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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 22, 2010
(Grimsby) - At the Niagara Gateway Centre in Grimsby, a group of business people gathered in celebration of Earth Day and unveiled a sign that proclaims Niagara as the green energy capital of Canada.
"It's time for Niagara to claim its rightful place as not only one of the largest producers of clean, renewable energy in Canada, but also a place in which green energy production was pioneered," explains Phil Ritchie, President of Keefer Mansion. "Today is about putting a stake in the ground for Niagara in the green economy."
With the QEW as the backdrop, a sign was unveiled that states: Welcome to Niagara, the Green Energy Capital. The conceptual sign was designed by Loud Advertising. The sign features an image of the water rushing over Niagara Falls, and additional conceptual designs include wind and solar images.
"More than 80 percent of Ontario's hydro electricity is generated in Niagara courtesy of Niagara Falls, and a number of smaller hydro power stations that dot the Niagara landscape," continues Ritchie. "When you look at Niagara's clean energy output and the usage rate of hydro power by Niagara businesses and residents as a result of proximity to source, Niagara is clearly Canada's Green Energy Capital."
In addition to the production of hydro energy, Niagara is home to a number of companies that are producing alternative clean sources including Rankin Renewable Energy, PlanET Biogas, Elementa Group and Walker Industries. As well, Niagara College is launching a training program for green energy technicians. Combined with manufacturing companies like CSR in Welland, who are producing cutting edge LED lighting and DMI in Fort Erie, who manufacture towers for wind turbines, there's an emerging green energy-focused footprint that will only continue to grow in Niagara.
"The importance of the green energy sector in Niagara has been highlighted in a number of visionary planning documents," explains Walter Sendzik, CEO of the St. Catharines - Thorold Chamber of Commerce. "The St. Catharines - Thorold Prosperity Council's Paths to Prosperity Report, the Niagara Economic Development Corporation Economic Growth Strategy and the Niagara Workforce Planning Board Labour Market Plan 2009-2013 all identified the green sector as a pillar of Niagara's economic foundation."
"Today is a significant announcement," continues Sendzik. "When people think Niagara, they'll now also think green. It's a fitting way to celebrate Earth Day."
With over 1,125 members representing more than 28,000 employees, it is the largest chamber in Niagara, and one of the largest in Southern Ontario.
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