The federal government has launched the Community Buildings Retrofit initiative, to help communities overcome the barriers of limited budgets and expertise when undertaking greenhouse gas reduction projects.

The $167-million initiative supports Canadian municipalities, and not-for-profit organizations in undertaking retrofits and other upgrades to lower emissions by improving energy performance, lowering operating costs and extending the life of community assets.

The investments will help communities decrease emissions generated by existing community buildings such as arenas, pools, libraries and recreation and cultural centres.