Government funding supports conservation projects

A provincial program designed to move grass-roots conservation initiatives forward has been given the green light for a second round of funding.

The Community Conservative Initiatives (CCI) program, introduced by the province in 2006, has been given a $1.5 million injection to fund incorporated not-for-profit organizations that promote innovative energy conservation in their local communities in 2007.

Organizations interested in applying for a maximum grant of $50,000 to fund a six-month pilot conservation project.

The CCI is intended to raise awareness about electricity conservation, engage energy consumers to undertake conservation actions and foster long-term behavioural change toward energy conservation. 

According to an online journal entry posted June 12 at www.weconserve.ca by Chris Winter, executive director of the Conservation Council of Ontario, the CCI announcement was made at the Conservative Summit April 27 by Kevin Flynn, the parliamentary assistant to Energy Minister Dwight Duncan.

In the journal, Winter wrote the 2006 CCI program, which received funding to the tune of $750,000, was a resounding success.

Winter writes one of those successes was Smart Living St. Lawrence, which over the course of a month had more than 1,800 people sign the Lighten Up pledge to consume less electricity. For its conservation efforts, Smart Living St. Lawrence was honoured with a Green Toronto award.

Other CCI successes include:

• Project Porchlight in Thunder Bay and Guelph where 10,000 outdoor incandescent bulbs are being replaced by compact fluorescent ones.
• The distribution of compact fluorescent light bulbs, insulating blankets for hot water tanks, vehicle block heater timers and energy conservation information in Big Grassy River First Nation.
• Grade 5 students across the province are taking part in the CCI-funded Earth Angel’s Student Energy Challenge to reduce consumption in their schools and at home.

“As with the last round, the Conservation Council stands ready to lend our material and support to any community outreach project that helps to promote conservation,” Winter wrote.

Organizations looking to take part in the CCI are asked to submit their applications prior to the June 29 deadline. All projects supported by CCI grants must be completed no later than March 21, 2008.

For more information, follow this link to visit the Ministry of Energy website.