No. H001/02For release - January 23, 2002
OTTAWA — Transport Minister David Collenette today announced that Transport Canada's Moving On Sustainable Transportation program (MOST) has been extended to 2007, with an additional $2.5 million to be allocated over five years in response to ongoing demand for the program. The additional funding brings the total to over $3.5 million since this program began in 1999.
Mr. Collenette also announced $167,450 for six sustainable transportation projects as part of the fourth round of funding in the original phase of the program. These projects cover a range of initiatives that will contribute to a more environmentally friendly transportation system.
"Projects funded through MOST over the past two years have successfully delivered concrete results. Extension of this program for another five years demonstrates Transport Canada's ongoing commitment to fostering a sustainable transportation system that is safe, efficient, cost-effective and beneficial for the environment," said Mr. Collenette.
MOST fulfills a commitment made in Transport Canada's first Sustainable Development Strategy, which was tabled in Parliament in 1997. The program was launched with approximately $1 million to be provided to successful project proposals over a period of three years and four funding rounds. This funding has been allocated to 26 initiatives aimed at encouraging sustainable transportation. Final approval for funding is subject to meeting the financial and other requirements of the program.
MOST assists organizations such as environmental groups, community associations, academic institutions, and business and professional associations. These groups are conducting projects and delivering concrete results in support of Transport Canada's commitment to sustainable transportation. In addition, the projects are helping to improve the public's understanding of sustainable transportation issues.
Through MOST, Transport Canada is able to manage funding requests in a more transparent and equitable fashion. An advisory committee prioritizes projects and recommends funding allocations. Projects may receive up to a maximum of $100,000 over two years and must receive at least 50 percent of resources from sources other than the Government of Canada.
"Through MOST, the Government of Canada is helping to find ways meet the transportation needs of Canadians, while helping to protect the environment for present and future generations," added Mr. Collenette.
Funding for the extension of this program was provided for in the December 2001 budget and is therefore built into the current fiscal framework.
Information on MOST, including an applicant's guide and project results, can be found on Transport Canada's web site at http://www.tc.gc.ca/programs/environment/most/menu.htm.
A backgrounder is attached which lists the successful projects for the fourth round.
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Contact:
Fran Green,CommunicationsOttawa(613) 991-5933
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BACKGROUNDER
MOVING ON SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION (MOST) PROGRAM
The successful projects for the fourth round of funding under the Moving On Sustainable Transportation (MOST) Program are:
"off ramp" - Secondary School Vehicle Trip-ReductionBetter Environmentally Sound Transportation will receive $35,000 to generate a network of program coordinators trained to support "off ramp" programs in three additional communities in British Columbia. The main focus of the program is to encourage students to walk, cycle and use transit more often.
Creating New Transit CommunitiesThe Toronto Environmental Alliance will receive $15,000 to implement an initiative to maintain or improve transit service levels in low use areas and assess the impact of public transit on major venues and retail complexes.
Peterborough Gets a Move On!Peterborough Green-Up will receive $20,000 to undertake a sustainable transportation education program for Peterborough. The project will also help to increase participation in the area's transportation plan re-evaluation process through workshops, public events, teen-created multi-media displays and community-focused research.
Green ShiftecoPerth will receive $15,450 to conduct one-on-one interviews with residents of Perth and discuss vehicle alternatives to cut individual transport-related costs and lower fuel use.
Clean Air ChampionsGreen & Gold Inc. in Ottawa will receive $47,000 to implement an education and awareness campaign to encourage Canadians, particularly youth in urban centres, to incorporate active transportation such as walking, biking and inline skating into their daily lives. The campaign will be championed by Canadian athletes.
Youth Summit on Sustainable Urban TransportationThe Canadian Urban Transit Association in Toronto will receive $35,000 to organize a forum for 75 Canadian youth to increase their awareness and discuss issues surrounding clean air, climate change and sustainable transportation.
January 2002
