Greening municipalities and cutting costs on the agenda at FCM's 2012 Sustainable Communities Conference and Trade Show

OTTAWA, Jan. 4, 2012 /CNW/ - The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) invites municipal, private-sector and other representatives from across Canada to its 2012 Sustainable Communities Conference and Trade Show. The event will take place in Ottawa from February 8 to 10, 2012, under the theme "Making the Business Case for Sustainability."

Given the context of tight municipal budgets, the 2012 conference will highlight projects that respect the environment and reduce operating costs while supporting the local economy. The conference will make the business case for sustainability in seven key topic areas: sustainable rural development, procurement, water, social and economic linkages to sustainability, building partnerships, financing sustainable infrastructure, and climate action.

Advanced training workshops will provide training for mayors, councillors, municipal staff, and sustainability professionals working in the private sector, not-for-profit organizations and the federal and provincial governments on topics such as implementing sustainable community plans. At the trade show, delegates can learn about the latest green products and services at some 50 booths.

The 2012 conference will pay special attention to small and medium-sized communities, and various sessions will be tailored to their needs.

FCM will also announce the winners of the 2012 Sustainable Communities Awards, which recognize exceptional municipal projects in nine categories.

Information and knowledge sharing are always front and centre for conference delegates. These exchanges allow participants to network and build relationships that will be an ongoing source of practical information, expertise and know-how when they return home to their communities. FCM encourages all delegates to report back to their council and colleagues to share the knowledge and expertise from this training opportunity.

For those who are unable to attend the conference, plenaries, keynotes and rural-themed sessions will be webcast on FCM's website. Simultaneous translation will be provided throughout the conference and via webcast.

To register or find out more about the 2012 Sustainable Communities Conference and Trade Show, visit FCM's website.

FCM has been the national voice of municipal governments since 1901. It fosters the development of sustainable communities to improve quality of life by promoting strong, effective, and accountable municipal government.

For more information or to arrange an interview, contact Maurice Gingues, media relations officer, at 613-907-6399 or at [email protected].