NORTH BAY, ON - Mayor Victor Fedeli of the City of North Bay; Mayor Ann MacLean, President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM); and Anthony Rota, Member of Parliament for Nipissing-Timiskaming, announced today a $50,000 Green Municipal Funds' grant for North Bay. The funds will help the City develop a business case with a view to bring private investments to the implementation of a wind farm that would transmit energy to the municipal grid operated by City-owned North Bay Hydro.

"Taking advantage of locally available green power resources is a good fit with the long-range development strategy we have for the community," said Mayor Victor Fedeli. "I am particularly pleased with the relationship we have struck with West Wind Development, Inc. for the first half of the project. I am confident that the company's reputation as a responsible wind power developer can put North Bay 'on the map' as a showcase for the sensitive and responsible development of this great renewable energy resource."

West Wind Development, Inc. recently completed the installation of a 50 metre-high tower on City-owned property in a sector of the City positioned to capture the 'lake effect' of Lake Nipissing. Instruments supported by the tower will collect data on a continuous basis for a 12-month period to evaluate the local wind power potential.

"Sustainable community development requires that we meet today's needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs," said FCM President, Mayor Ann MacLean. "This project represents North Bay's dedication to the challenge of using renewable energy to secure an environmentally-friendly future for its citizens."

"The Green Municipal Funds' support for projects like this is helping Canadian municipal governments - large and small, urban and rural - develop greater local self-sufficiency in green energy and, in the process, it is helping them to contribute to Canada's commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions," said MP Anthony Rota.

"We are very pleased with this opportunity to partner with the City of North Bay", said Mark Bell, President, West Wind Development, Inc. "Once we have a thorough understanding of the area's wind profile, we will move to a more detailed feasibility assessment which will include in-depth environmental studies, preliminary engineering and consultations with the community to determine how this wind energy potential could be developed."

The Government of Canada has endowed $250 million to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities to establish and manage the Green Municipal Funds. The Funds support partnerships and leveraging of both public and private sector funding to reach higher standards of air, water and soil quality, and climate protection. In Budget 2005, the Government of Canada committed a further $300 million to the Green Municipal Funds.

FCM has been the national voice of municipal governments since 1901. It is dedicated to improving the quality of life in communities by promoting strong, effective and accountable municipal government.

For more information on the Green Municipal Funds, including details of other approved projects and studies, visit FCM's Knowledge Network at http://kn.fcm.ca.

Also, please visit FCM's main website at www.fcm.ca for information on all Federation activities.

Information on the City of North Bay can be obtained at www.city.north-bay.on.ca.

Information about West Wind Development, Inc. can be obtained at www.wwdevelopment.com.

West Wind Development, Inc.

West Wind Development, Inc.

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