Hydro gives to local municipalities

Some municipalities in the West Island are set to benefit from a program by Hydro Quebec that would give each participating city hall $30 or $35 for each of their residents that fill out a survey on the amount of energy they use in their households.

"We're going to use the money to plant trees," said Dollard des Ormeaux city councillor Alex Bottausci. Dollard thus hopes to fill out publicly owned areas in the municipality, he added, although it is unclear exactly how many trees the city will end up planting.

Hydro Quebec spokesperson Jean-Philippe Rousseau said the program is meant to encourage citizens to be more efficient about their energy use. That is why filling out the survey in paper form will net the municipality $30, whereas downloading it off the web and filling it out electronically will be worth $35.

"We're working with (all) the municipalities in Montreal," Rousseau explained. In some areas of Quebec, such as Trois-Rivières, it is already possible for citizens to fill out surveys. On the Island of Montreal, the surveys will be available as of September.

However, that has not stopped the City of Beaconsfield from planning ahead with what it will do with its own portion of the cash. "We're looking at putting it toward an outdoor, air conditioned ice hockey rink," Mayor Bob Benedetti told The Chronicle.

"You've got to convince a lot of people to get on board for this money," said Benedetti, adding council will start to promote the event before September.

Dorval Mayor Edgar Rouleau said his city will also participate in the program, although council has not yet decided what project to put the money toward. "We're looking at doing something for the youth, and get equipment for youth programs," he said.

Rouleau said the city might try to match the amount that is given by Hydro Quebec.

Residents who fill out the survey will receive an evaluation in response by Hydro Quebec which should be able to give them hints on how to be more efficient, Rousseau said.