Media Advisory - All Winnipeg Media May 13, 2002

Four green commuting teams, one destination - who will win the amazing commuter race?
Race kicks off 3rd annual Winnipeg Commuter Challenge, Wednesday.

On May 15th, Resource Conservation Manitoba and participating workplace, Assiniboine Credit Union will be kicking off the Winnipeg Commuter Challenge 2002! The Amazing Commuter Race will engage four teams, each representing Green modes of transportation - cycling, transit, walking, and carpooling. The Race will begin at 11:40 a.m. at the International Institute of Sustainable Development (Portage & Main) and finish at Assiniboine Credit Union (Main & York). Each Team will have to successfully maneuver a mystery checkpoint along their route! All teams will make one pit stop to mail a letter to Federal Environment Minister Anderson asking him to support the adoption of the Kyoto climate treaty.

The 3rd Annual Winnipeg Commuter Challenge 2002, June 3-7, is an environmental health and wellness initiative occurring in conjunction with Canadian Environment Week. The Commuter Challenge is a national event involving workplaces and schools from cities across Canada competing as green commuters, choosing transportation alternatives to single-occupancy vehicles.

Last year's Winnipeg Commuter Challenge was a huge success, with over 70 Winnipeg workplaces and schools engaging some 2300 people per day to walk, roll, cycle, ride the bus or carpool to work. Participants in the Challenge traveled over 143,000 green kilometers, avoiding a total of 34 tonnes of green house gas emissions over the one-week period! The Winnipeg Commuter Challenge 2002 will be bigger and better than ever, with over 50 workplaces already registered!

Join RCM and Al Morin, CEO of Assiniboine Credit Union, to welcome the Amazing Commuter Race Participants at 12 noon at Assiniboine Credit Union (Main St. & York Ave) and honored guests, Minister Ron Lemieux, Culture, Heritage and Tourism and Mayor Glen Murray who will officially Kick-Off the Winnipeg Commuter Challenge 2002.

The Amazing Commuter Race and the Winnipeg Commuter Challenge are organized by Resource Conservation Manitoba, a non-profit centre for applied sustainability, and its planning partners. A list of Planning Partners, Sponsors and an event itinerary are attached.

For more information:
Andrea Lamboo Miln Program Coordinator, Green Commuting Initiatives
Tel: 925-3773

Commuter Challenge 2002 Planning Partners
City of Winnipeg
International Institute for Sustainable Development
Manitoba Cycling Association
Manitoba Regional Health Association
Manitoba Physical Education Teachers Association
NOR'WEST Co-op
Community Health Centre Inc.
Prairie Pathfinders
Resource Conservation Manitoba
RollerSports Manitoba
Winnipeg Transit

Commuter Challenge 2002 Official Sponsors
City of Winnipeg
Great West Life
International Institute for Sustainable Development
Investors Group
Manitoba Hydro
Olympia Cycle & Ski
Province of Manitoba
Resource Conservation Manitoba
Winnipeg Transit

Kick Off Event Itinerary
11:40 Commuting Teams will depart from the lobby of the International Institute for Sustainable Development and make their way to Assiniboine Credit Union (ACU)
12:00 - 12:05 Race is over when they reach ACU. RCM introduces winners and host of Challenge Kick Off, Al Morin, CEO of ACU.
12:05 - 12:15 Al Morin, CEO of ACU, gives opening remarks as participating workplace and host of 2002 Challenge Kick Off
12:15 RCM introduces Minister of Culture, Heritage and Tourism, Honorable Ron Lemieux
12:15 - 12:25 - Minister Ron Lemieux speaks of importance of Commuter Challenge for population health and well being
12:25 - RCM introduces Mayor Glen Murray
12:25 - 12:35 Mayor Glen Murray officially launches Winnipeg Commuter Challenge 2002 and speaks of importance of green commuting to City of Winnipeg
12:35 Closing remarks, RCM