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BMO-led Sustainability and Social Bonds recognized by Environmental Finance’s 2022 Bond Awards

March 31, 2022 | Recognition, Sustainable finance

The City of Toronto Social Bond, the World Bank Sustainability Bond, and the City of Vancouver Sustainability Bond were recognized today by Environmental Finance’s 2022 Bond Awards in the categories of Social Bond of the Year – Local Authority/Municipality, Sustainability Bond of the Year – Supranational, and Sustainability Bond of the Year – Local Authority/Municipality. BMO acted as Joint-Lead Manager on the City of Toronto and World Bank bond issuances, and Joint Bookrunner on the City of Vancouver Sustainability Bond issuance.

The City of Toronto’s Social Bond is the city’s second Social Bond, following on their inaugural issue in June 2020 – the first-ever Social Bond from a Canadian Government issuer – which BMO also led. The Social Bond, issued under Toronto’s Social Debenture Framework, is part of a program to promote positive socioeconomic outcomes, from affordable housing and access to essential infrastructure and services, to socioeconomic advancement and empowerment.

The World Bank Sustainability Bond is an $8 billion 2-year and 7-year Dual-Tranche Fixed-Rate Global Sustainability Bond launched in April 2021. The World Bank has been issuing sustainable development bonds in the international capital markets for over 70 years to fund programs and activities that achieve a positive impact. BMO is proud to be a joint lead-manager on this issuance. World Bank bonds are aligned with the Sustainability Bond Guidelines published by the International Capital Market Association and support the financing of a combination of green and social projects, programs, and activities. 

The inaugural City of Vancouver Sustainability Bond was the first Sustainability Bond from a Canadian governmental issuer. Proceeds of the bond are supporting eligible projects such as green buildings, renewal and upgrade of the main sewer and a fire hall, street and bridge infrastructure, an accessibility program to provide access to essential services, a climate emergency response program and a seawall maintenance program.

“As Joint-Lead Manager we’re pleased with the recognition the City of Toronto Social Bond, the World Bank Sustainability Bond, and the City of Vancouver Sustainability Bond have received from Environmental Finance,” said Jonathan Hackett, Head, BMO Sustainable Finance. “These transactions are leading examples in sustainable financing that we believe will act as a catalyst to others as they explore social and sustainability labeled financing and BMO is excited to be a leader working with our clients in this space — one that so closely aligns with our Purpose to Boldly Grow the Good, in business and life.”

Learn more about Sustainable Finance at BMO and our climate ambition.

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