The City has been investing in major projects to ensure Fredericton is lowering its climate impact, while becoming more resilient to climate change hazards such as flooding, major heat waves, and future storms.
Over the past two years, the City has advanced key actions to help meet its goal of reducing emissions by 50 per cent by 2030 and attain net-zero emissions by 2050 from both the community as whole and its municipal operations. At the same time, the City has invested an average of $18 million in climate change related projects and operations over the last three years.
Here’s what the City has done to meet these goals so far:
Lower transportation emissions:
- The City has added more than 4.5 kilometres to its active transportation network, bumping it up to 120 kilometres of trails.
- The City created a plan to install bike lanes on a number of streets in downtown Fredericton.
- The City has adopted an Electric Vehicle (EV) and Public Charging Strategy, while also installing 10 City-owned EV chargers in Fredericton.
- The City has made significant changes to public transit, including the implementation of Sunday Service and electronic fare collections. In 2024, ridership jumped by 21 per cent between January and July compared to the same period last year.
- Fredericton Transit is also bringing in two new hybrid buses, while also taking part in a zero-emissions transit study.
- The City has implemented three new roundabouts, which reduce idling. This includes the Lincoln, Killarney, and Demerchant Roundabouts.
Energy-efficient buildings and flood resistant infrastructure:
- The City has recommissioned six municipal buildings, including Willie O’Ree Place, the Fredericton Public Library, and the Lady Beaverbrook Arena.
- The Municipality also created a new net-zero greenhouse that supplies Fredericton with local trees for planting.
- In 2024 the City has been investing in flood mitigation work in Lincoln, Riverside Drive, and the city’s downtown. Upgrading underground infrastructure and creating safer stretches of road at the same time means the City won’t need to disrupt these areas with construction for many years.
Waste Reduction:
- Fredericton City Council passed a by-law to mandate access to recycling in apartment buildings.
- The Garrison Night Market transitioned towards zero plastic waste and diverted two tonnes of cardboard.
- The City increased curbside yard waste pickup and 24-7 access to the Soil Management Facility, diverting tonnes of green material from the landfill.
- More than 100 residents participated in composting workshops held by the City.
- More than 150 compost bins were distributed by the City.
Climate Change Adaption Plan:
- Fredericton adopted an Urban Forest Management Plan, which recommends planting a thousand trees each year and diversifying tree species in the Capital Region.
- The City also partnered with community groups to plant more trees and protect biodiversity.
- Fredericton focused on maintaining and removing ash trees the Emerald Ash Borer, a small invasive beetle native to East Asia.
- In 2023, Fredericton was named the Forest Capital of Canada by the Canadian Institute of Forestry, a national organization that focuses on the forestry industry.
- The City also partnered with community groups to plant more trees and protect biodiversity.
The City has reduced emissions from municipal operations by 29 per cent – well on track to meeting our 2030 goal. Emissions per person in the community are also down 38 per cent, a testament to the investment residents are making in home energy efficiency, reduced water consumption, and relying more on public transit. But with a growing population, the community has been challenged to reduce its overall emissions, which are down by only three per cent since 2000.
Jillian Hudgins, Environmental Strategist with the City of Fredericton, said the City is working hard to combat climate change. But the municipality needs more support from federal and provincial governments and other community stakeholders. The City also faces regulatory limitations and resource constraints.
“Fredericton has been diligent in reducing its energy use and emissions. However, bold action is still needed in our community to overcome barriers related to transportation emissions,” said Hudgins.
The City will continue to address climate change next year by engaging with the local business community about its Community Energy and Emissions Plan, and educating more residents on home energy savings. Fredericton Transit is aiming to bump service to every half-hour instead of every hour. The City plans to work with community groups on e-bike education and bike repairs, as well as waste diversion initiatives. The City will also add more water fountains along trails and build more shaded structures in local parks to address extreme heat.
Public workshops and programming from this past year will also be reintroduced in 2025.