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

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

Milton Hydro Presents Cheque to WEG Officials

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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.