Environment Canada: Atlantic Region News Releases

Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions through the Naturalization of Park Spaces
Grand Concourse Authority
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
EcoAction contribution: $18,000

The Grand Concourse Authority is well known for developing a pedestrian walkway system in the St. John's-Mount Pearl-Paradise area of Newfoundland and Labrador. These walkways are primarily regarded as recreational assets and tourist attractions. The Grand Concourse Authority is promoting these paths as an alternative to automobile use, and as wind and snow barriers. The Grand Concourse Authority will be working with the City of St. John's on this project to reduce and/or eliminate mowing on at least five to ten acres of green space adjacent to the walkways, resulting in a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The refining of mowing operations will also be targeted to reduce emissions. Selected areas will be enhanced through the planting of native trees and vegetation to provide habitat and shelter, and encourage use of the walkways. Other project activities include: creating a no mow implementation template that can be applied in other municipalities across Canada; developing best practices for green space naturalization; promotion and public outreach; providing results to interested agencies; and increasing pedestrian traffic on the walkways.

Meeting the Kyoto Commitment: Climate Change Capacity Building and Engagement in the One Tonne Challenge Using a Multi-Sectoral Approach
Conservation Corps of Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland, Newfoundland and Labrador
EcoAction contribution: $30,000

The Conservation Corps of Newfoundland and Labrador wants to play a part in the delivery of the One-Tonne Challenge (OTC) in their province. While the emphasis of this group is on youth and youth educators, this project will engage a variety of other sectors using experience gained in its role as the provincial Climate Change Education Centre. Project objectives include: increasing awareness of climate change issues (including causes, impacts and solutions) through outreach and workshops; developing support for required policy changes and actions to help implement Canada's climate change strategy; and increasing individuals' capacity to engage in the OTC through the provision of tools and knowledge. The Conservation Corps of Newfoundland and Labrador will tailor project activities to youth and youth educators, NGOs, industry, municipalities, and the general public.

School Bus Idling Policy Project
Newfoundland and Labrador Lung Association
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
EcoAction contribution: $32,000

The Newfoundland and Labrador Lung Association wants to develop and implement idle-free/reduction zones at schools in School District 10, Avalon East, Newfoundland. As this school district serves St. John's and its surrounding areas, the project will be serving the largest number of students in the province. These idle-free/reduction zones will be accomplished through public education and outreach, leading to support from educators and parents. Greenhouse gas emission reductions will be calculated and project results made available to other school boards and interested community groups.

Building Environmental Stewardship within the Terra Nova Region
Heritage Foundation for Terra Nova National Park
Greater Terra Nova Region, Newfoundland and Labrador
EcoAction contribution: $20,000

This project will allow the Heritage Foundation for Terra Nova National Park to continue its activities in the region through the delivery of climate change initiatives. The Heritage Foundation for Terra Nova National Park will provide residents with educational tools to promote both the One-Tonne Challenge and the new provincial waste management strategy. Project activities include: the provision of 500 compost units, at cost, along with instructions on their use; the delivery of an outreach program to students that will highlight anti-idling, energy conservation, composting, and waste reduction issues; and the promotion of best practices to residents and industry to reduce landfill of solid waste. The group wants to reduce methane gas emissions from landfills by increasing the number of residents who backyard compost.

Total EcoAction commitment for Newfoundland and Labrador: $100,000