News Release

Government of Canada Invests in a Community Environmental Project in Waterloo

WATERLOO, Ont. – March 12, 2013 – Stephen Woodworth, Member of Parliament for Kitchener-Centre, on behalf of Canada’s Environment Minister, the Honourable Peter Kent, today announced funding from the EcoAction Community Funding Program for a new environmental projectin Waterloo, Ontario. REEP Green Solutions will receive $56,000 in federal funding over two years to support local action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“REEP Green Solutions is another innovative Waterloo Region leader, combining expertise with creative analysis. I’m very pleased the Government of Canada is supporting REEP’s energy saving emission reduction strategies,” said M.P. Woodworth.

“Our government is taking real action to address the environmental priorities of Canadians and ensure we have clean air, clean water, and biologically diverse land for generations to come,” said Minister Kent. “EcoAction Community Funding supports community groups across the country willing to take concrete action through on-the-ground environmental projects. We are proud to partner with these organizations that are committed to conserving Canada’s natural legacy.”

As part of this project, several Waterloo region homeowners will host draft-proofing parties. Friends and neighbours will be invited to assist, observe and learn as the host home is draft-proofed by an experienced installer. The project’s goal is to motivate participants to take the same action in additional homes. It is estimated that through these draft-proofing initiatives, 30 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions and 75 000 kWh of electricity will be reduced over the period of the project.

“We are thrilled to receive EcoAction Community Funding for the Great Draft-Proofing Crackdown project. The funds will enable us to test a work party approach for learning draft-proofing skills. Participants will see and practise first-hand the simple actions they can take to draft-proof their own homes. Our REEP House for Sustainable Living carries the learning further, with tours and open house Saturdays to demonstrate achievable energy upgrades, from draft- proofing to electricity conservation. Thank you to Environment Canada for supporting climate change action through this grant!” said Mary Jane Patterson, Executive Director, REEP Green Solutions.

The EcoAction Community Funding Program supports projects that rehabilitate, protect or enhance the natural environment, and builds the capacity of communities and individuals to ensure future protection. This year, the Government of Canada is providing over $4 million for over 100 new projects under this Program.

More information about the EcoAction Community Funding Program is available on Environment Canada’s website, at http://www.ec.gc.ca/ecoaction.

Related document: EcoAction Community Funding Program  

For further information, please contact:

Mary Ann Dewey-Plante
Director of Media Relations
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441

Media Relations
Environment Canada
819-934-8008

Environment Canada’s Twitter page: http://twitter.com/environmentca
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