Past Events  
 
       
  Stakeholder Meetings  
    2006 National Alternative Fuel Vehicles Day Odyssey  
 

2004 North American Solar Challenge Test Run

 
 

2004 National Alternative Fuel Vehicles Day Odyssey

 
 

Ford Fuel Cell Ride & Drive

 

 

 
   
     
 

Stakeholder Meetings

       

Biodiesel Update: Biodiesel Initiatives & Activities in Manitoba  

Thursday, June 28, 2007

9:00-11:30 am

City Hall, 2nd Floor Conference Room

       
RRVCCC Winnipeg Chapter's 2007 Spring/Summer Stakeholder meeting featured a panel of speakers involved in Manitoba based biodiesel initiatives. The meeting provided an update on Border Chemical's biodiesel trial, an update on Provincial biodiesel initiatives and an overview of the upcoming biodiesel demonstration by the City of Winnipeg. It was also a pleasure to hear from one of the RRVCCC members who provided an update on current sustainable transportation projects that the City of Winnipeg is currently involved with.
 

Border Chemical-Biodiesel Trial

Border Chemical discussed their recent success using biodiesel fuel.  The company also discussed upcoming

plans for future biodiesel trials.  To view the presentation click here.

 

Provincial Biodiesel Initiatives

Bob Brennand,with the Energy Development Initiative (Province of Manitoba) discussed recent developments in the Manitoba biodiesel market and Provincial activities to promote biodiesel locally. To view the presentation click here.

 

City of Winnipeg- Biodiesel Trial

Ajaleigh Williams, Project Coordinator with the City of Winnipeg's Fleet Management Agency, discussed the upcoming trial on biodiesel that will be conducted by the Agency.  A B10 blend will be tested in heavy duty vehicles in all seasons.  For more information on the trial contact Ajaleigh Williams at awilliams@winnipeg.ca.

 

City of Winnipeg Sustainable Transportation Initiatives

Alec Stuart, Environmental Coordinator with the City of Winnipeg, provided an update on the current and upcoming sustainable transportation initiatives that the City of Winnipeg is currently involved with.  To view the presentation click here.

 

Hydrogen Use in the Transportation Sector

Thursday, September 7, 2006

1:00-4:30pm

Red River College - Notre Dame Campus

Green Lecture Theatre

       
RRVCCC Winnipeg Chapter's 2006 Fall Stakeholder meeting, held on September 7th, focused on Hydrogen Use in the Transportation Sector. This meeting showcased the research and development activities that have been occurring in our region with regards to hydrogen transportation fuel, bringing three unique projects from different jurisdictions - Manitoba, Saskatchewan and North Dakota - together in one forum.  The afternoon involved presentations on each of the projects followed by rides on the hydrogen hybrid fuel cell bus and hydrogen dual fuel truck. 
       

SRC Hydrogen Dual Fuel Trucks

Craig Murray, Vice President of Manufacturing/Value Added Processing, Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC)

Mr. Murray provided an overview of the Saskatchewan Research Council and introduced the variety of alternative fuel vehicle initiatives the Council is inv loved with, in particular the hydrogen duel fuel truck research and development project.  To view presentation.

 

Hydrogen Research & Development in North Dakota

Chris Zygarlicke , Deputy Associate Director of Research, Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC)

Mr. Zygarlicke provided an overview of Energy and Environmental Research Center (Grand Forks, North Dakota) and addressed the wide variety of research initiatives EERC has undertaken related to hydrogen.  To view presentation.

       

Manitoba Hydrogen Hybrid Fuel Cell Bus

Bob Parsons , Hydrogen Specialist, Manitoba Energy, Science & Technology

Mr. Parsons discussed a recently launched hydrogen hybrid fuel cell bus demonstration project involving the conversion of a locally manufactured bus and the construction of a temporary hydrogen refuelling station.  To learn more...

       

Hybrid Electric Vehicles – Do they Measure up to the Hype?

Exploring the Current and Future Possibilities of Hybrid Technologies in Manitoba.

 

Friday May 26th, 2006

1:00 – 4:00pm

Millennium Library – 251 Donald Street

Buchwald Room

The 2006 Spring RRVCCC Winnipeg Chapter Stakeholder Meeting was held at the end of May at the Millenium Library. The meeting was a success, drawing a good number of stakeholders to the event and a range of speakers who presented on various topics related to hybrid vehicle technologies. Following is a brief summary of the presentations.

The Municipal Fleet Perspective on Hybrid Electric Vehicles - by Real Pelletier of Winnipeg Fleet Management Agency.

This presentation examined the municipal fleet experience of using hybrid vehicles, including both the business case and environmental perspective of implementing hybrids in fleets. To view presentation.

Hybrid Leadership in Transit - by Amy Miller of New Flyer

This presentation provided a comprehensive look at the application and benefits of hybrid technologies in transit vehicles. To view presentation.

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles - by Ed Innes of Manitoba Hydro

This presentation looked at the role of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles in reducing oil dependence, mitigating the impacts of climate change and improving Manitoba's overall environment.  To view present ion. ..

Energy-use Metrics for Transportation Applications - by Bob Parsons of Manitoba Energy Development Initiative

This presentation introduced recent developments in computing and comparing energy-use for conventional and hybrid electric vehicles. To view presentation.
 
 

Manitoba Success Stories …

Local Efforts to Reduce Fossil Fuel Consumption & Advance Sustainable Transportation

            

Wednesday, November 23rd, 2005

1:00 to 4:00 pm

Red River College – Princess Street Campus

 Multi-Purpose Room (Main Floor)

The 2005 Fall RRVCCC Winnipeg Chapter Stakeholder Meeting was held on November 23rd, 2005 at Red River College’s downtown campus. Following is a brief summary of the presentations:

Biofuels in Manitoba – by Bob Parsons of Manitoba Energy Development Initiative (filling in for Jeff Kraynyk).

This presentation provided an overview of recent policy and program developments in the field of biofuels in Manitoba, with a particular focus on ethanol and biodiesel. To view presentation ...

Repair our Air Challenge – by Vic Rempel, Manager Fleet Services with MTS.

This presentation looked at the participation of MTS in the Repair Our Air Challenge, a Canadian wide idle-reduction competition hosted by Natural Resources Canada. To view presentation..

Biodiesel Use and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles – by Ken Thomas, Manager of Fleet Services with Manitoba Hydro.

This presentation looked at Manitoba Hydro’s recent efforts to use biodiesel in some of its fleet vehicles. This included looking at the current biodiesel market in Manitoba, the benefits of biodiesel and barriers that are preventing Hydro and other fleets from implementing the use of biodiesel on a larger scale. The second part of the presentation looked at Hydro’s future plans to investigate the application of plug-in electric hybrid vehicles in Manitoba.

Hybrid Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (HHICE) Demonstration Project – by Allister Hickson from University of Manitoba Transport Institute and Bob Parsons from Manitoba Energy Development Initiative.

This presentation included an in-depth look at the planning, implementation and post evaluation of the HHICE demonstration project in Winnipeg during the winter of 2005. To view presentation..

 
   
     
   
     
 
2006 National Alternative Fuel Vehicles Day Odyssey
 
     
 

On October 12, 2006 Winnipeg was one of over 60 cities from the United States, Canada and Germany celebrating the 3rd National Alternative Fuels Vehicle Day Odyssey, an event to promote alternative fuels, green vehicle technology, and fuel economy.  The event involved conference presentations, a networking lunch, tradeshow exhibits, green vehicle display and Ride & Drive.  It attracted a diverse and influential audience of over 100 people, brining together government policy makers, fleet managers, automotive industry representatives, delegates from health and environmental organizations, trucking industry representatives, alternative fuel producers and advocates, academics and researchers, and interested members of the public. 

The purpose of the event, which is held every two years, is to:

  • Promote cleaner, more energy efficient modes of fuels and vehicles
  • Build awareness and enthusiasm for alternative fuels and new vehicle technologies as viable options for fleets and consumers
  • Bring together those in the green transportation community to focus attention on their good work and to provide an opportunity for them to network
  • Showcase the local successes in the area of alterative fuels, advanced vehicle technology and idle reduction
 
     
  Event Sponsors  
 
   
 
   
 
     
 

Presentations

Session 1:  Alternative Fuels in Canada

This session provided a thorough overview of the status of alternative fuels in Canada. 

Mainstreaming Sustainable Transportation Options

Arne Elias, Executive Director, Centre for Sustainable Transportation, Winnipeg, MB

A broad overview of alternative fuels, their benefits and challenges, and their role in our journey towards sustainable transportation. 

Renewable Fuels in Canada and the Canadian Renewable Fuel Strategy

Robin Speer, Director of Public Affairs, Canadian Renewable Fuels Association, Ottawa, ON

An overview of renewable fuels in Canada and introduction to the Canadian Renewable Fuels Association's Canadian Renewable Fuel Strategy. 

Growing Manitoba's Future Fuels

Shaun Loney, Director EDI, Manitoba Science, Technology, Energy & Mines, Winnipeg, MB

Information on the provincial alternative fuel activities, current alternative fuel legislation, financial incentives, and direction for the future.  EDI has led Manitoba's efforts in fighting climate changes, which has earned the Province the recognition as the top regional jurisdiction in the world for combating climate change.  Manitoba's biofuel strategy is widely acknowledged as the most aggressive in Canada. 

Session 2: How to Green your Fleet

This session provided a complete "how to" on green fleet management and decision-making. 

Greening Your Fleet

Roger Smith, Director, Fleet Challenge Ontario, Toronto, ON

A step by step guide on how to green a fleet and an introduction to the E3 green fleet certification program. 

Real World Challenges

Ken Thomas, Fleet Manager, Manitoba Hyrdo, Winnipeg, MB

An overview of Manitoba Hydro's experiences implementing green fleet initiatives, highlighting the 'real world challenges' the organization faced when greening their fleet and the lessons learned. 

Session 3:  Local Initiatives Showcase

A showcased of Manitoba initiatives in the area of alternative fuels, advanced vehicle technology and fuel economy.

Red River Valley Clean Cities Coalition Overview& Regional Update

Ajaleigh Williams, Chapter Coordinator, Red River Valley Clean Cities Coalition Winnipeg Chapter Inc.

Information on the Clean Cities program, with an emphasis on the activities of the Winnipeg Chapter, and highlights of some local alternative fuel and advanced vehicle technology initiatives being undertaken in Manitoba not showcased in this session. 

Hybrid-electric Taxi Fleet

Sat Brar, Manager, Duffy's Taxi

Introduction to Duffy's Taxi's expanding hybrid-electric vehicle fleet, which has expanded to over 100 hybrids in just over a year. 

Plug-in Hybrid Project

Ken Thomas, Fleet Manager, Manitoba Hydro
Introduction to the recently announced plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) research and development project launched by Manitoba Hydro. 

Hydrogen Enriched Combustion

Joseph C. Williams, Chief Executive Officer, Innovative Hydrogen Solutions

An overview of Innovative Hydrogen Solutions' hydrogen enhance combustion system and the benefits of this advanced technology.  Also included presentations from two associates - David Miller, Clean Air Technologies, discussing their portable emissions measuring system, and Andre Mech, Mech & Associates, providing an overview of his recently established emissions trading company. 

Growing Manitoba's Green Fleet: E85 Demonstration Project

Terry Zdan, Policy Consultant, Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation

Overview of the Province of Manitoba's E85 demonstration project, including successes and challenges. 

Hydrogen Hybrid Fuel Cell Bus Demonstration

Bob Parsons, Hydrogen Specialist, Manitoba Science, Technology, Energy & Mines

Summary of the recently concluded hydrogen hybrid fuel cell bus demonstration project, involving the conversion of a locally manufactured bus and construction of a temporary hydrogen refuelling station. 

Session 4:  Advanced Vehicle Technology Update

Leaders in the development and production of alterative fuel and advanced technology vehicles discussed their current and upcoming initiatives and product lines. 

Hybrid - The Toyota Philosophy

Pierre Millete, Manager, Government Affairs, Toyota Canada

An overview of Toyota's current and upcoming advanced technology product lines and initiatives. 

International Hybrid Trucks

Jim Williams, Director of Sales and Distribution of New Products, International Truck and Engine Corporation

An introduction to International's newly developed diesel hybrid truck. 

 
     
 

Green Vehicle Display

Indoor Display

Plug-in Hybrid, Manitoba Hydro

2006 Volkswagen TDI Jetta filled with Biodiesel, Milligan Bio-Tech Inc.

2006 Ford Explorer Hybrid, Winnipeg Fleet Management Agency, City of Winnipeg

Vehicle with I-PHI Unit, Innovative Hydrogen Solutions

Electric Scooter, Phil’s Scooter Town

Electric Bike, Phil’s Scooter Town

Outdoor Display

2006 E85 Doge Caravan, Fleet Vehicles Agency, Province of Manitoba

2004 Volkswagen TDI Jetta filled with Biodiesel, Milligan Bio-Tech Inc.

Vehicle with I-PHI Unit, Innovative Hydrogen Solutions

2007 Ford Escape Hybrid, Keystone Ford

2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid, Frontier Toyota

2007 Honda Civic, Birchwood Honda

2007 Honda Accord, Birchwood Honda

Ride & Drive

2007 Honda Accord, Birchwood Honda

2007 Honda Civic Hybrid, Birchwood Honda

2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid, Frontier Toyota

2007 Ford Escape Hybrid, Keystone Ford

 
     
 

Tradeshow Exhibitors

Green Commuting Initiative, Resource Conservation Manitoba

Red River Valley Clean Cities Coalition Winnipeg Chapter Inc.

Energy Development Initiative, Government of Manitoba

Auto Driving Companion, Persen Technologies Inc.

Bye Bye Beaters Program, Manitoba Lung Association

Fleet Vehicles Agency, Province of Manitoba

Fleet Management Agency, City of Winnipeg

Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute

Innovative Hydrogen Solutions Inc.

Plug-in-Hybrid, Manitoba Hydro

Climate Change Connection

Clean Air Technologies

Milligan Bio-Tech Inc.

Mech and Associates

Phil's Scooter Town

 
 
     
   
     
 
2004 North American Solar Challenge Test Run
 

North American Solar Challenge, July 17-27, 2005

The North American Solar Challenge (NASC) is an intercollegiate competition to design, construct and race solar-powered vehicles across North America, from Austin, Texas to Calgary, Alberta.  The race, which is over 2400 miles (3840 km) long, will take place from July 17 to 27, 2005.  The competition will feature solar vehicles submitted by over 30 teams representing universities and colleges throughout Canada and the United States, including Red River College. 

  Stefano Paltera/American Solar Challenge

North American Solar Challenge Test Run

Legislative Building , July 23, 2004

In preparation of this momentous race, a Test Run of the North American Solar Challenge route was held this summer.  On July 23, 2004, the test run passed through Winnipeg on its way to the finish line in Calgary.  To mark the occasion, the Province of Manitoba, the City of Winnipeg and Red River Valley Clean Cities Coalition Winnipeg Chapter Inc., held an event at the Legislative Building to provide an opportunity for community representatives and interested stakeholders to learn more about the 2005 North American Solar Challenge, view a solar car display, and learn how they might become involved in 2005. 

The event was very well attended, attracting representatives from all three levels of government, industry, academic institutions, environment non-government organizations and the media.

The Honourable Ron Lemieux, Minister of Manitoba Transportation, and Gord Steeves, City Councilor and Chair of the Civic Environment Committee, provided the opening remarks for this event. 

 

Dan Eberle, Director of the American Solar Challenge, provided an overview of the race and Leon Fainstein, instructor with Red River College, presented a summary of Red River College’s involvement in the NASC and the progress they have made on constructing their own solar-powered vehicle.

On display in front of the Legislative Building was the University of Minnesota’s solar vehicle that placed 2nd in the 2003 American Solar Challenge.

 

Media Coverage:

International Solar-Powered Race to Travel through Manitoba in 2005
(Province of Manitoba News Release, July 23, 2004)

College Plans Sun-powered Car:  Students join Solar Challenge
(Winnipeg Sun, July 24, 2004)

Solar Racers Prepare for Day in the City’s Sun
(Winnipeg Free Press, July 24, 2004)

Racers to Blaze Trail to Winnipeg
(Winnipeg Free Press, October 4, 2004)

 

For more information visit: 

American Solar Challenge 

Red River College’s Solar Car Project 

Tour a Solar Car 
 

Stefano Paltera/American Solar Challenge

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2004 National Alternative Fuel Vehicles Day Odyssey
 

In April 2004, RRVCCC Winnipeg Chapter partnered with the City of Winnipeg to host the National Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Day Odyssey – a one-day event showcasing the latest advancements in clean, energy efficient vehicle technology.  The event, which involved a vehicle display, information booths and a series of speakers, attracted more than 70 attendees. 

     
The keynote speaker was Claude Bourgault, the Director of Rothsay Quebec Region and Business Development, who spoke on the Montreal Biobus study – a one year test of biodiesel in over 150 transit buses in Montreal.  Other speakers included Jeff Kraynyk, Energy Development Initiative (Manitoba Energy, Science and Technology), who discussed Manitoba-based alternative fuel activities and Dan Daly, Coalition Coordinator for Red River Valley Clean Cities Coalition, who delivered a presentation on the Clean Cities Program and the activities of our Coalition. 

 

On display at this event were two gas-electric hybrid cars, two heavy-duty fleet vehicles operating on biodiesel, and three flexible fuel vehicles operating on E85 (85% ethanol and 15% gasoline). 

Other event sponsors included Province of Manitoba, Corrections Canada and Milligan Biotech. 

 

Media Coverage:

Friendly Fuel to get a Cold Workout in City

(Winnipeg Free Press, April 22, 2004)

 

For more information on National AFV Day Odyssey visit:

www.nationalafvdayodyssey.org

 
 
 
   
Ford Fuel Cell Ride & Drive
 
 

Ford Brings Fuel Cell Vehicles to Winnipeg

Winnipeg, Manitoba proudly holds the unofficial world record for the most people to ride and drive state–of-the-art, production hydrogen hybrid fuel cell vehicles within a seven-hour period! Over 150 people drove in these million dollar vehicles on May 27, 2003, while others attended presentations by Ford and the Canadian Transportation Fuel Cell Alliance to learn more about the fuel cell technology. 

Ford Sustainable Mobility Technologies brought three new 2003 fuel cell hybrid Ford Focus vehicles to the Forks for this one-day event. This ride and drive was part of a 2003 Canadian Tour that included stopovers in 5 cities across Canada.  

This is the second time that Ford Sustainable Mobility Technologies has come to Winnipeg with their fuel cell vehicles. Ford brought one of their prototype hybrid Ford Focus vehicles to Winnipeg for a two-day information session in 2002. Due to mechanical issues the car was not available for driving. Ford has worked hard over the last year to produce new hybrid fuel cell Focus cars in a more traditional production process.

   
The local media and public showed a keen interest in the advanced vehicle technology and are eager to know when they would be seeing more of these vehicles commercially available and on the road.  Phil Chizek, Marketing and Sales Manager, Fuel Cell & e-drive Programs for Ford Sustainable Mobility Technologies, expects that fuel cell vehicles will be made available on the retail market by 2010. Over the next few years these vehicles are available for monitored testing in fleet vehicle demonstrations.   

 

 

The Red River Valley Clean Cities Coalition Winnipeg Chapter was delighted to participate and chair the Ford Focus event and also assisted in coordinating logistics at the Forks.  Manitoba Transportation and Government Services and the Energy Development Initiative partnered with Ford Sustainable Mobility Technologies, Ford of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Fuel Cells Canada, Ballard Power, Dynetek Industries and Stuart Energy to bring this tour to Winnipeg.

The Manitoba Vehicle Technology Centre, the City of Winnipeg, the Forks, and other industry partners in Manitoba, provided important financial support for the event, while other organizations such as Red River Community College and the Manitoba Culture & Heritage provided in-kind support for the event. 

     

Media Coverage:

Ford Flaunts Fuel Cell Prototype Cars at Forks
(Winnipeg Sun, May 28, 2003)

Fuel-cell Technology comes to Winnipeg
(Winnipeg Free Press, May 30, 2003)

 

To learn more about these vehicles, please visit:

www.ford.com/en/innovation/engineFuelTechnology/fuelCells

 

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