OTTAWA — Canada's Transport Minister, John Baird, announced today that the Government of Canada will invest in seven projects in Ontario that support environmentally friendly transportation.

The following projects have been selected for funding under Transport Canada's ecoMOBILITY program:

• The City of Guelph will receive a contribution of up to $127,100 for its Bicycle Friendly Guelph Initiative.
• The City of London will receive a contribution of up to $120,000 for a project that will develop green transportation programs in both a suburban residential area and an industrial area in the city.
• The City of Peterborough will receive a contribution of up to $350,150 for a project that will expand green transportation outreach and education.
• The Corporation of the City of North Bay will receive a contribution of up to $50,000 for a project to develop an outreach program to encourage the of use public transportation.
• Metrolinx (the Greater Toronto Transportation Authority) will receive a contribution of up to $405,000 for a project at elementary schools in the Region of Peel and the City of Hamilton.
• The Region of Peel will receive a contribution of up to $120,000 for a project that will implement green transportation marketing programs at six employment sites.
• The Region of Waterloo will receive a contribution of up to $180,000 for a project that will promote the use of new transit services in a suburban residential community.

"Our government is investing in the economic and environmental future of our country," said Minister Baird. "These projects will reduce environmental impacts, promote economic opportunities and create new jobs."

The ecoMOBILITY program works with provinces, municipalities and regional transportation authorities to help develop initiatives that encourage commuters to choose public transit or other alternatives to personal vehicles. Through the program, the government is taking action to find ways to meet transportation needs, reduce costs to Canadians and protect the environment.

This program is part of the Government of Canada's ecoTRANSPORT Strategy, which has three goals: 1) improving the health of Canadians and the environment by reducing the environmental impacts of transportation; 2) contributing to Canada's future prosperity and competitiveness by making critical transportation infrastructure sustainable both economically and environmentally; and 3) promoting an efficient transportation system that supports choice and the high quality of life Canadians expect.

• Backgrounder - Projects Funded in Ontario under the ecoMOBILITY Program