An investment of $700,000 to support concrete and innovative projects
MONTRÉAL, the 4 oct. 2024 /CNW/ – Building on the success of the “Municipality in Action: Research and Innovation for Resilient Infrastructure” event which brought together more than 100 key players from the academic, municipal and industrial sectors, the AdapT Institute and the Union of municipalities of Quebec (UMQ) are jointly launching the UMQ-AdapT Research Chair.
This strategic partnership, supported by funding from the Quebec Research Funds of $500,000 over 5 years, aims to accelerate the transition towards more resilient municipalities in the face of climate change. The Chair will make it possible to develop concrete and innovative solutions, adapted to the specific needs of Quebec communities.
Thanks to close collaboration between the research community and the municipal world, this initiative responds to the urgent need to act in the face of the growing impacts of climate change on municipal infrastructure.
To support projects resulting from the “Municipality in Action: Research and Innovation for Resilient Infrastructure” event, AdapT will soon launch calls for projects with total funding of $200,000. The preferred themes will notably focus on rainwater management, infrastructure protection, the development of resilient living environments and urban planning integrating adaptation to climate change.
The climate emergency and the challenges facing municipalities
Last year, the deficit in maintaining municipal water infrastructure in Quebec reached 45 billion dollars. Municipalities, which manage nearly 60% of public infrastructure, are facing major challenges, and the quality of life of the population depends on it. Faced with the intensification of extreme weather events linked to climate change (floods, droughts, heat waves), these infrastructures are increasingly stressed and vulnerable. The costs of repair and reconstruction after these events are constantly increasing, representing a significant financial burden for communities. The UMQ-AdapT Chair will make it possible to more precisely assess these impacts and develop effective adaptation strategies to reduce these costs and improve the resilience of municipal infrastructure.
Citations
“This partnership is fundamental. The UMQ provides in-depth knowledge of municipal issues, while the ÉTS AdapT Institute offers cutting-edge scientific expertise. Together, we join forces to make our voice heard, for the benefit of the population. Thanks to this collaboration, we are creating a one-stop shop that offers Quebec municipalities research expertise on infrastructure adaptation. This positions us at the heart of solutions and allows us to be proactive in the face of climate challenges. »
– Martin Damphoussepresident of the UMQ and mayor of Varennes
“We are very enthusiastic about the idea of collaborating with the UMQ to address the challenges related to climate change. This Chair is a unique opportunity to implement concrete projects that will have a positive impact on our communities. »
– Éric Bosco, general director of the AdapT Institute
This Research Chair represents a major step forward in the fight against climate change in Quebec and demonstrates the desire of the AdapT Institute and the UMQ to work together for a more sustainable future.
SOURCE School of Higher Technology
Information for the UMQ: Léa Carrière, Media Relations Advisor at the Union of Quebec Municipalities, T. 514 282-7700, ext. 279, [email protected]; Information for ÉTS: Jean-Alexandre D’Etcheverry, Public Affairs and Government Relations Department, [email protected]
