TORONTO Motor Coach Canada has come up with a proactive plan for helping communities and tourism venues develop programs that reduce unnecessary idling by tour coaches.

The idea for the initiative grew out of the successful Spare the Air Emissions Reduction Project implemented by the Niagara Parks Commission early in this decade.

Based on that success, Motor Coach Canada approached Natural Resources Canadas FleetSmart and Urban & Environmental Management Inc., with the idea of developing a toolkit that communities and tourism venues across Canada could use to implement anti-idling programs.

To develop its idea, Motor Coach Canada involved more than 100 stakeholders from the tourism sector, motorcoach and trucking companies, advocacy groups and border crossings.

As a result of the effort, the association came up with the 'Idle-Free Destination Toolkit,' which is now available to communities and other groups.

Brian Crow, president of Motor Coach Canada, said the association has long favored voluntary measures on the part of coach operators and drivers over laws, enforcement and fines as a way to reduce unnecessary idling.

'This toolkit will augment voluntary efforts already in place across the industry to minimize the environmental impact of motorcoach travel and promote environmental stewardship,' said Dave Carroll, director of safety and maintenance for Motor Coach Canada.

Crow said the toolkits central document is a 'step-by-step guide that provides guidance on the requirements for implementing a successful idling reduction program.'

The guide is complemented by communication tools, such as sample promotional material, as well as information on scheduling and budgeting. The kit also contains background information about other idling reduction programs, including municipalities with guides developed to inform motorcoach drivers about their idling policies, attractions and designated motorcoach parking.

In addition, there are sections in the toolkit that discuss idling-reduction technologies, education programs for fuel-efficient driving, sample idling policies and information about the impacts of idling.

'Another great feature of the Idle-Free Destination Toolkit is that its not only applicable to tourist sites and border crossings, but its adaptable to other containment areas, such as ferry terminals, truck yards and bus terminals,' notes Darin Bagshaw of Natural Resources Canada.

The toolkit is available at no charge by contacting Bagshaw by phone (613) 947-0236, or e-mail dbagshaw@nrcan.gc.ca.