The Manitoba government has unveiled its first Net Zero Action Plan, a document outlining 90 specific actions and first steps on Manitoba’s path to net-zero emissions by 2050.

“Manitoba has an opportunity to be a leader across Canada in building a cleaner and more affordable future,” said Premier Wab Kinew. “Our Net Zero Action Plan sets out a clear path to reduce emissions, strengthen our economy and make Manitoba more resilient. By working together, we can turn this opportunity into lasting progress for people across the province while making Manitoba more energy efficient and increasing our energy independence.”

The action plan sets out the first steps in Manitoba’s Path to Net Zero, which was released last October, and turns the strategy’s priorities into clear milestones across multiple sectors over the next three years. Supported by more than $350 million in future government funding, it will reduce carbon emissions today while laying the foundation for further reductions on the path to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

“Our first-ever Net Zero Action Plan sets out a clear path to a greener future for Manitoba,” said Environment and Climate Change Minister Mike Moyes. “It is a clear roadmap to reduce the emissions that contribute to climate change and will help us keep making steady progress toward our goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. Working together, our collective actions will make a positive difference for our planet’s future. The choices we make today will shape the Manitoba we leave behind for our children and grandchildren.”

Key actions in the Net Zero Action Plan include:

  • providing more than $55 million in grants to support businesses and industry, First Nations, farmers, non-profits and local communities to reduce emissions and support long-term decarbonization;
  • establishing interim greenhouse gas (GHG) emission targets by fall 2026, improving transparency and accountability for achieving Manitoba’s net-zero goals;
  • developing options for a carbon offset and credit protocol that would align with Manitoba’s specific economic and environmental interests;
  • extending the Manitoba Electric Vehicle Rebate Program and expanding charging stations throughout the province;
  • investing $400,000 to support planning and early implementation activities for the Southeast Regional Transit Initiative (SERTi); and
  • investing more than $7.6 million in continuing support for sustainable agriculture.

“Reaching the goal of net-zero carbon emissions will require flexibility, so this action plan is built to be flexible,” said Moyes. “We look forward to hearing from Manitobans on this plan. We will review and update the action plan annually to ensure real progress continues to be made and make adjustments as new opportunities arise.”

Aligned with Manitoba’s Path to Net Zero and the Affordable Energy Plan, the Manitoba government is investing up to $4 million with UM Properties GP Inc. for a large-scale residential geothermal district energy system at the future Southwood Circle mixed-use development at the University of Manitoba’s Fort Garry campus in Winnipeg, the minister noted.

“Manitobans want to be part of building a cleaner future and this action plan gives people the tools to do that,” said Advanced Education and Training Minister Renée Cable. “We are supporting communities, businesses and families as they reduce emissions, save energy and find new ways to build a greener and more sustainable Manitoba. The work we do today will benefit Manitobans for years to come.”

The geothermal system at the 80-acre Southwood Circle mixed-use development will be Manitoba’s first large-scale geothermal district. The development is expected to include medium- to high-rise condominiums, apartments, townhouses and up to 300,000-sq.-ft. of office and commercial space, including retail, hospitality and business areas.

“Energy efficiency plays an important role in Manitoba’s Path to Net Zero and this action plan offers us an opportunity to build on the progress we’re already making,” said Colleen Kuruluk, CEO, Efficiency Manitoba. “We’ve seen first-hand what we can accomplish when thousands of Manitobans take action together. Each energy-saving choice adds to our collective impact, helping us meet our climate goals while supporting long-term energy affordability for all Manitobans.”

“Southwood Circle is about creating a vibrant community on campus where people can live, work, study and spend time together,” said Moyes. “Our hope is to transform the University of Manitoba campus into a world-leading “UniverCity” that could one day welcome as many as 65,000 people.”

Funding support for the Southwood Circle development advances the Manitoba Affordable Energy Plan commitment to heat and cool an additional 5,000 households with heat pumps. This project will enable geothermal heating and cooling for at least 1,000 new homes with geothermal systems by 2028. This will lower long-term utility costs, reduce reliance on natural gas and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

For more information on Manitoba’s Path to Net Zero and to read the new Net Zero Action Plan, visit manitoba.ca.