Press Release

GOVERNMENT OF CANADA SUPPORTS TORONTO'S GREEN POWER TURBINE PROJECT TO HELP REDUCE GREENHOUSE GAS AND IMPROVE AIR QUALITY TORONTO - June 30, 1999 - Natural Resources Minister Ralph Goodale and Environment Minister Christine S. Stewart today congratulated the parties behind Toronto's Green Power Initiative which demonstrates how a cooperative approach, with the help of the Government of Canada, can find ways to reduce greenhouse gases and improve Toronto's air quality. The Government of Canada through the Technology Early Action Measures (TEAM) component of the Climate Change Action Fund (CCAF), is providing Toronto Renewable Energy Co-operative (TREC) with $330,000 to install one wind turbine on Toronto's waterfront. Building on this initial agreement, TREC has teamed up with Toronto Hydro to install one additional turbine. These wind machines will be the first in North America to be built in a downtown urban setting and will offer an alternative to coal-fired electricity generation. Environment Canada will also provide $ 98,500 to TREC for the purchase of the green energy for its Toronto offices and laboratories. Member of Parliament for Etobicoke North, Roy Cullen, was on hand at the unveiling of the project to announce the Government of Canada's commitment to this project. "Innovative ideas are key to finding solutions to the climate change challenge," said Minister Goodale. "This unique project is the first green energy co-operative in Canada. It will make wind energy a reality for those Torontonians who subscribe to the service." "This initiative is another example of a positive partnership between business and the community taking early action to promote renewable energy and improve air quality, all the while reducing greenhouse gas emissions," said Environment Minister Christine S. Stewart. "I am also pleased to announce that Environment Canada will further participate by purchasing wind-powered electricity for Environment Canada's Toronto offices and laboratories." The $150-million CCAF Fund was established by the Government of Canada in the 1998-99 federal budget and is built into the existing fiscal framework. To date, the Government of Canada, through the CCAF, has committed $10.8 million to 8 TEAM projects. With $11.7 million of other Government of Canada support and $34 million in partnership support, TEAM projects' total funding amounts to $56.5 million. The CCAF supports projects that will reduce GHG emissions, as well as increase understanding of climate change. By initiating early action to address climate change, the TEAM portion of the CCAF fund focuses on supporting investments in technology projects to reduce emissions, while sustaining economic and social development. Other components of the CCAF are Science, Impacts and Adaptation; Public Education and Outreach; and Foundation Analysis. For more information on climate change, please visit our websites: http://www.ec.gc.ca http://www.nrcan.gc.ca http://www.climatechange.gc.ca For more further information, please contact: Brigitte Nolet Press Secretary Office of the Minister of the Environment (819) 997-1441 John Embury Press Secretary Natural Resources Canada (613) 996-2007