Markham Receives Gas Tax Award from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario

Markham, ON – September 30, 2009 – Pat Vanini, Executive Director of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) presented the AMO Federal Gas Tax Award to Markham Council at its September 29 meeting for a district energy system that links all buildings in Markham’s vibrant town centre. The award recognizes projects demonstrating excellent use of the Federal Gas Tax Funding and exemplifying its environmental and sustainability objectives.

“Markham’s district energy project stands out for superior long-term planning, conservation and community benefits,” said AMO Executive, Pat Vanini. “In addition to saving money, property owners in Markham Centre enjoy a secure, efficient and environmentally friendly source of heating and cooling that will even work during widespread power failure.”

“The Markham District Energy plan uses highly efficient thermal storage and cogeneration – the simultaneous production of heat and power from one primary fuel,” said Markham Deputy Mayor and Chair of Markham District Energy, Jack Heath. “When complete in 2028, Markham Centre will be home to 25,000 residents, 17,000 employees, and is forecast to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50%.”

In Ontario, the Federal Gas Tax Fund commits more than $4.8 billion to Ontario’s communities for sustainable infrastructure between 2005 and 2014.

Since its creation in 1999, the Markham District Energy facility has been a leader in Canadian District Energy systems, and a best-practice example for other municipalities. “This award recognizes that leadership,” said Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “We’re proud of the contribution it makes to sustainable energy production and use in our community. We’re exploring even more aggressive renewable technology features associated with the facility such as the use of biomass and solar energy.”

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About Markham

Markham, a municipality of more than 300,000 residents centrally located in the Greater Toronto Area, is Canada’s most diverse community and home to many of Canada’s leading life science and technology businesses. It is renowned for a rich heritage, vibrant neighbourhoods, and leadership on the environment and urban design.

About Markham District Energy

Markham District Energy, an energy company wholly-owned by the Town of Markham, is committed to developing a word class community-based district energy system that responsibly invests shareholder capital to encourage local economic development and demonstrate environmental leadership.

About the Association of Municipalities of Ontario

The AMO is a non-profit organization representing almost all of Ontario’s 444 municipal governments. AMO supports strong and effective municipal government in Ontario and promotes the value of municipal government as a vital and essential component of Ontario and Canada’s political system.

Media Contacts

Dennis Flaherty, Markham, 905-415-7520, dflaherty@markham.ca
Brian Lambie, AMO, 416-729-5425, lambie@redbrick.ca