Climate Challenge Fund Projects

The Climate Challenge Fund program has provided support for projects by organizations from across the province, including First Nations, businesses, not-for-profit organizations, municipalities and academic research institutions. Funded projects are working to reduce and remove greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to a changing climate through education, research and innovation. 

Which projects received funding from the Climate Challenge Fund in 2023-24?

Abegweit First Nation – Best Practices Mission to Explore a Path to Energy Self-Sufficiency for Abegweit First Nation to Support Generation to Come

Description: Exploratory site visits to the Island of Samsø, Denmark and the T'Sou-ke First Nation on Vancouver Island will provide Abegweit First Nation with the opportunity to learn from small island communities about energy self-sufficiency and practical guidance on relevant renewable energy solutions. Locally, Summerside, PEI will demonstrate pathways to becoming more self-reliant to be considered by Abegweit First Nation. These site visits will enable the community leadership group to generate knowledge and ideas about sustainable energy to strengthen the community’s contribution to net zero and learn first-hand the potential for Abegweit First Nation to become self-sufficient. The information obtained through the visits will support the implementation of the new community energy strategy, which will guide the community’s desire for sustainable leadership and climate action.

 

Dr. Patrick Augustine, UPEI Faculty of Indigenous Knowledge, Education, Research, and Applied Studies - Siawa'tmnej L'ney Kjijitaqn Project

Description: Siawa'tmnej L'ney Kjijitaqn Project (pass on L’nu knowledge from generation to generation) serves as a unique educational and training framework for young Indigenous people to help increase awareness of climate change, encourage them to take leadership roles, and advocate community-based actions to address climate change and environmental resilience. Through Etuaptmumk "Two-Eyed Seeing,” the project is Indigenous-led and implemented by the Canadian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation, through partnerships with the Faculty of Indigenous Knowledge, Education, Research, and Applied Studies, Institute of Island Studies, STEAMPEI and Indigenous communities. 40 Indigenous youth from reserves (Lennox Island, Scotchfort, Morell, and Rocky Point) and off-reserve will be trained through scientific and cultural activities.

 

Dr. Nadja Bressan, UPEI Sustainable Design Engineering – Immersive Environment for Climate Change Adaptation

Description: Augmented reality (AR) is the use of technology to superimpose three-dimensional models upon the real world. Mixed reality headsets are an innovative technology capable of advancing several fields of science. Climate change has created a new reality in our society while living our daily lives. Climate change also has impacted vulnerable communities around the globe. A solution to this inequality is a broader understanding of global interconnectedness. To understand and address environmental issues, people need to be environmentally literate. This project presents an immersive virtual environment incorporating film, and photography to provide a perspective of the degradation of the environment over time in Parks Canada in PEI.

 

Farm Centre Association – Therapeutic Horticulture: An Innovative Solution to the Threat of Climate Change 

Description: This innovative program will meld our previous initiatives from 2020 and 2021 to help build resilience to climate change among the most vulnerable people on our Island. Climate change is known to cause significant stress. Therapeutic horticulture is known to reduce anxiety, and improve physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being. Participants will also develop new skills and explore opportunities in the emerging “Green Economy.” Additionally, our scenario planning activities will improve decision-making and build resiliency, while horticulture activities will help reduce anxiety issues and provide a sense of connection to the natural world and contributing to building climate resiliency. 

 

Green Learning Canada Foundation – Engaging PEI Youth in Local Climate Change Actions

Description: STEAM PEI and Green Learning Canada will partner to enhance climate change education in PEI in: Net Zero Community Design, Energy Efficiency Education and Electrifying the Future of Transportation. This collaboration will create a PEI Action Challenge specifically for the PEI Net Zero Community Design program. Secondly, we will support STEAM PEI’s Energy Efficiency Program which links to our Energy Revealed program. We will share learnings from working with school boards and educators in helping students become energy managers. We will also share learnings from our pilot Electrifying the Future project to prepare PEI educators and programming for learning about electric vehicles and infrastructure.

 

Gulf Shore Community Health Cooperative – Children – and Youth – Powered Community and Environmental Resilience

Description: Children and youth can innovate, be agents of change, and mobilize in unprecedented ways. However, the perspectives, strengths, and involvement of these key groups have been historically excluded from decision-making on climate action. This project is designed to increase the voice, agency, and self-efficacy of children and youth in rural communities to participate in climate resilience building initiatives. They will 1) learn about vulnerabilities and strengths of social and natural systems under a changing climate; 2) identify their capabilities and role in building environmental and community resilience; 3) design and implement projects and actions to achieve their visions; and 4) engage with their communities to track the outcomes of their efforts.

 

Dr. Yulin Hu, UPEI Sustainable Design Engineering – Solar Energy-Driven Hydrogen Production from Water Splitting

Description: Presently, it is significant to reduce CO2 emissions and other greenhouse gas emissions, especially from the transportation sector. One of the most promising and environmentally benign solutions is to use hydrogen as an energy carrier in the ground, air, and marine transportation. Aside from the severely polluted and energy-intensive hydrogen production by steam methane reforming or coal gasification, using solar light as the sole energy source for producing hydrogen via water splitting is a green and alternative approach. Thus, a photocatalytic reactor for sunlight-driven hydrogen production will be designed and developed in this proposed project.

 

Kensington North Watershed Association Ltd. – Addressing Coastal Erosion in Kensington North using Nature-Based Climate Change Adaptation-Living Shoreline Demonstration 

Description: Kensington North Watersheds Association will implement a nature-based solution through the construction of a living shoreline to act as a demonstration site for property owners along the northern shore of PEI where they have not been explored. This approach will stabilize the bank and create habitat for native species. Living shorelines are a soft engineering approach that reduce wave energy, lessening the impact along the coastline. This project will educate landowners on the importance of alternative approaches to shoreline armoring and restoration. There are three phases: site assessment and landowner consultation, planning and design, and construction of the living shoreline. 

 

Maritime Electric Company, Limited – Climate Change Adaptation Strategy for Electrical Grid

Description: The project consists of evaluating climate change adaptation recommendations in Maritime Electric’s Climate Change Risk Assessment and developing an adaptation strategy. The risk assessment identified approximately 25 adaptation options. This project will build upon the results of the risk assessment to further evaluate and analyze a selection of the adaptation options and develop a climate change adaptation strategy. With the help of a consultant to evaluate and develop the strategy this project will improve the reliability of the company’s electrical grid. The project is aligned with Maritime Electric’s mandate of providing safe and reliable electricity to its customers in a sustainable manner.

 

Native Council of Prince Edward Island – Climate Hazards: Preparing for our Future

Description: By retrofitting Native Council of PEI (NCPEI) community spaces to act as reception centres they will be tailored to the off-reserve Indigenous community providing a service to reduce inequities intensified by the negative impacts of climate change. Retrofitting the two offices owned and operated by NCPEI will include the installation of generators, upgrading the sump pump, installing water filtration systems, and improving food storage. In addition to retrofitting the offices to be community reception centres NCPEI is proposing they develop an official protocol for climate hazards to invest in community emergency preparedness for extreme weather events and enhancing and promoting food security.

 

PEI Coalition for Women in Government – Empowering Women Advocates for Climate Resiliency

Description: This project will bring together women and under-represented groups across Island industries to strengthen their advocacy skills, drive connection, and examine current governmental policies within the environmental sector. Within PEI, women are already climate leaders; managing over two thirds of watersheds on the island and leading several climate-related initiatives. Through this project, we will facilitate collaboration between different areas of expertise and coordinate efforts and knowledge on PEI to create a stronger, climate resilient Island. Our project will, provide foundational skills and networks to women leaders through four workshops, and guide them in leading their own projects pertaining to climate advocacy with government and public awareness.

 

PEI Cultural Human Resources Sector Council Inc. (Creative PEI) – Climate Artist-in-Residence program

Description: Creative PEI will launch a Climate Artist-in-Residence Program (CAIR) with the goal of significantly boosting public engagement in climate change and adaptation at the community level through the creation and dissemination of art. Art is a critical component of public education, it acts as a translator making science digestible, it mobilizes climate change adaptation knowledge, and it’s a therapeutic outlet for expressing climate grief and inspiring people. The Climate Artist-in-Residence Program will build community resilience and keep the St. Peter’s campus abuzz with artistic activity such as workshops, screenings, presentations and art exhibitions while celebrating local talent and capturing the attention and imaginations of the public.

 

PEI Sheep Breeders Association – Parasite Resilient Sheep

Description: This project contributes to the path to Net Zero by accelerating the provincial breeding flocks’ resilience to parasites found on permanent pastures. Permanent pastures are critical to enhance the land’s ability to absorb carbon. Increased numbers of parasites are surviving the milder winters due to climate change. Poor animal performance caused by parasites increases GHG emissions as more feed is required for growth and maintenance. Due to this, it is necessary for the provincial flock to import semen from parasite resilient genetics to ensure the success of carbon-sequestering and the best management practice of grazing sheep. This will reduce GHG emissions caused by poor animal performance associated with parasites and accelerate the rate of industry adoption of carbon sequestering grazing practices.

 

Prince Edward Island Potato Board – Measuring Impacts of Seed Sensing Technology on Meeting PEI’s NET Zero Goals and Agronomic Performance in PEI Potato Production

Description: This project aims to measure the effects of a precision agriculture seed placement sensing technology that would reduce CO2 emissions associated with the planting aspect of potato production. Preliminary research suggests that adopting this technology could enhance farmers crop planting efficiency by operating potato planters at faster speeds without experiencing a loss in crop yield or quality. Observations showed diesel consumption associated with planting the crop would be reduced, resulting in a reduction in CO2 emissions. The main objective of this project is to validate and further quantify the environmental goods and services that might be applied to future adopters of this technology.

 

Dr. Stephanie Shaw, UPEI Sustainable Design Engineering – Holistic Exploration of the Sustainable use of Biomass as an Alternative Fossil Fuel of Prince Edward Island 

Description: Biomass is often considered to be ‘carbon neutral’ and therefore a potential strategy to mitigate GHG emissions when used in place of fossil fuels. The challenge in implementing biomass as part of PEI’s Net Zero strategy is a current lack of understanding as to whether biomass is a more sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. This project will explore a holistic understanding of using biomass as a fuel source on PEI. This strategy involves investigating environmental, social, and economic considerations for biomass. Focus areas may include the implications on air quality, sustainability of biomass feedstock, and appropriate level of adoption. 

 

STEAM PEI – PEI Sustainable Energy Education for Grade 6 Youth and Teachers

Description: STEAM PEI's Grade 6 Sustainable Energy project is a youth education and professional learning initiative designed for students and teachers to learn about renewable energy through hands-on, and inquiry-based experiences. STEAM PEI's climate science experts will visit classes to engage students in a classroom energy audit and inspire conversation about youth-led actions to minimizing energy consumption. With support from STEAM PEI’s engineers, students will build a Net Zero Community using recycled materials and functional renewable energy components from Snap Circuit Green Energy kits. Community planning will include Indigenous Knowledge and medicine wheel teachings, so students are mindful of incorporating the spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical community needs. 

 

Upcycle Green Tech – Electric Converted and Remanufactured Vehicles

Description: The Electric Converted and Remanufactured Vehicle (ECRV) project intends to reduce CO2 emissions by remanufacturing existing combustion engine vehicles into ECRVs rather then creating new Electric Vehicles (EVs). Through converting and remanufacturing existing vehicles into a niche light utility ECRV, Upcycle intends to create local jobs in PEI, increase the lifespan of an existing vehicle on the road, eliminate emissions during the use of these vehicles, and save the end user money. We are entering the pre-production phase where we will produce 5 vehicles and finalize the design of our product and the assembly line.

 

UPEI School of Climate Change and Adaptation, Dr. Aitazaz Farooque - Monitoring and Modeling Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the Face of Climate Change for Sustainable Crop Production in Prince Edward Island

Description: Agricultural sustainability faces threats of climate change uncertainties, over-application of fertilizers, mismanaged agronomic practices, and soil erosion leading to elevated levels of greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions. The agricultural best management practices (BMPs) are therefore important to turn these challenges into opportunities for sustainable agriculture and ensure food security. This project strives to quantify GHG emissions at high spatio-temporal resolution and model the emissions using machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques. It investigates the concepts of amending biosolids (biochar from various feedstocks) to mitigate GHG emissions, improve soil health, and increase carbon sequestration for potato and corn cropping systems.
 

Which projects previously received funding from the Climate Challenge Fund?

Canadian Home Builders’ Association (PEI) Inc. - $100,000 for Energy Efficient Boot Camp for Consumers. (2022)

Clean Foundation - $98,492 for Island Climate Action – Advancing Municipalities’ Solutions on Climate Change. (2022)

Dalhousie University (Agricultural College, Truro) - $100,000 for Assessment of inclusion of Kelp (shore weed) as a feed supplement in dairy and beef cattle diet to mitigate methane and increase the resilience of livestock industries. (2022)

Net Zero Atlantic (NZA) - $98,696 for Supporting PEI’s transition to net-zero emissions through energy system modelling. (2022)

PEI Certified Organic Producers Cooperative (PEI COPC) - $100,000 for Farming Carbon: Accessing carbon credits through biochar to finance soil-first organic farming. (2022)

Prince Edward Island Invasive Species Council (PEIISC) - $66,797 for Mitigating Ecosystem Impacts of Climate Change by Monitoring and Managing Invasive Species. (2022)

Scout Environmental - $99,000 for Reducing our Risks – a digital climate change journey for Islanders. (2022)

Sentry: Water Monitoring and Control Inc. - $100,000 for Wastewater Optimization to Reduce Energy and Provide Environmental and Economic Benefits to the Community. (2022)

Town of Three Rivers - $100,000 for Reception Centers for Three Rivers. (2022)

UPEI, Centre for Health and Community Research - $100,000 for Engaging Islanders in mapping climate-related social and health factors to build resilience to climate change on PEI. (2022)

UPEI, Sustainable Design Engineering - $99,500 for Sustainable Agriculture Practices to Improve Crop Productivity and Mitigate Climate Change – Phase-II. (2022)

UPEI, Sustainable Design Engineering - $97,300 for Life Cycle Assessment and Asset Integrity Management of Wind Turbines. (2022)

Waterlution - $100,000 for Water Innovation Lab Atlantic 2022 (WIL Atlantic). (2022)

Wind Energy Institute of Canada - $99,990 for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation through Improved Climate and Renewable Energy Data and Sharing. (2022)

Bedeque Bay Environmental Management Association - $19,800 for Summerside Rainwater Harvesting Campaign. (2021) 

Island Nature Trust in partnership with the Sustainable Forest Alliance - $100,000 for restoring and measuring resilience of carbon rich Island lands through nature-based strategies. (2021) 

Lennox Island First Nation - $80,190 for Netukulimk Education Program (Learning to take only what we need). (2021) 

Maritime Electric Company - $56,845 for climate risk assessment and adaptation plan for transmission and distribution assets.  (2021) 

North Shore Fisherman’s Association - $75,150 for climate change impacts to sediment transport at select small craft harbours. (2021) 

PEI Federation of Agriculture in partnership with the City of Charlottetown - $47,700 for Charlottetown Food Recovery Network. (2021) 

PEI Watershed Alliance in partnership with the Glenaladale Heritage Trust Foundation - $100,000 for supporting climate-resilient ecosystems in PEI. (2021) 

RE-FUEL Renewable Fuels Inc. in partnership with Aspin Kemp & Associates - $100,000 for green hydrogen: power to gas with C02 direct air capture. (2021) 

Saint Mary’s University - $100,000 for PEI shoreline assessment and ecosystem services tool for nature-based climate change adaptation. (2021) 

Smart Grocery Store Inc. - $100,000 for Monsieur Vrac plastic reduction. (2021) 

Southern Kings and Queens Fisherman’s Association - $55,319 for climate change risk assessment of PEI lobster fishery. (2021) 

The River Clyde Pageant - $91,350 for River Clyde Pageant sustainable community initiatives 2021 and 2022. (2021) 

Town of Stratford - $32,550 for an inventory of Stratford’s urban forest, assessments of natural areas and the creation of a management plan for Stratford’s natural areas.(2021) 

Wheatley River Improvement Group Inc. - $65,855 to increase the resiliency of Wheatley River brook trout by mitigating current inputs of sediment to the river, stabilizing the riverbank, restoring deep-water refuges and improving the canopy cover along the river. (2021) 

BIPOC USHR – $100,000 to actively address inequities and discrimination that are generated or augmented by climate change and work to ensure discrimination is considered when addressing climate change. (2020) 

Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering, University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) – $99,400 to explore sustainable agriculture practices to improve crop productivity and mitigate climate change. (2020) 

The City of Charlottetown - $87,150 to support resilient homes, parks and people to adapt to increasing flooding and storm surges. (2020) 

All EV PEI – $99,382 to provide an education, outreach, and experiential program province-wide to residents and businesses on the climate and ownership benefits of electric vehicles. (2020) 

Indigenous Art of North America - $15,000 to create a carbon accounting platform for small businesses to provide product and service carbon weight data that can be shared publicly. The assumption is that, by being transparent in reporting; Indigenous Art of North America can create a competitive advantage by improving consumer knowledge of climate change. (2020) 

The PEI Aquaculture Alliance - $19,652 to measure the carbon offsets of Prince Edward Island Mussel and Oyster Aquaculture. (2020) 

The Stratford Area Watershed Improvement Group - $16,047 to create of a multi- tier living shoreline demo site. Living shorelines are a soft engineering approach used to stabilize shorelines and slow down the effects of erosion by creating a shoreline that can better withstand wave energy and storms. (2020) 

P.E.I Grass Fed Farms - $58,000 to further develop a hydroponic fodder system that produces reliable food source year round for cattle while also decreasing impacts during drought and winter seasons; protecting land from being cleared; and reducing emissions relating to traditional processes which involve tilling, seeding, chopping and bailing. (2020) 

Upcycle Green Technology - $100,000 to support its Electric Converted Remanufactured Vehicle (ECRV) project. The project intends to reduce CO2 emission by replacing the combustion engine drivetrain of a used vehicle with an all-electric one. (2020) 

The Town of Stratford - $28,700 to support a town-wide street tree planting program. It will bring much-needed trees to Stratford’s communities and would contribute to residents’ understanding and appreciation for the urban forest.  (2020) 

Rural Municipality of Wellington - $32,925 to install a Lift Station power generator on Mont-Carmel Road to allow for continued sewage collection service during long power interruptions due to severe climate events. (2020) 

Wind Energy Institute of Canada - $100,000 to work with UPEI’s Climate Research Laboratory to create a climate monitoring facility, including a meteorological tower just north of WEICan’s existing electrical substation. This tower will provide the infrastructure for long-term climate change observations and experiments. (2020) 

Redrock Power Systems - $80,967 to obtain approval in principal for the design of a new zero emission, hydrogen-fueled power system that could be used in marine, trucking or aerospace industries. Called HyCmax, this zero- emission, hydrogen-fueled power system combines leading edge fuel cell and battery technology. (2020) 

The Department of Psychology at UPEI - $24,965 to develop of a tool to assess climate change anxiety. (2020) 

The School of Climate Change and Adaptation at UPEI - $100,000 to develop 1km x 1km high-resolution regional climate scenarios for Prince Edward Island. Developing reliable and high-resolution climate projections for PEI will help local stakeholders and resource managers can make scientifically-sound decisions. (2020) 

Where can I find more information about the Climate Challenge Fund?

Visit Apply to the Climate Challenge Fund for more information about application requirements and to apply to the fund. 

Published date: 
July 19, 2023
Environment, Energy and Climate Action

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