The Manitoba government is moving forward to protect the environment with an investment in three communities that will reduce carbon emissions by 491.43 tonnes per year, the equivalent of taking about 90 cars off the road. This announcement was made by local Government Minister Ron Lemieux.
“These initiatives make good environmental sense and they make good economic sense,” said Lemieux, adding the new initiatives will save these communities up to $80,000 per year. “That’s why we’re working with communities across the province to support these innovative approaches toward increasing energy efficiency and cutting the greenhouse-gas emissions.”
“We have to be serious about the health of this planet,” said Ron Musick, reeve of the RM of De Salaberry. “One by one, I believe these types of initiatives can only have a positive effect.”
“Making significant progress in reducing greenhouse gases takes a team effort, an entire community working together. We’re thrilled to be part of this team,” said Dr. August Konkel, president of Providence College and Seminary.
The province is investing more than $295,000 to support three community-led projects that will help reduce greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions in Manitoba by developing and implementing more energy efficient systems for heating and transportation. The projects, which are being supported by the province’s Community Led Emissions Reduction (CLER) initiative Competitive Fund include:
• RM of De Salaberry – Installation of a new biomass heating unit for buildings on the Providence College and Seminary campus, located in Otterburne. The heating unit will burn waste straw or other biomass byproducts from local suppliers, largely replacing natural-gas heating units.
• St. James-Assiniboia School Division – Replacement of four standard-efficiency, natural-gas boilers with two high-efficiency, natural-gas boilers this summer at John Taylor Collegiate in Winnipeg.
• Morden, Stanley, Thompson and Winkler (M.S.T.W.) Planning District – Reduction of commuter traffic emissions with the launch of a regional public transit service between Winkler and Morden with routine stops at Boundary Trails Health Centre and at central locations in Winkler and Morden. Future plans include expanding the service to selected stops like shopping centres, high schools and industrial parks eventually expanding to other nearby communities.
CLER is a pilot initiative that is aimed at developing projects and incentives that will encourage and support the greatest immediate reductions in Manitoba’s GHG emissions and build toward sustainable, long-term changes, Lemieux said. Fourteen rural and urban centres including six neighbourhood organizations were selected for funding under the $3.5-million, four-year (2008-12) CLER program.
