Dear Friends of Kingston Inner Harbour,
First of all thanks so much Elvira Hufschmid for the Great Lakes picture.
So interesting to see the different depths.
Second, Chuck Commanda, Algonquin Traditional Knowledge Keeper, is currently working on a canoe at the 1000 Boat Museum in Gananoque until July 8. Visitors welcome although masks required.
Two Current Continuing Issues of Utmost Concern
1. Sir John A.Statue Issue
2.Inner Harbour Clean-up Issue
Local Openings, Project Updates, Events and Items of Interest
3. Gypsy Moth Background andUpdate
4. Stage Two Reopening, June 30
5. City Launches New Bike Repair Stations
6. City Launches Public Engagement on 2022 Budgets with Survey
7. Utilities Kingston Five Year Plan
8. City of Kingston’s Climate Leadership Initiatives
9. Ontario Nature Recognizes Kingston’s Efforts on Climate Change
10.Third Canadian City Parks Report Includes Kingston Data
11. Watering Restrictions Started June 15
12. Third Crossing Update
13. Queen’s University to Purchase KCVI
14. Kingston Ferry Terminal Slated for Demolition in Fall, 2023
15. Skeleton Park Arts Fest
16. The Power of Parking – City’s Game Changing Report
17. Drone Video of Tannery Property
18. Montreal Street Collective
19. Daughters’ General Store
20. Confederation Basin Promenade Project
21. Inner Harbour Collective Funds Scholarship
22. Supportive Housing for Indigenous Community in Kingston
23. Local Gar Pike Spawning Video
24. Path Home Kingston Initiative
25.Quarry Construction Video
26.New Homestead Application for Lower Union
27. Long-Term Care Motion of Councillors Mary Rita Holland and Jeff McLaren
28. Low Water Levels May Cause Headaches This Summer
29. Lake Ontario Experiencing Driest Season since 1966
Fun Interesting Stuff From All Over The Place
30. How Do You Make Concrete More Environmentally Friendly?
31. Really Interesting Free CBC Newsletter – What On Earth?
32.Shorelines Not a Backyard Swimming Pool -Lakefront Landowners Reminded
33. Musky Study
34. How Shipping Ports Are Being Reinvented for the Green Energy Transition
35. Amanda Winkler at Freethink
36. Community Foundation’s Free Screening of “Resilience”
37. Bill C-12 passes Senate!
Two Current Continuing Issues of Utmost Concern
1. Sir John A. Statue Issue
Conversations are ongoing with the Sir John A History and Legacy Working Group as to what to do with the statue and with the pedestal. Our hearts go out to those who suffered so terribly from the whole residential school horrors and for whom the intergenerational trauma still exists. The city is in consultation with the Cataraqui Cemetery as to placing the statue there following extensive community consultation. Everything has changed with the public and devastating report from Kamloops.
Personally I feel enormously grateful to First People’s Group Consulting, all the members of the working group, and the community outreach from Revolution of the Heart. Such complex issues.
We all want TRUTH. It will take time for people from all sides to come together, to listen with open hearts, and to learn from one another – most probably years. Strongly held opinions don’t change overnight.
A few little recognized truths, among many about Sir John A. that I have learned recently:
a) Boarding schools were created before him and were generally seen as a way towards a better future. (For example, Riel left Red River at the age of 14 to attend boarding school in Montreal.) For Sir John A, residential schools were always intended to be optional and they did, in fact, remain optional for decades after his death.
b) His granddaughter attended a school run by a Metis woman.
c) His relationships with local Indigenous peoples were good. He was very appreciative of their efforts in the War of 1812.
d) He instigated a vaccination program for Indigenous peoples against smallpox.
e) Against fierce opposition he increased the budget for Indigenous peoples by over 40-% over the course of three years.
We need to look at his whole legacy in more nuanced terms, with a fuller understanding of the very racist values of society as a whole at that time.
My personal fear is that by scapegoating him, and just him, people will feel that the issue has been addressed when the issues that really need to be addressed are the Truth and Reconciliation Report recommendations.
The following quote from The Kingstonist (June 15, Michelle Dorey-Forestell) reflects the feelings of the majority of working group members:
“Chief Don Maracle of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte explained that, originally, he had been in favour of keeping the statue in place with educational information at the site. However, “As this discussion evolves, the City must respond to its citizens and respect their wishes about what they want in their community. This is also a matter of public safety. We don’t want the statue to be defaced and become a target for more militant activists. The statue should be put into storage until the City comes up with a way to use it to educate the public about the history of colonialism,” he said.”
Comments can be submitted to Melissa Hammel of First People’s Group and the City’s Director of Heritage, Jenn Campbell, at ourhistories@cityofkingston.ca. This is also the contact if you would like to listen in on working group proceedings and offer thoughts.”
For the time being, for many of us, it is hard to think of celebrating Canada Day. Although these burials have been known for years, the extent of the damage remains deeply shocking and we all have to ask ourselves what we can do to help.
Alexander Braun, Queen’s University geophysicist, has offered to help examine more gravesites for free using his geophysics equipment.
A beautiful gesture.
2. Inner Harbour Clean-Up Issue
River First YGK, a new community organization, has been formed to deal as a community with the proposed dredging, capping and revetment proposal for Kingston’s Inner Harbour from Anglin Bay to Belle Park. You can find them on Facebook. Their e-mail address is riverfirstygk@gmail.com.
Following a very successful Zoom meeting (over 90 participants), five working groups have been organized to try and learn more – especially given the problems being faced with Access to Information!
If you would like to be a part of one of these groups, contact Brynne at rivrefirstygk@gmail.com. Meetings will be organized in the coming weeks for the following groups:.
- River Knowledge & Experience (perspectives from humanities, social sciences, environmental ethics, and Indigenous knowledge regarding the river)
- Remediation Possibilities (scientific and engineering reports and possibilities past and present, and Inner Harbour construction projects past and present)
- Property Matters (water lots, leases, and impacts on local businesses )
- Government Processes (including Parks Canada, Transport Canada, Environment Canada Procurement, and Access to Information, as well as the City of Kingston, the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority and relevant Ontario ministries)
- Community Events & Communications (helping maintain River First YGK and imagining future community outreach events)
There is special need for volunteers in the Remediation Possibilities group. We need to fully understand the pros and cons of, and current best practices of dredging, capping and revetment.
In addition, alternative approaches out of fields such as environmental ethics could also be really useful.
You are welcome to join as many groups as you like. The groups will likely overlap somewhat. If you would like to contribute, but none of the working groups quite fit, please send Brynne an email.
Any form of support is very much appreciated!
Three important upcoming city events:
July 13th – City Council Meeting with Ken Reimer and Tamsin Laing presenting(No opportunity for community members to ask questions here.)
July 21st (Tentatively) – Kingston Environmental Advisory Forum (KEAF) River First ygk will send a link out once the meeting is confirmed. Community will be invited to ask questions.
Mid August (date tba) Environment, Infrastructure and Transportation Policies Committee (EITP). Community members will be invited to ask questions.
Local Openings, Project Updates and Events of Interest
3. Gypsy Moth Background and Update – with thanks to “The Conversation” and South Frontenac Councillor Ross Sutherland.
First from The Conversation:
https://theconversation.com/why-an-invasive-caterpillar-is-munching-its-way-through-tree-leaves-in-the-largest-outbreak-in-decades-163346?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Latest%20from%20The%20Conversation%20for%20June%2030%202021&utm_content=Latest%20from%20The%20Conversation%20for%20June%2030%202021+CID_bbb3a7370a84fb33c2883b4c4006c49d&utm_source=campaign_monitor_ca&utm_term=Why%20an%20invasive%20caterpillar%20is%20munching%20its%20way%20through%20tree%20leaves%20in%20the%20largest%20outbreak%20in%20decades
“Failed business, but successful invasive species
Étienne Léopold Trouvelot, a French artist, astronomer and entomologist, was living in Medford, Mass., in the late 1800s when he decided to start breeding native North American moths in the trees near his house to create a silkworm colony. He was unsuccessful, probably because his caterpillars contracted viral diseases when they were kept in large numbers. Birds kept eating his caterpillars too.
Trouvelot’s solution was to import a European caterpillar he would breed with his North American caterpillars to create a cross that was resistant to disease and difficult for birds to eat. The caterpillar he chose was L. dispar.
Trouvelot’s L. dispar got away from him one day in 1868 or 1869 when the young caterpillars escaped from his home laboratory. By 1879 the residents of Medford began to complain about large numbers of unfamiliar caterpillars infesting their trees.”
Second from South Frontenac Councillor, Ross Sutherland:
| “There is cautious optimism this week with increasing reports of gypsy moths killed by the natural virus and fungus. It is certainly happening in our area. A helpful source of information on the infestation is an Ontario Woodlot Association webinar. There were many valuable bits of information but three stood out: When scrapping the egg masses off tress they have to be actively be killed, not simply knocked to the ground, which I had been doing. The eggs survive under snow, in fact may prefer it. The eggs can be killed in variety of ways, popular ones are putting them in soapy water or into a fire. The history of gypsy moths in North America in some ways follows that of ticks. They are moving north because winters are warmer, cold snaps below -20 degrees increase egg mortality, and cool damp springs benefit the natural gypsy moth caterpillar controls. Both conditions are less common in the changing climate. A discussion by a group near Perth who had organized community spraying might be a useful to those interested in this option. The webinar leader showed pictures of sprayed areas, and, under ideal conditions, there is a beneficial effect, but it is not complete, and BTK kills are all species of moths and butterfly’s that are in the caterpillar stage when it is applied. There is also some evidence that spraying may prolong the infestation.” |
4. Stage Two Reopening, June 30
Step Two of the Roadmap focuses on the resumption of more outdoor activities and limited indoor services with small numbers of people where face coverings are worn, with other restrictions in place.
This includes, but is not limited to:
Outdoor social gatherings and organized public events with up to 25 people;
Indoor social gatherings and organized public events with up to 5 people;
Essential and other select retail permitted at 50 per cent capacity;
Non-essential retail permitted at 25 per cent capacity;
Personal care services where face coverings can be worn at all times, and at 25 per cent capacity and other restrictions;
Outdoor dining with up to 6 people per table, with exceptions for larger households and other restrictions;
Indoor religious services, rites, or ceremonies, including wedding services and funeral services permitted at up to 25 per cent capacity of the particular room;
Outdoor fitness classes limited to the number of people who can maintain 3 metres of physical distance;
Outdoor sports without contact or modified to avoid contact, with no specified limit on number of people or teams participating, with restrictions;
Overnight camps for children operating in a manner consistent with the safety guidelines produced by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health;
Outdoor sport facilities with spectators permitted at 25 per cent capacity;
Outdoor concert venues, theatres and cinemas, with spectators permitted at 25 per cent capacity;
Outdoor horse racing and motor speedways, with spectators permitted at 25 per cent capacity;
Outdoor fairs, rural exhibitions, festivals, permitted at 25 per cent capacity and with other restrictions.
| 5.City Launches New Bike Repair Stations Received June 18, 2021 “Does your bike need a small repair? Maybe your tire is missing some bounce? Residents can now visit one of three Bike Repair Posts, provided by Tourism Kingston with support from the City of Kingston. “The City is pleased to provide residents with bike repair stations at three of our recreation facilities across the city. We hope these repair stations will help keep their bikes happy and on paths and trails, year-round,” says Ryan Evoy,Acting Manager of Recreation Facilities. Located at the INVISTA Centre, Artillery Park Aquatic Centre and the Memorial Centre, these eye-catching black and green stations provide users with an air pump and the common tools needed to make small repairs and adjustments to bikes. Produced by a Canadian company called Greenspoke, the Bike Repair Posts were purchased by Tourism Kingston and placed by the City in high-traffic areas. “In recent years, cycling has become a popular way to visit and experience Kingston, and COVID-19 only amplified the popularity of outdoor activities. We’re proud to have made the installation of these much-needed and frequently requested Bike Repair Posts possible for the enjoyment of residents and visitors alike,” says Megan Knott, Executive Director of Tourism Kingston. Local cyclists are supportive of the addition. “I am thrilled to see the City and its partners working together to support the cycling community,” says Hal Cain, with Cycle Kingston, a group that promotes cycling and cycling safety in the community. Share. Participate. Engage. – https://GetInvolved.CityofKingston.ca/” 6.City Launches Public Engagement on 2022 Budgets with Survey Received from the City June 23, 2021 |
| The City of Kingston wants your input on its 2022 budgets. Starting today, and until Aug. 9, residents can complete a 2022 budget survey that will provide input to the City on service levels and program priorities, taxation and user fees and pandemic recovery strategies. The City will also be offering a series of virtual budget sessions and hosting pop-up events in Springer Market Square to further engage residents in its budgeting process (details below). Get Involved, Kingston! Access the survey online now at https://getinvolved.cityofkingston.ca/2022-city-budget. If you would prefer to complete the survey by phone or in writing you can do so in any of the following ways: Request a paper copy of the survey by calling 613-546-0000. You will be provided with a postage-paid envelope. Complete the survey over the phone with City staff by calling 613-546-0000. Virtual Budget Sessions Based on feedback received through last year’s engagement, the City will host four one-hour information sessions with a number of City departments and external agencies. These sessions will be held in an interview style, and will kick off Monday, July 5 at 5:30 p.m. Recreation and Leisure Services – July 5, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. RSVP Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority – July 12, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. RSVP Kingston Police – July 19, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. RSVP Housing and Social Services – July 26, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. RSVP All sessions will include an overview of the department or agency’s services and service levels, current priorities and initiatives, and funding sources, and will provide opportunities for questions, discussion and feedback from participants. Sessions will be live streamed to the City’s YouTube channel, closed captioned and moderated by City Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, Desiree Kennedy and Director of Financial Services, Lana Foulds. Come see us at the Market! Learn more about the City’s budgets by attending a pop-up event! Staff from the Financial Services Department will be at Springer Market Square on July 24 and Aug. 5, starting at 8:30 a.m. |
7.Utilities Kingston Five Year Plan
https://utilitieskingston.com/Corporate/AboutUs
8. City of Kingston Climate Leadership Initiatives
https://www.cityofkingston.ca/documents/10180/38925656/City-Council_Meeting-13-2021_Report-21-124_CLD_Update.pdf/0ae45f46-4af3-e5d7-6564-fb35e21b93dd?t=1620930406836&link_id=6&can_id=396a70471b96a5c5629dbea40609830c&source=email-350-kingston-monthly-meeting&email_referrer=email_1207432&email_subject=350-kingston-monthly-meeting
9. Ontario Nature Recognizes Kingston’s Efforts on Climate Change
Received from the City June 14, 2021
The City of Kingston has been recognized by Ontario Nature with the Lee Symmes Municipal Award for its commitment to implementing programs that protect the natural environment.
The City received the special recognition at the group’s annual general meeting held virtually Saturday afternoon. The Award is for the City’s leadership on climate action, including the declaration of a climate emergency, its implementation of nature-based solutions, and climate change mitigation measures.
“One of Kingston City Council’s priorities is to demonstrate leadership on climate action. It’s an honour to be recognized with an award that acknowledges the work we’ve done to date to protect the environment. A big thank you to the community, my council colleagues, and City staff for your tireless commitment to advancing our climate goals and initiatives in Kingston,” said Mayor Paterson.
The City was nominated for the award by Dr. Susan Irving, a long-time member of Ontario Nature. “I am proud of the City of Kingston’s accomplishments as a municipal leader in developing solutions to our climate and environmental challenges. I have been impressed with the sincerity and energy of City staff and the current Council in undertaking meaningful initiatives to protect and improve the health and wellbeing of our small part of the planet,” said Irving.
While Irving is supportive of the work that has been completed to date, she hopes this award helps stoke further action.
“In putting the City of Kingston’s name forward for this year’s Ontario Nature Lee Symmes Award, it was my hope to show the City my appreciation for the strides for Nature that they have undertaken. In showing my pride in their accomplishments, it is my hope that the recognition by Ontario Nature might energize them to double down in their role as inspiration, guide and mentor for other municipalities.”
Mayor Paterson’s response: It’s great to be acknowledged with this award but we know there’s so much work to be done and we’re very committed to stewarding the environment for future generations.
Later this year, the City will publish a draft of its Climate Leadership Plan and invite the community to offer feedback. Designed as a roadmap for achieving carbon neutrality by 2040, this plan will be one of the first in Canada to look at ways to mitigate and adapt to climate change. To follow this work, visit www.GetInvolved.CityofKingston.ca and search for “Climate Leadership Plan”.
“Leadership is not easy, but when it comes to addressing climate change—it’s nonnegotiable,” concluded Paterson.
About Ontario Nature
Ontario Nature protects wild species and wild spaces through conservation, education and public engagement. Ontario Nature is a charitable organization representing more than 30,000 members and supporters, and 155 member groups across Ontario. ontarionature.org
For more information, visit: //ontarionature.org/conservation-awards
10. Third Annual Canadian City Parks Report Includes Kingston
This year’s report explores how parks can help create more equitable, resilient cities—not only as we recover from COVID-19, but as we address another looming crisis: climate change.
There are two ways to read the report.
The full report at cityparksreport.parkpeople.ca. includes key findings, data, city profiles, and in-depth stories looking at issues of climate change, race, public health, private investment, community resilience, partnerships, and more.
The Key Findings document includes just the key findings and city data.
The Kingston Story is here.
You are invited on Wed, July 7 at noon for the national launch of the report. Sign up here.
Contact: Jake Tobin Garrett, Policy and Planning Manager
jgarrett@parkpeople.ca | w: 416-583-5776 | m: 416-316-3234
11. Watering Restrictions Started June 15
Received from Utilities Kingston June 14
Seasonal watering restrictions go into effect annually on June 15. Until September 15, residents and businesses with odd-numbered addresses may water on odd-numbered days, while evens may water on even-numbered days.
The City of Kingston’s Water By-law allows residents and businesses to:
Use a hand-held hose, can or bucket any time on their scheduled day
Use a sprinkler between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. on their scheduled day
Use water from their rain barrel anytime!
“We recognize that, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, more people are staying home and gardening this year. Yet abiding by watering restrictions is an important community effort that helps ensure adequate supply for fire protection, and we thank you,” says Kingston Fire & Rescue Fire Chief Shawn Armstrong.
Water and wastewater treatment infrastructure is built to handle peak demand times. During the summer, we use the most treated water from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“Reducing the use of treated water during times when the demand is highest helps ensure reliable supply for adequate water reserves and pressure, and fire protection. It also helps manage the need to expand water treatment infrastructure,” says Heather Roberts, Director of Water and Wastewater Services for Utilities Kingston.
Reducing outdoor water use also reduces the pollutants that end up in the lake. This is because much of the water from sprinklers and hoses (such as, from washing cars) runs off into the storm sewer, picking up pollutants that end up in Lake Ontario, Kingston’s source of drinking water.
Residents and businesses are encouraged to practice water-wise gardening to make every rain drop count and support Cataraqui Conservation’s appeal to conserve water, because of Level I Low Water Conditions in the area. Using a rain barrel, following best watering practices, amending soil with organic content, and incorporating drought tolerant plants are just some of the sustainable practices that help reduce treated water use – all with beautiful results. (See also: Drought conditions: tips to conserve water).
For inspiration and information, visit Utilities Kingston’s online water conservation gardening resources. Our conservation team is here to help, just call 613-546-0000 and ask to speak with Utilities Kingston conservation.
Sometimes new yards, shrubs and trees need water at times outside the schedule and that’s why Utilities Kingston offers exemption permits, which can be applied for online. Visit www.utilitieskingston.com to learn more about exemption permits, how to save water and money, and when you can use outdoor treated water. The web resource is complete with a dynamic indicator that explains when residents and businesses can use hoses versus sprinkling devices, as well as many resources on water wise gardening.
www.utilitieskingston.com
12. Third Crossing Update
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kNaYOPLPNI
https://thirdcrossing.cityofkingston.ca/
| “Clean-up of Styrofoam in the river Thank you to the residents who have been in touch with us about Styrofoam in the river and adjacent shoreland. We are taking this matter very seriously and are actively involved with cleanup efforts. Muskrats have been damaging the floats that support the turbidity curtains surrounding the in-water construction area. We have a dedicated crew consistently out on the river and shore lines cleaning up any debris. More on turbidity curtains and our clean up approach is below. What is a turbidity curtain? A turbidity curtain is a flexible, impermeable barrier used to trap sediment in water. Curtains are generally weighted at the bottom to ensure that sediment does not travel under the curtain, which is supported at the top through a flotation system. The project team inspects and monitors the turbidity curtains on a regular basis and maintains and repairs them as needed. Ice conditions this past winter hindered our maintenance activities until late March. However, since then we have been able to get back in the water initiating clean-up efforts, inspecting the condition of the turbidity curtains, and actively responding through a procedural plan to deal with any foam and debris in the water. This phased clean-up approach is highlighted below: |
Phase 1 of spring clean-up and turbidity curtain maintenance program started once the ice was gone. Full on-water inspections of the turbidity curtain were undertaken to assess damage, and conduct repairs.
During Phase 2 of spring clean-up, a dedicated on-water maintenance crew has repaired damages, and cleaned up the river and shorelands at the project site. Focus was on repairing the turbidity curtain to limit any additional release of Styrofoam.
Phase 3 is now underway and is focused on the recovery of debris beyond the curtain. This involves skimming the waterway with nets and skimmers and cleaning up the shoreland with blowers and vacuums and other necessary equipment.”
13. Queen’s University to Purchase KCVI
Received from the Kingstonist June 15, 2021
https://www.kingstonist.com/news/queens-university-to-purchase-kcvi/
14. Kingston Ferry Terminal Slated for Demolition 2023
https://www.kingstonist.com/communities/wolfe-island/kingston-ferry-terminal-to-wolfe-island-slated-for-demolition-in-fall-2023/
15. Skeleton Park Arts Fest, June 16 – August 16
https://skeletonparkartsfest.ca/next-door-2021/
16. The Power of Parking – City’s Game Changing Report
https://www.cityofkingston.ca/-/-the-power-of-parking-city-releases-game-changing-report-rethinking-parking-in-kingston
Altlhough the public meeting has passed, the city is still looking for feedback that any members of the public have related to parking,” said Flaherty. “No feedback is wrong. Anything that the public feels is relevant and connected to what we’re looking at doing through the new zoning bylaw project, we’re certainly looking for that type of feedback. No comment or idea is too small, and we want everyone to feel welcome and invited to come out and participate in the public conversation.”
Flaherty also said that questions and comments can be sent to the city in writing, via email or over the phone as well. The meeting will be live-streamed on the City’s YouTube channel, and will be available to watch afterward. Learn more on the Planning Committee webpage and read the 152 page document on the City’s website. Residents can also share questions and comments online at Get Involved Kingston.
17. Drone Video Of Tannery Property –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSvzxWhPn8Y
18. Montreal Street Collective
https://www.kingstonist.com/news/montreal-street-collective-set-to-open-doors-to-kingston-community/
19. Daughters’ General Store
https://www.visitkingston.ca/nourishing-community-connection-daughters-general-store/?fbclid=IwAR0nRKk2ZuywiIDOf5o51T3_xjzw6pQjSr0qzmqjB5KR2QR9iAWDA6l6iKY
20. Confederation Basin Promenade Project
https://www.cityofkingston.ca/city-hall/projects-construction/confederation-basin-promenade
21. Inner Harbour Collective Funds Scholarship
scholarship webpage.
https://www.kingstonist.com/news/inner-harbour-collective-founds-scholarship-to-support-boys-in-ballet/
22. Supportive Housing for Indigenous Community in Kingston
https://www.cityofkingston.ca/-/supportive-housing-for-indigenous-people-to-be-offered-at-113-lower-union-st.
23. Local Gar Pike Spawning Video
https://vimeo.com/552694595?fbclid=IwAR0memz4C89q5yceAA9KStTkdrVtRbdttb4fjBDM4ebHG18swYp41Gy5kBQ
24. Path Home Kingston Initiative
https://www.kingstonist.com/news/path-home-kingston-hopes-to-combat-homelessness-and-negative-stigma/
25. Quarry Construction Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CskgtOrkEhg
26. New Homestead Application for Lower Union
https://www.kingstonist.com/news/homestead-application-for-5-lower-union-street-under-review-by-city/
27. Long-Term Care Motion of Councillors Mary Rita Holland and Jeff McLaren https://thewhig.com/news/local-news/kingston-to-look-for-long-term-care-opportunities
28. Low water levels in the St. Lawrence may cause headaches this summer, Montreal Gazette (Montreal, Quebec), June 28, 2021. An abnormally dry spring brought relief to riverside homeowners traumatized by the flooding of recent years, but low water levels in the St. Lawrence River may cause a host of different problems around Montreal Island this summer. The International Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River Board — the body that controls outflows from Lake Ontario into the St. Lawrence River at the Moses-Saunders Dam at Cornwall — announced Friday it will continue reduced outflows from the dam as a result of drought conditions in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River watershed. Boats cannot load as much as they would like when they are going up the St. Lawrence and getting into Port of Montreal. There will be less water flowing into the dams, so less power produced.
29. Lake Ontario Experiencing Driest Season Since 1966, WSKG (Vestal, New York), June 28, 2021 (also appeared at WRVO Public Media and at WWNY). Lake Ontario is experiencing its driest season since 1966 and the current forecasts say conditions are unlikely to improve as the lake already reached its peak for the year. In response to the drought conditions in the basin, the International Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River Board has deviated from the water management plan it uses to help control water levels. Outflows from the lake to the river have been reduced.
Fun Interesting Stuff From All Over The Place
30. How do you make concrete more environmentally friendly?, CBC News, June 18, 2021. Concrete is expected to contribute 12 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions by 2060, thanks in large part to one of its main ingredients, cement, which is currently responsible for as much as eight per cent of emissions. But there’s a movement to make concrete greener by reducing its carbon footprint. The Global Cement and Concrete Association has promised carbon-neutral concrete by 2050, a goal Canada wants to help the industry achieve.
31. CBC Newsletter – What on Earth?
This is a really great free weekly newsletter. Do consider subscribing. https://subscriptions.cbc.ca/listmanagement/forms/whatonearth
A few recent items include:
Swimsuit designers embrace fabrics made from recycled fishing gear,plastic bottle,
Bosco Verticale – Italian residential towers reclaim nature’
Helium balloons ending up in Great Lakes by the hundreds of thousands
32. Shorelines Not a Backyard Swimming Pool – Lakefront Landowners Reminded
With an exponential increase in demand for shoreland properties and amenities, Ontario is at a critical juncture in relation to freshwater protection through land-use policy and policy implementation. The recently published The Future of our Shores report from the Planning for our Shorelands project represents a resource for those wanting to learn more about the current state of shoreland policy, development practices, and shoreland science in Ontario. Read the full report on our website now.
Thank you to Robyn Miller of CBC News for bringing awareness to this issue and having our segment air on CBC Radio, CBC Ottawa News television, and CBC Ottawa News online. Read the full article on the CBC’s website and watch the full news segment on our YouTube channel.
34. How Shipping Ports Are Being Reinvented for the Green Energy Transition.https://theconversation.com/how-shipping-ports-are-being-reinvented-for-the-green-energy-transition-162907?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Latest%20from%20The%20Conversation%20Canada%20for%20June%2021%202021&utm_content=Latest%20from%20The%20Conversation%20Canada%20for%20June%2021%202021+CID_bb03aca2926964ca6f6c5d3e860bd52c&utm_source=campaign_monitor_ca&utm_term=How%20shipping%20ports%20are%20being%20reinvented%20for%20the%20green%20energy%20transition
35. Amanda Winkler at Freethink
Yet another really interesting weekly newsletter.
https://www.freethink.com/authors/amanda-winkler
36. Community Foundation’s Free Screening of “Resilience”
Received June 30, 2021
Resilience Screenings will be offered throughout the summer. If you have not yet seen this powerful documentary (or want to see it again) register to attend an upcoming screening.
“Everyone needs to see this film” is a quote we hear after all screenings, and that is indeed what we are hoping to help make happen! Click here to see a preview.
We funded/hosted a community workshop attended by over 60 participants from 30 organizations to explore how we can work together to build a community wide strategy to address this issue. The hands-on workshop was delivered by expert facilitators from the Community Resilience Initiative designed to help guide our thinking as we move forward in our collective work in this space.
We continue to facilitate the ACEs Core Team to define and drive collective actions in this space. Stay tuned for future updates – we’ve got some great things in the works!
Register to attend FREE upcoming screening of Resilience, the powerful documentary on ACEs that “everyone needs to see”:
July 13th @ 7pm: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_36zLKmU2SWabG6vxJM8l2Q
August 11th @ 7pm: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5O7Xdi5uQHm_QvF3ylRsDQ
August 25th @ 12pm:https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_cBzpOEsIR7OZ0Ma375H0yQ
37. Message just in from EcoJustice – Bill C-12 Passes Senate!
“Last night, the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act (Bill C-12) passed its final hurdle in the Senate and will become law.
Bill C-12 was tabled late last year. It is intended to be a law that makes sure Canada — which has missed every emissions reduction target it has ever set — will finally and consistently meet its climate targets.
Ecojustice, our partners, and supporters like you played a crucial role in strengthening Bill C-12 into a law that can deliver real climate accountability.
Thousands of supporters contacted MPs, urging them to strengthen Bill C-12. This advocacy ensured lawmakers made significant improvements to this landmark climate law.
At last, Canada has a law that will hold the federal government to account for fighting the climate emergency. Thank you.”
So that’s a wrap. Hope you have a wonderful July and a wonderful summer,
Back in August.
Cheers,
Mary Farrar, President,
Friends of Kingston Inner Harbour
www.friendsofinnerharbour.com