Woodbine Entertainment Group - Green Page

WOODBINE ENTERTAINMENT GROUP HONOURED WITH COVETED PLATINUM AWARD FROM RECYCLING COUNCIL OF ONTARIO

2011-10-21T11:44:00.001-04:00

TORONTO, Thursday October 20, 2011 – The Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) was honoured to be awarded the prestigious Platinum Award for Waste Minimization by the Recycling Council of Ontario (RCO) and the Ontario Ministry of the Environment. The award was presented at the Recycling Council of Ontario Waste Minimization Gala on Wednesday, October 19th in recognition of Waste Minimization Week. This is the second year WEG has received the Platinum Award for Facilities Management.

“WEG launched its zero waste to landfill program this year to ensure continuous improvement in reducing our environmental footprint. This very special recognition is a testament to Woodbine’s commitment to sustainability” said Jane Holmes, Vice-President of Corporate Affairs and Social Responsibility Officer,. “We are proud of all of our staff and their commitment to the 3R’s”.

InsideToronto Article: Woodbine helps bring the great outdoors to kids at North Kipling

2011-05-16T11:15:00.001-04:00

InsideToronto Article: Woodbine helps bring the great outdoors to kids at North Kipling

WEG Named Finalist for 2011 Green Toronto Awards - "Green Business"

2011-03-15T17:06:00.003-04:00

The City of Toronto and Green Living Enterprises announced its finalists for the 2011 Green Toronto Awards. The City's environmental awards of excellence recognize the individuals, organizations and companies helping to lead the way to a cleaner, greener Toronto.

"We are very proud of these Torontonians for their commitment to our environment, and for demonstrating their dedication in so many innovative ways. They are our partners in a greener Toronto," said Councillor Norm Kelly (Ward 40 Scarborough-Agincourt), Chair of the City's Parks and Environment Committee.

Local youth, residents, businesses and organizations are among the 30 finalists a panel of judges selected from more than 150 nominations. New award categories this year include Green Home and Green Business. The winners will be announced at the seventh annual Green Toronto Awards ceremony on Friday, April 15 at 7 p.m. on the Main Stage at the Green Living Show, Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place. Entry to the Green Toronto Awards is free to the public. Host Frank Ferragine, Citytv’s Breakfast Television weatherspecialist and CityNews gardening specialist, will be joined by musical guests.

Each winner will receive an award and $5,000 to further their work on the environment or to donate to an environmental charity of their choice, courtesy of award sponsors.

The 2011 Green Toronto Award finalists

GREEN BUSINESS (new) – Green Circle Salons; LoyaltyOne; Woodbine Entertainment Group. The Green Business Award recognizes a business that is demonstrating excellence in green practices, strategies or products. Award sponsor: Capital One

For the full release go to http://www.woodbineentertainment.com/Corporate

OLG Becomes Largest Supporter of Renewable Energy from Bullfrog Power In Canada

2011-01-20T16:35:00.000-05:00

OLG Becomes Largest Supporter of Renewable Energy from Bullfrog Power In Canada
Canada Newswire
Thu Jan 20 2011, 12:00pm ET
Dateline: TORONTO, Jan. 20

OLG Slots At Woodbine Racetrack Goes Green With Bullfrog Power

TORONTO, Jan. 20 /CNW/ - Today the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) has taken one more step towards its green energy goals, with the OLG Slots at Woodbine Racetrack facility now choosing green electricity with Bullfrog Power, Canada's 100% green electricity provider. The Woodbine facility is the eighth OLG location to go green, making the agency the largest supporter of renewable energy through Bullfrog Power in Canada.

"Being green is becoming a part of every aspect of OLG's business. We have committed to obtaining 90% of our electricity from renewable sources by 2014, and with the switch here at Woodbine, we move even closer to that goal," said Larry Flynn, Senior Vice President, Gaming at OLG.

Currently, the Woodbine facility consumes 11,600 Megawatt Hours (MWh) of electricity a year, one of the highest electricity users among OLG sites. Through the new agreement, Bullfrog's generators will inject green electricity onto the regional grid to match the amount of power all eight "bullfrog-powered" OLG facilities use. More than 35,000 MWh - enough electricity to power over 3,800 homes - will be greened annually on OLG's behalf.

"Bullfrog Power is proud to be a partner in OLG's continued efforts to reach its bold renewable energy goals," said Bullfrog President Tom Heintzman. "Their expanded participation with Bullfrog not only shows their support for the green energy industry here in Ontario, but also assists the Pearson Eco-Business Zone to come closer to achieving their Green Power Challenge objectives."

OLG's significant purchase will assist Bullfrog and Partners in Project Green's 'Green Power Challenge' to reach its 50% mark. Partners in Project Green is a growing community of businesses working together to green their bottom line by creating an internationally-recognized 'eco-business zone' around Toronto Pearson Airport. Businesses in the Pearson Eco-Business Zone are working to achieve a collective goal of greening 58,000 MWh of electricity.

Casino Sault Ste. Marie and the OLG Slots at Georgian Downs, Mohawk Racetrack, Hanover Raceway and Clinton Raceway moved to green electricity in February 2010. The OLG's IT Data Systems centre and Casino Brantford switched to 100% emissions-free electricity in January 2009.

About Bullfrog Power

Bullfrog Power, Canada's 100 per cent green electricity provider, offers homes and businesses a clean, renewable electricity choice. Bullfrog's electricity comes exclusively from wind and hydro facilities that have been certified as low impact by Environment Canada under its EcoLogoM program instead of from polluting sources like coal, oil, natural gas, and nuclear. Thousands of Canadian homes and businesses are doing their part to address climate change and air pollution by switching to green electricity with Bullfrog Power. www.bullfrogpower.com

OLG is a provincial agency responsible for province-wide lottery games and gaming facilities. Since 1975, OLG lotteries, casinos, slots, and resort casinos have generated more than $32 billion for the benefit of the Province of Ontario. Gaming proceeds support Ontario's hospitals, amateur sport, recreational and cultural activities, communities, provincial priority programs such as health care and education, and local and provincial charities and non-profit organizations through the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

Know your limit, play within it!

THE ONTARIO PROBLEM GAMBLING HELPLINE 1-888-230-3505

InsideToronto Article: 'Cool roof' at racetrack helps environment, addresses youth unemployment

2010-12-03T16:08:00.000-05:00

InsideToronto Article: 'Cool roof' at racetrack helps environment, addresses youth unemployment

Milton Hydro Presents Cheque to WEG Officials

2010-11-26T17:45:00.002-05:00

Milton Hydro presents WEG officials with a cheque as part of the Ontario Power Authority's Electricity Retrofit Incentive Program (ERIP) Woodbine Entertainment Group completed an extensive energy retrofit at its Mohawk Racetrack facility resulting in a savings of over 150kW of power a year.

Woodbine Entertainment Group wins prestigious award for Waste Minimization

2010-11-11T16:29:00.002-05:00

Woodbine Entertainment Group wins prestigious award for Waste Minimization

Woodbine Entertainment Group has been crowned an environmental champion, receiving the prestigious 2010 Ontario Waste Minimization Platinum Award by the Recycling Council of Ontario in partnership with the Ministry of the Environment at a Gala Celebration held last night at the Atlantis Pavilion at Ontario Place.

This award recognizes leadership, innovation and excellence in waste reduction and waste diversion. It is the third consecutive year the company has received this recognition in the Facilities Management category having earned a RCO Silver Award in 2008 and a RCO Gold Award in 2009.

"This has been an outstanding year for advances in waste minimization and continuous improvement at Woodbine Entertainment Group," said Jo-Anne St. Godard, RCO's Executive Director. "They have advanced the 3R principles of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle by turning them into progressive philosophies and effective programs to conserve resources, consume wisely and minimize waste across all their facilities. Their efforts are truly those of an environmental leader and waste reduction champion."

Awards winners are measured according to their achievements in reducing the wastes they generate and divert from disposal to recycling. Each is rigorously scored on their ability to prevent wastes through consumption and purchasing habits, their success in sorting and tracking generated materials to recycling and minimizing the wastes their products contribute to the waste stream.

"This honour reinforces our on-going company-wide obligation to environmental sustainability and responsible corporate citizenship," said Jane Holmes, WEG's Vice-President Corporate Affairs and Corporate Social Responsibility Officer, upon accepting the award. "Three years ago, when we received the Silver Award, I challenged our staff to achieve the Platinum Award. They did it! On behalf of all our employees who have embraced our over-all corporate sustainability agenda and who have made protecting the environment a top priority, we are proud of the RCO's recognition."

The Recycling Council of Ontario (RCO) is a not-for-profit membership-based organization involved in policy, education and project work around the issues of consumption, waste generation, reduction and diversion and recycling www.rco.on.ca.

WEG (www.woodbineentertainment.com) is the largest operator of horse racing in Canada and is recognized as one of the most innovative in North America. WEG operates Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto, ON; Mohawk Racetrack in Campbellville, ON; the Champions Off-Track Wagering Network, Turf Lounge, WEGZ Stadium Bar, HorsePlayer Interactive and HPItv.

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Woodbine Entertainment Group Sponsors Earth Rangers

2010-11-11T16:22:00.003-05:00

Partners in Project Green launches Kids in Nature Corporate Challenge and brings Nature Closer to the classroom

In a recent Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA) survey of 631 teachers, 81 per cent of respondents identified cost or funding as a significant barrier to student participation in field trips. To help give students the opportunity to experience wildlife inside or outside the classrooms, TRCA and Earth Rangers, through Partners in Project Green, have launched the new Kids in Nature Corporate Challenge.

The challenge is designed to encourage corporations to make a difference by sponsoring local schools in need. Through the Earth Rangers “Bring Back the Wild” live animal show, the program brings the wonder of wildlife into schools to educate students about the threats facing the environment. The program also includes a class visit to the Kortright Centre for Conservation to experience nature first hand.

“Woodbine Entertainment Group was eager to take up the The Kids in Nature Corporate Challenge. As the Partners in Project Green Founding Business Partner, we are prepared to lead by example and become a gold sponsor.” stated Jane Holmes, Vice President Corporate Affairs. “The company is committed to being a leader in environmental sustainability and, as a strong community partner, we invest in programs which develop youth to become tomorrow’s leaders. This program achieves both objectives.”

The goal is to bring this program to 50 schools in priority neighborhoods in and around the Pearson Eco-Business Zone. The zone consists of12,000 hectares of industrial and commercial land surrounding Toronto Pearson, including land from the municipalities of Mississauga, Toronto and Brampton.

The first business leaders to rise to the challenge include Woodbine Entertainment Group, the Greater Toronto Airports Authority and Enersource Hydro Mississauga. "Enersource is excited to support the Kids in Nature Corporate Challenge," said Dan Pastoric, Executive Vice President & COO, Enersource. "This program complements our commitment to preserving the environment, while also providing local youth with a valuable educational experience – right in our own backyard!"

“For more than two decades, teachers have been bringing classrooms to Kortright Centre for Conservation, to experience nature first hand,” said Darryl Gray, Manager, Education, TRCA. “It’s unfortunate that many students can’t afford to participate in field trips, especially when this kind of hands-on learning and exploration helps children to not only understand nature but appreciate it better. Thanks to Partners in Project Green business leaders, students will now have an opportunity to discover the amazing environment at Kortright.”

A per school sponsorship fee of $2,000 includes: Full day field trip to TRCA’s Kortright Centre for Conservation for 6th grade class (includes all teaching, transportation, games)
School visit from the Earth Rangers Bring Back the Wild Program
Teacher resources and Classroom activities

Business benefits:
(1) A charitable tax receipt for the value of your support
(2) Letters from the class you have supported
(3) Recognition as a Kids in Nature Class Sponsor
(4) Opportunity to send representatives to attend annual clean-up event

“Earth Rangers is excited to collaborate with the TRCA and Partners in Project Green for the Kids in Nature Corporate Challenge. The program will enable us to reach audiences that were previously inaccessible due to funding. Earth Rangers goal is to engage and enable children to become directly involved in wildlife conservation and this program is a collaborative way for corporate sponsors to get help,” Peter Kendall, Executive Director and Co-CEO of Earth Rangers.

Sponsors can select from three sponsorship tiers: Platinum Level (10+ schools), Gold Level (5-10 schools) and Bronze Level (1-5 schools). For more information about this program please go to www.trca.on.ca/kidsinnature.

Mohawk Racetrack to Host Special Waste Drop-off Day

2010-10-14T13:41:00.004-04:00

Mohawk Racetrack to Host Halton Waste Management Services "Special Waste Drop-off Day"

Once again Mohawk Racetrack will be hosting the Halton Waste Management Services "Special Waste Drop-off Day" on Saturday, October 23rd from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Holtz Environmental Services Ltd. will be set up and operate a temporary Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Depo and Toronto Recycling Inc. will be accepting electronic equipment such as televisions, computer monitors, computers, printers, stereos, VCRs and many other electronic materials for recycling.

The event will be open to the public from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Mohawk Racetrack is located on Guelph Line just north of Hwy.401.

Partners in Project Green Establishes Sustainable Hospitality Consortium

2010-08-11T10:29:00.002-04:00

Partners in Project Green Establishes Sustainable Hospitality Consortium
-Six Leaders in Toronto’s Hospitality Sector Work Together to Find Sustainable Solutions -

(TORONTO – August 11) Partners in Project Green (PPG), an initiative led by the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), has established a new Sustainable Hospitality Consortium. This is the first of its kind in the GTA. The Partners in Project Green Sustainable Hospitality Consortium is a facilitated team of organizations in the Pearson Eco-Business Zone that are committed to attaining World Class Environmental Sustainability Performance. A survey by the Hotel Association of Canada this year showed an increasing awareness of environmental issues among hotel guests and an increased importance to the promotion of eco-friendly practices to their guests. The hospitality sector in the Pearson Eco-Business Zone, 12,000 hectares in the Greater Toronto Area that includes the entire Toronto Pearson International Airport as well as portions of the Region of Peel, City of Toronto, City of Mississauga and City of Brampton, had a total energy consumption of 2,505,000 GJ in 2008. Members of the Hospitality Consortium are striving to reduce their consumption by leveraging each other’s strengths through sharing, learning and improving to achieve accelerated results in their sustainability programs.

Toby Lennox, Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Communications at the Greater Toronto Airports Authority stated that “The hospitality sector is an important and long-standing employer in the Pearson Eco-Business zone. This resource group will bring together hospitality companies to share best practices, learn from each other and drive down costs while accelerating sustainability initiatives for employers such as hotels and others in this sector located in the vicinity.” Mr. Lennox added, “The Partners in Project Green Sustainable Hospitality Consortium is another great example of how the Pearson Eco Business zone is creating a competitive advantage for business through collaboration with the surrounding community.”

Members of the Partners in Project Green Sustainable Hospitality Consortium are committed to environmental sustainability for their organization. Members include: the Greater Toronto Airports Authority, Delta Toronto Airport West, Hilton Garden Inn Toronto Airport, International Centre, Sandalwood Suites Hotel Toronto Airport and Woodbine Entertainment Group.

"Woodbine Entertainment Group is committed to environmental sustainability throughout its operations,” said Jane Holmes, Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Woodbine Entertainment Group, Founding Business Partner and Ambassador of Partners in Project Green. “The PPG Sustainable Hospitality Consortium facilitates dialogue between like minded hospitality operators to share and develop best practices for our industry."

Each member of the consortium will have full ownership over the direction of the consortium through the creation of a vision and an annual strategic plan, while all administration for the team is the responsibility of Partners in Project Green. Sharing, learning and improving are facilitated through consortium events, individual member company coaching days, and facility assessments. Membership privileges include sustainability diagnostic for measurement and development of individual members, access to the High Performance Consortium Network (a national network) and access to specialized resources.
“The International Centre is committed to ‘greening’ our business and working with others to share resources and best practices,” said Michael Prescott, CEO, International Centre. “The PPG Sustainable Hospitality Consortium was conceived by our Director of Operations and Sustainability, Trevor Lui, who is engaging our partners in the community to ensure that the Pearson Eco-Business Zone receives international recognition.”

Each member of the PPG Sustainable Hospitality Consortium are already leaders in their sector when it comes to striving to be green and have accomplished the following:

o Between 2004 and 2008 the Greater Toronto Airports Authority saved approximately $13 million on electricity and $730,000 on heating and cooling through various energy saving initiatives

o The Hilton Garden Inn Toronto Airport is on track to become Canada’s first LEED Certified Hotel, which sets it as a flagship leader in green building

o The International Centre has implemented a vigorous Sustainability Program, and works with Ontario farmers to provide local food options for events

o Delta Toronto Airport West has successfully achieved a 4 key rating under the Hotel Association of Canada's Green Key Eco-Rating Program which is a direct result of the hotel's commitment to sustainability through its recycling and energy savings programs

o Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) has aggressive energy management practices in place, which included a $2 million dollar retrofit of their boiler systems, resulting in savings of approximately $500, 000 every year, and WEG was awarded the Recycling Council of Ontario’s Gold Minimization Award in 2009 for its commitment to sustainability

o Sandalwood Suites Toronto Airport has partnered with LiveClean to calculate their carbon footprint, find ways to reduce that footprint, and offset what they can't avoid

About Partners in Project Green
Partners in Project Green, an initiative led by the Greater Toronto Airports Authority and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, is a growing community of businesses working together to green their bottom line by creating an internationally-recognized Eco-Business Zone around Toronto Pearson. Through new forms of business-to-business collaboration, Partners in Project Green delivers programming that helps businesses reduce energy and resource costs, uncover new business opportunities, and address everyday operational challenges in a green and cost-effective manner. For more information, visit www.partnersinprojectgreen.com

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Media contacts for information and registration:
Rowena Calpito, Supervisor, Media Management, Toronto and Region Conservation
Tel: 416-661-6600 ext 5632, Mobile: 416-358-3446 E-mail: rcalpito@trca.on.ca

Clyde lights the way at Woodbine

2010-07-05T12:32:00.003-04:00

TORONTO, July 5 – In keeping with their commitment to environmental sustainability initiatives, Woodbine Entertainment Group today announced the installation of Clyde, a sustainable, solar and wind-powered hybrid LED light pole, at Woodbine.

Part of a pilot project, Clyde, one of a number of the Sustainable initiatives of Perennial Solutions Inc., stands just on the outer edge of the Woodbine employee parking entrance, an optimal spot for people to view the pole.

A commemorative plaque is displayed on the pole to show passersby of its significance.

The purpose of the project is for WEG to investigate the use of alternative energy sources and to realize its commitment of reducing our energy consumption from traditional sources.

John Marhong, Director, Infrastructure and Energy Efficiencies, with WEG, notes projects like this are pivotal for WEG in recognizing that long-term economic sustainability is dependent on working closely with its partners.
"WEG is committed to investigating and testing innovative solutions, and to implement proven technologies to realize it corporate sustainability objectives,” said Marhong. “The objective is to not only to reduce WEG's carbon footprint, but to maintain a state-of-the-art operating facility."

Armando Cappuccitti, President of Perennial Solutions Inc., (PSI) is proud to be associated with WEG and their willingness to embrace projects such as this.

“At PSI we realize that forward thinking sustainable solutions can be operationally effective as well as cost efficient. Clyde is a shining beacon announcing to the world that WEG is leading the way in this truly sustainable initiative of harnessing the power of the sun and wind.”

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Milton's Chris Hadfield Public School Unveils The Stream of Dreams

2010-06-02T13:24:00.004-04:00

Under a bright sunny sky the students and faculty unveiled Chris Hadfield Public School's "Stream of Dreams" mural last week.

The mural is meant to raise awareness for the need to protect watersheds and fish habitat and will also leave a lasting environmental legacy on the school’s culture.

The students painted a thank you card to everyone who helped to make the project a reality.

Woodbine Entertainment Group provided the funds to help pay for paint and supplies.

For more information on Stream of Dreams projects go to http://www.streamofdreams.org/index.php?pgid=1

Bet On Green

2010-05-15T16:29:00.003-04:00

MILTON, May 15 – Horse racing greats Sandy Hawley and Mark MacDonald made a winning appearance at the Trashfusion Design Contest and Community Expo Tour on Saturday, May 15 at the Milton Mall. Fans had the opportunity to meet and speak with legendary rider, Sandy Hawley who signed copies of his book, Ride of A Lifetime, and Canadian Driver of the Year Mark MacDonald who was also on hand to sign autographs.

WEG takes their fashion for (eco) passion to the Community Expo Tour

2010-05-13T16:01:00.001-04:00

Key horse racing personalities will be at the Trashfusion Design Contest and Community Expo Tour on Saturday, May 15th at the Milton Mall.

Green businesses and organizations from Milton and beyond will be on hand to provide lifestyle options for citizens of Milton and its surrounding communities to focus on steps to “greener” living through education, sharing and discovery.

“Woodbine Entertainment Group is a leader in the horse racing industry and is striving to be a leader in green sustainability” said Jane Holmes, Woodbine Entertainment Group’s (WEG) Vice President of Corporate Affairs.

WEG will have a display booth set up from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. to promote its on-going commitment to environmental sustainability.

Fans will also have an opportunity to meet and speak with legendary rider, Sandy Hawley, who will sign copies of his book, Ride of a Lifetime from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Canadian Driver of the Year, Mark MacDonald¸ will also be on hand from 10:00 am to 11:00 am for autographs.

Local artists, groups and fashion designers will provide a unique portrayal of the use of recycled materials as they take a thought-provoking and artistic approach to saving our planet. A fully produced runway show, open to all artists, designers and community members, gets underway at 2:00 pm.

Mohawk Racetrack Employees Join Spring Clean Up

2010-05-01T15:05:00.003-04:00

Employees from Mohawk Racetrack rolled up their sleeves in support of today's Nassagaweya Clean Up. The country roads surrounding the Village of Campbellville and Mohawk Racetrack are litter free thanks to the hard work of the many volunteers who came out in support of this annual event.

Photo courtesy of Michael Burns Photography

Nassagaweya Clean Up & Halton Region Rain Barrel Sale

2010-05-01T15:00:00.004-04:00

I wanted to take the opportunity to congratulate Woodbine Entertainment for allowing the Mohawk Racetrack Guelph Line Parking Lots to be used for community activities. In the past it`s been used for road safety events, as well as the police truck stop program which makes our roads safer by getting unsafe trucks off our roads. Today it was the distribution point for the NCCC and its Roadside Cleanup Program and Halton Region`s Rain Barrel program.The more activities there are that can be seen from the roadway, by the public, the more awareness there is from the street, the more traffic slows down, which in itself creates a safer environment. Kudos and thanks to WEG for its community participation. I am proud to say that Mohawk Racetrack/Woodbine Entertainment Group is part of my community.

Jan Mowbray,ward 3 councillor

WEG Staff Join Partners In Project Green's Tree Planting in Support of Earth Week

2010-04-24T16:16:00.003-04:00

An enthusiastic group of WEG employees showed up today at King's Park in Mississauga to show their support of Partners in Project Green's annual tree planting.

Special thanks to Michael Burns Jr. for all the fun photos.

Back Row:
(L to R) Karen DeRosa, Catharine Winkler, Crystal Richer, Wendy Loiselle, Glen Hales, Greg Winkler, Michael Eves

Front Row:
(L to R) Kasia Kuzinska & husband, Christina Barth & daughter, Karen's son Jaylen, Sandy Hawley and Lawrence Ong

Halton Region and Mohawk Racetrack Partner on Sale of Rain Barrels

2010-04-22T13:21:00.003-04:00

Halton Region to host sale of rain barrels at Mohawk Racetrack

This May, Halton Region will once again host four rain barrel sale events to help promote wise outdoor water use during the summer months. This year's rain barrels have a new look and price at only $36 each, and provide the same great water capture ability. The rain barrel sales events will run from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the following locations. One rain barrel per purchase, Halton residents only.

* Saturday May 1, Mohawk Raceway, 9430 Guelph Line, Campbellville

Diverting water from a downspout into a rain barrel allows residents to capture rain water and store it for future use to water garden flowers, shrubs and plant pots. Last year, Halton residents purchased nearly 6,200 rain barrels, which at full use has the potential to reduce water consumption by more than 1.2 million litres.

“I encourage residents to take part in the spring rain barrel sales events in order to help conserve water during the summer months when water consumption can double, largely due to lawn and garden watering,” said Halton’s Regional Chair, Gary Carr. “Rain barrels are an easy way to help practice wise water use outdoors.”

The rain barrels fit into the backseat of an average sized vehicle and require minimal assembly. Residents are responsible for adapting their downspout to flow into the rain barrel, and assembly instructions are included. The rain barrels are also equipped with a secure mosquito screen and a dispensing hose for easy use.

There are many other options, including the 4Rs of wise water use that residents can undertake in order to be more water efficient. These include:

* Reduce: Choose drought tolerant plants and ground covers for your lawn and garden. They require less water, and therefore less work, and can better withstand periods of drought.
* Retrofit: Replace old appliances and fixtures with new water efficient models, or consider retrofitting existing models with water saving devices. For example, low flow shower heads and toilets, front loading washing machines and water efficient humidifiers which use half the water compared to non-water efficient models.
* Repair: Repair leaks! In one year, a leak of one drip per second can waste 10,000 litres of water. By doing something as simple as replacing a faulty washer in your faucet, or a toilet flapper more than two years old, you can improve your water efficiency.
* Reuse: Find uses for water waste in the inside and outside of your home. For example, utilize the Suds Saver option on your washing machine by using the previous wash cycles rinse water for the wash cycle of your next load of laundry.

For more information about the rain barrel sales events or the water efficiency program please contact Halton Region by dialing 311 or 905-825-6000, toll free 1-866-442-5866, TTY 905-827-9833 or visit us online at www.halton.ca/waterconservation.

The Regional Municipality of Halton serves more than 450,000 residents in the City of Burlington, the Town of Halton Hills, the Town of Milton, and the Town of Oakville. Halton Region is committed to meeting the needs of its residents through the delivery of cost-effective, quality programs and services, including water and wastewater; Regional roads and planning; emergency medical services; waste management; public health; Ontario Works (formerly social assistance); children’s and seniors’ services; social/non-profit housing; heritage programs; emergency management and business development. For more information, dial 311 or visit Halton Region’s website at www.halton.ca.
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Woodbine Entertainment Group makes eco-friendly donation

2010-04-21T11:10:00.005-04:00

TORONTO, April 21 – In recognition of Earth Week, representatives from Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG), in partnership with the Milton Mall and Halton Learning Foundation (HLF) visited Chris Hadfield Public School in Milton, Ontario, on Tuesday, to present a cheque for $1,000 in support of the school’s eco program.

(L to R) Erin Walsh, Teacher, Sana Mungroo, Student, Jane Holmes, WEG & Jenifer Sim Milton Mall. Missing from photo is Janice Rowe Development Officer, Halton Learning Foundation

A contest, the brainchild of Jenifer Sim, Marketing Director of the Milton Mall, invited students from Milton’s public schools to submit a drawing based on “what they would like their world to look like.”

The winner, Sana Mungroo, a student from Chris Hadfield’s Grade 8 class, submitted the winning design which was printed on 1,000 eco-tote bags. Her school received $1,000 to fund its “Stream of Dreams” community project. In addition, Sana was presented with a $250 gift card from the Milton Mall.

“Sana is an extremely talented and bright student,” said Erin Walsh, Sana’s teacher, at the school named for the renowned Canadian astronaut. “Everyone at Chris Hadfield is so proud of her.”

The bags will be sold for $2.00 each with all proceeds going directly to HLF. Bags can be purchased at:
 Milton Mall - Saturday, April 24 - 9:30 am – 6 pm
 Milton Mall - Saturday, May 15 - 9:30 am – 6 pm
(WEG exhibit at the Trash Fusion & Green Expo Show)
 Mohawk Racetrack - Sunday, May 23 - 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
(Community Day and Fireworks event. (www.woodbineentertainment.com/Mohawk)

Jane Holmes, Vice President of Corporate Affairs, WEG, was on-hand to present the cheque to an enthusiastic group of students and faculty.

“WEG has been a proud sponsor of Halton Learning Foundation’s literacy programs since 2007,” explained Holmes. “This partnership gave us the opportunity to further support HLF’s programs and to demonstrate WEG’s corporate commitment to environmental sustainability to the community.”

HLF raises charitable funds to remove economic barriers to learning for students in need and supports school initiatives and programs in the Halton District School Board.

The Halton District School Board has over 55,000 students and 105 schools in Halton Region: Acton, Georgetown, Milton, Burlington, and Oakville.

For more information, contact:
Jane Holmes
Woodbine Entertainment Group
(416) 675 3993 ext.2205
jholmes@woodbineentertainment.com

PPG Spoofs the Office and their Green Team

2010-04-15T17:26:00.004-04:00

Looking for a little chuckle, check out the Partners In Project Green's spoof of the Office and their Green Team http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyHFV-SGZvg

Woodbine Entertainment Group Supports Earth Hour

2010-03-24T12:25:00.004-04:00

Woodbine Entertainment Group announced today it will join thousands of organizations and almost a billion people around the world and participate in Earth Hour on Saturday, March 27.

Now in its third year, Earth Hour combines the conservation efforts of a wide range of corporate and government groups, as well as hundreds of millions of citizens, all of whom will turn off their lights and reduce their electricity consumption for 60 minutes from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm.

"We continue to throw our full support behind Earth Hour and the awareness it will create," said Jane Holmes, vice-president of corporate affairs, Woodbine Entertainment. "We will do whatever we can to rein in whatever excess power we can find."

It may seem like business as usual during Saturday night's regular standardbred card under the lights, but nothing could be further from the truth. While the stadium lights remain on to conduct racing safely, behind the scenes, WEG's Director of Infrastructure & Energy Efficiencies, John Marhong, has mapped out a plan that will save about 500,000 watts of electricity.

Woodbine's Earth Hour initiatives will reach this level by eliminating lighting in certain areas of the grandstand and administration areas, and also by lowering air and water temperatures. Woodbine's exterior front sign, one of the two infield LED displays and any other non-essential lighting will also be turned off.

At other WEG properties, such as Greenwood, WEGZ, Turf Lounge and Mohawk, attempts also center around reducing non-essential lighting to a minimum.

Marhong credits Woodbine's Building Automation System for helping to optimize WEG's energy saving strategy. The technology is so intricate that Marhong has the ability to control electric, heating and air conditioning systems inside Woodbine from anywhere he can hook up his laptop computer.

"Earth Hour gives us the opportunity to test our Building Automation System to see what else can be shut down with minimal impact," added Marhong.

It's pivotal to find new ways to improve the system because it puts WEG in a stronger position to respond quickly in the event of a power curtailment.

Since 2006 WEG has invested approximately $1 million dollars a year on green initiatives. In 2009 WEG re-invested $2.3 million in Green Capital Expenditures to ensure responsible energy management and long term sustainability at both its Woodbine and Mohawk racetracks.

"We encourage our employees and customers to consider how their actions effect the environment. We challenge everyone to find ways of reducing the size of the ecological footprint they leave behind," said Holmes.

In upcoming Earth Day events, WEG employees will be showing their support for the environment on April 24, when employees are planting trees at the Partners in Project Green's second Annual Earth Day Tree planting event. On May 1, employees will be picking up trash along the roadways surrounding Mohawk Racetrack in support of the Nassagaweya Clean Up.

Woodbine Goes Red!

2010-03-12T12:35:00.004-05:00

This time Woodbine goes red - Massey Ferguson red! Three new tractors will be seen grooming Woodbine's polytrack when the thoroughbred racing season opens on April 2nd.

Massey Ferguson is known to be the most fuel efficient tractor of the major brands. Their smaller engine size provides a more fuel efficient option for the job they are required to do. The extra wide tires minimize compaction which will have a positive impact on track fairness.

Give the Gift of Literacy

2010-03-11T10:51:00.002-05:00

The Woodbine Centre (shopping mall) is holding its second annual Community Book Drive next week in support of north Etobicoke public schools.

All March Break week long, from March 13 to 21, donations of gently-used children's and youth books will be accepted at the mall, at 500 Rexdale Blvd. (at Hwy. 27). Those interested are asked to clean out their basements, garages and children's rooms to pass on and share the gift of literacy.

As an incentive, those donating a minimum of three books will receive a free Woodbine Centre re-useable water bottle.

Nosing ahead in the efficiency race

2010-03-02T16:29:00.003-05:00

Check out the November/December 2009 issue of Mechanical Business magazine to read how WEG's racetracks find cash savings in building automation systems.

http://www.mechanicalbusiness.com/archives/december_2009/

Celebrate Earth Day - April 24, 2010

2010-02-25T11:09:00.004-05:00

Another Earth Day is upon us, and we would like to invite the employees of Woodbine Entertainment Group to celebrate at the Partners in Project Green 2nd Annual Earth Day Tree Planting event.

This fun-filled day will give you the opportunity to lend a hand in restoring the Etobicoke Creek along side other like minded companies in the Pearson Eco-Business Zone.

The event will take place on Saturday, April 24, 2010 along the Etobicoke Creek at Dixie and Derry Roads from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Lunch will be provided.

WEG employees who are interested in volunteering should contact Wendy Loiselle at 416 675 3993 ext.2377 or via Email at wel@woodbineentertainment.com

Pearson Eco-Business Zone Hospitality Sector Consortium - Information Meeting

2010-02-25T10:30:00.002-05:00

Pearson Eco-Business Zone Hospitality Consortium - Information Session

Is your business looking for ways to drive down costs and speed up your sustainability
initiatives?

If so the Pearson Eco-Business Zone Hospitality Consortium is the venue
for you. Come to this morning networking session to learn how this group
of hospitality peers can help everyone reduce costs, while greening the
airport hospitality strip.

This morning networking session will include:

An overview of the Pearson Eco-Business Zone Hospitality Consortium; Information on how your organization can become a member; Details on how you can reduce your costs; and,
highlights on local companies who are turning green into cost savings and
new clients.

Highlights from Local Sustainability Leaders:
Woodbine Entertainment Group's sustainability initiatives have saved them
an estimated $475,000 annually in energy costs.
Hilton Garden Inn Toronto Airport built Canada?s first new-build hotel
through the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green
building certification program.
The International Centre has developed a comprehensive Corporate
Sustainability initiative which has resulted in hundreds of businesses
aligning with its program and booking their events in its CSR-focused
event venue.

Event details are as follows:
Date: Wednesday March 24, 2010
Time: 8:30 a.m. ? 12:00 p.m.
Location: International Centre, 6900 Airport Road, Mississauga
Directions: http://www.internationalcentre.com/maps-and-directions
For further information, please contact Jennifer Taves at 416-661-6600,
extension 5570 or email jtaves@trca.on.ca.
To register please visit:
http://www.partnersinprojectgreen.com/

Partners in Project Green launches Cool Rexdale

2010-02-10T11:04:00.003-05:00

Partners in Project Green launches Cool Rexdale - a program to boost the local economy and create green jobs

This article can be found on the Partners in Project Green website thru the following link http://www.partnersinprojectgreen.com/news-and-media/269-partners-in-project-green-launches-cool-rexdale-a-program-to-boost-the-local-economy-and-create-green-jobs

Partners in Project Green today announced the launch of Cool Rexdale, a new program that will help to improve the economic, social and environmental vitality of Rexdale, one of Toronto’s priority neighborhoods. The eco-roof program encourages local businesses to save energy and green their bottom line by installing green or cool roofs. In turn, the program will create the opportunity for local youth to start a career in the eco-roof industry.

Cool Rexdale provides full-service support including access to superior roofing systems, financial assistance through the City of Toronto’s Eco-Roof Incentive Program and discounted eco-building materials through the Clinton Climate Initiative Purchasing Alliance. Cool Rexdale is a partnership between Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA), Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA), Woodbine Entertainment Group, City of Toronto, Semple Gooder Inc., and Sheet Metal Workers’ and Roofers’ Local Union 30.

The program also aims to connect Rexdale youth to green jobs. Together, Semple Gooder, Toronto Employment and Social Services, and other community partners will recruit and train new pre-apprentice roofers, while the Union will provide safety training and help to integrate youth into the roofing industry. An information session for youth will be held on February 8 at 6 p.m. at Elmbank Community Centre, 10 Rampart Road.

“This partnership is a wonderful example of the difference we can make when we all work together,” says Toronto Mayor David Miller. “Rexdale has a high concentration of large flat roofs that tend to absorb sunlight and heat, which is a particular concern as global temperatures rise. By encouraging businesses to go green, we can address this challenge, create green jobs, reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, and beautify our city.”

Cool Rexdale builds upon the City of Toronto’s Eco-Roof Incentive Program that is designed to promote the use of green and cool roofs on Toronto’s commercial, industrial and institutional buildings. Cool and green roofs can help businesses reduce their heating and cooling costs and extend the life of their roofs. Green roofs, which support rooftop vegetation, also help clean our air, enhance biodiversity and retain storm water and its pollutants.

“We are very excited to be associated with Cool Rexdale”, said Jane Holmes, Vice President Corporate Affairs, Woodbine Entertainment Group, a key partner in providing funding to get the program started. “We’re proud to be involved with such an elite partnership group, and such a unique program that not only champions environmental sustainability, but does so in a way that helps the youth from this community get valuable hands-on job training in the green economy. To further support our commitment to Cool Rexdale and the emerging eco-roofing industry, I’m pleased to announce that Woodbine will include cool roof specifications in all its future roofing tenders.”

The community of Rexdale is a natural partner for the program because it is a priority neighbourhood situated next to the Pearson Eco-Business Zone and is also home to the Rexdale Business Park which features more than 1,400 businesses employing more than 46,000 workers.

“The GTAA is proud to be partnering with the TRCA on this worthwhile initiative” says Toby Lennox, Vice-President of Corporate Affairs and Communications at the GTAA. “The Cool Rexdale program will allow other companies to easily gain the same advantages that the GTAA has in our Fire Emergency Services and Training Institute, which features a green roof. This program is excellent for all involved and we will look to partner with the Rexdale community on future eco-roof opportunities for our buildings.”

“The Cool Rexdale Program is exciting because it helps businesses realize the financial benefits of reduced energy costs, while having a positive impact on the environment, and ensuring that local residents share in the benefits of the emerging green economy,” said Brian Denney, CAO, Toronto and Region Conservation.

Race track slows down power consumption in times of need

2009-12-12T13:00:00.002-05:00

The following article appears in the December 11th National Post.

http://www.nationalpost.com/story.html?id=2325625

WEGZ Discontinues The Sale of Plastic Water Bottles

2009-11-25T17:01:00.002-05:00

WEGZ Stadium Bar discontinued the sale of water in plastic bottles this year and estimates that as a result, over 12,500 plastic bottles will be removed from recycling bins and landfill. Not bad!

Mohawk Racetrack To Begin Recycling Plastic Cups

2009-11-10T16:20:00.002-05:00

Mohawk's Food and Beverage operation is now recycling the plastic cups used on the gaming floor. This will divert approximately 600,000 cups per year from the waste stream and out of landfill.

Congratulations to Mohawk's Food & Beverage team!

WEG Accepts RCO's Gold Facilities Award for 2009

2009-11-03T11:56:00.003-05:00

Representatives from Woodbine Entertainment Group's Green Team were present at this year's Recycling Council of Ontario's Minimization Awards Gala to accept the Gold Facilities award for 2009.

The award recognizes businesses for their Stewardship in environmental sustainability.

Accepting from WEG: (L to R) David Brockie, John Marhong, Jane Holmes, Wendy Loiselle, James McNeely and Joseph Araujo.

WEG Employees Lend a Hand at Pearson Eco-Business Zone's - Fall Tree Planting Event

2009-10-27T10:07:00.005-04:00

Over 75 employees from Lovat, Woodbine Entertainment Group, Semple Gooder, Tremco, Unisourc, Camfil Farr, Green Energy Technologies, Kuehne and Nagel, Worley Parsons, Chrysler Canada, Molson, Lowe Martin Group, Bayer Inc, and Canadian Tire, as well as citizens, were there to lend a hand in restoring Mimico Creek while learning about the importance of watershed restoration.

Tree Planting Along Mimico Creek

2009-10-24T16:23:00.002-04:00

Great big thanks to Horseplayer Interactive's Michael Eves, Glen Vales and Gurmeet Kajala who joined a spirited group of volunteers from the Partners in Project Green, at a tree planting event today.

Volunteers planted over 750 trees in the North Mimico Valley Park located at the corner of Disco Road and Carlingview Drive (directly across from Lovat).

The addition of these trees and shrubs is part of the Mimico Creek watershed restoration project lead by Chris Ricketts and his team from Toronto and Region Conservation Authority.

Thanks again Michael, Glen and Gurmeet for coming out today, representing Woodbine Entertainment Group and demonstrating your support of WEG's commitment to the Partners in Project Green.

WEG Turns Trash Into Gold

2009-10-23T09:57:00.004-04:00

The Recycling Council of Ontario saluted Ontario's environmental stewards at its annual Ontario Waste Minimization Awards ceremony last evening.

In the Business category, Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) was awarded the Gold award in recognition for its excellence and commitment to a sustainable environment.

Accepting the award on behalf of WEG and representing its "Green Action Team" were Jane Holmes - VP of Corporate Affairs, John Marhong - Director of Infastructure & Energy Efficiencies, James McNeely - Director of Property Services, Joseph Araujo - Catering & Sales Director, David Brockie - Director of Purchasing and Wendy Loiselle - Corporate Communications were on hand to accept the award on behalf of WEG's Green Action Team.

Horseplayer Interactive Continues to Reduce Its Paper Consumption

2009-10-07T13:29:00.004-04:00

Horseplayer Interactive auditors (Tito Adona and Shauna Simpson) have been looking for ways to reduce paper consumption in their operation. By making double side copies of their Daily Deposit,Withdrawal Summary Report and their Weekly TOA Report, they will save in excess of 12 to 15 thousand sheets of paper per year!

Congratulations to Tito and Shauna for leading the way!!

Partners in Project Green - Fall Tree Planting

2009-10-03T14:54:00.004-04:00

Join fellow businesses, their employees and families along the Mimico Creek for Partners in Project Green`s Fall Tree Planting Event.

This fun-filled event will give you the chance to lend a hand in restoring the Mimico Creek, while learning about the importance of watershed restoration in the company of other like-minded employees from the Pearson Eco-Business Zone.

The event will include:

Native tree and shrub planting along the Mimico Creek
Creek clean-up
BBQ and refreshments
Event details are as follows:

Date: Saturday, October 24th, 2009
Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: North Mimico Valley Park (Disco Road and Carlingview Drive, Toronto – Park at Lovat located at 441 Carlingview Drive)
Cost: FREE

If you are interested in joining WEG's team of volunteers please contact Wendy Loiselle at 416 675 3993 ext.2377 or wel@woodbineentertainment.com

DEMAND RESPONSE CURTAILMENT CALLED FOR TODAY!

2009-09-10T10:45:00.002-04:00

ALL EMPLOYEES AT WOODBINE & MOHAWK:

Please be advised that the Ontario Power Authority has issued another power curtailment for the Woodbine and Mohawk facilities for today, Thursday, September 10 between the hours of 1:15 pm and 5:15 pm.
It is very important that everyone does their part to reduce their energy consumption during these curtailment periods. WEG is under contact with the Ontario Power Authority to meet or exceed specific reduction commitments.
Employees can help by "turning off" all unnecessary lighting and equipment ie. task lighting over desks, desk lamps etc. during these hours.
If you have any questions or suggestions about energy conservation, please contact John Marhong at Woodbine, or David Fleming and/or Ron Aspden at Mohawk.
Thank you!

WEG's Broadcasting Department Reducing Its Paper Consumption

2009-09-09T18:26:00.003-04:00

WEG's Broadcasting department, in an effort to reduce paper, has restructured its attendance format. Previously, they were using approximately 91 sheets of paper/week, 364/month.
With the new format paper consumption is down to approximately 60 sheets/month. An 83% reduction.

Broadcasting's goal is to go completely paperless in the near future.

DEMAND RESPONSE CURTAILMENT CALLED FOR TODAY!

2009-09-09T17:49:00.001-04:00

ALL EMPLOYEES AT WOODBINE & MOHAWK:

Please be advised that the Ontario Power Authority has issued a power curtailment today, Thursday, September 09 between the hours of 2:15 pm and 6:15 pm. for the Woodbine and Mohawk facilities.

It is very important that everyone does their part to reduce energy during these curtailment periods. WEG is under contact with the Ontario Power Authority to meet or exceed specific reduction commitments.

Employees can help by “turning off” all of unnecessary lighting and equipment ie. task lighting over desks, desk lamps etc. during these hours.

If you have any questions or suggestions about energy conservation, please contact John Marhong at Woodbine, or David Fleming and/or Ron Aspden at Mohawk.

WEG Congratulates the GTAA's Partners In Project Green

2009-09-03T10:05:00.002-04:00

The Mississauga News announced today that the organization that runs Pearson International Airport has been honoured for its efforts to make environmental sustainability a daily reality.
The Greater Toronto Airports Authority recently received Airports Council International-North America's Special/Innovative Projects award as part of the organization's 2009 Environmental Achievement Awards.
The honour recognizes the GTAA's Partners in Project Green and Pearson Eco-Business Zone program.
Partners in Project Green, launched in 2008, is a partnership between Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and the GTAA that "seeks to deliver programming to help businesses reduce resource costs, uncover new business opportunities and address everyday operational challenges in a green and cost-effective manner."
The GTAA said Pearson's "eco-business zone" is home to more than 12,500 businesses and 355,000 employees in sectors related to transportation and logistics, automotive supply chain, food and beverage processing, as well as businesses directly related to the airport. The goal of the program is to allow the GTAA and other businesses an opportunity to implement projects and business initiatives that turn challenging environmental goals into practical and sustainable business opportunities.
In a release announcing the award, ACI-NA lauded the GTAA for "showing significant leadership in moving this project forward."
Pearson is the first airport to earn the award.
"We are extremely proud to receive this award from ACI-NA," said GTAA president and CEO Lloyd McCoomb. "So much work has gone into the development of this program, which is significant because it doesn't just focus on energy and waste management issues, as important as they are, but it also looks at green space improvements, employee health and productivity and, ultimately, green jobs."

WEG is Partners In Project Green's Founding Business Partner. For more information on this project go to www.partnersinprojectgreen.com.

Woodbine Racetrack's Food Court Reducing Waste

2009-08-28T17:06:00.003-04:00

In an effort to reduce waste effective August 27, Woodbine Racetrack's food court will stop providing the small paper side plate that is currently being served with the soups and Chilli's. These are the little plates that the soup and chilli containers get put on when given to customers.

The plate will still be available for other side dish's or if requested by the customer. This small change should result in both a reduction in waste and overall cost savings. Even though the paper plates are recyclable we know that most of them are currently ending up in the waste system.

Cost Savings

2008 we served a total of 54,404 soups and chili's. To date in 2009 we have served a total of 38,170 soups and chili's.

Based on rough estimates (about 10 % of the customers we serve may still like a plate) this change should result in a reduction of over 50,000 plates a year at a cost savings of $3,000.00 (based on 2008 figures).

Waste Reduction Numbers

Based on 2008 numbers

1000 Plate Case Weight of 21 pounds will reduce overall waste weight from this facility by 1,050 pounds.

WEG & The Regional Municipality of Halton Partner on Special Waste Drop-off Days

2009-08-26T14:02:00.004-04:00

To make the recycling of household hazardous waste and electronic waste more convenient to residents, Halton Region is holding Special Waste Drop-off Days throughout the year.

On October 31st, Mohawk Racetrack, located at 9430 Guelph Line, Campbellville will host a Hazardous Household Waste Drop Off Day from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)

Acceptable materials include: pesticides, paint, stains, motor oil, antifreeze, varsol, fuels, cleaners, pool chemicals, pharmaceuticals, propane tanks, household batteries, car batteries, and fluorescent tubes and bulbs.
Unacceptable materials include: needles, syringes and lancets, asbestos, commercial and industrial waste, PCBs, explosives, and ammunition.

Electronics

Acceptable items include: computers, stereos, phones, TVs, VCRs, DVD players and computer monitors
Unacceptable materials include: metal and appliances, wooden console TVs, microwaves and scrap metal

Please note that Special Waste Drop-off Days are for Halton residents only. No commercial wastes are accepted.

WEG In Support Of The Ontario Power Authority’s Call For Energy Curtailment

2009-08-14T17:19:00.001-04:00

Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) will reduce its energy consumption at its Woodbine and Mohawk facilities between 1:15 pm and 5:15 pm today as part of the Ontario Power Authority’s (OPA) Demand Response Program (DR3). The recent hot temperatures and humid conditions put tremendous pressure on the Province’s electricity grid. An overly stressed electrical grid can result in “brown-outs” or in worse case situations, “black-outs”. As well, it prevents the need for importing expensive power from the U.S. to keep up with the demand, or the need to use coal powered plants to produce more electricity.

As a preventive measure, the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) created its Demand Response Program. This is a contractual peak load shedding agreement between the OPA and energy aggregators like Direct Energy with the objective of reducing electricity usage when Ontario’s electricity grid is overly stressed. Businesses are compensated in two ways: for being on standby to shed power during selected hours and for reducing their power consumption when asked.

WEG’s curtailment strategy will be initiated through Woodbine’s Building Automation System (BAS) and manually at Mohawk. “The use of automation allows for a smooth and controlled transition from normal operations to a more efficient mode, which can only be sustained for brief periods of time.” states John Marhong, WEG’s Director of Infastructure and Energy Efficiencies.

In addition to increasing equipment set points, shutting down non-critical equipment and cycling some units on/off, employees are asked to do their part by turning off any unnecessary lights, equipment etc. in their work areas during this time.

Direct Energy, in partnership with its clients, including WEG, have committed to reducing electrical demand by 25MW when requested by the OPA. This is enough power to ensure that 10,000 homes will have a consistent electricity supply.

Catering and Group Sales goes with 100% Recycle Paper Product!

2009-07-21T11:17:00.004-04:00

As our current stock of meeting room pads was coming to and end, we decided that just replacing the par stock with a re-order wasn’t the best course of action. With that in mind we sourced through our current printing suppliers a 100% recycled paper product that could be used to produce our meeting rooms note pads. These pads are provided for customers to use and take notes while attending meetings at our venues. They also serve as a marketing tool for when people take them home or use them at the office. As of Friday, July 18 the new 100% recycled product has begun circulating through our meeting rooms.

In addition to the meeting room pads, we’ve also switched to a 100% recycled paper product for our new Catering and Group Sales letterhead. The new letterhead is just another step in the branding of Woodbine Entertainment Group's consolidated sales efforts for all our event venues. With the successful launch of our new group’s website in the fall of 2008 (www.hostyourevent.com), our current letterhead was providing conflicting brand messaging. We felt the time had come to complete the circle by moving to the new letterhead and doing so within an environmentally friendly manner. Even though we still have some of our old letterhead in stock it won’t be finding the recycle bin just yet as we intend to use up the old stock with in the office to run internal reports.

Joseph Araujo

Director, Catering Sales

Catering & Group Sales Set To Cut Printing and Paper Use

2009-07-08T14:46:00.003-04:00

The Catering Sales Office is changing it’s practices in an effort to reduce printing and paper use by at least 50%.

As of July 8^th the Catering Sales Department will stop carrying printed working copies of future Banquet Event Orders (BEO's) in our main event filling cabinet. With the number of revisions that are regularly made to upcoming BEO's, the practice has always been to print and reprint these changes multiple times in order to keep the working copy up to date, translating into a lot of waste. Although some of the paper is reused in the office as scrap paper and for printing internal reports, the amount being wasted is still rather high. Over the past couple of years the Catering Department has been working with IT to ensure that key operational departments such as Banquets, Kitchens and Accounting gained access to event information through our electronic uploading system and directly through Delphi (Catering Sales Inventory and Sales Software). With stream lining information being distributed, automating most of the distribution through the internal uploading system and providing access to Delphi the need to have hard copies is virtually become a thing of the past. Although we’ll continue to carry the current week’s distribution in a hard copy form as back up to avoid any issue in the event network problems occur, the amount of printing and paper used will be slashed substantially.

In addition to reducing the need to print BEO’s, Catering Sales will also stop printing copies of the client sign back (copy signed by client binding the BEO). Moving forward all sign backs received from the client for each BEO will be attached electronically to the booking through the system activities traces in Delphi. We started attaching electronic copies of invoices and letters a while back and we feel this is another step that needs to be taken in order to retain signed copies for the company’s protection while reducing the amount of printed material generated.

2009-06-25T13:33:00.000-04:00

WEG In Support Of The Ontario Power Authority’s Call For Energy Curtailment

Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) will reduce energy consumption at its Woodbine and Mohawk facilities between 2:15 pm and 6:15 pm today as part of the Ontario Power Authority’s (OPA) Demand Response Program (DR3). The recent hot temperatures and humid conditions put tremendous pressure on the Province’s electricity grid. An overly stressed electrical grid can result in “brown-outs” or in worse case situations, “black-outs”. As well, it prevents the need for importing expensive power from the U.S. to keep up with the demand, or the need to use coal powered plants to produce more electricity.

As a preventive measure, the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) created its Demand Response Program. This is a contractual peak load shedding agreement between the OPA and energy aggregators like Direct Energy with the objective of reducing electricity usage when Ontario’s electricity grid is overly stressed. Businesses are compensated in two ways: for being on standby to shed power during selected hours and for reducing their power consumption when asked.

Direct Energy, in partnership with its clients, including WEG, have committed to reducing electrical demand by 25MW when requested by the OPA. This is enough power to ensure that 10,000 homes will have a consistent electricity supply.

WEG’s curtailment strategy will be initiated through Woodbine’s Building Automation System (BAS) and manually at Mohawk. “The use of automation allows for a smooth and controlled transition from normal operations to a more efficient mode, which can only be sustained for brief periods of time.” states John Marhong, WEG’s Director of Infastructure and Energy Efficiencies.

In addition to increasing equipment set points, shutting down non-critical equipment and cycling some units on/off, employees are asked to do their part by turning off any unnecessary lights, equipment etc. in their work areas during this time.

For more information contact

John Marhong
Director of Infastructure and
Energy Efficiencies
jkm@woodbineentertainment.com
416 675 3993 ext.2494

2009-06-21T14:18:00.002-04:00

What you need to know about recycling!

A question that is often asked: "What types of waste can be recycled and into what types of containers should they be deposited?" Based on WEG's current recycling program, the following should be used as a guideline. If you have any questions or require more detailed information, please post your questions or comments on this blog and I will respond in kind. Every bit that you do, no matter how small it is, goes a long way in saving our planet. With everyone's help, we will make WEG one of the "greenest and most sustainable companies" in the industry.

PAPER TOTES

Acceptable

Copy Paper
Computer Paper
Carbonless Forms
Cardboard
Envelopes (not padded)
File folders (no metal)
Newsprint
Magazines

Unacceptable (do not include in Paper totes)

Bottles
Cans
Carbon Paper
Food
Metal
Plastic
Styrofoam
Any Non-Paper Items

BEVERAGE CONTAINER TOTES

Acceptable

Cans
Plastic Bottles
PS 1- PS 6
Glass
Metal Tins
Food Prep Containers

Unacceptable (do not include in Beverage totes)

Cardboard
Paper / Styrofoam
Drinking glasses
Food
Plates/ Mirror

ORGANIC TOTES

Acceptable

Coffee Grinds /filter
Vegetables
Fruits
Prepared Foods
Baked Goods
Paper Towels

Unacceptable (do not include in Organic totes)

Cardboard
Paper / Styrofoam
Drinking glasses
Plastic
Plates/ Mirror
Cans/ Glass

Turf Lounge Starts Organic Waste Recycling Program

2009-06-03T16:27:00.004-04:00

On June 1, 2009 Turf Lounge in conjunction with Avison & Young Building Management starts it's organic kitchen waste recycling program. In 2008 Woodbine Entertainment diverted over 329 metric tonnes of organic kitchen waste from landfills through it's organic recycling program at Woodbine Racetrack. With the companies strong commitment to green initiatives, Food and Beverage operations is looking to expand it's kitchen organic program to all its facilities by the end of 2009.

Turf's recycling program is an important step towards achieving this goal due to the logistical challenges presented by being located in the core of the financial district. Woodbine is currently in discussion with Upack Recycling (Woodbine's principal partner in all its recycling initiatives) on rolling out an organic kitchen waste program for Mohawk Racetrack as the next key step to reducing organic waste being sent to landfills.

Food containers, recycable or not?

2009-05-29T14:02:00.003-04:00

One of the most common questions asked; "Is it possible to recycle paper pizza trays, paper plates or similar products?"

Answer: "Yes. As long as the paper products, such as, paper pizza trays, paper plates, etc. are not contaminated with food waste or plastics, they can go in the recycle bin. For example, if the paper trays have mild oil stains then they are recyclable. However, If there are heavy oil deposits, food products like cheese, etc. stuck to the material or plastic stuck to it, then they go in the regular garbage. What the recyclers are looking for, are products that are as clean as possible. Too much food contamination not only degrades the material but it also attracts rats and other critters at the collection facilities.

There is a level of contamination that is acceptable, however, I have deliberately avoided attaching a percentage to that because what one individual perceives as 10% may be seen differently by another. The message to get out there is to try and have as clean a product as possible, that way the chances of contaminating an entire 7-ton bin of recycable material and have it re-routed to a landfill site, is minimal."

Woodbine Adds A Kubota To Its Fleet

2009-05-28T15:51:00.004-04:00

Woodbine Racetrack Gets A Little Greener!

Kubota's heavy-duty, high performance utility vehicle has joined Woodbine Entertainment Group's (WEG) fleet inventory. Security Officers at Woodbine will soon be seen patrolling the backstretch in this compact, efficient and technologically advanced vehicle.

Providing all the durability to tackle the toughest tasks on a variety of terraine but using 50% less fuel. This is one more example of WEG's commitment to reduce its carbon footprint.

Mohawk Employees Support Nassagaweya's Local Clean Up

2009-05-13T11:19:00.002-04:00

A team of enthusiastic employees from Mohawk pulled on their rubber boots and helped out with this year's Nassagaweya Community Clean Up on April 25th. Each year organizers from the Nassagaweya Community Consultation Committee pick up garbage along the rural roads around Brookville, Moffatt and Campbellville.

This year marks the 12th anniversary of the clean up which has made significant impact on the park, the village and the community of Campbellville.

Woodbine's Green Direction

2009-05-05T11:53:00.001-04:00

When I began at Woodbine close to three months ago I was surprised the company actually practiced what the preached. Many companies position themselves as "green", but the staff don't actually follow the corporate vision.

The administrative and staff offices use actual china coffee mugs, glasses for water from a dispenser, and recycling for many products. Light switches have been installed in most offices that turn the lights off if they have not detected movement within a period of 30 minutes. And staff select task lighting at their desks rather than massive overhead florescent lights.

Woodbine certainly takes "green" to the next level.