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News Release - Manitoba

April 3, 2013

Province Announces 2012 Manitoba Excellence in Sustainability Award Winners



The recipients of the 2012 Manitoba Excellence in Sustainability Awards were announced today by Conservation and Water Stewardship Minister Gord Mackintosh.

“Manitobans care about protecting our environment and these awards honour people and organizations that are finding ways across the province to make our daily activities more sustainable,” said Mackintosh.  “Today it is a privilege to recognize people like Rachel Galindo, who are showing future generations the rewards of greening our schools and communities.”

Galindo has been the driving force behind the greening of Polson School, an elementary school in the River East Transcona School Division, the minister said.  Through her volunteer efforts, she has raised funds, introduced worm composting, developed garden areas and planted native trees and plants with student and community involvement.

The minister noted the recently released TomorrowNow – Manitoba’s Green Plan highlighted sustainability issues and added a new category to the sustainability awards to recognize sustainable communities.  The first winner of the award was CentreVenture Development Corporation and BIOS Architecture in Winnipeg for renovating and repurposing the Bell Hotel to establish a supportive housing complex for at-risk people in downtown Winnipeg.

Other award winners include:

  • Assiniboine Credit Union, Winnipeg – action on climate change, air quality and energy efficiency;
  • East Interlake Conservation District, Gimli – sustainability in water and natural area stewardship;
  • Green Action Centre, Winnipeg – sustainability in pollution prevention and product stewardship;
  • Winnipeg Folk Festival, Winnipeg – honourable mention for sustainability in pollution prevention and product stewardship;
  • Canadian Community Economic Development Network, Winnipeg – education for sustainability; and
  • Dr. Nazim Cicek, Winnipeg – innovation and research for sustainability.                                                                                         

The Manitoba Round Table for Sustainable Development is an advisory board that provides advice and support to the provincial government about responsible resource management, land use and environmental, social and economic development.  It established the awards to recognize and honour people, projects and sustainable development ideas. 

The Manitoba Excellence in Sustainability Awards honour people, projects and ideas that successfully turn the province’s principles and guidelines of sustainable development into concrete and lasting achievements.

For more information on TomorrowNow – Manitoba’s Green Plan, visit: www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/tomorrownowgreenplan/.

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BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED

 




Backgrounder
Sustainability Award Winners - Project Details - https://www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/newslinks/2013/04/Sustainability_Awards_Winners_-_Project_Details.doc