TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - April 24, 2012) -
Enbridge Gas Distribution is teaming up with Trout Unlimited Canada to help restore the Duffins Creek watershed. Running from the Oak Ridges Moraine and passing through Ajax, Pickering, Markham, Whitchurch-Stouffville and Uxbridge, Duffins Creek is deteriorating due to increased urban pressure, land use practices and climate change. Enbridge Gas Distribution will support Trout Unlimited Canada's efforts to restore the watershed through environmental stewardship, habitat remediation and environmental education.
The Duffins Creek Renewal Program was launched today with the support of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. The launch took place at the Greenwood Discovery Pavilion in Ajax. The event included a press conference, followed by a community barbecue and a tree planting.
"At Enbridge Gas Distribution, we are committed to protecting and helping to sustain the natural environment in which we operate. In this particular case, the waterways in the communities we serve," said Arunas Pleckaitis, Vice President, Enbridge Gas Distribution. "That is why we are investing funds and our employees volunteering their time towards this effort. We are committed to assist in returning this vital natural resource in Durham Region to a state of health and beauty."
As part of our Natural Legacy program, Enbridge Gas Distribution employees, along with members of Trout Unlimited Canada and area residents will help revitalize the creek to create high quality habitat for plant and animal life. The restoration program will include habitat restoration projects (tree planting, riverbank restoration projects), working with local landowners on stewardship initiatives, and environmental conservation education in local municipalities.
"Duffins Creek has enormous restoration potential and we at Trout Unlimited Canada are excited to working with Enbridge Gas Distribution to improve water quality and increase habitat for native animals within this environmentally significant watershed," said Jeff Surtees, CEO, Trout Unlimited Canada. "Through restoration projects, stewardship activities and public outreach and education, we will be creating a healthier Duffins Creek for animals, birds, fish and people."
"TRCA is proud that Duffins Creek watershed still has aquatic communities which are healthy enough to attract the attention of Trout Unlimited Canada," said Gerri Lynn O'Connor, Chair, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. "Enbridge has demonstrated leadership in sustainability and energy. This new partnership in Duffins Creek watershed is another example of their role as a good corporate citizen. It is a show of their support for maintaining clean water for the health and quality of life of people in the communities of Ajax and Pickering. We look forward to a new relationship with Enbridge and appreciate their commitment to clean water and their generous support."
About Enbridge Gas Distribution
Enbridge delivers more than the energy people count on; we deliver on our promise to help make communities better places to live. Through investments in partnerships and human capital, Enbridge supports organizations that contribute to the economic environmental and social well-being of communities near its operations. We take our responsibility to the environment seriously, and therefore through one of our six key focus areas, Natural Legacy, we invest in programs that promote environmental stewardship, conservation, habitat remediation and protection.
Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc. has a more than 160-year history and is Canada's largest natural gas distribution company. It is owned by Enbridge Inc., a Canadian-based leader in energy transportation and distribution and one of the 2012 Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations. Enbridge Inc. has been selected as one of Canada's Greenest Employers for 2011 and is one of Canada's Top 100 Employers. Enbridge Gas Distribution and its affiliates distribute natural gas to more than 1.9 million customers in Ontario, Quebec, New York State and New Brunswick. For more information, visit www.enbridgegas.com.
About Trout Unlimited Canada (TUC)
Trout Unlimited Canada's mission is to conserve, protect and restore Canada's freshwater ecosystems and their coldwater resources for current and future generations. TUC has been restoring rivers and streams in Canada for over 35 years. For more information about the Bronte Creek Restoration Project-including project updates, TUC's Flagship Conservation Projects and TUC's Coldwater Conservation Fund please visit www.tucanada.org.
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