Accelerating the local climate transition - Component 1

• A maximum of $350,000 from the total financial aid received can be allocated for the development of the climate plan; residual funds may be used for actions arising from this plan in subsequent program phases.
• If expected costs to develop the climate plan exceed $350,000, the beneficiary must notify the granting authority in writing to request authorization for additional use.
• No upward revision of the allocated financial aid is possible once a funding promise has been issued; any excess costs beyond the granted amount remain the sole responsibility of the beneficiary.
• Administrative expenses are eligible up to a limit of 10% of the financial assistance used for the preparation of the climate plan.

• The applicant must be one of the following: a regional county municipality (MRC), a municipality or agglomeration exercising certain MRC powers, the Kativik Regional Administration, or the Baie-James Regional Administration.
• The project must involve the development or update of a climate plan (plan climat) following the methodologies outlined by the responsible ministry.
• The completed climate plan must be submitted for approval to the Ministry of the Environment, the Fight Against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks (MELCCFP).

Who is eligible?

• Regional county municipalities (MRC)
• Municipalities and agglomerations exercising certain powers of an MRC
• Kativik Regional Administration
• Baie-James Regional Administration

Eligible expenses

• Salaries and benefits for personnel directly involved in the plan's development.
• Expenses related to consultation and collaboration activities with stakeholders (municipalities, citizens, businesses, institutions, etc.).
• Costs for acquiring relevant data (e.g., greenhouse gas data, climate projections, historical climate data).
• Communication costs, including dissemination of developed planning tools.
• Purchase of software or IT tools essential for project realization.
• Professional fees for external consultants or firms providing specific project-related services.
• Professional fees for an external auditor preparing the final audit report.
• Administrative and justified operating expenses (e.g., office rentals, supplies, postal services, internet, telecommunications, payroll services), limited to 10% of total financial assistance used for this phase.
• Transportation, meal, and accommodation costs within Quebec that are necessary for project completion, within the reimbursement limits set by the Quebec government.

Eligible geographic areas

• Quebec, including:
• Regional county municipalities (MRC) within Quebec
• Municipalities and agglomerations in Quebec exercising certain MRC powers
• Kativik Regional Administration (Northern Quebec)
• Baie-James Regional Administration (Northern Quebec)

• Conformity of the climate plan with the guidelines outlined in the official Plan Development Guide provided by the Ministry.
• Completion and inclusion of required analyses, such as climate portraits, risk assessments, greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories, and documentation of public consultations as part of the plan submission.
• Adherence to prescribed reporting and accountability requirements, including submission of annual and final reports, a financial audit, and council approval resolution within specified deadlines.
• Public disclosure of the approved climate plan and related analyses, as mandated, within one year of completion.

• Municipalities are required to make the climate plan publicly available electronically and free of charge within one year of its completion.
• Beneficiaries must retain all project administrative and financial documents, as well as data collected during plan development, for at least ten years.
• Plans and supporting documentation must comply with the methodologies and guidelines outlined by the responsible ministries.
• Guidance and methodological support are provided by recognized organizations such as the Fédération québécoise des municipalités, Union des municipalités du Québec, and Réseau Environnement.