Toronto, Ontario — May 30, 2011– Fresh on the heels of the OARA Tire Take Back Days this past weekend, the Ontario Tire Stewardship (OTS) has unveiled a first-of-its-kind grant program that will award eligible Ontario-based communities and organizations up to $50,000 towards the purchase and installation of Ontario-manufactured recycled rubber products such as rubber mulch, roof shingles and sidewalk tiles – which helps the environment while supporting Ontario’s economy.
“In less than two years, close to 25 million tires have been recycled through our work with partners and individual supporters across the province,” explained Andrew Horsman, executive director of the Ontario Tire Stewardship. “The Community Grant Program is a natural next step to build on this success by encouraging applicable Ontario communities and organizations to think green when planning their projects, build green, by using recycled rubber products and grow green by using products made by Ontario recyclers and manufacturers."
The grant is open to municipalities, registered non-profit community groups or organizations, schools/colleges/universities, and First Nations communities throughout Ontario. To qualify, projects must utilize products made from Ontario recycled rubber and be completed within 12 months of approval.
Eligible projects will fall under two categories:
1) Granular products such as mulch for landscaping or playgrounds; and,
2) Manufactured products such as patio tiles, sidewalks, athletic surfacing, roof shingles, underlayment, subflooring and others.
“Ontario communities invest considerable resources to support recycling as a way to protect the environment,” continues Horsman. “This program supports projects that will touch the lives of residents while profiling the benefits, value and utility of recycled products made right here, in Ontario.”
To educate Ontarians and share information about recycled products, OTS will promote winning projects through activities such as on-site signage, website postings, printed materials and trade shows.
Information about the Community Grant Program, including the application process, may be accessed at www.ontarioTS.ca or by e-mailing info@OntarioTS.ca.
