News release

Clean Air Projects in Central Region Receive More Than $132,000

Environment (April 2008 - Feb. 2021)

The province announced more than $132,000 for five projects in the central and northern regions of the province that will help reduce greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions.

MLA Lenore Zann made the announcement on behalf of Environment Minister Sterling Belliveau today, Sept. 15, in Truro.

"Our communities play an important role in reducing air emissions," said Ms. Zann. "I would like to congratulate the groups receiving funding for taking a leadership role in improving air quality in their communities."

The funding, which is part of a $900,000 investment announced by the province last week, is being provided by the ecoNova Scotia Fund for Clean Air and Climate Change.

The Town of Truro will receive $10,000 under the fund's municipal program to conduct an energy inventory and audit of its municipal infrastructure. This will help the town better understand how it is using its energy and the best opportunities to cut emissions and costs.

"We are looking at all of the town's buildings to identify where we are generating greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions," said Bill Mills, Mayor of Truro. "We want to identify ways in which we can reduce energy use, while saving on operating costs."

Other funding will allow the Town of Antigonish and the Municipality of the County of Victoria to conduct energy inventories and audits. Antigonish will receive $10,000, while Victoria will receive $7,884. The Town of Westville will receive $43,602 for an energy retrofit of its police and fire departments.

EcoNova Scotia also provides funding through its environmental technology program to businesses and institutions that adopt or develop innovative environmental technologies. Fairwyn Developments Ltd., will receive $60,963 to design and install a large storage capacity solar hot water system.

The ecoNova Scotia Fund for Clean Air and Climate Change is supported by a $42.5-million federal grant for projects that reduce air emissions and create a cleaner, healthier environment. Projects and initiatives under the fund started rolling out in 2007 and applications for funding will be accepted until early 2010.

The projects supported by ecoNova Scotia will bring the province closer to meeting its goal of reducing greenhouse-gas emissions to 10 per cent below 1990 levels by 2020, and improve air quality. Including today's announcement, 66 projects have been announced.

Information on programs, deadlines and applications is available at www.gov.ns.ca/econovascotia .