Laurier participates in Commuter Challenge to reduce greenhouse emissions

University community plays active role in promoting sustainable transportation practices

WATERLOO – Members of the Wilfrid Laurier University community will once again join organizations nationwide in the annual Canadian Commuter Challenge, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

During the week of June 1-5, participants will walk, bike, rollerblade, car-pool or take public transit instead of driving a vehicle alone to work.

This is Laurier’s eighth year in the Commuter Challenge. The event coincides with Canadian Environment Week and Clean Air Day (Wednesday, June 3). In last year’s Commuter Challenge, Laurier won first place for participation in the 501+ employees category for organizations in Waterloo Region.

Laurier’s Parking & Transportation Resources office is pleased to sponsor a “Hawk Walk” Monday, June 1, starting at noon. All participants are encouraged to meet the Laurier Golden Hawk mascot and fellow walkers at the Terrace patio in front of the Fred Nichols Campus Centre. The 30-minute walk will cover a distance of about 2.3 kilometres. Water and snacks will be provided.

Parking & Transportation Resources also invites Laurier participants to attend the annual Commuter Challenge “Beat the Heat” barbecue, which will take place Tuesday, June 2 on the Waterloo campus outside the Laurier Science Building from noon to 2 p.m. Participants can grab a bite to eat with a donation of a non-perishable food item or cash donation for the local Food Bank. Experts will be in the Science Building courtyard to talk about biking or walking to work, as well as about efficient ways to improve our environmental footprint.

Along with the barbecue, there will be a Commuter Challenge road hockey tournament June 2 in which staff and faculty are invited to enter teams of 4-6 players to take on the Parking & Transportation Resources team!

To participate in the Commuter Challenge, register online at www.commuterchallenge.ca or contact Erin at 519-884-0710 ext. 3099. For more information, or to register a team in the road hockey tournament, contact Parking & Transportation Resources at parking@wlu.ca.