Dear Friends of Kingston Inner Harbour,
Thanks so much Friends of Battery Park for the picture of what might be coming to Kingston’s waterfront at Battery Park. City Council approved “additions” to the previously approved plan – including an inflatable water park amenity, naming rights (Patry) alongside Battery Park and commercialization of the space scheduled for the summer of 2027. Members of the Friends of Battery Park have a number of real concerns. See Item #9.
LOCAL NEWS, ISSUES AND EVENTS
1. Natural Heritage Study – Deadline noon, Aug 6!!!
2. Free Tour of 10 Remarkable Biodiverse Front Yard Gardens, Aug 9
3. Homestead to Build a 20 Storey Tower on Lower Union Pier?
4. Ontario Land Tribunal Issues Decision on Proposed Tannery Development
5. Kingston Initiative Offers Study on Mid-size Cities’ Benefits to Ontario’s Media Production Industry
6. Get Ready for Skeleton Park Neighbourhood Block Party & Community Yard Sale, Sept 20
7. Ontario Rewards Kingston with $3.2 Million Through the Building Faster Fund
8. Proposal for 5-storey podium + 2 Residential Towers (19 & 23 storeys above Metro Grocery
9. Proposed Inflatable Water Oark on Kingston’s Waterfront
10. Celebrating Heritage: 21 Homes Adorned with Plaques to Recognize Heritage Status
11. New Overnight Route Among Service Changes Coming to Kingston Transit this Fall
12. Inclusive Play Project Volunteers’ Major Donation Towards Kingston’s First Inclusive Playground
FROM FARTHER AFIELD
13. Millions Flow into Great Lakes: Canada Funds $9.3 Million in Freshwater Solutions
14. Want to be a Sailor on the Great Lakes? Here’s What it Takes to Have a Career on the Water
15. Reply from MPP Ted Hsu re “Let’s Invest in Renewables, not Another Giant Nuclear Station”
OF GENERAL INTEREST
16. Canada’s New Government to Consult on its First Federal Budget
17. Canadian Armed Forces Air Drop Humanitarian Assistance in Gaza
18. Canada and Ukraine Call on Russia to Return Ukrainian Children
19. Quarries and Species at Risk Don’t Mix
AUGUST FUN IN KINGSTON
20. Twenty-five Things to Do in Kingston This August
LOCAL NEWS, ISSUES, AND EVENTS
1. Natural Heritage Study Deadline Noon, Aug 6!
You have until August 6 to make comments on the City’s Natural Heritage Study which will identify and map the key natural heritage features, such as wetlands, woodlands and watercourses, found in Kingston as well as corridors linking these features together.
If you have any concerns about any aspects of natural heritage, do consider sharing your views.
Ultimately this will feed into the City’s new Official Plan which will guide how the community will grow and how land will be used over the next 25 years, until 2051.
Comments on the Draft Technical Report can be emailed to GetinvolvedKingston@cityofkingston.ca or Niall Oddie, Senior Planner at noddie@cityofkingston.ca.
Report on Public Meeting Received from Vicki Schmolka via Substack,
Natural Heritage planning meeting at Memorial Hall, 6 pm, July 23, 2025
Over 120 people attended the public meeting held at Memorial Hall on July 23rd. It was the biggest turnout for a public meeting that Tim Park, the director of planning for the city, said that he had ever seen in his time with the city.
Members of the public present expressed concerns including about:
- the greyed out areas on the natural heritage map – https://nsegisonline.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/bf47bc4a898e4859b00c0f2078d7e010 that are in the rural area of the city, outside the urban boundary, and for which the city already has natural heritage features information that it is not making public at this time.
- the tight timeframe provided by the city for making comments on the draft natural heritage material
- the seeming disconnect between the city’s natural heritage work (planning department) and the forest management planning (public works)
- the amount of woodland that has been lost in the urban part of the city over the last years leaving only 8% tree cover despite policies that state preserving woodlands is a community priority
- the need for proper consultations with Kingston’s indigenous communities
- the population projections, from 2023, that the region will grow by 76,000 people by 2051 with the majority of newcomers living in the city of Kingston. This projection grounds the push to allow new developments in the rural area of the city.
The city wants people to look at the high-leve map- Kingston – Draft NHS Review and note any areas that have been missed: Is there a wetland that is not showing on the map? Is there a woodland that has not been mapped? Or is something showing as a woodland that is not a woodland? etc.
The public also has the opportunity comment generally about the city’s policies on climate change, woodland cover, wetland preservation, and the natural environment.
And this from Celeste Booth with the suggestion that you write to the mayor and council as well as Niall Oddie, Senior Planner – noddie@cityofkingston.ca
Key Recommendations
Please consider the following recommendations for inclusion in the NHS public review:
- Pause Urban Expansion
Halt all urban boundary expansion proposals until:- Natural heritage protections are improved
- Intensification targets within existing urban areas are met
- Population projections are updated to reflect Canada’s near-zero growth, as reported by Statistics Canada
- Release All Independent NHS Mapping
Ensure transparency by publishing all publicly funded NHS mapping immediately, and exclude developer-funded data from NHS reporting.
Reform the EIS System
Mandate independent, publicly funded EISs*, with clear guidelines including cumulative impact analysis that considers conservation targets, and requires enforceable post-development follow-up. (*whereby developers pay the City to oversee entire EIS processes) - Protect the Full NHS
Rezone all identified significant woodlands, wetlands, and ecological linkages — including those on private land — as no-development zones. Apply a nature-first approach in planning. - Integrate NHS into Natural Asset Management Planning (NAMP)
Expand NAMP to include both public and private lands, in accordance with Ontario Regulation 588/17, and incorporate the value of ecosystem services into fiscal and land-use decision-making. - Differentiate Canopy vs. Forest Cover
Clarify that individual tree canopy metrics cannot replace functioning forest ecosystems in policy implementation. - Ensure Ongoing Monitoring & Accountability Track cumulative habitat loss and changes in forest cover. Align land-use decisions with climate, biodiversity, and NHS targets, and report progress regularly to Council and the public to support decision making processes.
- Support Indigenous-Led Stewardship
Partner with Indigenous Nations to support restoration, co-governance, and the inclusion of traditional knowledge in stewardship and planning processes.
Urgent Request to Council: Immediate Motion Needed
I respectfully urge Council to pass a motion directing staff to:
- Pause urban boundary expansion until stronger nature protection policies are implemented (via the NHS and Official Plan) and updated population projections are available
- Release all NHS mapping data now, and exclude developer-funded EIS mapping from the NHS — the public deserves access to complete, independent information
- Delay the release of the draft Official Plan until the NHS is finalized so that findings and public input can shape policy meaningfully
- Extend NHS and Official Plan engagement timelines into the fall to allow meaningful public participation, especially given the exclusionary impact of summer scheduling.
- Thank you for your time and for including this submission as part of the public consultation on the Natural Heritage Study. These issues will shape the future of our city — and they deserve urgent and transparent action.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Optional: Address]
Also from Niall Oddie – the City is now working on a Natural Asset Management Plan.
In case you are not familiar with Natural Asset Management Plans, it is a concept that was born in the UK a few years ago and has since expanded globally. Here is a brief description:
Natural asset management (NAM) involves recognizing and managing natural resources—such as forests, wetlands, and water bodies—as essential components of municipal infrastructure. These natural assets provide vital services, including stormwater management, air purification, and habitat preservation, often at lower costs than traditional engineered solutions.
The contact is Shruii Patil– spatil@cityofkingston.ca. She will be working with Marty Mayberry who is the project lead for the City’s Forest Management Strategy.
2. Free Tour of 10 Remarkable Biodiverse Front Yard Gardens, Aug 9
Received from Little Forests Kingston, July 17, 2025
Time to reimagine your lawn! We’re offering a free tour of 10 remarkable biodiverse front yard gardens on August 9 from 10am-2pm. Learn from homeowners who’ve made the transformation as well as Master Gardeners who will be available to answer questions and provide advice on a wide variety of garden styles, purposes and methods.
Complete garden tour information, including addresses and garden descriptions, will be available to people who have pre-registered on August 8. Learn more and register on Eventbrite.
3. Homestead to Build a 20 Storey Tower on Lower Union Pier?
Received from Kathleen O’Hara, Aug 5.
“It’s 20 storeys will interrupt our lovely waterfront. City Hallo must ignore 29 zoning bylaws to allow this interruption of our lovely waterfront. And there are plans for a cruise-ship (about 500 ft. long docking facility with a roundabout for the buses needed to pransport the 300 – 400 passengers. This isn’t acceptable.
Join us for a community meeting: Thursday, August 7, 2 pm, in the Social Room of the Shipyards, 33 Ontario St. We MUST PROTECT OUR WATERFRONT…”
4. Ontario Land Tribunal Issues Decision on Proposed Tannery Development
Received from the City of Kingstons July 28
Following a hearing process that concluded in early 2024, the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) has issued a decision on the proposed Tannery development.
The decision approves the development in its entirety, through amendments to both the Official Plan and the Zoning By-Law. The amendments will be reflected in the first draft of the new Official Plan, which will be released to the public in mid-August.
“This development marks a major step forward for Kingston, bringing much needed housing to the urban core, and remediating the largest brownfield property in the city,” says Mayor Bryan Paterson. “I’m excited to see how this project will contribute to the renewal and revitalization of Kingston’s Inner Harbour.”
The proposal includes a four-phased, mid-rise, mixed-use commercial and residential development with approximately 1500-1670 homes, a minimum of 3600 square metres of commercial space and new park space along the waterfront on the Cataraqui River.
A significant number of steps in the planning process are yet to come:
- Restarting the draft plan of subdivision as the process was put on hold pending the outcome of the hearing. This will include resubmitting technical documents detailing conditions such as road and infrastructure designs, and habitat and shoreline protection. Following the completion of the technical review, a report will be brought forward to the Planning Committee and Council with a recommendation by City staff for consideration.
- Brownfield Community Improvement Plan (CIP). In Oct. 2020, Council approved the creation of a special project area for the Tannery lands that enabled increased financial benefits and extended timelines to help facilitate the remediation of the land. Records of Site Condition (RSC) will be needed to allow the proposed change in land use from formerly industrial to residential and parkland.
- Applications for site plan control approval will be needed for each phase of the development, along with a landscape plan to replant and re-naturalize the shoreline in consultation with Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority, Parks Canada and Transport Canada
Received from Kathleen O’Hara, Aug 4.
No Clearcuts Kingston Deeply Disappointed and Concerned after the OLT Tannery Decision
No Clearcuts Kingston (NCK) is deeply disappointed by the Ontario Land Tribunal’s July 25, 2025 decision to allow the clearcutting of 2000 trees in the “Significant” Tannery forest in order to facilitate large-scale residential/commercial development. NCK is also concerned that the resulting on-site activities may release toxic substances from the contaminated property into the adjacent Cataraqui River.
“We are extremely upset and disheartened to learn that the desire of so many Kingstonians to preserve the Tannery urban forest has been thwarted by the Tribunal’s decision,” said Kathleen O’Hara of NCK, which was a party in the lengthy Tribunal hearing. “Sadly, given the fact that Ford’s Ontario, and provincial land-use planning laws and policies, have become increasingly pro-development and anti-citizen-involvement, we are not entirely surprised by the outcome.”
Retired biologist Kerry Hill of NCK expressed her science-based concerns: “We know from the expert testimony at the hearing that clearcutting the site and disturbing the soil has the potential to release extremely dangerous chemicals. Chromium III is safe in the ground, but when it combines with oxygen, it becomes Chromium VI which is lethal to living organisms. This is just one example of potential hazards.”
NCK announced that it will continue to monitor the implementation of this project to minimize the environmental damage that may be caused by the development as approved by the Tribunal. NCK will also be consulting with its lawyers on a variety of issues.
“We all know that parts of the Tannery lands are highly contaminated,” said Hill. “How will the developer, City, provincial, and federal government officials co-ordinate a safe clean-up plan? Will there be credible, independent monitoring of environmental impacts on a daily basis while the pre-construction clearcutting is underway? There must be safety measures in place that should be acted on immediately.”
The Tribunal decision did stipulate that the on-site portion of the provincially significant wetland cannot be capped, as originally proposed by the developer. NCK will be asking the City whether it will request an updated site development plan because of the removal of the green space that was to be provided by the capped wetland.
Last week, the City held a public meeting on its Natural Heritage Study. More than 120 people attended, many of whom are concerned about the loss of woodlands and wetlands within the urban boundary and beyond if the Urban Boundary is extended, as the City is promoting.
“This Tribunal decision, which effectively allows wiping out 2000 trees at the site, certainly shows the vulnerability of our natural surroundings,” added O’Hara. “Politicians and officials can label areas “Significant” and so on, but what real protection does this offer in our present “Build, Build, Build” society? Citizens must become even more organized, vigilant, and vocal!”
“We are facing an increasingly deadly climate crisis,” noted Hill. “It’s heartbreaking to see the destruction of more Kingston trees when we will need them to cool temperatures, clean our smokey air, prevent flooding and erosion, and, in the case of the Tannery land, help keep toxins secured in the ground.”
NCK would like to thank all the Kingstonians who sent emails to the City, spoke at public meetings, donated and/or helped raise money, attended rallies, and much more, in an attempt to save the Tannery forest and wetland and protect our air, water, and wildlife habitat.
More info? Kathleen O’Hara – 613-409-8444, Kerry Hill – 613-542-3956
5. Kingston Initiative Offers Study on Mid-size Cities’ Benefits to Ontario’s Media Production Industry
Received from the Kingston Ecosomic Development Corporation, Jul 14
The study titled Hyperlocal Ontnario Action Plan provides a path for mid-size Ontario cities to build the media production sector in their community.
Kingston initiative offers study on mid-size cities’ benefits to Ontario’s media production industry – Kingston News
6. Get Ready for Skeleton Park Neighbourhood Block Party & Community Yard Sale Sept 20
Received from Nico Koenig July 17, 2025
Plans are underway to organize a neighbourhood-wide yard sale block party extravaganza this Saturday September 20th.
Would you like to join in on the fun?
If yes, reply to me at koenig@gmail.com.
7. Ontario Rewards Kingston with $3.2 Million through the Building Faster Fund.
Received from the City of Kingston, July 10, 2025
As part of its record-breaking investments in housing-enabling infrastructure, the Ontario government is awarding the City of Kingston $3,200,000 through the second round of the Building Faster Fund, which provides funding to municipalities that achieve at least 80 per cent of their provincially designated housing targets. Kingston broke ground on 966 new homes in 2024, which works out to 145 per cent of its 2024 housing target. This funding will help the City of Kingston build more homes and community infrastructure and supports the province’s plan to protect Ontario by investing in infrastructure to support economic growth and keep workers on the job.
“I applaud Mayor Paterson for stepping up to deliver the homes that Kingston needs,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “Our government has a plan to protect Ontario by creating good-paying jobs and building the homes that communities need to be competitive. Working with our municipal partners, we are making historic infrastructure investments and giving them the tools to build and make the dream of homeownership happen for more families.”
Announced in August 2023, the Building Faster Fund is a three-year, $1.2 billion program that is designed to encourage municipalities to speed up municipal approval processes and get more homes built faster. The fund rewards municipalities that make significant progress against their targets by providing funding for housing-enabling and community-enabling infrastructure.
“Kingston has once again surpassed its annual provincial housing target, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to addressing the housing needs of our growing community,” said Bryan Paterson, Mayor of Kingston. “Investments like the one announced today help us stay focused on facilitating housing construction that is both affordable and accessible. Thank you to the province’s continued partnership and recognition that building strong, inclusive communities takes collaboration. Programs like the Building Faster Fund remain vital in supporting our shared goals.”
The Ontario government is also helping to speed up the construction of new homes and infrastructure, including by streamlining development processes and reducing costs in close partnership with municipalities, through the Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act 2025.
Quick Facts
- From January to May 2025, Ontario saw 6,977 rental starts, an increase of 25 per cent compared to the same period in 2024. This is the second-highest level of rental starts on record for this time of the year, after 2023.
- To help make way for more housing opportunities and support growing communities, the government is also extending the time that municipalities have to spend funds awarded through the Building Faster Fund to 2028.
8. New Development Proposal at Metro
Received from the McBurney Park Neighbourhood Association July 11.
New: 310 Barrie Street (Metro Store) The proposal, brought forward by the Springer Group with the support of Fotenn Consultants Inc., would see the grocery store occupy the ground floor of a 5-storey podium with two residential towers rising to 19 and 23 storeys. The applicant intends to build in phases to allow Metro to stay operational for the duration of the construction process. This is a huge project affecting much of our neighbourhood.
A Community Meeting is tentatively scheduled for SEPTEMBER 4. If you are interested in viewing any of the submission materials in advance, they are publicly available on the City’s online application system (DASH) and can be accessed here.
http://aca-prodca.accella.com/KINGSTON/Cap/CapDetail.aspx?Module=Plan…
Editor’s Note: I have tried to access this with no luck but stay tuned as the meeting is Sept 4.
For reference, the file number is D14-011-2025.
9. Proposed Inflatable Water Park on Kingston’s Waterfront
Received from the Friends of Battery Park, Aug 5, 2025
As you may know, City Council approved ‘additions’ to the previously approved plan – including an inflatable water park amenity, naming rights (Patry) alongside Battery Park and commercialization of the space scheduled for the summer of 2027. Very discouraging that Council approved, based on a staff report (late June) – that enjoyed no (recent) public consultation. Of course, most folks were unaware of the changes, but we attempted to mobilize the community ahead of the vote, but we were unsuccessful. Now, still trying to raise awareness for what’s proposed, hoping to mitigate the impact.
And this from their Weekly Bulletin of July 25, 2025
• Senior City Staff Engagement
Lanie Hurdle, Chief Administrative Officer, has returned from vacation and has resumed communication with representatives of the Friends of Battery Park. This is a welcome step forward, and we appreciate her willingness to listen and to engage.
• 2022 Engagement Summary Shared
In her response to one of our members, Ms. Hurdle circulated a document summarizing the public consultations conducted in 2022. While these outreach efforts were important at that time, we note with concern that:
– The report contains no mention of inflatables,
– There is no reference to consideration for a naming rights proposal, and
– There is no evidence of outreach since then
— to adjacent residents or the broader community concerning the new elements recently approved by Council.
• Still Seeking Accountability and Due Process
We continue to ask: Why was the public not engaged in consultations concerning these new project elements before a motion to approve them was presented to City Council at their meeting on July 8th? And why were only business stakeholders consulted while residential neighbours were not?
• Integrity Commissioner Contacted
We have formally reached out to the City of Kingston’s Integrity Commissioner for guidance on how to move our concerns forward, respectfully but firmly.
• Our Goal
While City Council has already approved the revised Promenade project and related naming rights agreement in principle, our focus now is to influence how the plan will be implemented — not to reverse the entire decision, but to ensure it reflects the public interest. Specifically, we will urge the City to:
• Pause the rollout of newly added elements — the inflatables, expanded swim zone, and commercial naming — until safety, environmental, and community concerns are fully addressed;
• Proceed with the 2022 Promenade enhancements — including the widened breakwater walkway and seating areas — which followed thoughtful public engagement and are broadly supported;
• Hold off on ratifying the naming rights deal until the aquatic park details are finalized — and until the community has had a fair chance to weigh in through an open, transparent consultation process.
More Info? batteryparkfriends.kingston@gmail.com
10. Celebrating Heritage: 21 Homes Adorned with Plaques to Recognize Heritage Status
Received from the City of Kingston, Aug 5, 2025
Last week, 21 beautifully crafted heritage property markers were installed across Kingston, proudly recognizing properties of historical and cultural significance.
Each 15-centimetre cast bronze plaque – expertly produced by Ontario’s Riverside Foundry Inc. – features the City of Kingston’s coat of arms, the year of construction, and either the property’s address or its commonly known name, along with the phrase “Designated Heritage Property.”
The plaques were installed in collaboration with property owners and can be found at homes and buildings in the Sydenham, King’s Town, Portsmouth, Lakeside, Collins-Bayridge and Loyalist-Cataraqui districts of Kingston.
“These heritage property designation markers are an important and effective tool in highlighting the historical and architectural significance of our structures. I am very happy to have been able to participate in the project this year and I appreciate the City’s continuation of this program,” says Marc Shaw, property owner of 221 King St. E. – also known as the J.S. Cartwright House – which received a plaque this past week.
This initiative is envisioned as an annual program that celebrates and promotes Kingston’s built heritage resources and fosters community pride in our shared heritage. The City is currently developing an online application system for owners of designated or listed heritage properties to request a heritage property marker.
“These markers serve as a visible symbol of heritage property designation, celebrating the unique stories embedded in our built environment, and recognizing the historical and cultural significance of heritage properties for all residents of Kingston,” says Melissa Cruise, City Curator.
11. New Overnight Route Among Service Changes Coming to Kingston Transit this Fall
Received from the City of Kingston Aug 5, 2025
Starting Monday, Sept. 1, Kingston Transit will implement several planned improvements and seasonal service adjustments to enhance service for current and future customers.
The upcoming service changes will benefit transit customers by:
- Increasing frequency, with more routes offering 15-minute or better service during peak periods;
- Increasing access throughout the city to shift workers and other customers by offering trips beyond typical travel hours; and
- Continuing predictable weekend service across the Cataraqui River during any scheduled LaSalle Causeway closures.
The new schedules begin on Labour Day. All routes will run on a Sunday service, and regular weekday service will resume on Tuesday, Sept. 2.
Service highlights
Highlights of the service changes include:
- NEW: N1 overnight service will run from midnight to 3 a.m. every evening. It will connect the Cataraqui Centre to First Canada Avenue (at Division Street) via Brock/Barrie streets, Queen’s University, St. Lawrence College and Kingston Centre.
- Route 4 and Express 501/502 will provide 15-minute or better service along Princess Street until 9 p.m.
- Express 501/502 will provide 15-minute service weekdays until 7:30 p.m. and during select periods on weekends. · Express 601/602 weekend service will resume with Route 60 operating on weekends when the LaSalle Causeway is closed.
- Express 701/702 will provide 10-minute service during weekday morning and afternoon peak periods from Cataraqui Centre to downtown.
Preview the updated routes and schedules at KingstonTransit.ca. Ask questions or get help with trip planning by reaching out to us by phone at 613-546-0000 or by email at ContactUs@CityofKingston.ca. Customers can also plan trips on their mobile device by downloading the Transit App.
Stay connected
Stay connected to Kingston Transit through the Transit App. Transit is available for both Android and iPhone users. It’s a superpowered way to plan your transit trips, check availability and track your ride in real time. It also offers connected trip planning to help you get to your route whether walking or by bike.
Subscribe to email notices about transit service at CityofKingston.ca/Subscribe and click Transit News and Service Alerts.
12. Inclusive Play Project Volunteers’ Major Donation Towards Kingston’s First Inclusive Playground
Received from the City of Kingston July 30
At a special event held yesterday at Shannon Park, the future home of the inclusive playground, volunteers representing the Inclusive Play Project presented a donation of $82,500 to Mayor Bryan Paterson. The funds will contribute to the development of an inclusive recreational space that will welcome children of all ages and abilities.
“This donation is the result of years of passionate advocacy and grassroots fundraising by a dedicated group of community volunteers,” says Mayor Paterson. “We’re proud to partner with the Inclusive Play Project to bring Kingston’s first inclusive playground to life — a space that will foster belonging and joy for every child.”
Shannon Park, located at 199 Wilson St., was selected as the site for the city’s first inclusive playground due to existing accessible play equipment as well as its proximity to accessible facilities at Rideau Heights Community Centre. The playground will feature rubber safety surfacing and ramps, and provide play opportunities that accommodate a range of mobility aids and sensory needs. With this donation from Inclusive Play Project volunteers, more than $1.2 million has been committed through individual donations, foundation contributions and government funding. Construction is planned for 2026.
“We are thrilled to present this cheque to the City of Kingston on behalf of the Inclusive Play Project. These funds are a true testament to the community support that has rallied behind this wonderful project,” says Inclusive Play Project volunteer Rachel Doornekamp. “We want to extend a big thank you to everyone who has helped make this happen. All of our sponsors, volunteers and everyone who came out in support of the Inclusive Fun Fair event. We truly couldn’t have done it without you!”
More information about the inclusive playground can be found on Get Involved Kingston. To find out more about supporting the Inclusive Play Project with corporate sponsorship, in-kind donations and financial donations, visit its website.
FROM FARTHER AFIELD
13. Millions Flow into Great Lakes: Canada funds $9.3 million in freshwater solutions, Government of Canada, July 14, 2025. The Government of Canada announced 26 projects receiving funding under the Great Lakes Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative. The goal of the Great Lakes Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative is to target the most significant environmental challenges affecting Great Lakes water quality and ecosystem health by delivering on Canada’s commitments under the Canada-United States Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.
14.Want to be a sailor on the Great Lakes? Here’s what it takes to have career on the water, Detroit Free Press, July 14, 2025. Always wanted to be a sailor on the Great Lakes? According to the Great Lakes Maritime careers webpage, your opportunity is now. That’s because the entire U.S. shipboard maritime workforce is projected to turn over in the coming decades. Overall, the U.S. maritime workforce is projected to have more than 35,000 job openings for sailors and marine oilers; 29,000 captains, mates, and pilots; and 9,500 ship engineers. Sailors, also called mariners, are people who navigate or assist in navigating ships. And while shipping season started in March, jobs are still available in Michigan, according to the organization’s website.
15. Reply from MPP Ted Hsu re “Let’s Invest in Renewables, not Another Giand Nuclear Station
Received Aug 5, 2025
Hello Mary
Thank you for contacting my office. With all that is happening in the world, I share your feeling that we should not forget about the climate crisis where the clock continues to tick.
I completely agree that Ontario needs to procure more renewable energy and storage (which makes intermittent sources of power more valuable).
It’s very important that you also encourage municipalities to choose to host renewable energy and storage projects. Municipalities have a say in the process and their support is crucial, so please consider sharing your thoughts with them as well.
Sincerely,
Ted
OF GENERAL INTEREST
16. Canada’s New Government to Consult on its First Federal Budget
Received from the Finance Dep’t of the Government of Canada, July 14, 2025
In the election, Canadians called for change – and Canada’s new government is moving with urgency to deliver this change. Budget 2025 will spend less and invest more to catalyze private capital, unleash investment, and build the strongest economy in the G7.
As the new government prepares for the tabling of Budget 2025 in the fall, the Minister of Finance and National Revenue, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, is launching pre-budget consultations. Starting today, until August 28, 2025, Canadians can participate in the consultations by sharing their thoughts on key issues at Canada.ca/YourBudget.
Pre-Budget Consultations 2025 – Canada.ca
http://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/programs/consultations/2025/pre-budget-consultations-2025.html?utm_campaign=fin-fin-pbc-25-26&utm_medium=vanity-url&utm_source=canada-ca_yourbudget
Consultations will focus on bringing down costs for Canadians – building on measures such as the middle-class tax cut which saves a two-income family up to $840 a year and removing GST on new homes under $1 million for first-time buyers. Consultations will also emphasize job-creation, including measures to build more homes, expedite nation-building projects, and bolster Canada’s defence industrial capacity.
In the weeks to come, the Minister of Finance, alongside Secretary of State, Wayne Long, and Parliamentary Secretary, Ryan Turnbull, will also be meeting with stakeholders and individuals across the country as part of the pre-budget consultation process.
This Budget will deliver on the new government’s mandate to bring down costs, keep communities safe, diversify trade, and build one strong Canadian economy. With a responsible fiscal plan – we will spend less, invest more, and build Canada as an economic force for decades to come.
17. Canadian Armed Forces Air Drop Humanitarian Assistance in Gaza
Received from Global Affairs Canada, Aug 4, 2025
The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable David McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, today announced that the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) delivered additional life-saving humanitarian assistance to Gaza to respond to the pressing humanitarian needs of Palestinians.
The CAF employed a CC-130J Hercules aircraft to conduct an airdrop of critical humanitarian aid in support of Global Affairs Canada into the Gaza Strip. The air drop consisted of 21,600 pounds of aid.
Canada is taking these exceptional measures with our international partners as access to humanitarian aid in Gaza is severely restricted and humanitarian needs have reached an unprecedented level. Despite the scale of need, humanitarian partners face severe challenges in delivering life-saving food and medical assistance by land due to ongoing restrictions imposed by the Israeli government. This obstruction of aid is a violation of international humanitarian law and must end immediately.
Improving the humanitarian conditions of Palestinians requires a dramatic scale-up of humanitarian assistance. Canada reiterates calls for the guarantee of safe and unimpeded access for humanitarian organizations, including the opening of all crossings, the rapid approval of customs clearances and all humanitarian goods into Gaza, and the issuance of long-term visas for aid workers.
Canada thanks Jordan for facilitating the delivery of much-needed humanitarian assistance to Gaza. Canada remains firmly committed to promoting peace and stability in the region and will intensify its efforts with international partners toward this goal. The two-state solution, with Israelis and Palestinians living side by side in security, remains the only viable pathway to a just and lasting peace.
The CAF stands ready to respond to Government of Canada priorities and requests for assistance whenever it is called upon.
Quick facts
- On July 29, 2025, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand announced new funding of $30 million to help address the humanitarian needs of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. Minister Anand also announced an additional $10 million to the World Bank to support the Palestinian Authority’s role in stabilizing and governing the West Bank.
- The $30 million in humanitarian assistance will be focused on:
- Support to logistical operations along the Jordanian Corridor;
- Support to experienced UN and Red Cross partners to scale up the delivery of assistance into Gaza; and
- Input Canadian-funded humanitarian supplies into the pipelines into Gaza, including support to the Government of Jordan’s efforts.
- With the additional resources announced on July 29, 2025, Canada has committed more than $355 million in international assistance to respond to the humanitarian and resilience needs of Palestinian civilians since October 7, 2023. This includes an announcement of more than $99 million by Canada in March 2025 to support the UN, World Bank, Red Cross and NGO partners in delivering international assistance to Gaza and the West Bank, as well as $50 million announced in November 2024 to address the acute needs of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.
18. Canada and Ukraine Call on Russia to Return Ukrainian Children
Received from Global Affairs Canada Aug 5, 2025
Canada and Ukraine call on Russia to return Ukrainian children – Canada.ca
Statement by Minister Anand re suspension of all permits that could have allowed military components to be used in Gaza/
Received from Global Affairs, Aug 2, 2025
Statement by Minister Anand on flawed report released earlier this week concerning Canadian arms exports – Canada.ca
19. Quarries and Species at Risk Don’t Mix
Thanks Barb Schlafer for this link
Mining company Darien Aggregates/Rankin Construction wants to build a massive rock quarry next to pristine wetlands in the Serpent River watershed in the Township of North Shore, Algoma. This must be stopped!
The proposed site, located on Crown land in Robinson-Huron treaty territory, has been identified as 100 per cent critical habitat for a dense population of threatened Blanding’s turtles. It’s also in an important watershed for Lake Huron. This is no place for a destructive mine that Darien proposes to operate for over 100 years — especially for products that are already available at an operating mine just 90 km away. This quarry is unnecessary.
Full article and info for sending letter
Quarries and species at risk don’t mix | Wilderness Committee
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Have fun,
Mary Farrar,
Friends of Kingston Inner Harbour