NLIS 5
June 2, 2003
(Environment )

 

14th annual Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Awards presented

The 14th Annual Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Awards were announced today during a ceremony at the Fluvarium in St. John�s. Bob Mercer, Minister of Environment, Joan MacNeill, president, Newfoundland and Labrador Women�s Institutes (NLWI), and Gordon Seabright, chairman, Multi-Materials Stewardship Board (MMSB), participated in the awards presentation.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Awards Program is a joint initiative of the Department of Environment, NLWI and MMSB.  The program was established to create public awareness about the environment and to acknowledge the proactive environmental actions being taken by Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. The object of the awards is to highlight the contributions people are making to create a healthier environment, and through their efforts, encourage others to do the same. The program has grown and developed over the last 14 years and it is now an integral part of the province�s Environment Week celebrations.

"This year�s award winners are great role models for us," said Minister Mercer. "Through their initiative, hard work and commitment, they have shown that people can make a positive difference to the environment. I extend sincere congratulations to the 2003 award winners, and encourage them to keep up the great work."

The awards are presented each year to individuals and groups who make an exceptional effort to protect and conserve the environment and to help promote and encourage environmentally friendly practices. Awards are presented in seven categories and this year�s winners are:

  • Individual: Sheldon Peddle, Corner Brook
    Honourable mention: Mike Kehoe, St. John�s
  • Community Group/Organization: Stephenville Crossing Conservation Committee
  • Educator: Karen Moore and Deborah Smith, St. John�s

  • Youth: Newfoundland and Labrador Royal Army Cadets
    Honourable Mention: Ascension Collegiate Gaia Environmental Group, Bay Roberts

  • School: Holy Trinity High and Elementary Schools Torbay
    Honourable Mention: Stephenville Middle School

  • Municipality: Green Bay Waste Management Authority
    Honourable Mention: Conception Bay South

  • Business: Fairmont Newfoundland, St. John�s

"As proud partners in the provincial environmental awards program, The Newfoundland and Labrador Women�s Institutes congratulates this year�s winners," said Ms. MacNeill. "Many individuals and groups were nominated for an award and this shows the pride that our citizens have in their environment."

"It is with great pleasure that we honour these individuals, businesses, schools, and youth at today's Environmental Awards Ceremony. I applaud their dedication and commitment to the environment and encourage others to follow their example," said Gordon Seabright.

Media contact:

Carmel Turpin
Department of Environment
(709) 729-2575

Karen O�Neill
MMSB
(709) 753-0949

Sylvia Manning
NLWI
(709) 753-8780

Environmental Awards - 2003

INDIVIDUAL CATEGORY
Winner - Sheldon Peddle of Corner Brook
Sheldon has demonstrated a deep commitment to environmental issues both through his employment and as a volunteer. At present he is employed as executive director of the Atlantic Coastal Action Program (ACAP) Humber Arm Environmental Association Inc. As a volunteer his commitment has been felt from small local non-profit groups to large well-established international organizations.

His accomplishments in this regard are very impressive.
To highlight a few:

  • He organized the City of Corner Brook�s first Household Hazardous Waste collection day and later went on to co-chair the MMSB�s Household Hazardous Waste Committee.
  • He successfully lobbied the City of Corner Brook to create the Corner Brook Sewage Disposal Committee.
  • He chaired the Environmental Affairs Division of the 1999 Canada Winter Games. Under Sheldon�s guidance this division oversaw recycling at all games venues, composting in all kitchen and food service areas, set green purchasing guidelines for the games, implemented vehicles idling regulations etc. The success of this division attracted international attention. I would point out that it was the first time the Canada Games had a division directly responsible for environmental initiatives.
  • He has coordinated with Sir Wilfred Grenfell College to create "EnviroCamp" as part of the college�s Summer Youth Activity Camps. This week long camp has attracted participants from as far away as China.
  • The depth of his involvement is extensive; I have just scratched the surface.
  • Through his lifestyle Sheldon has been able to create positive environmental change in his community.

INDIVIDUAL CATEGORY
HONOURABLE MENTION - MIKE KEHOE
On the nomination form for the individual category, it was outlined how one man�s chance encounter with a concerned customer brought about an initiative to change the attitude of an industry.

Mike Kehoe, a St. John�s taxi driver, was picking up a mother and daughter at a city hotel; as he placed their luggage in the trunk of his cab, a cloud of exhaust surrounded both him and his customers. The little girl�s reaction was to look up at Mike and ask, "What are you people doing to my environment?"

From that event came the formation of STEER, Smart Taxis Encouraging Environmental Respect, an organization recognized by the Partners for Climate Protection Newsletter published by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, the Peace and Environment Resource Centre, and others.

Spurred on by Mike�s efforts, the St. John�s Taxi Industry formed a partnership with the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, the City of St. John�s, the Conservation Corps of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association to create a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing harmful vehicle emissions.

The goals of the organization are, amongst other things, to develop for the taxi industry an education program outlining the issues surrounding greenhouse gas emissions. To this effect they have conducted a series of workshops.

COMMUNITY GROUP OR ORGANIZATION CATEGORY
Winner - Stephenville Crossing Environmental Conservation Committee
The winner in this category is the Stephenville Crossing Environmental Conservation Committee. This committee was formed in 1998 to address environmental and conservation concerns within the Town of Stephenville Crossing in conjunction with the Municipal Wetland Stewardship Program. In 1997 members of the committee attended a two-day workshop on the establishment of a backyard habitat. This was followed by actively seeking funding and then starting off a backyard habitat project in the Prairie Pond Area. The project, monitored by the Eastern Habitat Joint Venture Committee included a bird observation area, the planting of a variety of trees and shrubs and the construction of a walking trail. Each step of the project was designed so that the wildlife in the area could be observed without being disturbed.

In the 1980s there was a noticeable decline in the number and diversity of North American wildlife species. A decline which can be directly attributed to the loss of natural habitats as a result of urban, industrial and agricultural expansion.

In Stephenville they have reversed this trend. As many of you are already aware, the wetlands and surrounding forest of Stephenville Crossing provide a stage for spring and fall migration of over 147 species of birds. The birds that find their way through this area range from the seven-eight ft. wingspan of the bald eagle to the tiny three-inch wingspan of the ruby throated humming bird. Several birds on Canada�s endangered species list can be seen there; in 2000 the northern shovler and Eurasian widgeon were added and in 2001 the Atlantic puffin.

As a note of interest this past summer the piping plover nested there and raised four young. The piping plover is on the Canadian list of endangered species. The banded killifish, also on Canada�s endangered species is also a rare addition.

EDUCATOR CATEGORY
Winner: Karen Moore and Deborah Smith
Provincial Girl Guides Environment Educators
The winners in this category this year, Karen Moore and Deborah Smith, are two outstanding women who have built environmental awareness on water issues with The Girl Guides of Canada and partner organizations.

Since 1991 the Girl Guides of Canada in Newfoundland and Labrador have undertaken Water for Tomorrow Projects and have consistently for over a decade organized events for World Water Day and Drinking Water Week. They have also developed a mascot for Water for Tomorrow Holly Heron and Holly even has an e-mail address. The e-mail address has been promoted nationally and internationally recently through UNESCO�S International Year of Freshwater with responses coming from all continents. While Water for Tomorrow is a national initiative it is here in this province, through the leadership of Karen Moore, volunteer program director for the Girl Guides in Newfoundland and Labrador and Deborah Smith, volunteer co-ordinator for Water for Tomorrow program that the program has been most effective.

With the declaration of the UN�s International Year of Fresh Water 2003, Karen and Deborah have demonstrated their interest and commitment to this environmental issue by developing a new badge for the Girl Guides of Canada "Water Year 2003 Badge" - a challenge program for all ages of the guiding movement. This year it is anticipated that over 10,000 members of the Girl Guides across Canada will proudly display the appropriate crest.

These leaders have involved key partners to make this UN Year of Fresh Water a significant year, they have partnered with other provincial organizations, culminating in Drinking Water Week May 4-10, 2003. From May to September, in partnership with Parks Canada, launch a new program interpretation available to summer camps, and, in October, the Atlantic Canada Section of American Waterworks Association Conference in St. John�s will feature the International Year of Fresh Water Posters.

YOUTH CATEGORY
Winner - Newfoundland and Labrador Royal Army Cadets
The Cadets Caring for Canada is a national initiative that promotes active citizenship at the community level.

It is a way for cadets in their home communities to become involved and committed and help foster a sense of pride in their community and ultimately their country.

The project was the brainchild of Lieutenant-Colonel Tom McGrath (area cadet instructor army, Newfoundland and Labrador) and was established as a province-wide initiative in 1991.

Each year the cadets focus on a variety of causes, including stabilizing streams and riverbanks, preserving historical properties, enhancing parks and trails, and planting trees.

The cadet movement is committed to the protection and preservation of the environment. Cadets Caring for Canada is the first of the Cadet Millennium projects in protecting our environment today so we can continue to be proud of this land of ours tomorrow.

YOUTH CATEGORY
Honorable Mention: Gaia Environmental Group, Ascension Collegiate
The committee felt that this student youth group should be recognized for their efforts and their enthusiasm about their environmental projects.

Recently they attended a meeting of the Spaniard�s Bay Environment Committee giving an overview of their activities and a slide presentation to put a visual picture on their activities.

Their enthusiasm and sense of purpose and direction was contagious. Gaia Environmental Group is to be commended for persuading the necessary people to purchase a Biogreen Septic System. This biological treatment system will replace the current septic system, which will in turn send clean effluent into the estuary rather than contaminated water. The sewage treatment system is attached to Ascension Collegiate but it affects the Shearstown estuary.

They are involved in the mentoring program with Ocean Net. As the last junior chapter to join in 2002 they are mentors to the newest chapter, which is Poseidon group of Baccalieu Collegiate. The Gaia group is putting together a comprehensive package which will be delivered to feeder schools in this area telling them about their projects. They are also working on a brochure on how to get started and tips on organizing. Last, but not least, they are working on their own Web site to be accessed through the Ascension school�s home page.

SCHOOL CATEGORY
Winner - Holy Trinity High and Elementary Schools, Torbay
This year we applaud the efforts of Holy Trinity High and Elementary Schools for their effort in the Gully Project. This past year hundreds of volunteer hours involving participants from all sections of the community have resulted in a:

  • A total clean-up of the Gully-land and water;
  • Planting of over 1,000 spruce and larch seedlings, 30 cattails, 50 willows;
  • Installation of nesting boxes in the Gully and other Torbay wetlands;
  • Recycling program started;
  • Improvements in fish and wildlife habitat;
  • Collection of oral history of the area;
  • Reduction of ATV damage;
  • Hundreds of youth visited the Gully and participated in educational program;
  • Open House, Hillside Festival booth and other events.

We have to thank Ken Hannaford, project coordinator, for his expertise, inspired guidance and infectious enthusiasm. A combination that obviously produces results to be proud of.

They are now moving into the phase to focus on habitat enhancement, water conservation and the development of outdoor classrooms.

SCHOOL CATEGORY
HONOURABLE MENTION - STEPHENVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL
Denise Cole is the Stephenville Middle School�s site coordinator for the Communities in Schools. Under her guidance, the Stephenville Middle School has continued, with a dedication and enthusiasm, to carry out their re-cycling programs for a number of years.

Each year, the program has expanded, incorporating new ideas and initiatives. The support of the program has expanded from the students, to their families and now encompasses the community at large. The Green Team, which used to meet for a few hours after school, has now turned into a full day project as recycling amounts grow.

Their clean-up efforts have now gone outside the school property and planning is in place for a clean-up project of local walking trails in the town.

As well, in partnership with the local newspaper, the school collects all their excess papers weekly for recycling and the school actively keeps the public informed of its recycling efforts through newspaper articles and community radio/internet events.

MUNICIPALITY CATEGORY
Winner - Green Bay Waste Management Authority - Roberts Arm
The Green Bay Waste Authority had been working together before the Waste Management Strategy was released. The strategy just reinforced what the residents already knew. They didn�t need much encouragement.

Where there was once 10 communities each operating their own waste disposal sites, now there is one.

With focus and dedication and a desire to succeed, they are now operating a controlled uncontained waste management site, that has been designed by professional engineers. The site is complete with a monitoring system. The Green Bay Waste Authority now employs five staff members, one compactor, one 60/40 split recycling truck, one truck loader compactor and a fully equipped office and garage.

The Green Bay Waste Authority serves the communities of Brighton, Triton, Pilley�s Island, Port Anson, Mites Cove, Roberts Arm, South Brook, Springdale, Rattling Brook and Sheppardville.

MUNICIPALITY CATEGORY
Honorable Mention: The Town of Conception Bay South
The Town of Conception Bay South is to be commended for their initiatives on several different areas.

  • Each year the town council sets aside monies to be used for projects involving the preservation and conservation of physical and cultural environment.
  • The town has also run a tree mulching program for the past four years. Thousands of trees have been mulched and given back to residents to reuse in their own gardens as fertilizer.
  • They sponsor Household Hazardous Waste days.
  • They have embarked on a curbside recycling program, which initially serviced 100 households and now covers 1,000 households.
  • The council coordinates a full week of cleanup activities each year.
  • They have participated in the Tidy Towns Competition.
  • They operate a car wreck removal program.
  • They have instituted a Waste Disposal Assistance Program.

Many of the areas targeted by the Town of Conception Bay South are also being undertaken in other communities, but the Town of CBS was recognized for the diversity of its programs, their duration, the town�s efforts to expand on previous programs and successes and their attempts to educate their citizens.

BUSINESS CATEGORY
Winner: Fairmont Hotel, St. John�s
For over 10 years The Fairmont Newfoundland Hotel has been setting an example and also standards for environmentally friendly service.

Their 12-point environmental program is producing results and here are some of the highlights:

  • Since the beginning of their program in December 1991, 750,000 pounds of material have been recycled, including newspaper, cardboard, cans, glass, fine papers, plastic and telephone books;
  • Styrofoam cups, aerosols and phosphates have been reduced or eliminated;
  • Leftover unused food is donated to the local food bank;
  • Lighting has been converted to energy-saving light;
  • Low-flow showerhead and toilet dams have been installed in all guest rooms resulting in an estimated savings of 400,000 litres of fresh water per year;
  • An integrated pest Management Program has been introduced into the Court Garden area, with a complete elimination of pesticides, thus ensuring a healthier plant life and a toxin free environment;
  • The heating and ventilation system has been converted to a more efficient Energy Management System, resulting in an energy savings of over $100,000. per year;
  • Under the Adopt-A-Shelter program, the unused portions of shampoo, conditioner and body lotion, as well as beds, furniture etc. are donated to the Iris Kirby House.

2003 06 02                                   12:30 p.m.


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