April 22, 2005

TourGreen Map: A Passport to the Total Toronto Experience
Today the Green Tourism Association celebrates Earth Day with the launch of the new TourGreen Map of Toronto.

The map is a comprehensive information guide that links visitors and residents to green tourism options and activities across the Toronto region and to ongoing green getaways and promotions, including a Toronto/Niagara Weekend Getaway valued at over $1,500, with travel provided by VIA Rail Canada. "VIA Rail is proud to continue our partnership with the TourGreen Map of Toronto," says Pierre Santoni, Regional Director, VIA Rail Canada. "With environmental priorities challenging the way we work and play, the role for passenger rail services continues to grow. Train travel has everything going for it. It's affordable, and comfortable; we've removed the stress from highway driving and airport line-ups. VIA encourages citizens to take advantage of the vast array of sustainable transportation options within the Greater Toronto Area."

"The TourGreen Map is a passport to the total Toronto experience. Use it to delve into the many cosmopolitan and thriving neighbourhoods, discover the diverse array of cultures and dynamic arts communities, walk, cycle or blade through countless ravine and recreational trails, and experience world class restaurants, shops, museums, entertainment venues, and more" says Brian Jamieson, President of the Green Tourism Association. The TourGreen Map of Toronto is free to the public and available at over 100 distribution outlets including civic centres, visitor information booths, hotels, museums, heritage sites, major tourist destinations, Toronto and Region Conservation locations, Green Tourism Association member businesses and online at www.tourgreen.ca .

In celebration of the Earth Day launch, volunteers will be handing out maps to commuters and passengers in Toronto's Union Station today from 7 am - 9 am. During the launch week, VIA passengers on Toronto-bound trains from Ottawa, Montreal, Kingston, London and Windsor will receive a copy on-board. The Fairmont Royal York will distribute maps to their hotel guests and GO Transit will have maps available at the Union Station customer service booth, while Toronto retailer Mountain Equipment Co-op will distribute maps at their retail location.

The Green Tourism Association is a unique non-profit organization that works with businesses, community and environmental groups, government agencies, heritage and cultural organizations and individuals. Our mission is to lead tourism in Toronto towards a sustainable future, evolving an industry which is ecologically sound, promotes and supports local economies, and fosters an appreciation of and respect for diverse cultural and natural heritage.

As Canada's national passenger rail service, VIA Rail Canada's mandate is to provide efficient and cost effective passenger transportation services,
both in Canada's busiest corridor and in remote and rural regions of the country. Serving more than 450 communities across Canada, demand for rail services continues to grow as more Canadians turn to train travel as a safe and convenient travel choice.

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For further information: VIA Rail Canada, Mara McCallen, Marketing,
(416) 253-2422; Green Tourism Association, Justin Lafontaine, (416) 338-5085/

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