Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic Appointed Chair of National Green Municipal Fund Council

The City of Kitchener is proud to announce that Mayor Berry Vrbanovic has been appointed as the Chair of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ (FCM) Green Municipal Fund (GMF) Council. The two-year appointment, effective April 1, 2026, positions Kitchener at the forefront of national conversations regarding sustainable infrastructure and climate innovation. 

The Green Municipal Fund is a $2.4-billion investment funded by the Government of Canada and delivered by FCM. It serves as a critical engine for municipal sustainability, supporting innovative projects that deliver environmental, economic, and social benefits to communities across the country. 

“Mayor Vrbanovic’s appointment reflects both deep experience and a strong track record of delivering results,” said Rebecca Bligh, President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. “At a time when municipalities are helping drive economic growth, tackle housing and advance climate solutions, his leadership will ensure the Green Municipal Fund continues to deliver innovative, scalable solutions in communities across the country. This is about delivering - and doing so with speed, discipline and impact.”  

Mayor Vrbanovic brings over three decades of public service to this role, including extensive experience with FCM as a past President (2011–2012) and a current member of the Big City Mayors’ Caucus. His leadership extends internationally as the Co-President of United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), where he has championed the role of local governments in achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Change agreement. 

“I am honoured to take on the role of Chair of the FCM Green Municipal Fund Council,” said Mayor Vrbanovic. “The Green Municipal Fund is a proven tool that helps communities move from planning to implementation - accelerating projects that strengthen local economies, create jobs and deliver measurable results for residents. With a newly approved Three-Year Plan in place, I look forward to working with Council and staff to ensure GMF continues to support communities in delivering innovative, scalable solutions at a pivotal moment for Canada.”  

As Chair, Mayor Vrbanovic will oversee a diverse portfolio of climate initiatives, including the Local Leadership for Climate Adaptation (LLCA) and the Growing Canada’s Community Canopies (GCCC) programs. His term coincides with a period of increased focus on municipal climate resilience and the implementation of sustainable infrastructure across Canada’s 2,000+ FCM member municipalities. 

Kitchener residents can take pride in seeing local expertise exported to the national stage, ensuring that the City remains a primary destination for sustainable investment and innovation. 

For more information:
Corporate Communications and Marketing
City of Kitchener
media@kitchener.ca