Media Advisory - First-of-its-kind rain barrel pilot project could help Canadian municipalities reduce stress on sewer infrastructure, help prevent basement flooding and conserve water

    Overloaded sewer systems a growing problem due to increased volume and
    intensity of rainfall

    TORONTO, May 22 /CNW/ -

    WHAT:                    News conference to announce details of a
                             ground-breaking rain barrel pilot project that
                             will measure how much the use of rain barrels by
                             an entire community can divert water from sewer
                             systems, reduce the risk of basement flooding
                             and decrease demand for treated water.

    WHY:                     There has been an increase in insurance claims
                             resulting from both water damage and natural
                             disasters caused by more severe weather
                             patterns. Natural disaster claims today are
                             20 times higher than they were 30 years ago.

    WHEN:                    Wednesday, May 27, 12:30 p.m.
                             Wingham Health and Wellness Fair
                             Wescast Community Complex, 99 Kerr Dr., Wingham

    WHO:                     Mary Lou O'Reilly, Vice-President, Public
                             Affairs, Insurance Bureau of Canada;
                             Greg McClinchey, Councillor, Township of North
                             Huron; and Don Nicholson, Chief Operator,
                             Wingham Water and Wastewater Facility.

    Satellite Feed:          A video news release will be distributed via
                             satellite at 1:30 p.m. EDT. Visuals include:
                             distribution of rain barrels to 1,000 Wingham
                             homeowners, rain barrel installation and opening
                             ceremonies with rain barrel drummer; and
                             interview clips with Don Forgeron, President and
                             CEO of Insurance Bureau of Canada, and
                             Greg McClinchey, Councillor for the Township of
                             North Huron.

    Satellite Coordinates:   Satellite: Galaxy 17; Transponder 19K,
                             Slot A - 9 MHz
                             Frequency 12066.5 MHz Horizontal
                             Symbol rate 6.1113
                             FEC 3 / 4
                             Aspect ratio will be 16:9

                             This feed can also be received via Bell fibre
                             loop at Toronto TOC. Connect to TV2GO Tx2.

                             Truck telephone numbers:
                             Trouble: 416-399-0466 or 519-654-7809

    Satellite Media Tour:    Satellite media interviews can be booked from
                             2:00 to 3:00 p.m. EDT by contacting
                             Ellen Woodger at 416-483-2358.

For further information: Media Contacts: Ellen Woodger at (416)
483-2358; James Geuzebroek at (416) 362-2031, ext. 4364