
July 22, 2025
To identify opportunities to benefit more from local economic development, lower energy costs, a clean environment, and improved community resilience, the Town of Marystown will be working with econext as part of QUEST Canada’s Net-Zero Communities Accelerator (NCA) program.
“This program will include an analysis of how Marystown uses energy – from electricity to fuels,” says Sara Jafari, econext’s Community Sustainability Lead. “That information will help us to investigate opportunities for the town to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions in ways that support its economic development priorities.”
Jafari says the project partners are looking for win-win initiatives that benefit both the economy and the environment.
“We are excited to work with the Town of Marystown,” says Jafari. “The environmental challenges and local economic opportunities that communities face are unique to each municipality,” she said. “Participation in the NCA program will provide a series of recommendations that are very specific to the town.”
econext is working with six (6) municipalities across the province in the delivery of QUEST Canada’s NCA program.
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“Marystown is excited to partner with econext and QUEST Canada on this important initiative. By exploring opportunities for net zero economic development, we’re taking a proactive approach to reducing our environmental footprint while supporting local economic growth and resilience. This project aligns with our vision for a sustainable future and we’re looking forward to seeing the recommendations that come out of it.”
Mayor Brian Keating, Town of Marystown
“Despite the uncertain times we now face across Canada, a clean environment is still key to the future of Canada’s economy. What the NCA program focuses on is the building of the necessary community foundations that ensure emissions reduction plans get implemented, over the short and long-term, by ensuring all relevant energy transition stakeholders are included throughout the process.”
Seth Leon – Manager, Community Energy & Projects, QUEST Canada
About the Net-Zero Communities Accelerator (NCA) Program
The NCA program leverages proven tools and services, equipping participating communities with the net-zero knowledge needed to develop and continuously implement an energy and emissions plan (CEEP). The program provides a robust suite of resources and guidance, enabling communities to attain the economic, environmental, and social benefits associated with the implementation of their CEEP.
About QUEST Canada
QUEST Canada supports communities in Canada on their pathway to net zero. Since 2007, facilitating connections, empowering community champions and advising decision-makers to implement energy use and emissions reduction solutions that best meet community needs, and maximize local economic opportunities. QUEST develops tools and resources, convenes stakeholders, and advises decision-makers – to encourage, assist and enable communities to contribute to and reach Canada’s net-zero goals. Visit: https://questcanada.org/.
About econext
econext is a not-for-profit association with a mission to accelerate clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador by: (1) stimulating research, development, and innovation; (2) preparing its workforce for a greening economy; and (3) acting as a catalyst for climate change action within its industries, businesses, and communities. econext has been working for over 30 years on behalf of its members across many sectors to support environmentally sustainable economic development. Visit: https://econext.ca/.
Media Contacts:
econext
Kieran Hanley, CEO
kieran@econext.ca
QUEST Canada
Donald Wiedman, Senior Lead, Communications
647 669 0461, dwiedman@questcanada.org