News Release

Baird and Miller Deliver Water Quality Improvement Project in the Huron-Kinloss Township

Owen Sound, Ontario, April 4, 2008 – Canada’s Environment Minister John Baird was joined today by Larry Miller, Member of Parliament for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound, to announce funding of up to $58,550 to the Pine River Watershed Project as part of the EcoAction Community Funding Program.  This project will improve water quality in the Huron-Kinloss Township.

“Our Government is committed to addressing the environmental priorities of Canadians,” said Minister Baird.  “We are proud to support community groups across the country willing to take concrete action through on-the-ground environmental projects in order to preserve and enhance the quality of Canada’s natural heritage.”

The Pine River Watershed Project will focus on four agricultural sites in the area by engaging landowners, volunteers and youth to participate in monitoring and rehabilitating of severely eroded banks, installing crossings to prevent cattle from entering watercourses, and creating two nitrate dispersion areas to improve water quality.

“The Government of Canada is committed to protecting the environment through major initiatives such as the Action Plan for Clean Water,” said Larry Miller. “Local action, such as the restoration and water quality improvements to be achieved in the Pine River Watershed, is equally important and beneficial to Canadians.”

Each year, Environment Canada funds various groups which help to deliver real results for Canadians and our environment. Environment Canada’s EcoAction Community Funding Program provides financial support to locally-based, not-for-profit organizations to undertake community-level projects that have positive, measurable results for the environment.  The Program assists these organizations in initiating actions that result in cleaner air, reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, cleaner water, and the conservation of nature at the local community level.

"The Pine River Watershed Initiative Network is a wonderful example of a grassroots-community based organization that can truly make a difference for both the health of the environment as well as the community. The funding we are receiving today is a long-term investment in both environmental stewardship and community wellness” said John Bertrand, Project Coordinator for the Pine River Watershed Initiative Network. “This monetary investment will ignite community spirit as well as provide community members with the capacity to address environmental issues in the Pine River Watershed, resulting in a cleaner and healthier environment for generations to come."

Funding for these community-based environmental improvement projects across the country is provided through Environment Canada’s community action programs.  Community groups are encouraged to become involved in these programs.  Since 1995, the EcoAction Community Funding Program has supported more than 2,100 projects with over $67 million in federal funding. 

More information about the EcoAction Community Funding Program is available on Environment Canada’s website.

Related Document:

Pine River Watershed Project [Backgrounder, 2008-04-04]

For more information, please see attached backgrounder or contact:

Eric Richer
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
(819) 997-1441

Media Relations
Environment Canada
(819) 934-8008
1-888-908-8008