MINISTER ANDERSON ANNOUNCES $2,1 MILLION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS

CHARLOTTETOWN, 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 the Diocese of Charlottetown.

"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.

The Diocese of Charlottetown has been awarded $37,600 to conduct an environmental audit and improvement program involving 56 churches across Prince Edward Island. PEI depends entirely on groundwater for its drinking water. In order to encourage water and energy conservation and pollution prevention throughout the province, the Diocese of Charlottetown will undertake environmental assessments of the buildings on its 56 parishes. The Diocese’s "Enviro Church Program" will reduce energy use, water consumption and wastewater production by about 10% and reduce hazardous household and chemical lawn products use by about 20%. In addition, educational materials will be supplied to parishioners to increase their awareness of the initiatives undertaken by their local church and to encourage similar efficiencies in their own homes.

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. A residential environmental audit program in Greater Halifax, Nova Scotia.

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