Archived News Releases

Thompson Launches Five Community-led Initiatives to Reduce Greenhouse-gas Emissions

The Manitoba government is investing in five Community-Led Emissions Reduction (CLER) program initiatives in Thompson that will reduce carbon emissions by an estimated 467 tonnes per year, the equivalent of taking about 85 cars off the road, Local Government Minister Ron Lemieux announced today as part of Canadian Environment Week.

“Our province has been a leader in taking action on climate change,” said Local Government Minister Ron Lemieux.  “The launch of these grassroots climate-change initiatives ensures we will continue to build on that record together.”

The province is investing $128,500 in five community-led projects in Thompson that will help reduce greenhouse-gas emissions by developing and implementing waste-control measures through composting, transportation incentives and more energy-efficient systems for heating, the minister said. 

The following investments are supported by the province’s CLER initiative Notional Project Fund:

• $7,200 to implement three projects to augment and promote vermicomposting workshops at the Thompson Zoo, which are designed to result in reduced emissions from waste.  These projects also include the promotion of online goods exchanges and an annual community yard sale at no cost to CLER.
• $12,400 to implement two projects to reduce emissions from transportation:  tire-pressure clinics and bicycle racks installed throughout the city to encourage the use of alternative transportation.
• $11,500 for a residential incentive program to encourage low-income homeowners with older low‑efficiency propane furnaces to convert to higher-efficiency propane, geothermal units or electrical furnaces.
• $27,400 to implement community-awareness initiatives such as community backyard composting, a rain barrel sale, a city-wide anti-idling campaign, and green landscaping and lawn care awards, all designed to promote green practices among local residents.

CLER’s Competitive Project Fund will provided $70,000 from for a project aimed at replacing older, low‑efficiency furnaces with higher-efficiency propane, geothermal or electrical heating in the general community.  This program will provide rebates to subsidize up to 30 per cent of the total estimated cost for households to upgrade their furnaces.  Eligible households can receive rebates of $500 to $1,500 depending on the upgrade.

“The CLER project has the support of Thompson’s city council,” said Randy Patrick, city manager.  “The city appreciates the province’s financial contribution that will assist Thompson achieve its greenhouse-gas reduction goals and make Thompson a more sustainable community.”  

“We congratulate the City of Thompson and its citizens on undertaking these important initiatives that will help improve our environment now and in the future,” said Infrastructure and Transportation Minister Steve Ashton.  “These projects were designed and planned by community members and reflect Thompson’s dedication to support our provincial goal of reducing greenhouse-gasemissions.”

CLER is a pilot initiative that is aimed at developing projects and incentives that will encourage and support the greatest immediate reductions in Manitoba’s greenhouse-gas emissions and build toward sustainable, long-term changes, the minister added.  Fourteen rural and urban centres including six neighbourhood organizations were selected to participate in the $3.5-million, four-year (2008-12) CLER program.

 - 30 -

BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED