Markham District Energy Recognizes Inaugural Bursary Winners

MARKHAM, ON – June 15, 2011 – Last night, with many guests in attendance in Council Chambers, Markham District Energy (MDE) and Markham Council recognized fourteen environmental leaders from the graduating classes of Markham high schools as the inaugural recipients of the Markham District Energy Sustainability Bursary.

“MDE takes great pride in delivering this important Bursary program to our community,” said MDE President Bruce Ander. “With this Bursary, we are recognizing students who have demonstrated environmental leadership during their high school years in addition to providing tangible assistance as they move on with their post-secondary education.”

On December 3, 2010, and in celebration of its 10th Anniversary, MDE announced the details of its annual Bursary program for graduating students from each of Markham’s fourteen high schools. The Bursary encourages and rewards graduates who have distinguished themselves through environmental community service, extracurricular and volunteer activities, and academic excellence. It grants 14 awards of $1000 each to be applied to post-secondary education related to the sciences, engineering or related environmental fields.

Mayor Frank Scarpitti greeted each of the Bursary recipients to extend his congratulations on behalf of Council. “The Bursary recipients are not only some of our brightest Markham graduates, but their environmental leadership has provided an important service to our community,” said Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “This Bursary award ceremony is particularly fitting tonight as Council is set to adopt Markham’s Greenprint Sustainability Plan, a comprehensive strategy to make our community one of the most livable and sustainable places in North America.”

Deputy Mayor and Chair of Markham District Energy Jack Heath added, “District energy systems in Markham and other Canadian communities are making significant strides in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Encouraging our high school students to continue their studies in the fields of environmental sciences and related programs is very important for the future of our district energy and green technology industries.”

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About Markham District Energy

MDE, an energy company owned by the Town of Markham, is committed to developing world class community-based district energy systems to encourage local economic development and demonstrate environmental leadership. MDE owns and operates an award-winning EcoLogo certified community energy system that produces thermal energy and electricity for our emerging downtown and the growing urban development surrounding Markham Stouffville Hospital.

Media Contact: Emily Turney 905-752-3368 eturney@mdei.ca