Dear Friends of Kingston Inner Harbour,
I’m trying to cut back on newsletters – not easy. So much is happening.
Hope you have a chance to get involved in some of it!
LOCAL NEWS, ISSUES, AND ENTERTAINMENT
1. Need a doctor? New Primary Care Clinic
2. Movie Night in Skeleton Park
3. Ted Hsu’s Informative Tour of Sensient
4. Artillery Park re-opening Sept 23
5. City Budget Survey: Add Your Voicde
6. City’s New Vision, Mission, and Value Statements
7. Concerns re Utilities Kingston’s New Biogas Initiative
8. Kingston Climate Action Town Hall – Sat, Sept 28
9. Automated Speed Enforcement Has Begun
10. What’s Happening with Lemoine’s Point?
11. Cricket Field Fencing in Community Park?
12. Fun Things Happening in KIngston this September
13. Still Waiting for Utilities Kingston to Share Forever Chemical Data
14. True North Aid’s Truth and Reconcilation Walk, Sun, Sept 29
15. Update on Federal Lands for Kingston Housing
16. Youth Imagining the Future
17. Two Ferries Permanently to Wolfe Island?
FROM FARTHER AFIELD
18. Ontario Health Coalition Update
19. Kingston Shortlisted as Destination of the Year
20. Canadian Shipbuilders Call for 100% Tariff on Chinese-Built Ships
21. Port of Montreal and Vietnam Maritime Administration Pledge Action for a Sustainable Future
OF GENERAL INTEREST
22. Foraging for Edible Wild Plants and Fungi – Cautions!
23. Wonderful Programming at the Museum of Health Care
24. What to Know about Turtle Activity in September
LOCAL NEWS, ISSUES, AND ENTERTAINMENT
1. Need a doctor? New Primary Care Clinic
Received from the City of Kingston Aug 30, 2024Newly opened Princess Street Medical Centre receives City Clinic Grant to expand staffing and add 1,000 patients to the clinic roster. Princess Street Medical Centre will be using funds received through the City Primary Care Clinic Grant to expand administrative staff and allied health professionals to support adding 1,000 patients to the clinic roster. Additional office staff will enable the centre to better support current and new patients while reducing the administrative burden on family physicians. The clinic will also add a registered nurse and a physician assistant to ensure effective and timely access to care.
“I had the pleasure of presenting City funding for the opening of the Princess Street Medical Centre right here in the middle of Williamsville, something that is greatly needed for our community,” says Councillor Vincent Cinanni.
With the recent addition of two new physicians, the clinic has been rostering patients through Health Care Connect since November 2023. The financial support provided by the Primary Care Clinic Grant will ensure adequate support for both new and established physicians as they adjust to the large volume of patients, many of whom have not had adequate access to primary care for many years.
“The funding from the City of Kingston has significantly enhanced our services,” says Dr. Lili Mileva. “With this support, we have expanded our team to include two new family physicians, who have already taken on 1,850 patients and will add an additional 500. We have also added a full-time nurse and two psychotherapists, and are actively recruiting a full-time physician assistant. These improvements allow us to accommodate more patients and provide more comprehensive care, addressing both physical and mental health needs more effectively.
More info?https://kchc.ca/programs/midtown-kingston-health-home/
More Info on City’s Family Physician Recruitment Info? https://www.cityofkingston.ca/community-supports/community-supports-and-well-being/family-physician-recruitment/
2. Movie Night in Skeleton Park
Received from Skeleton Park Arts Festival, Aug 31
Friday Sept 13 at 7 pm. https://www.facebook.com/events/1233615174483023/?acontext=%7B%22source%22%3A%2229%22%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3A%22event_profile_plus_create%22%2C%22action_history%22%3A%22null%22%7D¬if_id=1725103939842288¬if_t=event_profile_plus_create&ref=notif
More details?skeletonparkartsfestival.ca
3. Ted Hsu’s Informative Tour of Sensient
Received from Ted Hsu on Linkin Sept 1
Editor’s Note: Sensient is the brick factory (Orchard & River Sts.) beside the rowing club
“In August I went to tour the Sensient plant in Kingston. The most interesting thing for me was the fact that they installed a new bottling line this past summer. Why? Productivity!
Let’s back up a bit. Sensient employs 30 in Kingston and is Canada’s only manufacturer of colours for food…
This new bottling line allows two workers to bottle colouring eight times faster. It makes them and the whole Kingston operation more productive and more competitive. Business is growing.
In the long term, productivity is the most important way of making life more affordable.
It is important to Kingston and to the competitive advantage of our workers that Sensient decided to invest in that new machinery here. Investing in new, productivity enhancing machinery is something we should encourage across Ontario.”
Editor’s Note; This company has a fascinating history. The following is taken from their webpage – https://www.sensient.com/about-us/our-history
| We began in 1882 as Meadow Springs Distillery, a maker of whiskey and gin. In 1919, Prohibition threatened the company’s existence. Fortunately, Meadow Springs already had created a business selling yeast; it was packaging the product under the brand Red Star Yeast. Accordingly, the distillery changed its name to Red Star Yeast & Products Company.During the 1960s, Red Star Yeast evolved from a single-product line producer to a highly diversified food company and changed its name to Universal Foods to emphasize its planned growth in operations. Universal Foods became a member of the New York Stock Exchange. However, as a producer of commodity products, including yeast, frozen potatoes and bulk cheese, Universal Foods had limited growth opportunities.Over the next several decades, the company divested its commodity segments while also acquiring dozens of companies, all of which had strategic products and innovative solutions. This was a major transformation that launched the organization to its current structure and strategy.In 2000, Universal Foods changed its name to Sensient Technologies to reflect its expanded focus. It sold Red Star Yeast in 2001 as part of a strategy to divest itself of unprofitable commodity businesses. |
Today, we are a transformed company.
More Info? https://www.sensient.com/about-us/our-history
4. Artillery Park Re-opening Sept 23
Received from the City Sept 1
“Artillery Park Aquatic Centre is closed for annual maintenance work. We look forward to welcoming the community back on Sept. 23!”
5. City Budget Survey: Add Your Voice
Received from the City Aug 30
5-10 Minute Survey. Deadline Sept 13.
https://getinvolved.cityofkingston.ca/2025-city-budget-engagement/surveys/2025-city-budget?utm_source=ehq_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=ehq-Get-Involved-Kingston-2025-City-Budget-Vision-Mission-Values-and-Neighbourhood-Speed-Limits&utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=ehq
6. City’s New Vision, Mission, and Value Statements
Editor’s Note: Sounds truly wonderful – Here’s hoping!
https://getinvolved.cityofkingston.ca/vision-mission-values-update?utm_source=ehq_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=ehq-Get-Involved-Kingston-2025-City-Budget-Vision-Mission-Values-and-Neighbourhood-Speed-Limits&utm_campaign=website&utm_medium=email&utm_source=ehq
7. Concerns re Utilities Kingston’s New Biogas Initiative –
Deadline for Comments – Sept 10!
Editor’s Note: Although this is not in the Inner Harbour per se, it is relevant given concerns about Climate Change and whether this type of facility is in fact a good idea according to current research and the serious impacts of increasing the production of methane and CO2.
Concerns Received from Peter Lawton, late August, 2024
Utilities Kingston: Regional Biosolids & Biogas Facility: Environmental Study Report
- This is the Phase 4 Environmental Study that has taken a year to be completed by the contracted engineers. It was sent out to two people, including me. Apparently, we two are the public input!
- As it happens, our homes on Sunnyside Road were not included in the study because we are considered to be just outside the 1km radius around the site!!
- However, I note that our properties are included in, or adjacent to, thecurrently designated Environmental Protection Area (EPA) of the conservation area, which would not allow this plant to be built. A part of the plant site is included in the EPA, but the City is expected to pass a bylaw that will make an exception and overrule the EPA, allowing the plant to go ahead.
- A designated Provincially Significant Wetland (the Little Cataraqui Creek Complex), which would also deliver provincial protection, borders on the site boundary, and so also does not offer protection.
- There is significant woodland on the Knox Farm property. This would also deliver protection but the engineers designated it as ‘deciduous thicket’ which avoids this protection.
- Two threatened species of birds were identified on the site, which was considered to be of special concern. A threatened species of amphibian was also identified on the site. Blandings’ turtles were observed nearby. (None of this should be surprising, after all, this has been designated as a Conservation Area for over 50 years.)
- A large human refuse plant such as this will no doubt attract and encourage a breeding site for rodents and other vermin. This would no doubt significantly affect the carefully nurtured natural wildlife balance in the conservation area. This subject is not mentioned in the report
- A presentation was given to the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority in January and the only major concerns raised were about odour, groundwater and well protection. (Somebody should remind them that this is also a protected Conservation Area that contains animals and natural resources to be cared for, and is an important environmental resource for our families’ education and recreation, and for our school programs.)
- Hydrologically, the property is in a designated ‘Highly Vulnerable Area’ of the Cataraqui Source Protection Area (SPA) and is located on a formation of unstable bedrock. Surface water runoff travels down to the Cataraqui Creek Reservoir. (This reservoir already has very limited recreation value because of the toxic pollution coming down directly from the old city garbage dump on McAdoo’s Lane. The Cataraqui Creek also runs into and out of this reservoir, and on down to the lake.)
- There are so many assumptions made in this report! For example, the report states that the plant can be designed to operate under air quality guidelines and comply with regulatory requirements. (My emphasis)…but will it? And what are the implications if it doesn’t? The requirements should have been nailed down by now by the engineers!)
- Noise levels were assumed to not be a problem and potential light pollution was not mentioned. Sunnyside Road is also not included in the potential traffic study implications.
- The dominant wind direction is from the south west with moderate west and northwest components.
- The size of the current plant is designed to accommodate the City of Kingston, but possible significant expansion is expected and anticipated. The economic plan is to bring in human waste from a much larger region. The tonnage of undigested wastewater sludge and raw sewage anticipated to be delivered is a guess, depending on how big the regional catchment area turns out to be.
- The topic of the inevitable air pollution and toxic odour from the site focuses only on the degree of ventilation required inside the operation’s buildings!! Presumably, these buildings are ventilated to the outside! (When I asked about the air pollution and odour control, I was told that there would be sensors on the perimeter to keep track…reassuring?…then what?)
- The end of the process will be ‘liquid solid waste’…the biosolids! This will be sprayed on farmer’s fields as a fertilizer...sweet! (However, this waste cannot be spread on fields that grow crops for human consumption because of the possible toxic residues in the sewage, e.g., pharmaceuticals and medicines. This is not mentioned in the report.)
- There are two plant designs being considered with different technologies. Both have lagoons and pools of waste on the property to produce the gas. Methane gas flaring will be required to burn it off.
- This is a big and expensive operation. The estimated initial upfront capital costs for the two designs are: Design 1 – $71.1 Million, Design 2 – $84.9 Million!! (Our property taxes!) In each case the engineering costs will be about $10 Million. The engineers recommend going ahead with Design 1.
- The ongoing annual costs of operation are estimated at about $2 Million. (Taking out the costs of 5-6 full-time staff, an annual budget of $1.5 Million for ongoing operation and maintenance of such a large and complex plant is clearly woefully inadequate.)
- A decision to go ahead with this plant is expected by the end of 2024. The project will be initiated in 2025 with a 5 year construction timeframe. The plant would then be in operation in 2030.
At the last open house I asked the consulting engineers for an example of where this technology had been successful installed. The engineers thought there was one, but they weren’t sure.
I am very concerned that we are being ‘greenwashed’ here by the engineers, to cover up the negative implications and consequences of this very expensive but non-tested venture.
Thank you for your attention.
Peter Lawton,
1553 Sunnyside Road
613 770-6800
Further Correspondence:
Since this initial letter, a petition has been created and further community outreach is in process along with collection of scientific data on comparable projects. It is scheduled to go to Council later this month.
“Kingston Utilities has now sent out the Environmental Study on the Biosolids and Gas Facility being considered to be built on the Knox Farm property close to us, next to the Little Cat Conservation Area. This facility is specifically designed to manufacture methane gas and carbon dioxide. These are two of the most dangerous gases on the planet.
They ask for any comments on this report to be submitted only by September 10th. I wanted to get this report out to you quickly should you want to respond to them.”
“I spoke to the project contact at Kingston Utilities, Lauren Scanlan, this morning and told her to expect a response from us by the project deadline which is Wednesday. A number of us have been working on this response.
Given the fast approaching deadline to get responses in, we just don’t have time to finalize it and get agreement across our group on a joint document, as we had hoped. There are just too many divergent points to be included.
Lauren Scanlan indicated that what is sent in by the deadline will be included in the project conclusion document that will then be sent to the City Council, CRCA, etc. After Wednesday’s deadline it will be too late.
GIven this situation, I am urging any one of us who wishes to make a contribution to this important project document to do so by contacting Lauren Scanlan directly by a written submission before the close of business on Wednesday.
She can be contacted at:
Lauren Scanlan
lscanlan@utilitieskingston.com
613 546-1181 ext. 2462
Thank you and all the best,
Peter Lawton –
More Info?peterlawton@bell.net
8. Kingston Climate Action Town Hall – Sat, Sept 28
Received from the Kingston Climate Justice Coalition, Sept 8, 2024
The Kingston Climate Justice Coalition is a new coalition of local groups including 350 Kingston, Seniors for Climate Action Now (SCAN!), and the Providence Centre for Peace, Justice, and Integrity of Creation.
On Saturday, September 28 they will host their first in-person gathering, a town hall event focused on how the City of Kingston can act on the climate crisis with greater urgency.
The Kingston Climate Action Town Hall will feature guest speakers,an interactive workshop, and opportunities to connect with other Kingstonians and local groups who care about environmental sustainability and climate justice.
Tickets are free AND IT WILL BE FUN, but space is limited, so RSVP now and help us spread the word by sharing the event with your network!
To Register?https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/kingston-climate-action-town-hall-tickets-979333973277?aff=fkih
Facebook Event Page:https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/kingston-climate-action-town-hall-tickets-979333973277?aff=fkih
9. Automated Speed Enforcement Now in Effect
Received from the City, Sept 3, 2024
Automated speed enforcement begins this week
The City of Kingston is taking another step towards enhancing road safety with the introduction of the Automated Speed Enforcement pilot project…
Cameras will be used in Community Safety Zones(https://www.cityofkingston.ca/roads-parking-and-transportation/road-safety/community-safety-zones/to reduce vehicle speed and improve safety for vulnerable road users, across the City. Locations and detailed program information are available on the City’s website.
The mobile cameras will rotate among Community Safety Zones approximately every three months. Signs at future camera locations will be installed 90 days in advance to let drivers know where they will be before the program starts this fall. Roadside signs will be in place where there are active Automated Speed Enforcement systems.
This program is focused on improving safety for vulnerable road users like kids on their way to school, which is why it is being used in Community Safety Zones. Decreasing speed is critical for improving road safety and automated speed enforcement is one strategy that works with other municipally led programs in Kingston to improve road safety, including:
Traffic calming:https://www.cityofkingston.ca/roads-parking-and-transportation/road-safety/traffic-calming/
Pedestrian Crossings:Pedestrian crossings: https://www.cityofkingston.ca/roads-parking-and-transportation/pedestrians/
School Area Safety Education: School area Safety Education, https://www.cityofkingston.ca/roads-parking-and-transportation/school-area-safety/ and
Cycliing Infrastructure Projects: Cycling Infrastructure Projects: https://www.cityofkingston.ca/roads-parking-and-transportation/cycling/
Camera locations were selected through a safety and speed review of all community safety zones in the City. The program will operate at various locations throughout the city for two years, rotating approximately every three months, before undergoing a comprehensive review in 2026. Norman Rogers Drive and Lancaster Drive are the first two locations to have Automated Speed Enforcement, beginning this September. The full list of locations and rotation schedule is available at:https://www.cityofkingston.ca/roads-parking-and-transportation/road-safety/automated-speed-enforcement/
10. What’s Happening with Lemoine’s Point
Received from Mayor Ptaerson, Sept 5, 2024
https://mayorpaterson.com/whats-happening-with-lemoine-point-farm/
“One of the great treasures we have here in Kingston is our amazing waterfront. It’s a crucial part of our identity as a city and our quality of life as a community. One of my top priorities as mayor has been to expand public access to the waterfront and create new places, activities and experiences along our shoreline, for both residents and visitors alike. Part of that work is to acquire new waterfront property, and several years ago, an opportunity came up here at the Lemoine Point Farm, just west of the airport and south of the Lemoine Point conservation area.
Mary Fraser, the owner of this property passed away in 2022. In her will, she gave the City an option to purchase the property subject to certain conditions, such as maintaining the rural use of the property. There’s no question the City is very interested in acquiring this property, and we’ve heard from many community members encouraging us to purchase it. The City has been in negotiations with the estate of Mary Fraser over the last two years, but there is currently a dispute over the interpretation of Ms. Fraser’s will.
The estate has had two separate appraisals done for the value of the property, but there is an enormous difference between what these two appraisals say is the value of this land. In fact, the difference is about $20M. While there are some exciting opportunities for how this land could be used, the City is not prepared to overpay for this property or for the land not in line with its future use.
We want to invest in new public access to our waterfront, but we also need to be responsible with tax dollars, particularly when there are so many other critical needs like housing, food security, new roads and parks, and many other areas where we need to allocate funding. I’m hopeful through continued negotiation, mediation and if necessary, resolving this through the courts, that we can find a way forward that makes sense for everyone in our community.
11. Cricket Field Fencing in Community Park in front of Court House?
Received from Mayor Bryan Paterson, Sept 3, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INoJ7w7JtFE
Editor’s Question: Once again are history and tradition are at risk?
Two equally viable communities want different things: One advocates for increased sports tournaments in the downtown and the other for a long-standing city tradition of open park space in the downtown. Can another site can be chosen? Stay tuned….
If you would like to be on the mayor’s Council Catch-Up videos contactmayor@cityofkingston.ca
12.Fun Things Happening in Kingston this September
www.visitkingston.ca
13. Still Waiting for Report from Utilities Kingston on their PCB and PAH data.
14. True North Aid’s Truth and Reconciliation Walk Sept 29
Received from info-truenorthaid.ca, Sept 5, 2024
What: In honour of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Also Orange Shirt Day),
True North Aid will host their 5th annual “Reconciliation Walk.
This is an educational opportunity for non-Indigenous people, in particular, to learn about the history we were not taught in schools, as it will present the truth about Canada’s justification for the establishment of residential schools in a self-guided timeline and its resulting harm against Indigenous people then and today. This event is FREE.
When: Sun, Sept 29
Where: in four Ontario cities: Guelph, Toronto, Kingston, and Brockville.
The Kingston walk will be at Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area, 1641 Perth Rd, Glenburnie, ON
More info about True North Aid and its projects?www.truenorthaid.ca
15. Update on Federal Lands for Kingston Housing
After approximately 10 years the federal government has allocated two large properties on King St. for housing, potentially via long-term leasing to the city. These are two of 56 properties that the federal government has recently agreed to lease to municipalities across the country. According to Public Services and Procurement Canada (Aug 29, 2024) “This new list will grow regularly in the coming months, along with further details listed on properties”
https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/4adde6c3403a4793bbf262d55a6983de?locale=en#data_s=id%3AdataSource_1-1905a648b4c-layer-13%3A24
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-services-procurement/services/infrastructure-buildings/public-lands-homes/bank-mapping-tool.html
Also see Kingston in talks with feds to explore affordable housing on two CSC properties, Mayor says (kingstonist.com) for an excellent feature by Bill Hutchins – posted on Sept 9.
Editor’s Note: Long-term leases with the federal government to build needed housing in Kingston Could mean the City doesn’t have to increase the urban boundary?
I have been suggesting, (evidently along with another advocacy group I am not familiar with) that the Collins Bay land should be included in this federal leasing agreement.
Of course, Corrections would have security concerns but it seems they are doing a pretty good job of intercepting drug-dropping drones at this point.
In a recent delegation to City Council (and to Mark Gerretsen, our MP), I have been suggesting that even if only one third or one half of the available land were provided to the city via long-term leasing agreement, it could mean that the city might not have to increase the urban boundary. The city’s consultants have suggested that such changes are required due to projected population increases.
This valuable, centrally-located land could be used for housing, for employment land uses, as well as for community needs such as offices.
16. Youth Imagining the Future – a Festival of Writing and Art
Received Sept 5, 2024
First of all, hot off the press, congratulations to this group for winning a Sustainability Kingston Award! The presentation will be at noon at Market Square on Wed, Sept 18th. Come to support Jerri and this group with her words to the mayor about the urgency of Climate Change!
Also happening soon. Youth Imagine the Future is starting workshops!
Tell a gr 7-12 teacher to book a free 1 hour workshop of inspiring climate solutions for their class!
Great for gr 7/8 or, in high school perfect for English, Art, Science, World Issues and eco clubs! ( Option to enter the festival.) See website to book for Sept or early Oct!
www.youthimaginethefuture.com
A Bit of Background:
Youth Imagine the Future encourages youth in our region to research and envision solutions to the Climate Crisis and a more socially equitable future through writing and the visual arts.
The first festival was held in 2022 with 3 people doing most of the work, 17 volunteers on the writing jury and 10 on the art jury. Sponsors included Queen’s Faculty of Education, 350 Kingston, Providence Centre for Justice, Peace & Integrity of Creation and the Kingston Community Credit Union. Local businesses donated awards.
Today it is a registered non-profit association with a volunteer Board of Directors, supported by donations and a lot of volunteer hours. They partner with Kingston School of Arts, a registered charity.
17. Later is Too Late – Tues, Oct 1 Event
Received from Seniors for Climate, Sept 9, 2024
What: Kingston Rally
Who: Seniors for Climate is a joint project of Suzuki Elders, Climate Action for Lifelong Learners (CALL), Grandmothers Act to Save the Planet (GASP), Climate Legacy, and Seniors for Climate Action Now! (SCAN).
Local endorsements so far: Providence Centre for Justice, Peace and Integrity of
Creation, No Clearcuts, Kingston Health Coalition, Kingston Climate Justice Coalition, 350 Kingston, Green Party, NDP, Liberals, Providence Associates, and Anglican Diocese of Ontario Green Group, OPSEU local 497, Queen’s Backing Action on the Climate Crisis (QBACC).
When: Tues, Oct 1, 3-5 pm
Where: Confederation Park
NOTES: Seniors for Climate has organized more than 50 rallies across country.
Everyone is welcome! We will be demanding climate action now!
Great speakers, local musicians, lively chants, information tables, and more.
We are in a climate emergency. Extreme weather is the symptom. Fossil fuel pollution is the cause.
All levels of government must: phase out fossil fuels, promote clean renewable energy, and stop banks, pension plans, insurance companies from
funding dirty energy.
More info?nancyn@seniorsforclimate.org/
https://seniorsforclimate.org/
17. Two Ferries to Wolfe Island?
Received from the Kingstonist,Sept 9, 2024 – Tori Stafford
https://www.kingstonist.com/news/frSept 9, 2024ontenac-islands-mayor-to-propose-formal-request-for-two-ferry-solution/
FROM FARTHER AFIELD
18. Ontario Health Coalition Update
Received from Natalie Mehra, Executive Director, Sept 9, 2024
On their website find MYTH BUSTER: 10 Big Myths about Health Care Privatization, and BRIEFING NOTE: The Ford Government’s Plan to Privatize Ontario’s Public Hospital Services and more…
www.ontariohealthcoalition.ca, and
https://www.facebook.com/ontariohealth
Coonsider joining in for a quick briefing and discussion about the next phase of the fightback to stop Ford’s health care privatization at the Update, High-Level Briefing & Strategy Meeting on Wednesday, September 11th, 7 p.m. via Zoom online.
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZArfu2pqj4oEtCMZv9_Z3EIyFDd5QZ5ZH7d#/registration
19.Kingston shortlisted as ‘Destination of the Year’ for 2024 Seatrade Cruise Awards, Global News, August 29, 2024. Kingston, Ont., has been shortlisted for the Destination of the Year award at the 2024 Seatrade Cruise Awards, recognized for its welcoming atmosphere as a port of call for Great Lakes cruise ships
20.Canadian Shipbuilders Calls for 100 Percent Tariff on Chinese-Built Ships, The Maritime Executive, August 30, 2024. The Canadian Marine Industries and Shipbuilding Association (CMISA) this week issued a call for the Canadian government to impose a 100 percent tariff on Chinese-built ships as a step to protect domestic capabilities and national security. The move comes after Canada announced a similar tariff on Chinese-made electrical vehicles and as the United States is also reviewing a trade complaint from its unions lodged against the Chinese shipbuilding industry.
21. Port of Montreal and Vietnam Maritime Administration pledge action for a sustainable future, Montreal Port Authority, August 26, 2024. In its ongoing efforts to consolidate and intensify trade relations with Asia, on August 9 the Port of Montreal signed an action plan with Vietnam Maritime Administration (Vinamarine), a key player in Vietnam’s marine-industry supply chain. As part of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Port of Montreal and Vinamarine in November 2023, this action plan launches collaborative work on energy transition, green corridors and digital innovation in marine transportation, all of which are crucial to a sustainable future.
OF GENERAL INTEREST
22 Cautions re Foraging for Edible Wild Plants and Fungi
Received from the Rideau Waterway Land Trust, Aug 24, 2024
Foraging for edible wild plants and fungi is a human activity deeply rooted in tradition and the connection to nature and land. It involves understanding the delicate balance of ecosystems and respecting the natural environment. By recognizing the interconnectedness of all living organisms within our environment, foraging promotes a sense of harmony and stewardship towards the land that sustains us.
Foraging is not inherently contrary to conservation; when done properly, it promotes a deeper connection and value for the land that nourishes you and your loved ones. This perspective encourages us to develop a profound appreciation for the habitats that sustain the plants we seek, fostering a deeper connection to nature and an understanding of the need to preserve and protect these spaces for future generations.
When foraging, it’s crucial to ensure that the natural environment and its biodiversity are not harmed. One key principle of responsible foraging is to harvest only a small percentage of the available plants, typically around 5% of any local patches. This practice helps maintain the long-term sustainability of wild plant populations and ensures that there are enough resources left for the wildlife that depend on these plants for their survival.
Another important aspect of responsible foraging is to be mindful of where we forage. It’s important to avoid foraging in nature reserves and other heavily trafficked areas, as these ecosystems are sensitive and unable to sustain the impact of excessive foraging. By leaving these areas undisturbed, we can help protect the delicate balance of these environments, that is why foraging is prohibited on RWLT properties. Additionally, foragers should familiarize themselves with local regulations and restrictions regarding foraging, as there are specific rules in place to safeguard certain plant species and habitats. In Ontario, it is illegal to forage in conservation areas and provincial parks.
Responsible foraging also involves accurately identifying the plants being harvested and being aware of the potential ecological impact of foraging in a particular area. Foragers should also prioritize their own safety by learning to recognize and avoid toxic or harmful species. Overall, responsible foraging is about approaching the natural world with care and consideration, ensuring that the act of gathering wild plants is conducted in a sustainable and respectful manner that promotes the health and diversity of the ecosystem.
Wild Leeks (Allium tricoccum)
Identification & Habitat: Two or more leaves growing from a white purple bulb. Strong garlic aroma. Found in rich hardwood forests with alluvial soils (clay, silt, or sand deposited by running water in a stream bed or floodplain.
Ethical Harvesting: Overharvested in some areas, do not harvest from small patches. Take only one leaf from a plant and harvest bulbs only if there are more than 90 bulbs per square meter.
Cautions: People with kidney stones or gout should exercise caution due to high oxalic acid.
Golden Chanterelle (Cantharellus cibarius)
Identification & Habitat: Yellow with a faint aroma and flavour of apricots. Red spots appear on cap if camaged. They prefer large confers.
Ethical Harvesting: Do not pull, cut mushrooms at the base of the stem to allow the mycelium to remain intact and produce new mushrooms.
Cautions: often confused with the poisonous jack-o-lantern (Omphalotus illudens) and the false chanterelle (Hygrophoropsis aurantiiaca)
Fiddleheads (Matteuccia struthiopteris)
Identification & Habitat: Fiddleheads are the curled fronds of the Ostrich Fern. Ostrich ferns grow best in woodland understories in moist soil.
Ethical Harvesting: To sustainably harvest, take less than half of the fiddleheads in each root clump. Leet the rest mature into beautiful ferns to continue the fern population of the area.
Cautions: Some individuals experience stomach upset when eating large quantities, for safety, they need to be thoroughly cooked.
23. Wonderful Programming at the Museum of Health Care
https://www.museumofhealthcare.ca/visit/activities-and-programs/visit-the-museum.html
24. What to Knowe about Turtle Activity in September
Received from the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre via Facebook
·
Did you know that September is busier for intakes to our Turtle hospital than August is?
During this time of year turtles are making their way back to their hibernation sitesand there are also many hatchlings coming out of their nesting cavity in some pretty precarious places! It could also be that some wetlands are drier at this time of year, than early and mid summer. Keep an eye out for them on the roadways!
We’re also working on getting as many Turtles released as possible that are all healed up and ready to go before the cold weather sets in!
Thank you again for your patience especially during our big move!!! 705-741-5000 for injured turtles!
So that’s it for now.
Wishing you a wonderful few weeks in the wonderful month of September.
Cheers,
Mary Farrar,
President, Friends of Kingston Inner Harbour
www.friendsofinnerharbour.com
613-544-1246