presented to the Green Fleet Strategy team for guiding the transition of the City’s 2,800‑vehicle fleet to zero emissions by 2040. The team developed a comprehensive evaluation matrix assessing nine alternative fuels and technologies, such as battery electric, hydrogen and renewable diesel, to determine the most effective and cost‑efficient options for different vehicle types. By avoiding a one‑size‑fits‑all approach and tailoring solutions to operational needs, the strategy advances the City’s climate goals while maintaining service quality and fiscal responsibility. 

The community award, for projects that reduce Ottawa’s overall environmental footprint, was presented to the team behind the introduction of electronic salt controllers on sidewalk maintenance equipment. Ottawa is the first known municipality in North America to equip its sidewalk and pathway fleet with this technology. The City maintains more than 2,400 kilometres of sidewalks, pathways and winter cycling routes and the new controllers allow operators to calibrate application rates, reducing over‑application and helping protect soils, waterways and vegetation. Following a successful pilot, Roads and Parking Services is phasing in this technology across the City’s owned and leased units, with the goal of establishing it as a future standard for contracted equipment as well. 

City Council will consider the recommendations from today’s meeting on Wednesday, February 25.