Sustainability, it's a word that is applied to our future, to the proposed 2010 Olympic Games and to the development of the Resort Municipality of Whistler, among many other things.
And in terms of sustainable transportation, it is a subject that is particularly sensitive to Whistler with its thousands of SUV-riding visitors and residents.
Now, Canadian youths, including those in Whistler and the surrounding areas, are being encouraged to apply to the national Youth Summit on Sustainable Urban Transportation.
The summit, to take place in Ottawa May 10-14, will revolve around discussions about sustainable transportation. It will focus on commuters' issues and review modes of transportation that do not deplete non-renewable resources or damage the environment.
There are places for 75 Canadian youth, from ages 17 to 24, and the ultimate goal of the summit is to send them back to their home communities to encourage local action on sustainable transportation issues.
Over the course of the weekend, the summit will host some of the country's leading experts on urban spaces, transportation and the environment.
And at its conclusion, the participants will end their stay in Ottawa with a breakfast on Parliament Hill where their Members of Parliament will join them.
The summit will cover transportation costs to and from the summit as well as accommodation, meals and any expenses related to activities, which are part of the summit. The participants are responsible for their own spending money.
For more information and for application forms, log on to www.goforgreen.ca or www.cutaactu.on.ca or there are also applications available at Municipal Hall.
The applications must be postmarked by Feb. 15, 2002.
