National environmental leader recognized

(TORONTO, ON) — Earth Day Canada, in partnership with Cascades Inc, is pleased to announce that David Donnelly has been chosen as Canada’s 2008 Environmental Hometown Heroes Award winner. David was recognized as part of the 5th Annual Earth Day Canada Gala, receiving a cash-prize of $10 000; $5 000 to keep and $5 000 to donate to the environmental cause of his choice.

“David was selected from an impressive group of nominees who truly define environmental heroism in Canada,” says Jed Goldberg, President of Earth Day Canada. “His success in the fight to protect Lake Simcoe is second to none. The green spaces kept intact due to David’s effort will be a significant legacy.”

Mr. Donnelly serves as Legal Counsel to Canada’s leading non-profit and charitable organizations, including Environmental Defence, the Ontario Greenbelt Alliance, and the Green Gravel Coalition. He has also led the fight to stop urban sprawl surrounding Lake Simcoe. Representing a number of citizen groups from the surrounding areas, Mr. Donnelly recognized the importance of having legislation in place to protect the entire Lake Simcoe watershed. The Lake Simcoe Protection Act, submitted in June of 2006, has now reached near consensus and has given the surrounding communities of Lake Simcoe a voice in protecting their watershed.

“The struggle to save Lake Simcoe has been one of the toughest battles environmentalists have ever faced”, said Donnelly. “This is truly a great award for the Lake because so many organizations contributed to the movement to support the Lake Simcoe Protection Act. I want to thank Environmental Defence, Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition, Campaign Lake Simcoe, and the Ladies of the Lake. I’m honoured to receive this award from Earth Day Canada, for all of Lake Simcoe’s Hometown Heroes.”

The Hometown Heroes Award Program was established in 2004 by Earth Day Canada to recognize and celebrate environmental leaders who have fostered meaningful, long-term community awareness and action. The Hometown Heroes Award Program is made possible through a committed partnership with Cascades – one of the world?s most environmentally-progressive paper companies.

For more information on David Donnelly and the 2008 Hometown Heroes Award Program please visit www.earthday.ca/hometown.

About Earth Day Canada
Earth Day Canada, a national environmental charity, was founded in 1991 to provide Canadians with the practical knowledge and tools they need to help the environment. It was recognized in 2004 as the top environmental education organization in North America by the Washington-based North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE), the world’s largest association of environmental educators. Earth Day Canada regularly partners with 1 000s of organizations in all parts of Canada. www.earthday.ca

2008 Winners

The Black Creek Conservation Project (BCCP) – Toronto, Ontario
BCCP has engaged over 36 000 volunteers and 44 community groups in environmental education in Toronto. Recognizing the importance of long-term environmental commitment, BCCP now educates partners on how to establish environmental programs on their own.

Chris Darimont – Sidney, British Columbia
Chris is a leading Canadian scientist and wildlife advocate that works in remote coastal First Nation communities. His effort to educate aboriginal youth has inspired a new generation of wildlife advocates.

Pierre Dénommé – Montréal, Québec
Pierre founded Sentier Urbain in Montréal to diminish the heat island effect. The organization brings marginalized youth and community members together to build a harmonious society and increase urban vegetation cover.

Michel Desjardins – Moncton, New Brunswick
Michel led a successful campaign for the removal of the New Brunswick’s Petitcodiac River causeway. The 40 year old structure, owned by the province, altered tidal characteristics and blocked fish passage to over half of the Petitcodiac watershed.

Georgie Donais – Toronto, Ontario
Georgie engaged the local community in constructing an earthen toilet facility in Toronto’s Dufferin Grove Park. The all-natural facility, constructed by volunteer community members, will save over 65 500 litres of potable water a year.

Sarah Harmer – Burlington, Ontario
Sarah co-founded PERL to protect and enhance Burlington’s Niagara Escarpment and the rural lands in the region of Halton, Ontario. Believing that people make a difference when they get involved, Sarah is a leading voice for the protection of the Escarpment.

Kerry McManus – Stratford, Ontario
Kerry co-founded C.A.R.E. Stratford, Ontario. C.A.R.E. provides an opportunity for community members to get involved and cross-pollinate environmental awareness, initiatives and ideas.

Tracey Saxby – Rossland, British Columbia
Tracey and the community of Rossland, British Columbia have set a new precedent in Canada when it comes to reducing the usage of plastic bags. Tracey has 95% of local retailers committed to eliminating plastic bags.

The “Wetheads” – Sackville, New Brunswick
This group of dynamic students has delivered wetland education to over 4 000 New Brunswick students each year. They get young visitors to the Tantramar Wetlands Centre excited about getting down and dirty in the marsh.