KINGSVILLE, Ont. -- September 14, 2011 -- Jeff Watson, Member of Parliament for Essex, today presented an award, on behalf of Canada's Environment Minister, the Honorable Peter Kent, to the employees of the Union Water Treatment Plant for years of continuous service as co-operative volunteer climate observers. For more than 50 years, they have braved the Ontario weather to collect daily climate information for Environment Canada's weather service.
"We are pleased to have the opportunity to recognize our climate observers who voluntarily collect climate information that enhances our weather research capabilities," said the Minister Kent. "These volunteers make a significant contribution to all Canadians. Their work plays a vital role in our understanding of climate patterns that affect both our economic activities and everyday lives."
The Union Water Treatment Plant serves a number of small communities in the area, including the municipalities of Kingsville, Essex, Leamington, and Lakeshore. The plants' employees take two daily readings of temperature and precipitation, as well as notes on the general characteristics of the weather at this station.
"Volunteers like these have been observing the climate of Canada since 1840. These reports, combined with other data, are invaluable as they help create a record of the climate of Canada," said MP Watson.
Each year, Environment Canada recognizes individuals, families and organizations who have reached milestones for years of continuous excellence in service as co-operative climate observers.
For more information, please contact:
Melissa Lantsman
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441
Media Relations
Environment Canada
819-934-8008
Jack Saunders
Environment Canada
Communications Advisor/Media Relations
Ontario Region
416-739-4785
