The Township of Tiny Recognized for its Leadership in Sustainability by Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative

Chicago, IL – June 9, 2023 – The Great Lakes & St. Lawrence Cities Initiative (Cities Initiative) recognized the work of the Township of Tiny for its volunteer-driven ‘Asphalt to Food’ project during the organization’s annual meeting taking place in Chicago. The township was one of two winning submission of the Wege Small Cities Sustainability Best Practices Award, which recognizes meaningful projects that balance economic, social and environmental aspects for protecting water quality that could be used as a best practice inspiration to other cities. In addition to being recognized as a winner of the Wege Award, Tiny will also receive a US$3,750 contribution to go towards expanding depaving activities at Wyebridge Park.

“This Township of Tiny is proud to partner with the Severn Sound Environmental Association for this volunteer-driven project” said Mayor David Evans of the Township of Tiny. “The Wege award will enable us to depave a decommissioned skating rink, allowing us to re-naturalize areas, replenish groundwater, and further beautify our municipality.”

The ‘Asphalt to Food’ project is intended to build awareness of the impacts of pavement on our environment and our connection to nature. Removing pavement and depaving, combined with installation of naturalization projects and pollinator habitat helps make communities more resilient by increasing valuable permeable land cover and habitat.

The Wege Small Cities Sustainability Best Practices Award was created to support and recognize small cities, with populations of under 100,000 and limited resources, who demonstrate leadership in tackling water quality issue while ensuring economic vitality and social equity. Submissions for the Wege Award are evaluated by Cities Initiative staff and reviewed by the organization’s board of directors. This year, two members of the Cities Initiative were selected for their exemplary projects to further improve the quality of freshwater resources for future generations: the Township of Tiny and the City of Belleville.