June 2, 2010 - Today, Mayor Lynn Peterson led the celebration of Clean Air Day by guiding a walk around Holy Cross School. School administration, students, parents, and the Active & Safe Routes to School Committee joined the Mayor in challenging Thunder Bay elementary school students to “Spring into Spring” to protect the air we breathe.
Holy Cross School is taking the Earth Week to Clean Air Day Challenge from April to June by participating in the Ontario-wide Spring into Spring movement to increase physical activity. In Thunder Bay, schools from the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board and Lakehead Public Schools registered to participate.
”The impact people in Thunder Bay can have by getting out of their cars is significant,” says Mayor Lynn Peterson. "A tremendous momentum for active transportation has been gained with the new addition of dedicated and shared bike lanes which has made a real difference to the spirit of our city. Events such as Clean Air Day really help to solidify our commitment to active transportation and environmental initiatives, especially for our youngest citizens. I am delighted that students and parents in this community are also committed to helping to create a clean, green, beautiful and proud city."
The Spring into Spring movement teaches whole school communities about how walking positively impacts human health, community health and the health of our planet. Parents and children walking together to local destinations, like school, not only are improving their physical fitness, but are also helping to make neighbourhoods safer by putting their ‘eyes on the street,’ and are reducing traffic and the associated air pollution by not using car. A typical North American car will add close to five tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere in one year. Encouraging families to leave the vehicle at home will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“Engaging in active transportation is a wonderful way for families to maintain a healthy lifestyle,” says Jamie DiCasmirro, Public Health Nurse. “Walking and biking together builds stronger muscles and bones, as well as an opportunity for kids and parents to spend more quality time together.”
The Active & Safe Routes to School Committee is made up of representatives from the City of Thunder Bay, EcoSuperior and the Thunder Bay District Health Unit. Further information about
Clean Air Day and the Spring into Spring challenge can be found at www.saferoutestoschool.ca.
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