MARCH 2023 NEWSLETTER
Hi Everyone,
Another month has come and gone! This winter has been a combination of unseasonably warm days and a lack of consistent deep freeze that we usually experience this time of year. The sap run in Lanark has arrived a month earlier than previous years, raising new questions about the predictability of the seasons and what this will look like in subsequent years. In addition, the Rideau Canal announced that this will be the first year ever that it won't be opening for skaters and vendors. These traditions of winter are a part of our identity in this region, but the recent anomalies in the duration and consistency of our winters, leads us to infer that these traditions will change with the climate.
On March 2nd, make sure to come to our Small Actions Big Movement, movie screening event of “Kiss the Ground”. The movie will be followed by a moderated panel discussion consisting of local change makers. We will also be participating in the Fridays for Future- Global Climate Strike in Perth, see the poster below to learn more about this protest. As volunteers are at the very heart of CNL, this month we take a moment to acknowledge one of our many great members and put faces to the people supporting our momentum.
We also provide you with some great news stories, and a resource that allows you to calculate how much money you will get back from the carbon tax. For actions you can take, as we ease into the growing season consider exploring the world of local food options and reduce your food miles.
If you are looking to get involved in community climate action in Lanark County, please reach out to info@climatenetworklanark.ca and we will direct you to our sign up process and discuss your volunteer interests.
Thank you for your continued support and we hope you enjoy this issue of our newsletter,
The CNL Team
In this Issue:
County Updates
CNL Update
Events and Learning
Volunteer Spotlight
Helpful Resources
Local Climate Action in the News
Actions You Can Take
1. County Updates
Lanark County’s Climate Action Committee
With the municipal election in October 2022, a new County Council was formed. This resulted in a new Climate Action Committee being structured under the County Council. The new committee is much smaller than the one that had formulated the details of the Climate Action Tables over the past year.
Climate Initiatives Dashboard for Lanark County
Corporate Climate Action Table
Community Climate Action Table
The new committee is chaired by Carleton Place Mayor Toby Randell and includes elected political representatives Rob Reiner, Reeve of Tay Valley Township, Judy Brown, Mayor of Perth, and Rickey Minnille Deputy Mayor of Mississippi Mills and past chair of last year's Climate Action Committee. Staff members include County CAO Kurt Greaves and interim Climate Environmental Coordinator Elizabeth Gallant. Joining these staff members will be Madeline Seward as she leaves CNL to work as the Environmental Clerical Assistant, at the County.
Under the new structure, all the lower-tier municipalities have been asked to appoint a representative (elected or citizen, their choice) who will be called upon on an as needed basis.
CNL’s representation on the committee has been downgraded from two to one seat. At this point, we will be called upon on an as needed basis. However, it is clear that given the new composition, CNL's history and experience will be needed more frequently. There is a contingent that says that CNL should be a voting member on the committee.
The County’s Climate Action Plan is NOT finished. The Action Tables are done based on data from last year. But the County has new data which could/should greatly alter the focus of the Action Tables. For example, the new data appears to show that Transportation emissions are proportionately enormous, so that should then result in an emphasis on public transportation and other transportation reduction measures.
As well, the reduction targets have not been set, nor have the time frames, nor has the methodology for monitoring been established. There is much work to do yet, and the plan has to go for public consultation before it can be passed by the full County Council.
Fundamentally, serious GHG reductions in Lanark County, of the needed 40-45% by 2030, will not happen unless the whole community - businesses, individuals, community organizations, lower-tier municipalities - is fully engaged in the process.
CNL will try to keep you up to date as much as possible.
Perth Public Transportation Survey
The Lanark County Rural Transportation Working Group (LCRT) is working toward creating a transportation service within the town of Perth, and potentially expanding to other towns as ridership increases and funding resources become available. People who live in Perth and surrounding areas who may utilize this service are encouraged to fill this survey out. Any questions can be forwarded to stephanie@thetablecfc.org
Click HERE to complete the survey
2. CNL Update- Join Us!
We are back in action this month with a couple of great events and collaborations on the horizon!
Small Actions, Big Movement- March 2nd
Join us for a community screening of the documentary "Kiss The Ground". Following this movie, there will be a moderated panel discussion where panellists explain in 2-3 min what they are doing in alignment with the featured film (e.g. regenerative farming, composting, etc.). This will then be followed by a discussion and question taking period from the attendees.
The discussion panel for this event will consist of our very own CNL members Alberto Suarez Esteban of Nature’s Apprentice Farm in Pakenham, Scott Hortop a Fungal Dominant Compost Enthusiast, and Will Affleck the creator of Just Good Compost. The discussion will be moderated by Rachel Everett-Fry (see our volunteer spotlight to learn more about Rachel!)
This is a great opportunity for people to get to know local initiatives and ask questions on what they can do and how to get involved. Attendees are encouraged to share their own experiences, reflections, initiatives, and ideas.
Join us and sign up by clicking HERE
Fridays For Future- Global Day of Action- March 3rd
Join us and participate in our Global Climate Strike on Friday March 3rd @ 11:45am-1:00pm, at 50 Dufferin St. at Wilson St., Perth. Now is the time to act. Climate change is a global issue that requires a global response. Be a part of the movement that demands our climate and people to be prioritized.
This event is part of Fridays for Future global event.
For more information on this event visit:
https://fridaysforfuture.org/march-3/
3. Events and Learning
MARCH 1, MARCH 29- Living Soils Intensive WEDNESDAY MARCH 1 @ 12:30 PM - WEDNESDAY MARCH 29 @ 4:00 PM VENUE: Online Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants- CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
MARCH 2- Small Actions, Big Movement. Kiss the Ground Film screening + panel discussion with local problem solvers, Mississippi Mills Public Library @ 6:30PM-9:30PM- CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
MARCH 3- Fridays for Future Global Climate Strike @ 11:45 AM- 1:00PM- 50 Dufferin St at Wilson St, Perth
MARCH 8- Key Considerations for Raising Livestock Regeneratively @ 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM VENUE: Online Online via Zoom - link will be sent to registrants- CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
MARCH 14- Beware of Invasive Plants by Dale Odorizzi, hosted by Perth and District Horticultural Society- CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
MARCH 16- “Treasures of the Ottawa Valley” – Trilliums by Brian Carson , Hosted by Mississippi Valley Field Naturalists @6:45PM-9:00PM- CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
MARCH 22- Indigenous Spaces of the Biosphere - An Educational Webinar The Indigenous Spaces of The Frontenac Arch Biosphere - An Educational Webinar Frontenac Arch Biosphere Network, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM- CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
MARCH 25- Thunderbird Tales – Teachings with Tim Yearington 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM - CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
4. Volunteer Spotlight- Meet Rachel!
Rachel Everett-Fry is a writer, researcher, and activist. Her passion for environmental action is coupled with her work as a social scientist. Currently a PhD Candidate in Social Anthropology at the University of Cambridge, Rachel is studying how people relate to the earth- literally soil - in Eastern Ontario through participatory and engaged research. Rachel has also worked in journalism, agriculture, and natural history.
Rachel currently volunteers with CNL in our Compost and Waste Reduction working group, her passion and understanding for soil and community building is of great value to our organizations work. With a diverse group of volunteers behind CNL, insight from our younger generations is instrumental to our mission and the future of climate action in Lanark County.
Thank you Rachel for your contributions to Climate Network Lanark and Lanark County!
5. Helpful Resources
Did you know that the government returns 100% of carbon tax revenue to households, businesses, and non-profits in Ontario? Use this calculator to understand how much money you can expect to get back.
Click HERE to calculate your carbon tax return
6. Local Climate Action in the News
Tune into Lake 88.1’s In Focus with Lynda D’Aoust to hear Gord Harrison - Click HERE to Listen
'Warmer winters': Is Skate the Lake's cancellation a sign of things to come? By Evelyn Hartford- Click HERE to read the article
Vendors sought for Earth Day event in Carleton Place- Click HERE to learn more
7. Actions You Can Take
Food Close to Home- Good for you and the climate!
Transportation remains as one of the top producers of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. As we import and export goods as part of the global market, it has been found that produce in North America travels on average 2,000km from its source to its point of sale. Although transportation is not the largest source of emissions from food production, it still accounts for around 11% of this total (Wakeland et.al, 2012). In Canada, approximately two-thirds of all produce is imported, in turn, this contributes to transportation emissions. There are a number of things that you can do to help reduce food miles and lower the emissions produced from your food consumption.
Eat Locally and Seasonally
Here are some pointers and resources for local and seasonal eating!
View this Ontario Produce Availability Guide to see what you can find at different times of the year closer to home
Stock up on produce when its in season (ie. strawberries, raspberries) and freeze, pickle or preserve where possible
Opt for local meat- Sourcing meat closer to home can reduce some of your “food miles” as well
Plant a Garden- With the gardening season just around the corner, it's time to think about starting seeds for things like tomatoes, onions, peppers and more. Getting an early start on some of these things can set you up for success. If you lack proper lighting or space to get your plants started, you can also visit a local garden centre in the spring to get your veggie plants. Gardens are a great way to supply yourself with fresh nutritious food all summer and through the winter. If you lack the space to build your own garden plot, check out the community garden options below. Community gardens are a great way to eat healthy and learn from people of all gardening experience levels. If you feel your knowledge of gardening needs improvement, join your local horticultural society or look into online learning. See the list below of local horticultural societies.
Tip: Grow things that store well and keep for long periods of time (ie. onions, cabbage, squash, and other root veggies)
Tip: Use secession planting to stagger your harvests, and eat certain vegetables over a longer period of time
Community Gardens in Lanark County
The Table Community Garden- Perth
REAL Community Garden- Smiths Falls
The Neighbourhood Tomato Community Garden- Almonte
Local Horticultural Societies
Perth & District Horticultural Society
Carleton Place & District Horticultural Society
Almonte & District Horticultural Society
Smiths Falls Horticultural Society
Rideau Lakes Horticultural Society
- Visit a farmer's market, roadside stand, or sign-up for a CSA- Not sure how to connect with local farmers? Check out these farm directories below.
Leeds and Grenville Farm Directory
Food Waste- Don’t forget to compost!
Its inevitable for there to be some waste produced from food, but make sure to compost food scraps and spoiled produce as this is a culprit of methane when it ends up in landfills.
Sources
Wakeland, W., Cholette, S., & Venkat, K. (2012). Food transportation issues and reducing carbon footprint. Food Engineering Series, 211–236. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-1587-9_9
“Canada - agricultural sector” (2022) International Trade Administration | Trade.gov. Retrieved March 1, 2023, from https://www.trade.gov/knowledge-product/canada-agricultural-sector#:~:text=An%20estimated%20two%2Dthirds%20of,consumed%20in%20Canada%20is%20imported
