Dear Friends of Kingston Inner Harbour,
I had intended to skip the mid- August newsletter and relax a bit but there is just so much happening it has become necessary.
Thanks so much Martello Alley for the Facebook picture promoting this wonderful Art Fundraiser for Providence Care and Providence Manor. See Item #13.
LOCAL NEWS AND ISSUES
1. Planning your Trip across the Waaban Crossing
2. Sad News about Corus but Bill Hutchins lives on in Profile Magazine
3. Temporary Closure of Artillery Park
5. City’s Community Advisory Group Update
6. Limestone Century Bicycle Tour: Rider and Volunteer Info – Sept 8
7. New Additional Residential Unit Incentive Program to Boost Rental Housing in Kingston
8. New Indigenous Mural in Rideau Heights
9. 25 Storey High-Rise at Downtown Goodlife passed at Council Aug 13
10. Stock Up on Used Library Books
11. Nominate a Kingston Sustainability Champion
12. Shannon Park’s New Inclusive Playground
13. Martello Alley Art Fundraiser for Providence Care and Providence Manor
14. H’Art Studio to Move to Providence Village – 2025
15. Rideau Canal Businesses Grapple with LaSalle Causeway Disruptions
16. Police Bicycle Auction –Sat, Aug 24, 2024
17. Seniors for Climate Action Rally, Oct 1, 2024
18. New Speed Regulations in Residential Communities
19. Forever Chemicals Now Being Tested by Utilities Kingston
FROM FARTHER AFIELD
20. Massive expansion for Picton Terminals,
21. US Army invests billions to battle highly invasive species wreaking havoc on state waterways: ‘A significant victory’
22. TSB concerned about Canada’s marine emergency preparedness following investigation into a fire aboard container vessel ZIM Kingston
23. Biden administration taps Quebec shipbuilder for icebreaker expertise,
OF GENERAL INTEREST
24. LodgePole Arts Alliance Business Plan 2023-28
25. Researchers Warn of Unprecedented Arsenic Release from Wildfires
LOCAL NEWS AND ISSUES
1. Planning your trip across the Waaban Crossing
Received from the City of Kingston Facebook page, Aug 12
“You let us know that a live traffic feed of the Waaban Crossing would help you plan your commute during the closure of the LaSalle Causeway. We’re happy to let you know it is now live on our closure page: https://bit.ly/4cO2Y3Z.”
2. Sad news about Corus but Bill Hutchins lives on in Profile Magazine
Editor’s Note: Bill’s pieces on what’s happening at City Council are truly excellent.
Do consider subscribing – or pick up free copies at participating stores.
Established in 1985, Profile Kingston magazine strives to inspire and educate, to engage and entertain, and to make us all proud of Kingston and its people. Through the words and photography of talented local contributors, the citizens of this distinguished city continue to teach us all. Life in Kingston, Ontario has so much to offer!
Published bimonthly, this glossy city magazine features the stories, accomplishments and passions of Kingstonians. Issues include columns highlighting finance, travel, nutrition, home and gardening, and articles of historic significance. Read about upcoming events, our self-improvement planner, business announcements, and dining guide. Meet Kingston’s young achievers, and discover what’s happening in and around the city. It’s all here in Profile Kingston — the city magazine that’s read cover to cover!
Explore and enjoy Kingston with our companion magazine, Summer in the City. Presented in a convenient, easy-to-read digest format, Summer in the City contains a great selection of cultural events, recreational activities, maps, and dining establishments. Designed to entertain Kingstonians and their visiting friends and family all summer long, Summer in the City is your essential guide to beautiful, historic Kingston.
Current issues can be purchased for $5.95 each, while quantities last. Price includes applicable taxes, shipping and handling within Canada only. Allow two to three weeks for delivery.
Annual subscriptions, six issues of Profile Kingston and two issues of Summer in the City, are available for $24.95. Price includes applicable taxes, shipping and handling within Canada only. Allow four to six weeks for delivery.
For questions or additional information, please contact our office at 613-546-6723 or by email at editor@profilekingston.com
3. Temporary Closure of Artillery Park
Received from the City, Aug 15, 2024
Artillery Park Aquatic Centre to close for Annual Maintenance
The City of Kingston’s Artillery Park Aquatic Centre will be closed from Monday, Sept. 2 to Sunday, Sept. 22 for annual maintenance, reopening on Monday, Sept. 23.
The closure will allow staff to conduct minor repairs, perform a deep cleaning of the facility and complete any fitness equipment and pool maintenance activities.
During the shutdown, the pools, gym, fitness centre and meeting rooms will be closed to the public. The front desk area will only be open on Sept. 12 and 13 from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., during which time staff will be available to process aquatic program registration.
Artillery Park members don’t have to miss out while the facility is closed; depending on your membership, you may be entitled to the following:
- All Fitpass membership holders may access facilities, aquatics and fitness programming at the INVISTA Centre, Kingston East Community Centre, YMCA and BGC South East (formerly Boys & Girls Club of Kingston & Area).
- All Artillery Park gym-only membership holders may access the fitness centres at INVISTA Centre or the Kingston East Community Centre.
- All Artillery Park pool-only membership holders may access the Culligan Water Park or BGC South East for aquatics programming.
Programs and schedules at all City recreation facilities can be found through our rercreation portal – https://cityofkingston.perfectmind.com/Contacts/BookMe4?widgetId=15f6af07-39c5-473e-b053-96653f77a406
For additional information or assistance, please call 613-546-0000.
5. City’s Community Advisory Group Update
Received from the City of Kingston, Aug 12,
Thank you so much Kingston, for the incredible response to the call for Community Advisory Group members! With more than 200 applications from all corners of the community and the city the turnout was fantastic.
The next step is to select group members using an adapted civic lottery. All applicants will be notified whether they have been selected or not by September 6th. Then on September 28th the advisory group will meet for the first time.
What is a Civic Lottery?
Municipal governments often use civic lotteries to bring communities together to find solutions to common issues. Civic lotteries are equitable and democratic methods to select participants to represent diverse communities.
To ensure that the adapted civic lottery is inclusive and representative, we have reviewed and established the baseline demographics of the City of Kingston which allowed us to determine the number of people and identities that need to be represented in the group. We then considered perspectives that need to be overrepresented, given historical inequities. This process ensures that selected members represent the demographically diverse makeup of the City of Kingston, and reflect equity-deserving populations and future residents as the City continues to grow and evolve. Additionally, we’ve added adaptations to ensure the group is a diverse representation.
More Info? https://www.cityofkingston.ca/news/posts/help-shape-kingston-s-future/
6. Limestone Century Bicycle Tour – Rider and Volunteer Info – Sept 8
Received from Rosemary Lysaght, Volunteer Coordinator, Limestone Century Bicycle Tour, July 30
For Potential Riders:
Challenge yourself on this non-competitive classic century bicycle tour through the quiet roads of Frontenac and Lennox & Addington counties. There arethree great routes to choose from: 100 mile, 100 km and 50 km.The 100 mile route traverses the Canadian Shield and scenic Hay Bay, then follows the Lake Ontario shore on the return. Each of our routes passes through picturesque and historic towns in Southeastern Ontario, with rest stops along the way. The ride ends at the Portsmouth Olympic Harbour with lunch and camaraderie for all. Registration fee is $60, and entries must be received by midnight on September 1. Proceeds go to support Cycle Kingston and its educational/outreach activities.
More info?https://limestonecenturytour.wixsite.com/limestone-century To volunteer, please email limestone.century.bicycle.tour@gmail.com
Once again, we are edging towards the Limestone Century fall classic. The 2024 event will take place on September 8th and is a fundraiser for Cycle Kingston, Inc.
We’re reaching out to past volunteers to gauge interest and willing to help with pre-ride and day-of tasks. This year the ride will start and end at the Portsmouth Olympic Harbour building. New volunteers also welcome.
For Potential Volunteers:
Needed for:
· Pre-ride preparation (including route(s) and road marking, preparing rest stop supply boxes, pick up draw prizes, etc.)
· Rider pre- and post-ride check-in
· Rest stop crew (2 – 3 hours shifts)
· SAG wagon support on-route (gas money provided)
As a thank you, our volunteers qualify for the prize raffle draw, as well as a lunch voucher.
If you have already registered for or are planning to participate in the Limestone Century as a rider, that’s great! For volunteers who are interested in riding one of the LCBT routes, there will be an option to ride on a later date.
Please let us know if you are interested in volunteering, and your preference of what you would like to do – by August 19th, but ideally as soon as you decide.
Rosemary Lysaght, Volunteer Coordinator, Limestone Century Bicycle Tour
A One-Day Classic Ride! Second Sunday in September
www.limestonecenturytour.wixsite.com/limestone-century
7. New Additional Residential Unit Incentive Program to Boost Rental Housing in Kingston
Received from the City of Kingston, Aug 15, 2024
“The Additional Residential Unit (ARU) Incentive has five incentives and grants that help property owners create alternative housing options within the city.
Property owners that create an ARU and agree to meet the conditions of the program can get funding. The funding options include forgivable loan incentives and non-repayable grants. If you receive a forgivable loan, you do not need to repay this loan if you continue to meet the program terms for five years.
We review and approve applications on a first-come, first-served basis while funding is available.“
More Info?https://www.cityofkingston.ca/building-and-renovating/building-permits/additional-residential-units-arus/aru-incentive-programs/
8. New Indigenous Mural in Rideau Heights
Received from the City, Aug 7, 2024
New mural by Kingston-based Indigenous artists Jaylene Cardinal and Dakota Ward installed at Rideau Heights Community Centre
Rideau Heights Community Centre is now home to a mural that reflects on the power of community, resilience, and hope.
The mural is named Wahkohtowin, a Cree word that expresses the interconnected nature of relationships, communities and natural systems. Its imagery and design were inspired through community consultation with residents of the Rideau Heights neighbourhood in a collaborative creative engagement opportunity led by the artists in spring 2024.
Jaylene Cardinal and Dakota Ward are Cree artists who moved to Kingston from Edmonton in 2014, and they believe that art can help the world become not only a more understanding and considerate world but a happier and better place to live.
“Jaylene and Dakota’s mural is a vibrant and meaningful addition to the Rideau Heights Community Centre because it reflects the vision residents have for the neighbourhood they call home,” said Taylor Norris, Public Art Coordinator at the City. “Murals are powerful tools for creative expression, community development and well-being, and developing a sense of belonging.”
https://www.cityofkingston.ca/arts-culture-and-events/art-and-music/public-art/
9. 25 Storey High-Rise at Downtown Goodlife passed at Council Aug 13
Brief Description:
This 25 storey mixed-use building consists of a podium and tower 82 metres high with 3 commercial units on the ground floor, 344 residential units on floors 3 – 25 consisting of 98 studio units, 200 one bedroom units 46 two bedroom units and 4 levels of underground parking with extra second floor parking. Amenities include a fitness centre, remote work area, party room and 4th floor outdoor space.
Architects used the local heritage Kingston Hydro downtown substation, as inspiration for the podium design using red brick and tall arched windows defining the corner.
According to the report, the proposed development will not impede any protected views.
Editor‘s Note: Protected views will not be impeded only if people choose not to look at anything higher than eye-level!
The discussion at Council did not reflect the 20-some pages of comments from both individuals and community groups who were in opposition. Here are a few samples:
“These high rises are interfering with the historic landscape of our downtown area. The downtown area is small and congested as it is and cannot accommodate lard concentrations of people and their living needs. Theses are also condominiums for the affluent. We need to look at encouraging housing for those wieth lower incomes in neighbourhoods which can support the growth.”
“I want to stress that I am not against new development in the downtown core, but it must fit with the existing building profiloes. This on on the GoodLife property looks lika a giant Jenga tower. I feel that the city is forgetting about the present home owners in the area. Once again the little guy loses out!”
“I am strongly opposed to the current proposals because the downtown area already has two skyscrapers being build in the same neighbourhood and we should wait to see how this alters llife downtown and if any affordable housing is created in regards to actual reantal rates of these new builds.”
“Why do my friends in the township not come downtown much anymore – because parking is a problem. These large apartments are just going to put more pressure on the whole traffic and parking system, making it much worse. “
More Info?https://events.cityofkingston.ca/default/Detail/2024-08-13-1900-City-Council-Meeting/4ed58a3b-b222-4728-8e98-b1c600e7f080
To appeal? Individuals, corporations and public bodies may appeal a By-Law to the Ontario Land Tribunal. If interested, contact Janet Jaynes, City Clerk, for details –jjaynes@cityofkingston.ca
10. Stock up on Used Library Books
Received from the library, Aug 29, 2024
What: Stock up on a wide assortment of used books.
Where: Isabel Turner Branch.
When: Friday, Sept 6: 9 am to 4 pm.
Notes: Paperbacks and children’s books are $1 each, and hardcovers, CDs, DVDs, and Wii games are $2 each. Plus, fill a bag on Saturday, Sept. 7, from 1 to 4 p.m. for only $10.
Pay with cash or debit.
https://calendar.kfpl.ca/events?start=2024-09-06…
| 11. Nominate a Kingston Sustainability Champion Received from Sustainable Kingston mid-August Award categories include: Sustainability Champion: Awarded to an individual in our community who has shown outstanding commitment to climate action and sustainability. Youth Sustainability Champion: Awarded to two individuals in the community, one from K-12 and one post-secondary student, who have shown outstanding commitment to climate action and sustainability. Environmental Innovator Award: Awarded to an individual/business/organization that has made innovative changes to their products, services, or processes to generate long-term social and environmental benefits. This innovation could have contributed to sustainable business practices or engaged in a new systems-thinking approach. For more information regarding the Sustainable Kingston awards, please contact Geoff Hendry at geoff@sustainablekingston.com. Form: https://www.sustainablekingston.com/2024-sustainable-kingston-awards |
12. Shannon Park’s New Inclusive Playground
Received from City of Kingston, Aug 14
Last night, Kingston City Council approved Shannon Park as the site of a planned inclusive playground.
Over the past year, a number of community members have formed the Inclusive Play Project, working closely with Extend-A-Family and numerous service organizations and volunteers to advocate and raise funds towards the goal of building Kingston’s first fully inclusive and accessible playground.
At the City Council meeting on Aug. 13, Council approved to provide $300,000 from the Municipal Capital Reserve Fund for partial funding of the Inclusive Playground Project at Shannon Park that will enable the City to initiate and complete civil site works for the project. Support for this project, with an estimated budget of $1.5M, has been strong, with close to $200,000 already raised by Inclusive Play Project volunteers.
City staff continue to work alongside Inclusive Play Project volunteers to pursue grant opportunities with $650,000 in grant requests pending approval and additional new grant applications in development.
“We as a community group are so excited to see this project continue to take shape,” says Rachel Doornekamp of the Inclusive Play Project. “Kingston needs more inclusive community spaces, and we strongly believe this new playground will act as a destination for families in Kingston and the surrounding areas. We are looking forward to further collaboration with the City to build this park, because playgrounds should be for everyone!”
More information about supporting the Inclusive Play Project with corporate sponsorship, in-kind donations and financial donations can be found at https://inclusiveplayproject.com/donate/
13. Martello Alley Art Fundraiser for Providence Care and Providence Manor –
https://www.facebook.com/events/1548139092720255/?ref=newsfeed
What: Join us for a special fundraiser where patients, clients and residents from Providence Care will showcase art they have created at Martello Alley.
At these inspiring art fundraisers, you will have the chance to experience and purchase one-of-a-kind artwork. This event is more than just an art show—it’s a unique opportunity to support a meaningful cause. Each piece of artwork tells a personal story and showcases the talent produced through therapeutic initiatives.
At Providence Care, our art therapy program thrives thanks to the dedication of talented volunteers. These creative individuals not only bring their own artistic skills to the table but also share their talent and skills with patients, clients and residents.
Interact with some of the patients, clients, and residents who have created this artwork, and gain insight into their creative process.
Proceeds will support Providence Manor’s Resident Council and Providence Care’s Patient Comfort Fund, raising money for vital hospital equipment, clothing and assistive devices, supplies to run programs, special events for residents and much more.
By attending this event, you not only experience a vibrant display of creativity but also play a crucial role in enhancing the care and comfort of our patients, clients and residents. Don’t miss this opportunity to support a great cause and connect with the artistic spirit of our community.
All art is being sold for a minimum donation of $10.
When: August 28, 2024 from 2 – 4:30 p.m.
Where: Martello Alley, 203B Wellington Street, Kingston, ON
All welcome!
Questions?Info@providencecare.ca
14. H’Art Studio to move to Providence Village 1200 Princess St. – 2025
Received from the Kingstonist, Aug 8, 2024
https://www.kingstonist.com/news/hart-to-relocate-to-providence-village/
15. Rideau Canal Businesses Grapple with LaSalle Causeway Disruptions
Received from the Kingstonist, Aug 20, 2024
https://www.kingstonist.com/news/extremely-difficult-rideau-canal-communities-businesses-grapple-with-lasalle-causeway-related-waterway-disruptions/
16. Police Bicycle Auction – Sat Aug 24
On the Kingston Police Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=885587923602622&set=pb.100064542680182.-2207520000
What: Found or seized property will be up for grabs to the highest bidder – including lots of bikes, jewellery, tools, household goods, and currency.
When: Sat, Aug 24, 2024, 9 am preview, Auction starting at 10 am
Where: Sail Room at Portsmouth Olympic Harbour, 53 Yonge St.
More Info?https://sullivanauctions.com/…/auction-kingston-police…/
NOTE: Cash, debit and credit will be accepted. NO CHEQUES
17. Seniors for Cliimate Action Rallly, Oct 1, 2024
Received from seniorsforclimate.org, July 31, 2024
Rally, Confederation Park, 3 – 5 pm., Oct. 1st – https://seniorsforclimate.org/
This Oct. 1, National Seniors Day, seniors across Canada are speaking out for a livable future. Over 50 communities are holding Seniors for Climate events from coast to coast to coast.
Please join us on Oct. 1. Bring banners, signs, artwork on climate justice themes. Seniors for Climate is an intergenerational event. Everyone is welcome.
Along with our children and grandchildren, seniors face a climate emergency. Extreme weather is the symptom. Fossil fuel pollution is the cause. We want action by all levels of government to phase out fossil fuels, lower carbon emissions, and support a just transition to renewable energy. Later is too late!
Please help us to spread the word. Include this announcement in your community newsletter, website, meeting or congregation.
To endorse, sponsor, plan an information table, get involved, or for more info?
contact Nancy Nickol: nancyn@seniorsforclimate.org
NOTE: SCAN is one of 6 seniors climate groups who are sponsoring and building this: Suzuki Elders, Climate Action for Lifelong Learners (CALL), Grandmothers Act to Save the Planet (GASP), Climate Legacy, For Our Grandchildren (4RG), and Seniors for Climate Action Now!
18. New Speed Regulations in Residential Communities
Received from the City of Kingston Aug 2, 2024
New speed limits in residential areas aim to slow motorists and improve neighbourhood road safety
Kingston residents are reminded to slow down as signs posting reduced speed limits are installed in residential areas around the city.
The speed limit is being reduced to 40 km/h along most residential roads, indicated by new speed limit signs installed at neighbourhood entry and exit points.
Directly in front of schools along local roads, the speed limit will be further reduced to 30 km/h.
Driving at an appropriate speed reduces the likelihood of a collision and injury severity if a collision does occur. The probability of a fatal outcome is significantly lower for a pedestrian involved in a collision with a vehicle travelling at a speed below 40 km/h compared to a vehicle travelling at 50 km/h, which is the current unsigned speed limit in Ontario.
Kingston uses a variety of municipally led programs to improve road safety, including Automated Speed Enforcement, traffic calming, pedestrian crossings, school area safety education, and cycling infrastructure projects. The new neighbourhood area speed limits are an additional tool to help reduce the number of collisions and serious injuries that can result from higher vehicle speeds.
“These new speed limits are about prioritizing safety for everyone and ensuring a consistent approach across urban neighbourhoods in the city,” says Matt Kussin,
Transportation Policy and Programs Manager at the City of Kingston. “Slowing down increases your field of vision and gives you more time to react to your fellow road users.”
The first phase of this large multi-phase project involves implementing area speed limits in approximately 25 neighbourhoods with schools over the next year and a half. Installations are currently underway in three neighbourhoods – Woodhaven, Waterloo Village and Hillendale – with installations to follow in Rideau Heights, Marker’s Acres, Kingscourt, Henderson, Auden Park and Reddendale later this summer.
More info?https://getinvolved.cityofkingston.ca/neighbourhood-area-speed-limits
Media contacts: For more information contact the communications and customer experience department at 613-546-4291, ext. 2300 or e-mail – https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?fs=1&tf=cm&source=mailto&to=communications@cityofkingston.ca
Non-media related inquiries: Submit a request or question about municipal programs and services online or by calling Customer Services at 613-546-0000 Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. City staff will aim to respond within two business days.
19. Forever Chemicals Now Being Tested by Utilities Kingston
Editor’s Note: I have heard via the grapevine that this started in June. I have reached out to Utilities Kingston for more information but have yet to be apprised. Hoping for some information for the next newsletter.
FROM FARTHER AFIELD
20. Massive expansion for Picton Terminals, Quinte News, August 15, 2024. August 2024 is going to be a month to remember in the history of Picton Terminals. Owner Ben Doornekamp says they will be constructing what is called a bulk agricultural marine terminal, which will expand what will be imported and exported at the site on Picton Bay. They are leasing the land to agri-business company Parrish and Heimbecker, who will oversee agricultural shipping.
https://www.quintenews.com/2024/08/15/massive-expansion-for-picton-terminals/
21. US Army invests billions to battle highly invasive species wreaking havoc on state waterways: ‘A significant victory’, The Cool Down, August 15, 2024. Invasive carp are taking over the United States, and they have their sights set on the Great Lakes. Officials are set to spend whatever it takes to stop them. The federal government will spend $1 billion to protect the Great Lakes from bighead, silver, and black carp as well as other invasive species. Michigan will pitch in $64 million and Illinois $50 million.
https://www.thecooldown.com/green-business/invasive-carp-great-lakes-barrier-funding/
22. TSB concerned about Canada’s marine emergency preparedness following investigation into a fire aboard container vessel ZIM Kingston, Transportation Safety Board of Canada, July 31, 2024. Today, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) issued two safety concerns following the 2021 loss of containers and fire on board the container vessel ZIM Kingston (M21P0297), off Vancouver Island, British Columbia (BC). The first safety concern relates to the risk of a phenomenon called parametric rolling, which led to the loss of containers, and the second concern addresses gaps in Canada’s preparedness to respond to marine emergencies.
https://www.tsb.gc.ca/eng/medias-media/communiques/marine/2024/m21p0297-20240731.html
23. Biden administration taps Quebec shipbuilder for icebreaker expertise, Eye on the Arctic, July 31, 2024. On Monday, the White House announced that Quebec-based Davie shipbuilding is in talks to make a “major investment” in an existing American shipyard. Davie says the U.S. government wants the company to have a presence in the country because it’s a “world leader” in building icebreakers.
https://www.rcinet.ca/eye-on-the-arctic/2024/07/31/biden-administration-taps-quebec-shipbuilder-for-icebreaker-expertise/
OF GENERAL INTEREST
24. LodgePole Arts Alliance Business Plan 2023-28
Received Aug 15
Such a wonderful Indigenous initiative – hopefully at Lemoine’s Point
More info? Terri-Lynn Brennan – Shekon.aanii@lodgepolearts.ca
25. Researchers Warn of Unprecedented Arsenic Release from Wildfires
Received from the Municipal Information Network, Aug 16, 2024
UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO
Researchers warn of unprecedented arsenic release from wildfires
August 16, 2024
The wildfire season of 2023 was the most destructive ever recorded in Canada and a new study suggests the impact was unprecedented. It found that four of the year’s wildfires in mine-impacted areas around Yellowknife, Northwest Territories potentially contributed up to half of the arsenic that wildfires emit globally each year.
The work, led by researchers at the University of Waterloo and Nipissing University, is the first to calculate the amount of arsenic that was stored in areas at high risk of wildfires around Yellowknife. Looking at data from the past five decades, the team estimates the 2023 wildfires potentially released between 69 and 183 tonnes of arsenic.
Arsenic, a potent toxin, which the World Health Organization associates with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, various cancers, and infant mortality, can be transformed by wildfire and released into the environment from the soils that normally sequester it.
Given that the frequency and severity of wildfires is expected to increase because of climate change, the researchers caution that in any regions in the world where annual wildfires intersect with past or present mining and smelting operations, future fires could present a major risk for releasing stored toxins back into the environment.
“Yellowknife has a decades-long history of mining, which has led to an accumulation of arsenic in the surrounding landscape. However, Yellowknife is not unique in this regard, Canada has many industrially contaminated sites that are vulnerable to wildfire,” said Dr. Owen Sutton, a postdoctoral fellow in the Faculty of Environment at Waterloo.
The amount of arsenic released by wildfires depends on a multitude of factors, such as fire temperature, depth of the burn, and soil type, and the combination of these variables.
“While our research has raised the alarm on this issue, we will be the first to argue there is an urgent need for collaborative investigation by wildfire scientists, chemists, environmental scientists and policy experts,” said Dr. Colin McCarter, professor in the Department of Geography at Nipissing University and Canada Research Chair in Climate and Environmental Change. “By integrating diverse fire management techniques, including Indigenous fire stewardship, we can hopefully mitigate these emerging risks to human and environmental health.”
The researchers found that arsenic emissions from wetlands were the most concerning because of their tendency to store contaminants compared to forests. Moving forward, they will continue quantifying the amount of toxins being stored by northern peatlands and study the potential release of other metals from those landscapes.
Dr. James Waddington, from McMaster University, also contributed to the work. Globally-significant arsenic release by wildfires in a mining-impacted boreal landscape, appears in Environmental Research Letters.
https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/ad461a
So that’s it for August.
Back online again in September,
Cheers,
Mary Farrar,
President, Friends of Kingston Inner Harbour
www.friendsofinnerharbour.com
613-544-1246