Town's green fund helps local groups achieve their goals

In 2006, the Community Green Fund awarded funding for six local environmental projects: a Caledon community map; an outdoor environmental classroom at James Bolton Public School; COOL Caledon public education; a Humber River naturalization project; an outdoor environmental education pilot program at Belfountain Public School; and a spring pesticide exchange.

"These projects have involved over 100 volunteers; engaged more than 1,000 residents; educated 600 school children; cultivated over 20 partnerships and leveraged approximately $125,000 in funding and in-kind assistance," said Mayor Marolyn Morrison.

Once the spring Pesticide Exchange and the Humber River Naturalization Project occur, thousands of litres of pesticides will be diverted from landfill; wetlands and wildlife habitat will be restored; hundreds of native tree species and shrubs will be re-introduced, and water quality will be improved. These deliverables are significant given the small amount of seed money available in the Community Green Fund.

Furthermore, by supporting community environmental projects that are aligned with Town environmental policies, the Town will be assisted in achieving some of its environmental objectives.

The Community Green Fund was included as an immediate action in the Town of Caledon's Environmental Progress Action Plan. This plan was endorsed by council in June 2005, and council approved the fund for the 2006 budget.

The Green Fund is intended to assist local, notfor profit or volunteer-based groups leverage provincial, federal or other funds to carry out important environmental work. The fund awards two types of grants: fast track or project funding. Fast track applications cannot exceed $1,000 and will be for smaller projects or events with time constraints. Project funding applications cannot exceed $5,000 and will be distributed as fee for service or in a program delivery manner. An application deadline for 2007 has yet to be announced.

For more information about the Community Green Fund, visit www.caledon.ca or contact Sara Peckford, environmental progress officer, 905-584-2272, ext. 4269.