Parking Reform is Crucial ... Stop Subsidizing Parking Spaces! (Video)

from TreeHugger.com
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada

This video is kind of a follow up to the previous short-film about the problems caused by underpriced parkings, and also the last instalment in the "Moving Beyond the Automobile" series (all of them are worth watching!). It highlights just how important parking reform is, and how alternatives to individual cars in cities aren't competing on a level playing field because of all the direct and indirect subsidies to cars via underpriced parking. Via our friends at Streetfilms.

MBA: Parking Reform from Streetfilms on Vimeo.

Real Birds Tweet on Twitter With a Peckable Keyboard (Video)

from TreeHugger.com
by Stephen Messenger, Porto Alegre, Brazil

In this era of high-speed internet, smartphones and social-networking, keeping in contact has never been easier -- but in being so plugged-in, we run the risk of losing touch with the beautiful sounds of the world around us. As a sort of tongue-and-cheek response to this and the growing popularity of social Web sites, Voldemars Dudums of Latvia figured out a way to get nature's original tweeters to add their 'voice' online with their very own Twitter account by creating an enticingly peckable keyboard. Sure, the birds' tweets are mostly nonsense -- but their 2,654 followers don't seem to mind.



Voldemars created a special keyboard laden with unsalted bacon fat attached to the keys and a webcam for bird-lovers to enjoy the action online. In the Latvian town of Sarnate, freezing temperatures usually mean lean times for insect-eating birds -- so, with each tweet, the hungry birds are actually getting a much needed meal. Naturally, that was chosen as their Twitter username: @Hungry_Birds.

"Yes, one may say it is quite silly, but if you look at what people sometimes say on Twitter, then the tomtits' messages are still OK," Voldemars told Wired News. He also created a Web site, Birds on Twitter, to accompany the ornithological tweets... read more story at TreeHugger.com

Telus World Skins Game to Feature Nike Golf Stars at Fairmont Banff Springs

Anthony Kim, Paul Casey and Stephen Ames first players named to field for 2011 edition of popular summer Canadian golf tradition

TORONTO, April 26, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - Five Nike Golf athletes representing the world's largest sport brand will tee it up this summer when the TELUS World Skins Game returns to The Fairmont Banff Springs with Nike Golf as a premier partner.

The five-man field competing in the two-day event on July 25 and 26 features Nike Golf athletes on the PGA Tour including Anthony Kim, Paul Casey and Stephen Ames of Calgary. Kim and Casey will be first time participants in the popular Canadian golf tradition, while Ames will be competing in the event for the fourth time, including in 2006, the last time the TELUS World Skins Game was held in Banff. Two other players will be announced soon.

"Nike Golf has enjoyed a long-standing partnership with the TELUS World Skins Game, and 2011 represents a great opportunity to expand our involvement and feature a field of Nike Golf athletes who star on the PGA Tour," said Vitalis Gomes, director of marketing for Nike Golf Canada. "With the return of the event to The Fairmont Banff Springs, we're thrilled to be a part of one of Canada's top annual sporting events."

"I've heard so many great things over the years about the TELUS World Skins Game and look forward to the chance to visit Banff to be a part of it this summer," said Kim. "I know that the event has always attracted top fields, but the chance to be a part of an all-Nike Golf field this year will make it especially exciting for Paul, Stephen and me."

The TELUS World Skins Game is always a highlight of the Canadian summer sporting schedule for the country's most passionate golf fans, as well as the community that hosts it. Fulfilling its promise to "give where we live," the TELUS World Skins Game has raised more than $10 million since 2001 for a wide variety of important causes across Canada.

"We are most certainly pleased to be bringing the TELUS World Skins back to Banff, and equally excited to bring some of Nike Golf's biggest names to Alberta," said Monty Carter, senior vice-president, TELUS Enterprise Solutions. "The outstanding field of players against the backdrop of the majestic Rocky Mountains, coupled with the TELUS World Skins' annual support of causes important to the community, will make for an unforgettable event."

It's an especially exciting year for Nike Golf which is riding a wave of momentum with global tournament wins and game-changing products such as the Lunar Control shoe, worn by Masters champion Charl Schwartzel; the METHOD putter that has won 19 championships including three majors; and the revolutionary new 20XI premium ball with an innovative resin core that provides more distance off the tee and more spin around greens. Nike Golf, the No. 1 apparel brand in golf, is also celebrating the 20th anniversary of its DRI-Fit technology which modernized golf apparel with its moisture-wicking properties.

"Nike Golf has not only been an outstanding supporter of the TELUS World Skins Game, but of golf at all levels in Canada, and they play a crucial role in helping us bring this popular event to the country's best golf destinations each year," said Danny Fritz, vice-president and co-managing director of IMG Canada. "We look forward to an even more successful event in 2011 as Banff National Park celebrates the 100th Anniversary of organized golf in Banff."

Designed in 1928 by Canada's world-renowned golf course architect, Stanley Thompson, The Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course is famous for its panoramic beauty and challenging layout set in the heart of Banff National Park. The course winds along the Bow River under the snow-capped peaks of Sulphur Mountain and Mount Rundle.

Owned and operated by IMG in Canada for 19 years, the TELUS World Skins Game has included many of the biggest names in the game including Jack Nicklaus, Sergio Garcia, Phil Mickelson, Fred Couples and Greg Norman. Players for the 2011 tournament will be announced in the coming weeks and regular updates will be posted on www.telusskins.com.

New Online Campaign Aims to Make Road Construction Season Safer

Workers ask drivers #whatstherush?

TORONTO, April 26, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - As a new construction season kicks off, Ontario road workers have turned to Twitter and Facebook to get their message out to drivers. The province's road workers have launched an online public awareness campaign called "Safety: A Two Way Street" to "tweet," "text" and "Facebook" their appeal to drivers to slow down in construction safety zones.

"We're doing whatever it takes to get the message out," said Jeff Gill, a construction foreman working on Trafalgar Road in Oakville, where he says police issued over a dozen speeding tickets in less than an hour to drivers who ignored the speed limit. "Raising public awareness really is our only protection. All that's standing between me and two tonnes of oncoming steel, is a sign and a lot of nerve."

The public awareness campaign encourages road construction workers to share their stories, family pictures and their personal appeal to drivers on Facebook by clicking onto:

http://www.facebook.com/SafetyATwoWayStreet

http://twitter.com/#!/SafeRoadWorkers

"By taking drivers into our lives and living rooms through Facebook, we hope they'll see we're not just part of a road crew, we've got families too," said Michael O'Brien of LIUNA local 183. "We want to be able to thank drivers at the end of construction season for slowing down and keeping our families together."

In 2006, the Ontario Government amended the Highway Traffic Act, doubling fines for speeding in designated construction zones and making it an offence to disobey a traffic control person's STOP and SLOW sign. Between 2000 and 2006, 52 people were killed in road construction zones across the province. Since November, two workers have died after being struck by oncoming cars in road construction zones. They'll be remembered this Thursday, April 28 on National Day of Mourning in memory of all workers killed or hurt on the job in Canada.

"Ontario has among the safest roads in North America and we depend on the skills of our road workers to keep our roads safe," said Minister of Transportation Kathleen Wynne. "Our government has put tough legislation in place to reduce speeding in construction zones and this public awareness campaign will help to strengthen our government's road safety priorities."

The campaign, supported by LIUNA Local 183, and the Ontario Road Builders' Association urges the public to go online to support their efforts to make this a safer construction season for thousands of Ontario road construction workers.

"There are more than 2,100 collisions on average each year in road construction zones and that's just far too many," said Karen Renkema, spokesperson for the Ontario Road Builders' Association. "We're hoping this campaign will help get through to those drivers who continue to ignore the signs and fines."

LIUNA Local 183 is the largest construction union in North America, representing more than 31,500 construction workers and their families in the Greater Toronto Area.

The Ontario Road Builders' Association is the voice of the majority of road building contractors who build and maintain Ontario's provincial roads. In addition, ORBA boasts approximately 100 associate members who supply products and equipment to the industry. To learn more about ORBA go to www.orba.org.

Golf Industry Kicks-Off Season at Queen's Park

Golf Associations Highlighting Industry's Economic Impact and Environmental Stewardship

TORONTO, April 20, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - The Ontario Allied Golf Associations (OAGA) kicked off golf season by visiting Queen's Park to increase awareness of golf role as a major driver of Ontario's provincial economy and draw attention to the responsible environmental practices of the industry.

"Golf is played by more Canadians than hockey," said OAGA spokesperson Don MacKay, "More than 2.3 million Ontarians, and 6 million Canadians, play golf each year, making it Canada's number one sport in participation and a great way to stay fit, get healthy, and have fun."

A recent report by OAGA found that Ontario's golf industry represents more than $5 billion in direct sales across Ontario every single year. OAGA members and their affiliates employ more than 123,000 Ontarians across the province. The golf industry contributes $1.2 billion per year in tax revenue to the various branches of government.

"Ontario's golf courses contribute a great deal to our economy," MacKay continued. "As people head out the links this summer we wanted to make sure that people are aware of the size and scope of our industry, and what we do to be responsible members of our communities."

Ontario's golf courses are leaders in environmentally sustainable golf course operations. They work extensively with government to meet or exceed provincial water and pesticide regulations, and are constantly researching technologies and techniques to reduce their environmental footprint. Indeed, the industry has spent more than $1.2 million in recent years to research more environmentally sustainable practices.

Ontario golf course owners and operators are at Queen's Park today to make Members of the Provincial Parliament aware of golf's demonstrated track record of being an honest and responsible partner to government in developing regulations that meet the needs of protecting the public and at the same time are in the best interest of ensuring a viable, thriving golf industry.

"Everyone benefits from smart regulations," said Mackay, "But smart regulations mean all stakeholders are actively consulted. We're here to do our part and help policy makers succeed building strong, sustainable regulations that allow our industry to be successful and focus on what it does best, providing a fun, physically-active and family-friendly pastime."

Get out your checkered flags Canada: Canadian Steve Meehan launches all-Canadian NASCAR team

New team to kick off its run at this weekend's NASCAR Nationwide Series Nashville 300

TORONTO, April 19, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - Today, Go Canada Racing, the newest all-Canadian NASCAR contender, officially starts its quest for NASCAR glory. Go Canada Racing is the only current NASCAR national series team with a Canadian owner, businessman Steve Meehan, and a Canadian driver, rising Canadian NASCAR star J.R. Fitzpatrick.

"Go Canada Racing brings together my two great passions: business and racing," said Meehan. "My success in business has been built on seeing where the right opportunities are and creating a great team of people to do the job. When I saw the opportunity to start a team, I brought in the right people, like J.R., and with their help I believe I can have the same kind of success in the racing world as I had in the business world."

Meehan's goal for Go Canada Racing is for it to become the first fully-Canadian team to compete full-time on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series tour - the preeminent series in North American motorsports. The team raced two weeks ago at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California, and will make its official debut this Saturday, April 24th, at Nashville Superspeedway.

"NASCAR has 7 million fans in Canada, many of whom watch the races every week on TV," continued Meehan. "This team will give the millions of Canadian fans a 'home team' to rally around, and I believe it's a great opportunity for Canadian companies to showcase their brand to this huge audience of Canadian race fans."

The team name, Go Canada Racing, and car number, 67, were both chosen to give the team an all-Canadian feel. The name was inspired by the cheers of "Go Canada" that Canadians are accustomed to hearing at sporting events throughout the country. The car number, 67, corresponds to 1867, the year of Confederation in Canada. This number is very significant for Canadians, and Meehan believes it will help Canadian NASCAR fans identify with his team even more.

In the driver's seat will be Canada's rising NASCAR star, J.R. Fitzpatrick. At age 18, Fitzpatrick became the youngest driver to win the CASCAR Super Series championship, and last year he finished second in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series championship. Over the last three years he has raced in nine NASCAR Nationwide events, and drove to a career-high finish of seventh at Road America and Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, both in 2010. The opportunity with Go Canada Racing is Fitzpatrick's first chance at a full-time ride on one of the premier stock car racing circuits in North America, an opportunity he has worked towards for many years.

"I've been racing since I was 15 years old and it has always been my dream to step into one of these cars full-time," said Fitzpatrick. "Steve has put together an outstanding team and given us the tools to succeed in this sport. We have a great crew, a great car, and a great team, and I'm looking forward to competing with some of NASCAR's best, starting this weekend in Nashville."

"We're looking forward to the addition of Go Canada Racing in the NASCAR Nationwide Series," said Steve O'Donnell, NASCAR's Senior Vice President of Racing Operations. "Canada is an important market for NASCAR, as demonstrated by our commitment to developing Canadian drivers in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. Now, the millions of NASCAR fans in Canada have a 'home' team to root for on NASCAR's national level."

About Go Canada Racing

Canadian businessman Steve Meehan founded Go Canada Racing in the spring of 2011. The result of Meehan's desire to bring together his interest in racing with his talent for business, Go Canada Racing is an all-Canadian team with a goal to bring the NASCAR Sprint Cup title to Canada. Prior to owning Go Canada Racing, Meehan was the Co-founder and CEO of Canadian investment firm Investment Planning Counsel, which boasted $15 billion in assets under management and more than 1,000 financial planners across the country at the time of his departure. For more information about Go Canada Racing, visit www.gocanadaracing.com.

Badass Electric Motorcycle Gets 300 Kilometers on a Charge

Go Through Your Mid-Life Crisis Without Waking Up the Neighbours

from TreeHugger.com
by Michael Graham Richard, Ottawa, Canada

The Sora is a new electric motorcycle by Lito Green Motion, a Canadian company. It looks fairly badass and thanks to its 12 kWh advanced lithium-polymer batteries, it has an electric range of 300 kilometers (185 miles) and a top speed of 200 kph (124 mph).

If interested, you can reserve a test drive. Price is C$42,399 (ouch), but you might get tax incentives and rebates because this is an electric vehicle. It's not entirely clear on the site, but apparently deliveries should begin in October 2011.

Via Lito Green Motion

...read on for more specs and photos at TreeHugger.com.

Recycling Old Cell Phones Couldn't be Easier

Canadians urged to make a difference during Earth Week 2011

OTTAWA, April 18, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - Recycle My Cell - Canada's free cell phone recycling program - is calling on Canadians from coast to coast to round up their old cell phones and accessories during Earth Week 2011 and do their part in protecting our environment.

Recycling cell phones couldn't be easier, and better still, it's free! The bilingual Web site - www.RecycleMyCell.ca and www.recyclemoncell.ca - allows consumers to simply enter their postal code to locate the 10 drop-off locations closest to them where their devices will be accepted, regardless of brand or condition. If someone can't visit one of the more than 3,500 drop-off sites across the country, the Web site also provides printable postage-paid labels to use for mailing their wireless devices, making recycling a wireless device hassle-free and at no cost to the consumer.

And just as important, the proceeds from the recycled devices contribute to some great charities at the same time. In the past two years alone, Recycle My Cell has raised close to $1 million for a variety of national and local charitable organizations.

Recycle My Cell is run by the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA), in conjunction with cell phone carriers and handset manufacturers, who have come together to raise awareness about the importance of cell phone recycling.

"There is no reason whatsoever that a cell phone should ever end up in one of Canada's landfills," said CWTA President & CEO Bernard Lord. "The wireless industry and its customers have proven that a no-cost-to-the-consumer formula for the responsible management of e-waste not only exists, but is thriving."

Visitors to the Web site will also find information about how to clear their device of all personal data before they drop it off at a recycling site. Site visitors with any additional questions can contact a representative at info@recyclemycell.ca, or call the toll-free support number at 1-888-797-1740.

All of the processors involved in the Recycle My Cell program have environmental management systems in place that guarantee accountability and knowledge of the environmental impacts associated with recycling. Processors associated with the program must be ISO certified or certified under Electronic Product Stewardship Canada's Recycling Vendor Qualification Program.

Recycle My Cell is made possible with participation from: Bell, GEEP, GREENTEC, LG Electronics, Lynx Mobility, Motorola Mobility, MTS, Nokia, ReCellular, Research In Motion, Rogers, Samsung, SaskTel, Sims Recycling Solutions, Sony Ericsson, TBayTel, TELUS, Videotron, Virgin Mobile Canada and WIND Mobile.

Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA)

CWTA is the authority on wireless issues, developments and trends in Canada. It represents cellular, PCS, messaging, mobile radio, fixed wireless and mobile satellite carriers as well as companies that develop and produce products and services for the industry. (www.cwta.ca)

Tee it up! Let The Games Begin in Waterloo Region

570 News Apr 15, 2011

If there's an unofficial start time to golfing season in Waterloo Region, it's 8:00 o'clock this morning.

That's when the City of Kitchener opens up the Rockway Golf Course at the foot of Charles Street.

Todd Doering is the Golf Course Superintendent for both Rockway and Doon, and says both courses came through the winter as well as he's ever seen, thanks to a constant snow cover, and little ground frost to block melting run-off water from going through the soil.

Doering is one of the people 570's Mark Douglas talked to on Friday morning at Rockway.

New Eco-Friendly Golf Balls Made From Lobster Shells

Photo credit: chispita_666/Creative Commons

from TreeHugger.com
by Care2 Causes Staff



This guest post was written by Miranda Perry, a writer for Care2 Causes.

A research team at the University of Maine has developed a new variety of eco-friendly golf ball. The golf balls are made from ground lobster shell, a refuse byproduct from Maine's lobster canning industry. They begin to dissolve in a little more than a week when submerged in water.

According to the Bangor Daily News, the eco-friendly balls are nearly indistinguishable from the common synthetic variety. "The weight's the same. The size is the same," said David Neivandt, the engineering professor who helped design the ball. "It flies straight when hit."

"It drives like a real golf ball, and it sounds like a real golf ball [when hit]," added Bob Bayer, executive director of UMaine's nonprofit Lobster Institute. "[But] if you look at a cross section, it's very pink."

Other biodegradable golf balls do exist, but they can be too lightweight to fly as well as a synthetic ball and too fragile to withstand a hit from a driver. Averaging a pricetag of $1 per ball, many golfers also find these alternative biodegrade-a-balls too expensive. UMaine's lobster balls can be used with both drivers and irons, and production costs for the lobster balls total less than 20 cents each.

A primary goal of the project aimed to help diversify Maine's lobster industry. By utilizing ground lobster shells, the golf balls will boost the value of a lobster fisher's catch and reduce waste at canning facilities. "What we're trying to do is take that waste stream and create a value-added product from it," Neivandt said... read more story at TreeHugger.com

Walk your way to a healthier you: Free walking program launches this weekend

TORONTO, April 14, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - The 9th annual Ontario Walks series launches this weekend, Sunday April 17th and runs until Sunday June 11th with its FREE walking program. Ontario Walks features walking and hiking events from the Shores of Lake Ontario to the forests of Ontario's Greenbelt.

"

Our mission is to inspire Ontarians to take charge of their personal and environmental wellness through walking," said Tom Fiore, Ontario Walks Director. "We believe that your health is your wealth."

As a proud sponsor of the event, the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) continues to lend its support for Ontario Walks and its aim of promoting active lifestyles.

"Ontario's doctors have a strong tradition of promoting healthy living and the Ontario Walks event is a great way of getting active," said Dr. Mark MacLeod, President of the OMA. "I'm pleased to see the continued success of this event and I hope more people incorporate some physical activity into their daily routine."

For a full list of scheduled walks and background information please visit www.ontariowalks.com

Crawford Lake Conservation Area (Rattlesnake Point) - 3115 Steeles Avenue West, Campbellville (aka Conservation Road)

Hwy 401 to Guelph Line south to Conservation Rd (aka Steeles Ave West ) Campbellville Ontario

When: Sunday, May 22nd
Start Time: 10:00 a.m.
Duration: 4 - 5 hours
Parking: Yes
Restrooms: Yes

Special Notes:
This is a Level 2 Walk - hiking boots required (running shoes not permitted!)

We suggest you bring a lunch.

Canadian Wildlife Federation Encourages Canadians to Join in the Walk for Wildlife

MONTRÉAL, April 12, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - The Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) is urging Canadians to get out and go wild with the Walk for Wildlife, part of nationwide celebrations for National Wildlife Week, April 10 to 16, 2011.

Join the Canadian Wildlife Federation, the CWF Robert Bateman Get to Know Contest and IMAX®TELUS at the Montréal Science Centre on April 13, 2011 for the city's first Walk for Wildlife and Get to Know Contest launch. Students from local schools will explore the wildlife and habitats in the CWF gardens, meet the hosts of Hinterland Who's Who, get up-close-and-personal with some visiting animals from a wildlife refuge centre, and see the new IMAX® 3D movie Born to Be Wild.

Walk for Wildlife is a national campaign that encourages all Canadians to experience the wildlife and natural spaces in their area, then log their kilometres at NationalWildlifeWeek.com. As 2011 is International Year of Forests, this year's focus is forest conservation. The goal is to log enough kilometres to walk across Canada, creating national awareness about our forests and the wildlife that inhabits them.

"More than half of Canada is covered by forests," noted Wade Luzny, CWF CEO and Executive Vice-President. "As Canadians, we are extremely fortunate to be surrounded by some of the most intact forest habitats on the planet, which are home to a spectacular variety of wildlife."

The event also launches the 2011 edition of the CWF Robert Bateman Get to Know Contest ( gettoknow.ca). Launched by renowned Canadian wildlife artist Robert Bateman and now in its eleventh year, the contest encourages youth to get to know their wild neighbours outdoors, then submit artwork, writing, photography or video entries inspired by their experiences for the chance to win prizes. "The Walk for Wildlife and Get to Know Contest complement each other beautifully, and we're proud to be co-managing the contest this year," said Luzny.

Everyone in Canada can be a part of the Walk for Wildlife by hiking on a nature trail, strolling through a park or participating in any number of other outdoor activities that will allow them to connect with native animals, plants and habitats.

"By encouraging people to get acquainted with some of the iconic species and scenic places that exist right across the country, we want to inspire Canadians to an even greater commitment to wildlife and habitat conservation," said Luzny. "We want to leave a lasting legacy, not only for wildlife but also for our children."

National Wildlife Week was declared by Parliament in 1947 and is celebrated each year from Sunday to Saturday in the week of April 10, the birth date of Jack Miner, one of the founders of Canada's conservation movement.

For more information about National Wildlife Week and the Walk for Wildlife, visit NationalWildlifeWeek.com.

About the Canadian Wildlife Federation:

The Canadian Wildlife Federation is dedicated to fostering awareness and appreciation of our natural world. By spreading knowledge of human impacts on the environment, sponsoring research, promoting the sustainable use of natural resources, recommending changes to policy and co-operating with like-minded partners, CWF encourages a future in which Canadians can live in harmony with nature. For more information, visit www.cwf-fcf.org.

Calling all golf lovers: Scotland needs you!

Photo Credit: Visit Scotland

TORONTO, April 11, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - With one place available for a golf lover to play in this year's Johnnie Walker ProAm Championship at Scotland's world famous Gleneagles Resort, VisitScotland, Scotland's official tourist board, is calling all golf enthusiasts from around the world to enter its Drive it Home competition, and be in for a chance to win this coveted place in the tournament.

From August 25-28 2011, Gleneagles will play host to golf's finest players as they compete in the Johnnie Walker Championship on one of the most challenging courses in the game, the PGA Centenary Course.

The lucky winner of VisitScotland's Drive it Home competition will experience a pilgrimage to the home of golf like no other.

The spectacular prize includes a four-night trip for two people to Scotland to attend the 2011 Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles as VIP guests and experience the course for real, with a place in the Johnnie Walker ProAm Championship.

For anyone passionate about golf, this is an incredible opportunity to get close to the best players in golf; to watch and golf with the pros in Scotland, where golf was born.

With the launch of Drive it Home and the search for a player to represent all golf lovers around the world, VisitScotland is inviting golfers to participate for the chance to fulfil this dream of a lifetime.

To enter visit www.driveithomescotland.com, from 05 April - 06 May 2011

Ontario Seatbelt Laws Turn 35 Years Old

Give Yourself the Gift of Survival by Buckling Up Every Time

AURORA, Ontario, April 8, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - It's been 35 years since seat belt laws came into effect in Ontario (1976), and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are as committed as ever to seat belt compliance as they get set to launch the 2011 Spring Seatbelt Campaign.

The province-wide campaign will run from April 13 - 23, 2011. During that time, the OPP will be stepping up enforcement throughout the province to ensure that motorists and passengers buckle up.

Using a seat belt is the single most effective way to reduce the chance of injury or death in a motor vehicle collision. Yet tragically, countless fatalities and injuries relating to seat belt use have continued to occur needlessly each year over the past 35 years.

Last year (2010) on OPP patrolled roadways, 89 people lost their lives in collisions in which lack of seatbelt use was a causal factor and 4,200 people were injured for the same reason.

So far this year (2011), 7 people have died in collisions in which lack of seatbelt use was a causal factor and 855 have been seriously injured. Compared to this same time last year, 13 died and 913 were injured.

The OPP will be focusing their efforts on child restraints during this campaign to raise awareness about the need to properly restrain children in a vehicle. A properly used child seat reduces a child's risk of injury in a crash by as much as 75 per cent, yet many child car seats are incorrectly used or improperly installed.

When used correctly, a booster seat provides 60 per cent more protection than a seatbelt alone. In a collision, children using seatbelts instead of booster seats are three and a half times more likely to suffer significant injury, and four times more likely to suffer head injury. OPP detachments regularly run child car-seat safety clinics and the OPP are encouraging everyone to contact their local OPP Detachment or their local police service for more information.

"In 1976 Ontario became the first province to require all drivers and passengers to wear a seat belt. After all these years OPP officers across this province are just as committed to ensuring that occupants buckle up", said OPP Deputy Commissioner Larry Beechey, Provincial Commander, Traffic Safety & Operational Support.

Make sure you do your part as a driver. Buckle up first and then make sure all your passengers and children are properly secured.

QUICK FACTS:

A driver who is not wearing a seatbelt is over 40 times more likely to be killed in a crash than one who is properly buckled.

The annual Spring Seatbelt Campaign is a partnership between the OPP, Ontario Police Services, the Ontario Ministry of Transportation and other road safety partners.

LEARN MORE:

For more information about Seat Belt Laws, go to: Ontario Law on Seatbelt Compliance

For more information about proper child restraints, go to: Ontario.ca Smart Love

For OPP information on Driver Safety tips go to: OPP.CA/ Driver Safety Tips

PGA Championship of Canada Returns with Mr. Lube as Title Sponsor

Bryn Parry, the Canadian PGA's #1 ranked player

ACTON, Ontario, March 31, 2011 /Canada NewsWire/ - In their second major news release of the week, the Canadian PGA announced today that the PGA Championship of Canada will make a triumphant return this summer as part of the 2011 Canadian PGA National Championship Schedule thanks to the support of Mr. Lube Canada as the title sponsor of the historic event.

"Today is a historical day for the Canadian PGA, our 3,700 Members and the Canadian golf industry as a whole," stated Glenn Cundari, President of the Canadian PGA. "Mr. Lube has quickly become one of the greatest partners of the Canadian PGA and Canadian golf. We are thrilled to be working alongside them with the PGA Championship of Canada and their Tournament for Life Pro-Am."

The PGA Championship of Canada sponsored by Mr. Lube will be contested June 14- 18 at Cottonwood Golf & Country Club in Calgary, Alberta with a total purse of $100,000. Conducted as a match play championship, the PGA Championship of Canada will take the Association's 64 highest ranked players directly off the Canadian PGA Player Rankings to create what will be the greatest showcase of Canadian PGA talent each and every year.

"We are extremely pleased to be expanding our partnership with the Canadian PGA," says Stuart Suls, President & COO of Mr. Lube Canada. "Through our shared objectives and commitment to improving men's health, both organizations will have the opportunity to leverage our networks to create one of the highest profile events in the country to support Prostate Cancer Canada. We realize that our partnership together has been made possible through the mutual desire to be leaders in our communities and the country in the field of golf."

The event will get underway with the Mr. Lube Tournament for Life Pro-Am, an annual charity event in support of prostate cancer research. The first Pro-Am was held in Toronto in 2010 and has now expanded to Calgary. This one day tournament will help to increase the profile of our partnership and work with Prostate Cancer Canada. As a partner of both the Canadian PGA and Mr. Lube Canada, Prostate Cancer Canada helps to battle this disease by building awareness and generating funds for research.

Mr. Lube, Canada's leading quick lube provider in the automotive routine maintenance category, adds the PGA Championship of Canada to its portfolio after securing the title sponsorship rights to the Canadian PGA Seniors' Championship in 2010. With two Canadian PGA National Championships under its umbrella, Mr. Lube now becomes one of Canadian golf's biggest partners.

"We really couldn't be happier to strengthen our relationship with an incredible partner like Mr. Lube Canada," said Gary Bernard, Executive Director of the Canadian PGA. "It was the goal of the Canadian PGA to create an event that would bring our greatest Canadian PGA players from the around the country to compete for the P.D. Ross trophy in an exciting format - I would say we've accomplished both."

Bryn Parry, the Canadian PGA's #1 ranked player off the recently announced Canadian PGA Player Rankings, will have the honour of going into the PGA Championship of Canada sponsored by Mr. Lube as the number one seed as he tries to add his name to the legendary P.D. Ross trophy.

"I thought it was pretty incredible last week when I received the phone call telling me that I was the #1 ranked player in the Canadian PGA, but to find out that the PGA Championship of Canada is coming back just takes it to a whole new level," said Parry, a two-time champion of the Canadian PGA Assistant's Championship. "To have the opportunity to play for this trophy and go into the event as the number one seed will be pretty special and something I'm already excited about."

The PGA Championship of Canada was first played in 1912, making it one of the oldest professional golf championships in the entire world. A storied list of past champions included: Moe Norman, Al Balding, George Knudson, Dan Halldorson, Dave Barr, Bob Panasik, Stan Leonard, Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino, Lanny Wadkins, Ray Floyd and Steve Stricker.

About the Canadian PGA:

Established in 1911 and the second oldest professional golf association in the world, the Canadian Professional Golfers' Association is a non-profit Association comprised of 3,700 golf professionals across the country. The Association's mandate is to develop, promote and support our Members as experts in the game and business of golf and, in so doing, serve both its Members' needs and those of the golfing public through the Association's varied programs and events. The Association consists of the National Office located in Acton, Ontario and nine Zone Offices across the country. For more information please visit www.opga.com

About Mr. Lube Canada:

Mr. Lube Canada is Canada's leading quick lube provider in the automotive routine maintenance category with 101 locations across Canada. Founded in 1976, Mr. Lube Canada is celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2011 and has served over 35 million customers in its 35 year history. Headquartered in Delta, BC, the company also has a regional office in Mississauga, Ontario to support its national franchise network. For more information visit www.mrlube.com