From the Canada NewsWire

Torontonians urged to join national competition to reduce automobile emissions

If exhaust fumes aren't choking you, what about
the cost of gas? A new "drive" is on to get commuters out of
their cars by trying more sustainable - and affordable - ways to get to work.

It is called the Commuter Challenge, a friendly competition between Canadian cities designed to increase the number of healthy commuters and reduce road congestion and automobile emissions. It is a week-long event taking place from June 4-10, during Environment Week.

Businesses and individuals can click on www.commuterchallenge.ca to make a change. Registrants log their results online during the week of June 4-10, and the city with the most participants wins.

Some facts about pollution and Toronto:

- Gridlock costs the GTA $1.8 Billion per year (2005 Smart Growth
report)
- In 2005 air pollution caused 5,800 premature deaths and 60,000
emergency room visits in Ontario, with $507 million in related health
care costs (Ontario Medical Association)
- Toronto experienced a record 48 smog days in 2005 - up from 14 in 2004
and more than doubling the previous record of 20 in 2001 (Toronto
Public Health)


For further information:
Roanne Argyle, Argyle Rowland Communications, (416) 968-7311 x232, Roanne@argylerowland.com
Ryan Lanyon, Smart Commute Association, (416) 338-0498, rlanyon@toronto.ca

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