MAY 2023 NEWSLETTER

Hi Everyone,

Yes, this is the May CNL newsletter. We have been beset by technical, as well as time constraints this month, plus an excess of activities and interesting developments as you’ll see below. Consequently, we have had to remove the images from the email version of the newsletter.

As some of our members embrace the season of growing, we were a little late to the newsletter this month. This time of year is a busy time to get your hands in the dirt, clean up the yard, enjoy the outdoors, go to the cottage, and get started on those summer projects. Although we were a little behind this month, the old saying goes “Better late than never!” This issue is jam packed!

1. The CNL team is growing! Are you looking for an opportunity to work with a dynamic change driven organization in a dynamic community? CNL has 2 meaningful opportunities to participate in climate action in Lanark County. We have successfully secured funding to pilot test our Climate Concierge Program, and we are also looking for a new intern. Please check out our CNL Updates to learn more about these positions. Spread the word to people who might fit the roles.

2. Take a moment to meet one of our amazing members Barb Purdy and check out our helpful resources. Make sure to spread the word about the Carpool website in Lanark County, Frontenac, and Lennox and Addington. Transportation produces the largest proportion of greenhouse gas emissions in our emissions inventory. It is important that we reduce the amount of single passenger travel throughout the region. Help cut our collective transportation emissions and share a ride, so no one gets left behind!

3. For actions you can take this month, make sure to keep up to date on the expansion of natural gas in Ontario. Expanding the supply of natural gas will greatly impact Lanark County’s ability to reduce its GHGs.

Thank you for your continued support,


The CNL Team


CNL Updates

We Want You! For the CNL Board of Directors!

Are you interested in helping shape the future of climate action here in Lanark County? Then we want you for our board of directors! We are currently looking for people driven to create positive change in our communities through climate action.

Currently recruiting for:

General Board Positions

If you, or someone you know is interested in joining our board please reach out to corry@climatenetworklanark.ca. We are looking for people with diverse backgrounds and experiences to contribute to our organization and help meet our climate goals in Lanark County.

We’re Hiring

Climate Concierge Coordinator

CNL is pleased to announce that we have received sufficient funding to allow us to roll out our pilot Climate Concierge program. We are seeking a person part-time to promote the program and then to coordinate the community clusters and activities from now through the end of this year. The Climate Concierge Service knits community members who own single-family homes and small businesses with resources and information that is specific to Lanark County. At its core, it connects community member to community member, to provide motivation, leading edge knowledge, peer support and connections to the specific trade and supplier expertise in that particular community. The net result is home and business owners who are able to make the best decisions about reducing their own GHGs with confidence.

  • We are just working out the details but this position will be starting ASAP.

  • Part-time, approx. 70 hours/month from June through December.

  • The successful candidate must be able to work flexible hours, including evening meetings and weekend events.

  • Compensation is $30/hr.

  • Ideal Candidate will be a homeowner with experience managing a house, have management experience, strong skills in communications, marketing and community development, knowledge of the house as a system, and strong computer skills.

  • To receive a full job description and guidelines about how to apply send an email to sue@climatenetworklanark.ca

CNL Intern- Administrative Coordinator Part-time, contract

We are seeking a motivated, organized, experienced person to fill the position of Administrative Coordinator for this quickly growing, new organization. The Administrative Coordinator is responsible for providing a wide range of administrative and executive support to the Board of Directors and the management team, including Database Management, Volunteer Coordination, Meeting management and Communications activities. Additionally experience in creating marketing materials, research and assisting with promotional activities would be an asset. Familiarity with climate related topics and an interest in local climate action would be an asset.

Wage: $20/hour

Work conditions: Remote position with some in-person meetings and events around Lanark County

Hours: 30 hrs/week flexible schedule

Eligibility: Age 30 and under

Location: Lanark County, Ontario

Job Starts: June 2023

To receive a full job description and guidelines about how to apply send an email to corry@climatenetworklanark.ca


Volunteers Needed

Changing up the Stewart Park Festival's Handling of Garbage and Compost

CNL taking on a massive undertaking - We are committing to providing staffing to oversee the new recycling area at the Stewart Park Festival which runs from Fri. July 14 through Sunday July 16.. You are probably like so many of us who have attended year after year and been frustrated by the lack of recycling and organic waste. You’re likely going to the Festival anyway this year, so pop us a note and say you’ll volunteer for a 2 or 3-hour shift directing people to the right containers. Send an email to corry@climatenetworklanark.ca to say you’d like to volunteer. We’ll get back to you to get your availability and with details closer to the event.


Volunteers wanted to help stop natural gas expansion in Lanark County

CNL is seeking volunteers to educate the public about the benefits of electric heat pumps over natural gas in the Balderson/Lanark Village corridor. It is now documented that homeowners can save up to $1,000/year using electric heat pumps over natural gas systems. There is a project underway to expand natural gas service in the Balderson/Lanark Village corridor, yet we know we must stop new expansion of fossil fuels before 2030. Natural gas or methane is a global heater 80 times stronger than carbon dioxide in the short term. As well, most potential users don’t likely know that they will have to pay an additional fee of $0.23/m3 for the extension. We are seeking volunteers to simply distribute literature we have available from the Clean Air Alliance. To volunteer contact sue@climatenetworklanark.ca


County Updates

County Decision Goes Against All Recommendations for GHG Reduction Target

Lanark County Council chose to go against ALL reduction target recommendations aimed at efforts to try to keep the planet from burning up by more than 1.5 degrees C. at its meeting on May 10.

Instead, it chose a reduction target for the whole community of Lanark County – that is the individuals, homeowners, businesses and organizations of the County – of only 10% by 2030.

The IPCC, Canada, and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities - that the County is contracted with - all recommend a reduction target of 40-50% by 2030. And Lanark County’s own climate advisory committee, of which CNL is a member, had recommended a target of 45-50%.  

CNL has pushed for a strong aspirational target from the beginning of its involvement with the County and promoted reducing GHGs by half by 2030. CNL is considering what part of its huge engagement with the County is worth continuing, but as you will see in the rest of the newsletter, we remain committed to full climate action.

For the County’s news release CLICK HERE


Smiths Falls Climate Protection Working Group

Smiths Falls is seeking people for its Climate Protection Working Group. Only Tay Valley and Perth have local climate committees. This is a genuine opportunity to make a difference and you don’t have to live in the

Town. The application process is open, despite the mention of a deadline. The Town is most interested in having youth apply. https://www.smithsfalls.ca/en/town-hall/committees-of-council.aspx.  


100 Women Who Care About Lanark County

CNL is thrilled that the 100 Women Who Care About Lanark County has chosen CNL to be one of three non-profits to be considered at its June 5 meeting. There is still time for women to join. Click HERE to learn more


Helpful Resources

Community Car Pool- Share the ride so no one gets left behind

Looking for someone to split the cost of driving with? Check out the new communitycarpool.ca and post or look for a ride. This page was created in partnership with the Rural Frontenac Transportation Service to serve the Lennox and Addington, Frontenac, and Lanark County area.


Volunteer Spotlight

Barbara Purdy, a business owner and residential designer specializing in kitchens and baths, is making waves in the climate advocacy scene in Carleton Place. As a long-time green and sustainable design advocate and environmental activist, Purdy has been actively involved in various initiatives that promote environmental sustainability and protection.

Barb most recently served as the Coordinator and Conceptualist for EarthFEST, a highly successful Earth Day celebration held in Carleton Place. The event brought together local businesses, community organizations, and residents to raise awareness about environmental issues and inspire action towards a more sustainable future. Currently, Barb is a member of the CNL's Compost Working Group and the Deputy-Chair of the Carleton Place Environmental Action Committee (CPEAC). She was also the founder of CPH20 Watch, a Carleton Place community action group that formed around concerns regarding the Bodnar development on the banks of the Mississippi River.

Purdy's passion for environmental advocacy is evident in her involvement in various campaigns and initiatives. She served as the Campaign Social Media Coordinator for GPO Candidate Stephen Kotze in 2019 and was an active member of CCAMU Community Coalition Against Mining Uranium and OCAMU, the Ottawa Chapter, challenging a local potential mining threat in 2007. CCAMU & OCAMU's efforts contributed to changes in the Ontario Mining Act - Ontario's Modernized Mining Act in 2012.

As a grandmother of three, Purdy is committed to creating a better tomorrow for future generations. She firmly believes that a circular economy is the only way forward and has been an avid organic gardener for over 30 years. Barb's unwavering dedication to environmental advocacy serves as an inspiration to the Carleton Place community and beyond.


Local Climate Action in The News

Earth Day festival brings environmentalism to Carleton Place community by Tara Gesner- CLICK HERE TO READ

‘Game changer:’ New Lanark County community carpool program shifts into gear by Evelyn Harford- CLICK HERE TO READ

10 green jobs of the present and future by Smiths Falls Record News- CLICK HERE TO READ

‘We have to do this’: Smiths Falls creates climate protection committee by Evelyn Harford- CLICK HERE TO READ

Climate change and our lake ecosystem by Smiths Falls Record News- CLICK HERE TO READ

Montague sheep farmers step up sustainability with help from ALUS Lanark, RVCA by Smiths Falls Record News- CLICK HERE TO READ


Actions You Can Take

Get in the "NO!" about Natural Gas Expansion in Ontario

The Ford government has announced plans to expand natural gas plants in Ontario. New infrastructure sets us up for a long-term increase in fossil fuels. We can’t afford that, the Planet can’t afford that. We’re joining with communities across Ontario that are engaged in stopping the expansion because natural gas, otherwise called fossil gas, is 80 x more powerful than carbon dioxide in its first 20 years. And expanding the supply will destroy any effort to meet CNL’s target of cutting Lanark County’s GHGs in half. Read more at https://www.cleanairalliance.org/

Make sure to check out these resources below to learn more about taking action.


Sign a Petition

  • “STOP FOSSIL FUELS. BUILD 100% RENEWABLES.” by 350 dot org

  • You can visit Leadnow to find petitions related to fossil fuel diversion


Watch these Webinars

  • Mobilizing Kingston with Action-Ready Answers to Create the Climate Future We ALL want- Dr. Jonathan Foley, Executive Director of Project Drawdown, the World’s Leading Resource for Climate Solutions joins moderator Dan Hendry with Kingston Frontenac Public Library, Sustainable Kingston, and community friends to present how Kingston can mobilize with action-ready answers to create the climate future we all want. Watch the recording here! (SUPERB and worth your time!)

  • Beyond Gas: Ontario's Energy Future, with Mark Jacobson, Gaby Kalapos, and Jack Gibbons, moderated by Avis Favaro and introduced by Dr. Mili Roy. Watch the recording here!

Beyond Gas Advocacy Skills Workshop-

Learn about the essentials of the campaign, how to set up meetings with your Municipal Councillors and MPPs, how to lobby and more.

Watch the recording here!