ANNAPOLIS ROYAL, NS, Nov. 20 /CNW Telbec/ - Annapolis Royal, N.S. Mayor Phil Roberts announced today that the Town of Annapolis Royal has reached the first milestone of the Partners for Climate Protection (PCP) program. PCP is a coalition of over 170 Canadian municipalities committed to reaching five milestones that include: inventorying and forecasting their greenhouse gas emissions, establishing a reduction target, developing a local reduction plan, implementing the local plan and finally reporting their reductions.

"We are determined to reduce green house gas emissions" said Mayor Phil Roberts. "We very much appreciate the support provided by so many people and organizations to make this conference happen in our Town including the Applied Research Geomatics Group, Clean Annapolis River Project, Nova Scotia Power, Dalhousie University Graduate Students and so many others."

On average, PCP members have spent $110,000 to complete milestones 1-3 for municipal operations and the community. Municipalities often find these costs are offset by energy savings once mitigation measures are implemented. Funding support is available from the FCM's Green Municipal Fund(TM) (GMF) which provides a 50 per cent grant up to $350,000 towards the completion of milestones two and three.

"We are thrilled that Town of Annapolis Royal has decided to take concrete, measurable steps towards reducing its greenhouse gas emissions," said Mayor Perrault. "The FCM is dedicated to supporting the Town of Annapolis Royal to meet these milestones; whether it's by helping them access funding through the FCM's Green Municipal Fund or by providing them with resources co-developed with other municipalities already engaged in the program."

GMF can also provide grants and loans for capital projects and feasibility studies to implement actions at Milestone Four. Funding is also available from other provincial programs.

The Partners for Climate Protection program (http://www.sustainablecommunities.ca/Partners-for-Climate-Protection/) is administered through the FCM's Green Municipal Fund (http://www.sustainablecommunities.ca/GMF/). PCP is a partnership between the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability

FCM has been the national voice of municipal governments since 1901. It

fosters sustainable communities enjoying a high quality of life by

promoting strong, effective, and accountable municipal government.