No. H131/05
For release - June 8, 2005
VANCOUVER — Three new projects in British Columbia under the Moving on Sustainable Transportation program were announced today by the Honourable David L. Emerson, Minister of Industry, on behalf of Transport Minister Jean-C. Lapierre.
The Government of Canada is investing $138,000 in these projects. The organizations selected to receive funding are Better Environmentally Sound Transportation, Environmental Youth Alliance and Pedal Energy Development Alternatives.
"Each of these unique projects will help us integrate environmental considerations into local transportation systems," said Mr. Emerson. "I am pleased that Canadians are still very enthusiastic about developing new and innovative ways of improving the sustainability of our transportation system."
Since it began in 1999, the Moving on Sustainable Transportation program has funded 73 projects aimed at encouraging sustainable transportation practices among Canadians. Originally slated to last three years with more than $1 million to be allocated, the program was extended to 2007 in response to ongoing demand, and was given $2.5 million in additional funding. This is the tenth round of projects to receive funding under the program.
"There is no one-size-fits-all approach to sustainable transportation," said Mr. Lapierre. "Communities need solutions that respond to local challenges and the Moving on Sustainable Transportation program provides several innovative options."
Funding for the program was provided for in the March 2004 federal budget.
Backgrounders with further information on the Moving on Sustainable Transportation program and the winning projects are included.
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Contacts:
Irène MarcheterreDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the Minister of Transport, Ottawa(613) 991-0700
Chris KrepskiCommunicationsTransport Canada, Ottawa(613) 993-0055
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BACKGROUNDERMOVING ON SUSTAINABLETRANSPORTATION PROJECTS
The successful project submissions for the tenth round of funding under the Moving on Sustainable Transportation program in British Columbia are:
Better Environmentally Sound TransportationProject location: Vancouver, British ColumbiaBetter Environmentally Sound Transportation will receive $50,000 to research and examine existing sustainable transportation projects and best practices, such as measures to encourage transit use, the impact of urban planning and design on transportation choices, and programs developed to encourage walking and cycling. The second phase of the project will highlight successful policies that contribute to sustainable transportation in Canadian cities.
Environmental Youth AllianceProject location: Vancouver, British ColumbiaEnvironmental Youth Alliance will receive $50,000 to develop a mobile facility capable of processing waste vegetable oil into biodiesel fuel for use in small and isolated communities.
Pedal Energy Development AlternativesProject location: Vancouver, British ColumbiaPedal Energy Development Alternatives will receive $38,000 to recycle used bicycles and encourage cycling in low-income neighbourhoods by providing free or inexpensive bikes to residents.
June 2005
BACKGROUNDERMOVING ON SUSTAINABLETRANSPORTATION PROGRAM
The Moving On Sustainable Transportation (MOST) program is an innovative Transport Canada funding program that provides financial support to help organizations conduct projects that will produce the kinds of education, awareness and analytical tools necessary to make sustainable transportation a reality. Eligible organizations include environmental groups, community associations, academic institutions, Aboriginal organizations, and business and professional associations.
The program seeks to stimulate the development of innovative methods for decreasing the impact of transportation on the environment, to achieve quantifiable results and to provide Canadians with practical information and tools to apply sustainable transportation thinking to their daily lives.
The MOST program fulfils a commitment made in Transport Canada's first Sustainable Development Strategy, which was tabled in Parliament in 1997. The first phase of the program began in the fiscal year 1999-2000, with more than $1 million to be allocated over three years. In response to ongoing demand, the program was recently extended to 2007 with an additional $2.5 million to be allocated over five years. To date, about $2.6 million has been allocated towards a variety of initiatives aimed at encouraging sustainable transportation to diverse target audiences.
The types of projects eligible for funding include:
studies that contribute to greater understanding of sustainable transportation issues;
initiatives to develop new and innovative sustainable transportation tools and practices;
pilot projects that test new sustainable transportation approaches or alternatives;
workshops and information sessions to support new sustainable transportation ideas or approaches; and
education and outreach programs that inform the Canadian public about sustainable transportation.
Individual projects may receive up to a maximum of $100,000 over two years. In keeping with the Government of Canada's commitment to partnership, applicants must also demonstrate that 50 per cent of their eligible net costs are provided by other sources.
Project proposals are screened against detailed eligibility criteria. Proposals that meet the initial requirements are sent to an independent advisory committee for further review and recommendations. Transport Canada makes the final decision on funding requests.
Transport Canada is committed to contributing to a lasting and environmentally friendly transportation system. Through MOST, the department is helping to find ways to meet today's transportation needs while protecting the environment for future generations of Canadians.
For more information, visit Transport Canada's MOST website.
June 2005
