April 21, 2010: As Earth Day fast approaches on Thursday, April 22, 2010, the Halton District School Board is excited by the approval and construction start of five new projects that received crucial funding support from the Ontario government. These projects are expected to be completed by the beginning of the next school year in September 2010.

With a provincial funding infusion of more than $6.2 million, the Halton District School Board is proud to embark on these key projects that staff members hope will go a long way in helping achieve environmental sustainability while teaching students about their important role in protecting planet Earth. The initiatives are:

▪ Solar panel installations at M.M. Robinson and Iroquois Ridge high schools. NOTE: Media are invited to a photo opportunity at Iroquois Ridge High School at 3 p.m. Friday, April 23. Contact the school at 905-845-0012 for details

▪ Clean cooling tower technology at C.H. Norton, Silver Creek and West Oak public schools and Iroquois Ridge High School

▪ Advanced lighting management system at McKenzie-Smith Bennett and Hawthorne Village public schools 

▪ Greywater/rainwater recycling projects at Pineview and Limehouse public schools

▪ Modular rooftop solar-air heating system at Eastview Public School

The Halton District School Board is also contributing more than $1.28 million to these green projects.

As part of the Green Schools Pilot Initiative, coordinated between the Ontario ministries of Education and Research and Innovation, 25 projects among 40 boards have been approved, totalling $22.5 million.

For additional information, contact:
Gerry Cullen, Superintendent of Facility Services
Halton District School Baord
(905) 335-3663, ext.3357