by Mike Buckthought
During Environment Week (June 3–9), over 25 000 people joined the Commuter Challenge. Participants reduced greenhouse gas emissions by over 440 tonnes. The annual event encourages everyone to use sustainable modes of transportation such as walking, cycling, public transit and telecommuting. The Commuter Challenge includes environment-friendly competitions between communities and workplaces across Canada.
In Ottawa-Gatineau, 1 500 people joined the Commuter Challenge. Over forty workplaces were represented, including non-profit organizations, small businesses, and federal government departments. Congratulations to the winners of the Commuter Challenge, and thanks to all the participants!
Winners of the Commuter Challenge (in Ottawa-Gatineau):
- Workplaces with fewer than 50 employees:
Sierra Youth Coalition (80% participation rate) - Workplaces with 50–100 employees:
Cuso International (43% participation rate) - Workplaces with 100–150 employees:
Mountain Equipment Co-op (39% participation rate) - Workplaces with 150–200 employees:
Canadian Museum of Nature (32% participation rate) - Workplaces with 200–1 000 employees:
Fairmont Château Laurier (13% participation rate) - Workplaces with 1 000–2 000 employees:
Export Development Corporation (12% participation rate) - Workplaces with more than 2 000 employees:
Statistics Canada (16% participation rate)
Winning communities:
- Calgary (population greater than one million)
- Winnipeg (population over 500 000)
- Halifax (population over 250 000)
- Kingston, Ontario (population over 100 000)
- Saint John, New Brunswick (population over 50 000)
- North Vancouver, British Columbia (population over 25 000)
- Thompson, Manitoba (population over 10 000)
- Banff, Alberta (population over 5 000)
- Wabowden, Manitoba (less than 5 000)
For more information, visit the web site commuterchallenge.ca.