Supported by a $167-million federal investment, the FCM-run program supports municipalities in lowering the carbon emissions from community buildings such as arenas, pools, libraries and recreation and cultural centres.

Both groups pointed to positive elements of the budget, but indicated more could have been done to deploy already-allocated money, and create predictable funding flows.

The budget forecasts a deficit of $354 billion, with significant spending allocated to infrastructure projects—including transit, rail and housing—and for apprenticeship training.

Electricity demand in the Windsor-Essex and Chatham areas is expected to quadruple by 2035, and additional capacity is needed to supply the region’s rapidly expanding agricultural sector.

A series of projects in the southwestern communities will share in more than $8 million in funding from the federal and provincial governments. The projects will conclude by December 2022, and bring broadband access to more than 3,000 homes and businesses.