Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI) Project Update
Cities and regions are where people, knowledge and ideas come together, where innovation is cultivated, and where most of our natural resources are consumed and our waste generated. These dynamics position local governments at the heart of the circular economy transition, and the recently launched Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI) aims to enable them to lead the way in this important transition.
Launched in March of 2021, the CCRI is a one-year pilot to advance circular economy knowledge sharing and capacity in the Canadian local government sector, developed and delivered jointly by the National Zero Waste Council, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, the Recycling Council of Alberta, and RECYC-QUÉBEC. The CCRI builds on the Recycling Council of Alberta’s Circular Cities Project and is a key outcome of the National Zero Waste Council’s Circular Economy Working Group.
Over the course of one year, the CCRI is delivering a five-part national webinar series on innovative approaches and providing direct support, guidance and peer-to-peer exchange for a group of 15 cities and regions as they take steps to become more circular. An Advisory Group of leading international and Canadian experts is providing advice and mentorship to the local governments as they go through an action planning process to develop circular economy roadmaps.
The CCRI is hosting a WCEF2021 Accelerator Session, “Circularity in Cities and Regions: Addressing global challenges through innovative place-based solutions” on September 15, 2021. This interactive session will feature leading examples from around the world, with discussion and audience engagement geared to exploring the interventions with the greatest potential for impact. Hear from three iconic global cities – Toronto (Canada), Glasgow (Scotland), and Cleveland (US) – on their circular journey, learn about the innovative approach underway in the Netherlands where 12 provinces have mapped their circular strengths and opportunities, and gain an understanding of how to scale up placed-based approaches. Register at the link above.
Join us again on October 6 for our next national webinar, which will be on circular economy measurement and evaluation at the city level, and on October 28 at the Zero Waste Conference to hear more circular city stories and discuss how cities can thrive in a post-pandemic world through the adoption of circular development strategies.
For more information on the CCRI and upcoming events visit www.canadiancircularcities.ca. If you have questions about the CCRI or would like to receive updates on new developments, reach out directly at info@canadiancircularcities.ca.
