BMO Kicks off Second Year of BMO Team of the Week Youth Soccer Program

Canadians will again get to vote for their favourite youth soccer team

TORONTO, Ontario Marketwire - April 2, 2012 - BMO Financial Group today launched the second season of its nationwide youth soccer program, BMO Team of the Week. The contest, open to youth soccer players ages 7-12, recognizes 15 weekly winners who demonstrate team pride, spirit, community commitment and passion for the game.

The 2012 Champion will be crowned this summer when Canadians cast their vote to select their favourite team from the 15 weekly winners. The winning team will receive: $125,000 towards a field refurbishment; a trip to see a Toronto FC, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Montreal Impact or Canadian National Team home match; and a $5,000 donation to the team's charity of choice.

"The response we had last year to the BMO Team of the Week program was truly amazing, as 300,000 Canadians from communities across Canada - from Whitehorse, Yukon to Gabriola Island, B.C. to Hunter River, P.E.I. and everywhere in between - voted for their favourite teams," said Sandy Bourne, Vice-President, Corporate Advertising & Sponsorships, BMO Financial Group. "We've heard from people across the country who have told us that the program has done an excellent job in promoting the value of participating in sport, along with the importance of being involved in the community. Our hope is that the achievements of last year's winners will encourage other youth soccer teams across Canada to rise to the challenge and participate."

For the next 15 weeks, Canadian soccer coaches, parents and community members can nominate their favourite youth soccer team aged 7-12 at BMOsoccer.com. BMO Team of the Week winners will be announced weekly starting on April 18th, and will receive $500, Team of the Week tracksuits, and a donation to a local charity. Each of the winning teams will become finalists for the grand prize and Canadians can vote for the winner starting on August 13th at BMOsoccer.com.

To learn more about the contest, including the story of last year's winner, click here.

BMO Team of the Week 2011 Champion: Glen Shields Sun Devils

Last year's BMO Team of the Week champion, the Glen Shields Sun Devils, U - 11 girls team from Vaughan, Ontario, have since put their title - and the prize - to good use. In addition to raising money of their own, the team successfully rallied the community and the City of Vaughan council to help with a larger refurbishment of their local soccer field. They also generously gave the $5,000 donation from BMO to the Canadian Paralympic Committee.

About BMO and Soccer

BMO supports soccer across Canada from youth players in local neighbourhoods and communities all the way up to the professional level. Our deep commitment to 'The Beautiful Game' is evident from the beginning of the curve with our grassroots sponsorship of more than 900 youth teams nationally. The relationship continues with support of Canada's men's and women's national teams, our professional teams (Toronto FC, Vancouver Whitecaps FC and Montreal Impact) and our soccer venue title sponsorship (BMO Field).

Internet: BMOsoccer.com

Guelph Runners Make Olympic Marathon Team

Marathon Team Left to right: Eric Gillis, Dylan Wykes, Reid Coolsaet

GUELPH, Ontario April 26, 2012 - University of Guelph Media Release - It’s been 12 years since a Canadian appeared in the Olympic marathon, and now two runners with ties to the University of Guelph will line up in London this summer.

The 2012 men’s Canadian Olympic marathon team announced today includes U of G graduate Reid Coolsaet and Eric Gillis. Both are elite members of the Speed River Track and Field Club in Guelph.

The Speed River club — considered the most successful running club in Canada — is led by Dave Scott-Thomas, head coach of U of G’s track and field and cross-country teams.

The club’s prowess drew the Canadian Olympic Committee and Athletics Canada to Guelph to introduce the 2012 marathon team.

“It’s a feather in our cap,” Scott-Thomas said. “We recognize that we are a small city and a medium-sized university, and for the Olympic committee to mobilize and bring everyone here for the announcement is a gesture of respect for our program and for what Reid and Eric have accomplished.”

Coolsaet, a 2002 B.Comm. graduate, cracked the marathon qualifying time of 2:11:30 at the 2010 Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. He placed third at last year’s race with a personal best time of 2:10:55.

As a Guelph Gryphon, Coolsaet was a six-time All-Canadian and seven-time member of the national track and field team, and was twice named U of G’s male Athlete of the Year. He was a track and field gold medallist in Canadian Interuniversity Sport, a World University Games 5000m silver medalist, and a 10-time national champion in cross-country and track and field.

Gillis qualified for the Olympic team at the 2011 Toronto Scotiabank marathon, running one second under the qualifying mark. This will be the second Olympic appearance for Gillis, who ran the 10-kilometre race in Beijing in 2008. Originally from Nova Scotia, he trained at St. Francis Xavier University.

Coached by Scott-Thomas, both runners represented Canada at the 2002 World Student Games in Spain.

The third Olympic marathoner on Canada’s 2012 team is Dylan Wykes, a Vancouver-based runner originally from Kingston, Ont. He is a graduate of Providence College and Queen’s University.

“He’s a good friend of our program,” Scott-Thomas said, adding that Wykes, Gillis and Coolsaet trained together earlier this year in Arizona. Other members of the Olympic track and field team are expected to be announced in late June. “We look forward to adding more Guelph people in other events,” Scott-Thomas said.

Thursday’s marathon team announcement was made at U of G’s Alumni Stadium, where an ongoing $4.9-million renovation will include a new eight-lane track facility certified by the International Association of Athletics Federations.

The city and the University will host internationally accredited events at the new facility, which has been supported through donations from elite athletes, community members, alumni, family, friends and businesses.

Coolsaet pledged $10,000 of his winnings from last year’s Scotiabank marathon to the project.

Last year, the University announced a $1.5-million anonymous donation toward installation of a new synthetic turf field and to begin track and lighting renovations under the athletics master plan to upgrade all of the University’s athletic facilities.

The University will seek additional funding from private donors, grants and other sources to cover the remaining costs of the projects.

Officials hope to have the new facilities ready for the fall semester, before the Gryphons’ football home opener Sept. 15.

Canada's Most Amazing Teen Adventure Camp

photo credit: © Kumsheen Rafting Resort

First Nations and other youth discover valuable skills
that are transferrable to the workplace at a Teen Multi-sport Adventure Camp

LYTTON, British Columbia, April 26, 2012 /Canada NewsWire/ - Laughs, screams, sunshine, whitewater, smiles, comaradarie and preparing for the future: this sums up the focus of Kumsheen Rafting Resort's Teen Adventure Camps.

One of British Columbia's premier tourism destinations, Kumsheen operates two summer camps that, in the traditional sense, aren't camps at all. They are nonstop fun, but they are also rewarding on-the-job training sessions for teens 15-18 years.

A previous camp included mostly First Nations youth from Lytton BC who job shadowed Kumsheen's professional rafting guides. They learned basic raft guiding and river running skills; more importantly, they gained immeasurable self-confidence.

A by-product of attending the camp was gaining an understanding of the multi-faceted nature of becoming a commercial rafting guide.

Camps are for teenagers 15-18 years of age who want non-stop action, who crave challenges, who desire new outdoor experiences, and who are thinking ahead to future summer employment.

"Lytton has a youth unemployment rate of at least 80%," says Braden Fandrich, the implementer and strong proponent of Kumsheen's summer camps.

"We're trying to make a difference in the First Nations community by focusing on practical skills that youth can apply locally."

Two of the camp participants from last year are returning to work at the Kumsheen Resort in 2012. They are paid to assist the rafting guides in their day-to-day on-river and off-river routines.

A third participant from 2011 is participating in Kumsheen's commercial rafting guide school with the expectation of finding full time employment as a rafting guide.

"It's a long, tough course but there is a good chance that Michael will become Lytton's first aboriginal raft guide. We hope he passes the course and achieves some local recognition," states Fandrich.

Camps are not limited to First Nations youth. Any teenager 15-18 years of age is eligible to participate in the exciting programs. Options include a five day Teen Adventure Camp (July 15-20, 2012) and a five day "Raft Guide" Teen Camp (July 22-27). The third option is to combine both camps and the weekend in between so it becomes a twelve-day camp.

Activities for the first five-day camp include paddle rafting, power rafting, river kayaking, and mountain biking and rappelling/climbing. Campouts, exploration, games and lots of fun and laughter take over in the evening.

The second five-day session focuses primarily on the skills necessary to become a rafting guide. Activities include basic river rescue skills, paddle on-river training sessions, more rafting trips in both paddle and power rafts, and an introduction to pre and post trip preparation.

Meals, lodging and every piece of adventure activity equipment are provided to the participants.

Canadian Congress on the Future of Fish and Wildlife

photo credit: explorethebruce

Bi-national event to address fish and wildlife
conservation in a changing world

PETERBOROUGH, Ontario, April 24, 2012 /Canada NewsWire/ - From May 27 - 31, 2012, the first ever National Fish & Wildlife Conservation Congress will take place at the Westin, Ottawa, bringing together governments, policy and program managers, fish and wildlife experts from across Canada and the U.S., nongovernment organizations (NGO's) and others to chart a course for the future conservation of our nation's fish and wildlife resources.

The Congress is being led by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) in partnership with the federal government, government of Ontario, and a long list of national and international NGO's such as Ducks Unlimited Canada, Wildlife Habitat Canada, Canadian Wildlife Federation, Boone and Crockett, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, and the Wildlife Society, among others. The event has attracted over 100 speakers from government, conservation organizations, academia and industry, who will deliver presentations and facilitate workshops designed to develop recommendations for the road ahead. Topics will include invasive species, fish and wildlife diseases, sustainable use, funding policies and a host of other topics relevant to the conservation of our valuable natural resources for today and into the future.

"The Congress is the first event of its kind to be held in Canada. Many leading experts in the field of fish and wildlife conservation from Canada and the U.S. and most of the largest conservation based organizations across North America will come together to discuss the challenges we face, and opportunities for the future in a unique format that will result in key recommendations being developed. These will serve as the impetus for creating a collaborative map on both sides of the border for the road ahead," said Greg Farrant, OFAH Manager of Government Affairs & Policy, and Congress General Manager.

Notable speakers include the Hon. Peter Kent, federal Minister of Environment, Hon. Keith Ashfield, federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Hon. Terry French, Minister of Environment and Conservation, Newfoundland and Labrador, Hon. Michael Gravelle, Ontario Minister of Natural Resources, Dan Ashe, Director, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Virginia Poter, Director General, Canadian Wildlife Service, Rosie Cooney, World Conservation Union and Simon Roosevelt, Boone and Crockett.

For further information on the Congress program and the Congress agenda, or to register and book hotels, visit www.nfwcc.com.

With over 100,000 members, supporters and subscribers, and 675 member clubs, the OFAH is the province's largest nonprofit, conservation-based organization and the voice of anglers and hunters. For more information visit www.ofah.org or follow the OFAH on Facebook and Twitter.

Canadians Deserve a National Pain Strategy

Stakeholders converge in the nation's capital to discuss the critical issues of pain

TORONTO, April 24, 2012 /Canada NewsWire/ - Today international medical, ethics and human rights experts will join the Canadian Pain Society (CPS), the Canadian Pain Coalition (CPC), members of the pain community, various stakeholder groups and federal officials in Ottawa for the first-ever Canadian Pain Summit.

Pain is one of the most common reasons for a patient to consult a healthcare professional and yet numerous studies have concluded that both acute and chronic pain is not well managed. Even in large urban centres across Canada there are long waits for the few available chronic pain clinics, while most people living in rural Canada are forced to go without adequate treatment or face wait times up to five years.

"Unfortunately, most health care professionals have not received adequate training on appropriate pain management and are therefore at a loss when trying to help their patients. Veterinary students receive five times as much undergraduate teaching on pain than do medical students. The implementation of a National Pain Strategy would target this knowledge gap by insisting on minimum training requirements for all Canadian health professionals. This, along with better access to appropriate, coordinated pain management services could reduce the costs in other parts of our healthcare system," says Dr. Mary Lynch, Co-Chair of the Canadian Pain Summit.

The National Pain Strategy is a call to action developed by clinicians, researchers, stakeholder groups and people living with pain to address the social, economic and personal impact of pain on Canadians. To date, over 4,000 Canadians and more than 100 organizations have shown their support for a National Pain Strategy. The Strategy identifies four key target areas for change, including: awareness and education, access, research and ongoing monitoring. The Strategy has been reviewed and contributed by various stakeholders such as Health Canada, The Canadian Medical Association, The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, the Canadian Nurses Association, the Canadian Pharmacists Association, the Arthritis Alliance and The Canadian Association of Retired Persons to address the gaps that exist in pain management and to minimize its burden on Canadians living with pain, their families and society.

"People forget just how wide spread and costly the problem of chronic pain is. The 6 million Canadians who suffer from this condition include victims of motor vehicle accidents, workplace injuries, illness, arthritis, cancer patients, and veterans," explains Lynn Cooper, a chronic pain sufferer and President of the Canadian Pain Coalition. "In 2010, the international pain community approved the Declaration of Montreal which states that 'Access to pain management is a fundamental human right,' and this is a right not being met."

Pain costs the economy an estimated $56-60 billion dollars in lost wages and direct health care costs, and in addition each pain sufferer waiting for treatment pays an estimated $17,544 annually in costs not funded publically or by insurance.

The total spent in Canada on pain research is inadequate, compared to huge impact of pain on Canadians. Between 2006 - 2007 and 2010 - 2011, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) funded approximately $54.7 million of pain-related research - or less than one per cent of total research funding from the CIHR. Across the country, only 0.25 per cent of total funding for health research in Canada, was spent on pain-related research.

Pain Summit attendees will have the opportunity to hear the personal stories of patients living in pain and learn from national and international experts why having a National Pain Strategy is so important and fundamental for our policy makers to adopt. Canadians can show their support for the National Pain Strategy and rise up against pain by endorsing the call for a National Pain Strategy at www.canadianpainsummit2012.ca. Together we can make a difference.

Pain Facts

...One in five Canadian adults suffer from chronic pain

...15-30 per cent of children experience recurring or chronic pain and the prevalence increases with age

...Chronic pain is associated with the worst quality of life as compared with other chronic diseases such as chronic lung or heart disease

...Based on Canadian and U.S. survey data, the cost of chronic pain in adults, including health care expenses and lost productivity, is an estimated $56-60 Billion dollars annually

...People living with pain have double the risk of suicide as compared with people without chronic pain

...Although we have the knowledge and technology, Canadians are left in pain after surgery, even in our top hospitals. Only 30% of ordered medication are given, 50% of patients are left in moderate to severe pain after surgery and the situation is not improving

About the Canadian Pain Society

The Canadian Pain Society has been a chapter of the International Association for the Study of Pain since 1982. The aim of the CPS is to foster and encourage research on pain mechanisms and pain syndromes and to help improve the management of patients with acute and chronic pain by bringing together the basic scientists and health professionals of various disciplines and backgrounds who have an interest in pain research and management. www.canadianpainsociety.ca / www.twitter.com/canadianpain

About the Canadian Pain Coalition

The Canadian Pain Coalition (CPC) is THE National Voice of People with Pain. Incorporated in 2004 as a non-profit organization, the CPC is a partnership of pain consumer groups, individuals, health professionals who care for people in pain and scientists studying better ways to treat pain. CPC promotes sustained improvement in the understanding, prevention, treatment and management of all types of pain in Canada. CPC accomplishes this through pain education, awareness activities and advocacy initiatives. CPC obtained the Senate Declaration of National Pain Awareness Week in 2004. www.canadianpaincoalition.ca

Peak to Peak Escarpment Challenge hike-a-thon offers unique chance to explore the Niagara Escarpment

COLLINGWOOD, Ontario, April 18, 2012 /Canada NewsWire/ - A group of Bruce Trail fans is offering expert trail guides along a section Ontario's renowned Niagara Escarpment this spring to raise awareness of issues facing the biosphere reserve.

The Peak to Peak Escarpment Challenge hike-a-thon on Saturday, May 12, offers experts in geology, archeology and wildlife stationed along part of the hike-a-thon route south of Collingwood.

"We're trying to create a family-friendly event that helps people get to know the Niagara Escarpment biosphere, and at the same time raise money to help us protect it," says organizer Janet Gillham

.

The hike-a-thon offers routes for all abilities, from 26 km to 6.5 km, and a children's program. Pre-register for free at www.peaktopeakhike.com. $200 fundraising minimum. Draw prizes include a $5,000 trip for two to the five-star Fogo Island Inn. Free BBQ & buffet, silent art auction, live music by Aaron Garner, Romney Getty and Tom Barlow.

More details at www.peaktopeakhike.com.

Only 1 in 5 working Canadians fit physical activity into their work days

ParticipACTION launches Sneak It In Week to encourage Canadians to move more

TORONTO, April 9, 2012 /Canada NewsWire/ - A recent survey commissioned by ParticipACTION found that 88 per cent of employed Canadians spend time at work on personal activities such as checking Facebook, making personal calls or chatting with colleagues, yet only 17 per cent make time for a physical activity break. To help encourage Canadians to move more at work and in general, ParticipACTION launches Sneak It In Week, which runs this year from April 9 to 13, to help Canadians sneak in short amounts of physical activity during the day.

"If you can fit in a coffee break, you probably have time to sneak in physical activity too," says Kelly Murumets, President and CEO of ParticipACTION, the national voice of physical activity and sport participation. "A short activity break can actually count towards the recommended level of physical activity per week adults require for health benefits."

According to the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines, adults need 150 minutes of heart-pumping activity per week, but this does not have to be done all at once. Research shows that even tiny bouts of physical activity—as little as 10 minutes at a time—are associated with increased fitness.

The survey also found that the main reason Canadian employees are not taking a physically active break during work hours is because they do not have the time; however, 34 per cent said they would like to do so.

"We know only 15 per cent of Canadian adults are getting enough physical activity and that everyone is busy, but fitting physical activity into your work day can be easier than you think," says Murumets. "If you cannot get to the gym, think of other simple ways to get active at work like starting a lunchtime walking group or booking a conference room to do a power yoga session."

ParticipACTION is encouraging Canadians to wear sneakers to work as much as possible during Sneak It In Week, so that getting physically active is easier to do. So, lose the loafers and give the heels a break this week. Some examples of easy ways to add 10 minutes of physical activity into the work day are:

...Get coffee or lunch a few extra blocks away
...Have a walking meeting with colleagues
...Park 10 minutes from the building entrancebr> ...Go "power shopping" to get active while running errands

Canadians are invited to share how they are sneaking it in this week on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ParticipACTION or via Twitter at #sneakitin.

About Sneak It In Week

ParticipACTION created Sneak It In Week, which runs this year from April 9 to 13, to help encourage Canadians to sneak in short amounts of physical activity during the day. For more information on Sneak It In Week, or to download free posters, door hangers, desk signs and logos, please visit www.participACTION.com.

About the survey

From March 16 to 19, 2012, a total of 2,001 randomly selected adult Canadians were surveyed online, including 1,091 Canadians who are employed full- or part-time. The survey was conducted by Angus Reid Public Opinion.

About ParticipACTION

ParticipACTION is the national voice of physical activity and sport participation in Canada. Originally established in 1971, ParticipACTION was re-launched in 2007 to help prevent the looming inactivity crisis that faces Canada. As a national not-for-profit organization solely dedicated to inspiring and supporting healthy and active living for Canadians, it works with its partners, which include sport, physical activity, recreation organizations, government and corporate sponsors, to inspire and support Canadians to move more. ParticipACTION is generously supported by Sport Canada. For more information, visit www.participACTION.com

Harry's Spring Run-Off Enables Personalized Prostate Cancer Medicine at The Princess Margaret

More than $2 Million Raised for The Princess Margaret

TORONTO, April 7, 2012 /Canada NewsWire/ - On a beautiful Saturday morning in High Park, almost 5,000 participants showed their support by raising $300,000 for the internationally recognized Prostate Centre Program at The Princess Margaret in the 34th annual Harry's Spring Run-Off 8K and 5K to Fight Prostate Cancer. This was the 7th year of Harry Rosen sponsorship. The run was the first event of the year in the East for Canada Running Series 2012, and kicked off "Run Canada Month" in the country's largest city.

"We are so proud to say we've raised over $2 million with the $300,000 from today's event," said Larry Rosen, CEO and Chairman of Harry Rosen Inc., who led Harry Rosen's team of 55 associates in the event. "It's amazing to contribute to the incredible work and significant advances made by the doctors of the prostate team."

"We are thrilled to partner with Harry's Spring Run-Off, as the monies raised are being used to advance personalized prostate cancer medicine - a unique and comprehensive program that focuses on four key areas from prevention to survivorship." said Dr. Bristow, Senior Scientist at the Ontario Cancer Institute and GU Radiation Oncologist at The Princess Margaret.

Participants in the event, sponsored by luxury menswear retailer Harry Rosen, ranged from serious elite runners, to those attired in outlandish outfits, and even children as the event also included an 800 metre dash for kids.

Matt Loiselle of Athletics Toronto battled the scenic, rolling hills of High Park to take first place in the 8K competitive run, with a time of 23:55. There was a great duel for second and third with Kitchener's Derek Nakluski surging away from Kenyan Kibet Rutto on the final spring road hill. Tarah McKay-Korir of St. Clements, Ontario was the first female to cross the 8K finish line with a time of 27:12. Brapton's Kate Van Buskirk was second, and last year's champion Dayna Pidhoresky of Tecumseh, Ontario placed third.

The $300,000 raised in today's event came from the combined efforts of over 600 individuals and 30 teams who participated in fundraising for The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation. In addition to title sponsor Harry Rosen, funding for the event was generously provided by The Globe and Mail and CBS Outdoor, media sponsors.

More information about today's run, including full results, and photos, visit www.springrunoff.ca

About The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation

The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation at University Health Network raises funds for breakthrough research, exemplary teaching and the enhancement of compassionate patient care at one of the world's leading cancer research hospitals, The Princess Margaret Hospital and its research arm, the Ontario Cancer Institute. For more information, please visit www.pmhf.ca. University Health Network consists of The Princess Margaret, Toronto General and Toronto Western Hospitals, and is a teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Toronto.

About Harry Rosen

Harry Rosen Inc., Canada's leading quality men's wear retailer, is celebrating its 58th year in business in 2012. Founded in 1954 by the man whose name the chain still bears, Harry Rosen Inc. has grown from a single 500-square-foot store in Toronto to become a powerhouse in Canadian retailing with 15 stores across the country, accounting for 40 percent of the Canadian market in high-end men's wear. Harry Rosen stores offer extensive collections of the world's finest men's wear labels including Tom Ford, Brunello Cucinelli, Dolce & Gabbana, Etro, Armani Collezioni, Brioni, Canali, Ermenegildo Zegna, Versace, Hugo Boss, Prada, Cole Haan, Salvatore Ferragamo, Loro Piana and J.P. Tilford by Samuelsohn.

About Canada Running Series.

Canada Running Series is the country's premier running circuit, comprising 8 events in Montreal Toronto and Vancouver. Recognized for innovation and international-class organization, it brings together Canada's top distance athletes, thousands of recreational and charity fun runners. In 2011 the Series attracted more than 60,000 participants and raised $6.5 million for 238, mostly local charities. Information at www.RunCRS.ca

Garden season is officially open - time to feed that hungry lawn!

TORONTO, April 3, 2012 /Canada NewsWire/ - Unseasonal temperatures have kept garden enthusiasts guessing, but for most of Canada it is now apparent, lawn and garden season has begun. With buds emerging and trees and shrubs beginning to green, priority number one should be feeding your lawn, which will be hungry for nutrients after its winter sleep.

"Healthy turf has a dramatic cooling effect compared to hard surfaces, acts as a water filtration system, reduces water run-off and provides a soft, safe outdoor space for people and pets to rest and play," says Clyde Graham of the Urban Fertilizer Council. "Just one acre of grass will absorb hundreds of kilograms of sulfur dioxide every year. Grass that is lacking nutrients provides measurably less of these environmental benefits."

Watering, timely cutting and proper feeding are the most important factors for a healthy lawn. Fertilizer ensures your lawn has all the nutrients, in the proper amounts, it needs to grow. As lawns and gardens grow, nutrients are naturally depleted from the soil. The role of fertilizer or plant food is to replenish these nutrients so that grass, trees, and garden plants can flourish. Lawns that are fed the proper nutrients are better able to withstand drought, crowd out weed seeds and bounce back from the pounding delivered by children, pets, and recreation.

To fertilize properly to achieve the benefits of a thick healthy lawn, the Urban Fertilizer Council recommends that homeowners and turf management professionals follow the 4Rs of fertilizer application:

...Right source: Buy the right fertilizer for your lawn. Review your options at the store by reading the bag or test your soil (this can be done by a professional or with an at home kit).

...Right rate: Know the size of your lawn, buy only what you need, follow the instructions on the bag, and remember that more is not always better. Use a good quality lawn fertilizer spreader or a handheld model to distribute fertilizer evenly across your yard.

...Right time: Green means go. As the rain returns and the ground warms, watch for your lawn to begin to green. Feed your lawn promptly to encourage deeper root growth and provide a healthy foundation for the growing season ahead. Avoid applying fertilizer before a heavy rain is expected.

...Right place: Avoid using fertilizer near waterways. Fertilizer should not run off into sewers, rivers, lakes or ponds, because it can promote the growth of algae. After fertilizing, sweep any stray fertilizer on driveways, patios and sidewalks back on to your lawn where it can do its job.

For more information on fertilizer usage and the benefits of good lawn care, please visit www.greenerworld.ca.

About the Urban Fertilizer Council

The Canadian Fertilizer Institute and the companies that develop plant nutrient products for the home created the Urban Fertilizer Council to help homeowners and turf management professionals understand how to look after their properties safely and properly.

The Greener World campaign encourages homeowners and turf managers to adopt best practices to ensure fertilizer techniques don't damage the environment. For more information about the Greener World campaign, please visit www.greenerworld.ca.

About the Canadian Fertilizer Institute

The Canadian Fertilizer Institute is an industry association representing manufacturers, wholesale and retail distributors of nitrogen, phosphate, potash and sulphur fertilizers. Our mission is to be the unified voice of the Canadian fertilizer industry by promoting the responsible, sustainable and safe production, distribution and use of fertilizers. Our industry employs 12,000 Canadians and contributes $12 billion annually to Canada's economy. Our products contribute to the supply of safe, nutritious food in Canada and around the world. For more information, please visit www.cfi.ca.