News release

Province Announces Almost $900,000 for Clean Air Projects

Environment (April 2008 - Feb. 2021)

The province will announce an investment of almost $900,000 over the next several days in projects that will help reduce greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions.

Environment Minister Sterling Belliveau made the announcement today, Sept. 11, in Lunenburg, where he announced about $85,000 for six projects along the South Shore.

"We want Nova Scotia to be one of the cleanest and greenest places in the world," said Mr. Belliveau. "The projects announced today will each play a part in helping us achieve that goal."

The funding for the six projects is provided under the municipal program of the ecoNova Scotia Fund for Clean Air and Climate Change. The fund supports projects that reduce greenhouse gas and other air pollutants.

One of the projects announced today was a $40,834 grant for an energy-savings project by the Town of Lunenburg. The town will reduce energy consumption in seven of its buildings through improvements in energy-efficient lighting, insulation, and building system and heating system operations. The buildings include the Town Hall and the Lunenburg Auditorium.

"The Town of Lunenburg is committed to the reduction of greenhouse gas and air pollutants through improvements to infrastructure," said Laurence Mawhinney, Mayor of Lunenburg. "We believe the energy and cost savings realized through this project will be of great benefit to the town."

Funding will also allow the Dayspring and District Fire Hall to be fitted with solar panels and Lockeport, Mahone Bay and the town and municipality of Shelburne to conduct an energy inventory and audit of municipal infrastructure. The Dayspring project will receive $8,694, while Lockeport will get $4,160, Mahone Bay $10,000, the Municipality of the District of Shelburne $9,487 and the Town of Shelburne $9,930.

EcoNova Scotia also provides funding through its Environmental Technology Program to businesses or institutions that adopt or develop innovative environmental technologies.

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 this morning's announcement, 56 projects have been announced to date.

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