MINISTER ANDERSON ANNOUNCES $2.1 MILLION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS

HALIFAX, February 11, 2002 - Environment Minister David Anderson today announced $2.1 million in funding for 65 environmental projects in communities across Canada. In Atlantic Canada, four environmental projects were approved for a total commitment of $181,869. One of the projects will be conducted by Clean Nova Scotia.

"These community-driven projects will have a direct impact on air and water quality, greenhouse gas emissions and the protection of natural spaces and species at the local level", said Minister Anderson. "This funding is in keeping with the Government of Canada’s commitment to encourage and support community action to ensure a cleaner environment and the preservation of our natural legacy."

The funding comes from Environment Canada’s EcoAction Community Funding Program, an initiative designed to help locally-based, non-profit organizations undertake environmental projects.

Clean Nova Scotia has been awarded $47,183 to conduct a residential environmental audit program in Greater Halifax called the Green Homes Initiative. In Nova Scotia the residential sector is responsible for about 26% of the provincial greenhouse gas emissions. In the Halifax Regional Municipality, where about 68% of housing stock was built before 1981, significant environmental gains can be made from this Green Homes Initiative. Clean Nova Scotia will conduct 400 home visits that will lead to about a 5% reduction of energy and greenhouse gas production and to a decrease of about 8% in water consumption. Each visit will include an energy assessment, a water conservation assessment, and education about climate change. Participating home owners will receive a water conservation kit and information material for each component of the Green Home visit. Follow-up assessments will be conducted to assess the effectiveness of the program.

The other three projects to receive funding in Atlantic Canada are:

1. A home oil tank inspection program in communities across Newfoundland and Labrador
2. A wetland conservation project in Torbay, Newfoundland and Labrador
3. An environmental audit and improvement program involving 56 churches across Prince Edward Island

To be eligible for EcoAction funding, projects must result in positive, measurable environmental benefits and build public awareness of priority environmental issues such as clean air, climate change, clean water and species at risk. These projects must also respond to community needs and obtain a minimum of 50 per cent in matching funding or in-kind support from other sponsors. Submission deadlines for the program are February 1st and October 1st of each year.

More information on the EcoAction Community Funding Program can be found at: http://www.ec.gc.ca/ecoaction

For more information, please contact:
Ted Jennex
EcoAction Community Funding Program
Environment Canada
(902) 426-7696