Tag Archives: environment

Ontario Building About 500 Electric Vehicle EV Charging Stations- Here’s Where

July 13, 2016 The Silo 2 Comments

Ontario is building almost 500 electric vehicle EV charging stations at over 250 convenient locations across the province to help reduce greenhouse gas pollution and fight climate change.

The province is working with 24 public- and private-sector partners to create an unprecedented network of public charging electric vehicle stations in cities, along highways, at workplaces and at various public places across Ontario. This includes over 200 Level 3 and nearly 300 Level 2 charging stations. The entire network will be in service by March 31, 2017.

The province’s $20-million investment under Ontario’s Green Investment Fund will expand charging infrastructure across the province and will help address “range anxiety,” a common concern of consumers regarding the distance electric vehicles can travel compared to traditional vehicles. Building a more robust network of public chargers across Ontario allows electric vehicle owners to plan longer trips knowing that charging stations are as readily available as gas stations. With the new network of stations, electric vehicle drivers will be able to travel confidently from Windsor to Ottawa or from Toronto to North Bay and within and around major urban centres.

The $325-million Green Investment Fund, an initial investment in Ontario’s new five-year Climate Change Action Plan, is already strengthening the economy, creating good jobs and driving innovation while fighting climate change — a strong signal of what Ontarians can expect from the plan and proceeds from the province’s cap and trade program. These investments will help secure a healthy, clean and prosperous low-carbon future and transform the way we live, move, work and adapt to our environment while ensuring strong, sustainable communities.

Investing in climate action is part of the government’s economic plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes helping more people get and create the jobs of the future by expanding access to high-quality college and university education. The plan is making the largest infrastructure investment in hospitals, schools, roads, bridges and transit in Ontario’s history and is investing in a low-carbon economy driven by innovative, high-growth, export-oriented businesses. The plan is also helping working Ontarians achieve a more secure retirement.

QUOTES

“By investing in charging infrastructure that is fast, reliable and affordable, we are encouraging more Ontarians to purchase electric vehicles, reducing greenhouse gas pollution and keeping our air clean.”

— Steven Del Duca, Minister of Transportation

“Transportation is one of the single biggest contributors to climate change. Supporting more charging stations across the province will help to reduce greenhouse gas pollution by making it more convenient for drivers of electric vehicles to get around.”

— Glen Murray, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change

QUICK FACTS

An interactive map of the EVCO network of stations will be easily accessible on

Ontario 511. Station location data will also be posted on Ontario’s Open Data Catalogue to allow software developers and other interested parties to use the data in their mobile application or digital product development.

Ontario’s Climate Change Action Plan is providing people and businesses with tools and incentives to accelerate the use of clean technology that exists today.
A shift to low- and zero-emission vehicles is vital to the fight against climate change and achieving Ontario’s greenhouse gas pollution reduction target of 80 per cent below 1990 levels by 2050.
Green Investment Fund projects include: more electric vehicle charging stations; energy retrofits for single-family homes and affordable housing; support for Indigenous communities, industry and small and medium-sized businesses, and helping local organizations fight climate change.
Greenhouse gases from cars account for more emissions than those from industries such as iron, steel, cement, and chemicals combined.
There are nearly 7,000 electric vehicles currently on the road in Ontario.
Over 200 applications to the Electric Vehicle Charger Ontario program were received between Dec. 21, 2015 and Feb. 12, 2016, totalling more than $165 million in grant requests.

LEARN MORE

Ontario’s Electric Vehicle Incentive Program

Ontario 511 Climate Change Action Plan

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

	*BACKGROUNDER*
Ministry of Transportation

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

July 13, 2016

The province is investing nearly $20 million from Ontario’s Green Investment Fund to build almost 500 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at over 250 locations in Ontario by March 31, 2017.

City/Town	Number of Chargers	Location of Chargers
Central Region	Level 2: 223 Level 3: 84
Barrie	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	McDonald’s – 446 Bayfield St.
Beamsville	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 5005 Ontario St.
Beaverton	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	McDonald’s – 84 Beaverton Ave.
Bolton	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Albion Bolton Community Centre – 150 Queen St. South
Bradford	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 440 Holland St. West
Brampton	Level 2: 6 Level 3: 0	Soccer Centre Recreation Facility – 1495 Sandalwood Pkwy. East Heart Lake Conservation Area – 10818 Heart Lake Rd. Claireville Conservation Area – 8180 Hwy 50
Burlington	Level 2: 1 Level 3: 2	IKEA – 1065 Plains Rd. East Appleby Crossing – 2435 Appleby Line
Caledon	Level 2: 3 Level 3: 1	Albion Hills Conservation Area Chalet – 16500 Regional Rd. Albion Hills Conservation Area Beach Parking – 16500 Regional Rd. Glen Haffy Conservation Area – 19245 Airport Rd. Margaret Dunn Library – 20 Snelcrest Dr.
Collingwood	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 2	McDonald’s – 285 First St. Tim Horton’s – 4 High St.
Elmvale	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 68 Yonge St. South
Fort Erie	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 2	McDonald’s – 325 Garrison Rd. Tim Horton’s – 1167 Garrison Rd.
Goodwood	Level 2: 1 Level 3: 0	Claremont Field Centre – 4290 Westney Rd. North
Hamilton	Level 2: 1 Level 3: 2	Centre on Barton – 1275 Barton St. East Tim Horton’s – 1470 ON-6 Tim Horton’s – 473 Concession St.
Keswick	Level 2: 1 Level 3: 1	Glenwoods Centre – 443 The Queensway South
Markham	Level 2: 10 Level 3: 2	123 Commerce Valley Dr. West 125 Commerce Valley Dr. West 50 Minthorn Blvd. 140 Allstate Pkwy. Armadale Crossing – 7690-7770 Markham Rd. 80 Allstate Parkway
Midhurst	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Simcoe County Museum – 1151 Highway 26
Midland	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 16815 ON-12
Milton	Level 2: 1 Level 3: 1	Campbellville Country Court Plaza – 35 Crawford Cres.
Mississauga	Level 2: 58 Level 3: 20	80 Courtneypark Dr. 5800 Explorer Dr. Meadowvale Corporate Centre – 6880 Financial Dr. 5750 Explorer Dr. 2085 Hurontario St. 4701/4715 Tahoe Blvd. Indian Line Campground – 7625 Finch Ave. West Pearson International Airport – 6301 Silver Dart Dr. Pearson International Airport – 8 Network Rd. Pearson International Airport – 3111 Convair Dr. Hilton Mississauga – 6750 Mississusauga Rd. 2630 Skymark Ave. Novo-nordisk – 2680 Skymark Ave. Airway Centre – 5935 Airport Rd. 30 Eglinton Ave. West
Newmarket	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	McDonald’s – 1100 Davic Dr.
Niagara Falls	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 8089 Portage Rd.
Oakville	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 2	Tim Horton’s – 228 Wyecroft Rd.
Orangeville	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	McDonald’s – 23 Broadway Ave.
Orillia	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 2	McDonald’s – 320 Memorial Ave. Tim Horton’s – 25 Colborne St. East
Oshawa	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 2	Best Western Oshawa – 559 Bloor St. West
Pickering	Level 2: 1 Level 3: 1	Petticoat Creek Conservation Area – 1100 Whites Rd.
Richmond Hill	Level 2: 9 Level 3: 0	30 Leek Cres. 38 Leek Cres. 95 Mural St. 1725 16th Ave. Swan Lake Centre – 1229 Bethesda Sideroad
St Catharines	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 170 4th Ave. South
Stayner	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Clearview Joint Emergency Services Operations Centre – 6993 ON-26
Stouffville	Level 2: 1 Level 3: 0	Bruce’s Mill Conservation Area – 3291 Stouffville Rd.
Toronto	Level 2: 121 Level 3: 25	IKEA Etobicoke – 1475 The Queensway IKEA North York – 15 Provost Dr. St. Joseph’s Health Centre – 30 The Queensway Royal Bank Plaza – 200 Bay St. University Centre – 383 University Ave. 5775 Yonge St. Lucliff Place – 700 Bay St. York Mills Centre – 4325 Yonge St. MaRS Centre – 661 University Ave. Yorkville Village – 87 Avenue Rd. Madison Centre – 4950 Yonge St. Citibank – 123 Front St. 110 Yonge St. 525 University Ave. 175 Bloor St. Metro Centre – 200 Wellington St. Airport Marriott – 901 Dixon Rd. Maple Leaf Square – 15 York St. Air Canada Centre – 50 Bay St. Air Miles Tower – 438 University Ave. 720 Bay St. 655 Bay St. 5001 Yonge St. Adelaide Place – 181 University Ave. 2075 Kennedy Rd. Dynamic Funds Tower – 1 Adelaide St. East Atria – 2235 Sheppard Ave. East 30 Adelaide St. East Commerce West – 401 and 405 The West Mall SNC-Lavalin – 304 The East Mall Burnhamthorpe Square – 10-20 Four Seasons Place Morneau Shepall – 895 Don Mills Rd. 145 King St. West 150 King St. West Sun Life Centre – 200 King St. West Manulife Centre – 55 Bloor St. West Bloor Islington Place – 3250 Bloor St. West 33 Bloor St. West Scotiabank Plaza – 40 King St. West 115 Gordon Baker Rd. Foresters – 789 Don Mills Rd. 277 Wellington St. West Glen Rouge Conservation Area – 7450 Kingston Rd. Milliken Crossing – 5631 – 5671 Steeles Ave. East Black Creek Pioneer Village – 1000 Murray Ross Parkway Humber River Hospital – 1235 Wilson Ave.
Tottenham	Level 2: 1 Level 3: 1	Tottenham Mall – 55 Queen St. South
Vaughan	Level 2: 4 Level 3: 3	TRCA Head Office – 101 Exchange Ave. Joint Operations Centre – 2800 Rutherford Rd. IKEA – 200 Interchange Way
Vineland Station	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 3335 North Service Rd.
Washago	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Washago Carpool Lot – HWY 11/169
Whitby	Level 2: 1 Level 3: 0	Taunton Gardens – 320 Taunton Rd. East
Woodbridge	Level 2: 3 Level 3: 0	Boyd Conservation Area – 8739 Islington Ave. Kortright Centre – 9550 Pine Valley Dr.
East Region	Level 2: 17 Level 3: 49
Arnprior	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 3	Tim Horton’s – 201 Madawaska Blvd. Metro/Food Basics – 375 Daniel St. South McDonald’s – 16 Baskin Dr. West
Bancroft	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 234 Hastings St. North
Barrhaven	Level 2: 2 Level 3: 0	Ottawa Park and Ride – 3347 Fallowfield Rd.
Belleville	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 218 Bell Blvd.
Brockville	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 2	McDonald’s – 2454 Parkdale Ave. Tim Horton’s – 77 William St.
Campbellford	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 148 Grand Rd.
Carleton Place	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 144 Franktown Rd.
Casselman	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Metro/Food Basics – 21 Richer Close
Cornwall	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 3	Tim Horton’s – 81 Tollgate Rd. West McDonald’s – 1301 Brookdale Ave. St. Hubert – 705 Brookdale Ave.
Deep River	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 33235 Hwy 17
Embrun	Level 2: 2 Level 3: 0	Embrun Arena – 8 Blais St.
Fenelon Falls	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 23 Lindsay St.
Gloucester	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	St. Hubert – 2484 Boulevard St. Joseph
Hawkesbury	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 2	St. Hubert – 456 County Rd. 17 Tim Horton’s – 418 Main St. East
Johnstown	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Gas Bar – 2618 CR-2
Kanata	Level 2: 1 Level 3: 1	Ottawa Park and Ride – 130 Earl Grey Dr.
Kemptville	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	TSC Stores – 2966 County Rd. 43
Kingston	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 681 Princess St.
Lindsay	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 2	Lindsay Recreation Complex – 133 Adelaide St. South Tim Horton’s – 85 Mt Hope St.
Madoc	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 2	McDonald’s – 14118 Hwy 62 Tim Horton’s – 14121 ON-7
Manotick	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 989 River Rd.
Napanee	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 478 Centre St. North
Nepean	Level 2: 2 Level 3: 0	Ben Franklin Place – 101 Centrepointe Dr.
Newcastle	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 361 King Ave. East
Ottawa	Level 2: 3 Level 3: 8	McDonald’s – 670 Bronson Ave. City of Ottawa Fire Administration Building – 1445 Carling Ave. St. Hubert – 4010 Riverside Dr. Ottawa Public Parking Lot – 687 Somerset IKEA – 2685 Iris St.
Pembroke	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 2	McDonald’s – 805 Pembroke St. East Tim Horton’s – 11 Robinson Ln.
Perth	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	McDonald’s – 35 Dufferin St.
Peterborough	Level 2: 7 Level 3: 4	Tim Horton’s – 1527 Water St. Lansdowne Place Mall – 645 Lansdowne St. Norwood Town Hall – 2357 County Rd. 45 King Street Parking Garage – 200 King St. Memorial Centre Arena – 151 Lansdowne St. West Riverview Park Zoo – 1230 Water St. Downtown Lakefield Public Parking – 39 Queen St.
Picton	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Downtown Picton Public Parking – 55 King St.
Port Hope	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	McDonald’s – 175 Rose Glen Rd. North
Port Perry	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	McDonald’s – 14500 Simcoe St.
Rockland	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 2	Metro/Food Basics – 9071 County Rd. 17 Tim Horton’s – 2875 Laporte St.
Northeast Region	Level 2: 1 Level 3: 24
Azilda	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 514 Notre Dame St. East
Burk’s Falls	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 27 Commercial Dr.
Elliot Lake	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 2	McDonald’s – 269 King’s Hwy 108 Tim Horton’s – 261 ON-108
Espanola	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 701 Centre St.
Gravenhurst	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 2	McDonald’s – 1105 Bethuine Dr. Tim Horton’s – 150 Talisman Dr.
Huntsville	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 44 ON-60
Kapuskasing	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 2	McDonald’s – 240 Government Rd. Tim Horton’s – 8 Government Rd. East
Kirkland Lake	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 2	McDonald’s – 155 Government Rd. West Tim Horton’s – 175 Government Rd. West
New Liskeard	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 2	McDonald’s – 883350 Hwy 65 West Tim Horton’s – 883307 ON-65
North Bay	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 2	McDonald’s – 999 McKeown Ave. Tim Horton’s – 114 Drury St.
Parry Sound	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	McDonald’s – 118 Bowes St.
Port Severn	Level 2: 1 Level 3: 1	Jag’s Petro Canada – 41 Lone Pine Rd.
Sault Ste. Marie	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 2	McDonald’s – 673 Trunk Rd. Tim Horton’s – 223 Second Line West
Sudbury	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	McDonald’s – 914 Newgate Ave.
South Porcupine	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 4556 ON-101
Timmins	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	McDonald’s – 520-522 Algonquin Blvd. East
Wawa	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 92 Mission Rd.
Northwest Region	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 7
Dryden	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 2	McDonald’s – 520 Government St. Tim Horton’s – 655 Government St.
Fort Frances	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 2	McDonald’s – 831 Kings Highway Tim Horton’s – 525 Hwy 11 West
Kenora	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	McDonald’s – 900 Highway 17 East
Thunder Bay	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 2	McDonald’s – 770 Memorial Ave. Tim Horton’s – 121 East Ave.
West Region	Level 2: 33 Level 3: 47
Amherstburg	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	The Libro Centre – 3295 Meloche Rd.
Arthur	Level 2: 1 Level 3: 2	Arthur Library and Medical Centre – 110 Charles St. East Arthur Sports Complex – 158 Domville St.
Brantford	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 2	McDonald’s – 73 King George Rd. Tim Horton’s – 1290 Colborne St. East
Cambridge	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	McDonald’s – 416 Hespeler Rd.
Cayuga	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 51 Talbot St.
Chatham	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 2	McDonald’s – 710 Richmond St. Tim Horton’s – 33 3rd St.
Clifford	Level 2: 1 Level 3: 1	Clifford Community Complex – 2 Brown St. South
Clinton	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 300 Ontario St.
Drumbo	Level 2: 1 Level 3: 1	Mister Steak Highway Travel Plaza – 80667 Oxford Rd. 29
Essex	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 4	Essex Centre Sports Complex – 60 Fairview Ave. West Colechester Harbour – 100 Jackson St.
Exeter	Level 2: 1 Level 3: 1	153 Main St. North
Goderich	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	McDonald’s – 354 Bayfield Rd.
Guelph	Level 2: 1 Level 3: 3	Social Services Building – 138 Wyndham St. North Puslinch Library – 29 Brock Rd. South N Hanlon Park Mall – 218 Silvercreek Pkwy.
Hanover	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 2	McDonald’s – 800 10th St. Tim Horton’s – 639 10th St.
Harriston	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 182 Elora St.
Ingersoll	Level 2: 2 Level 3: 1	Downtown Ingersoll Public Parking – 16 King St.
Innisfil	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 940 Innisfil Beach Rd.
Kitchener	Level 2: 8 Level 3: 0	50 Queen St. North 55 King St. West
Leamington	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	McDonald’s – 214 Talbot St.
London	Level 2: 6 Level 3: 1	Wellington Commons – 1210 Wellington Rd. South Tim Horton’s – 146 Clarke Rd. City Centre – 380 Wellington St.
Meaford	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 291 Sykes St. South
Mount Forest	Level 2: 1 Level 3: 1	Mount Forest Sports Complex – 850 Princess St.
Owen Sound	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	McDonald’s – 1015 10th St. West
Port Colborne	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 429 Main St. West
Port Dover	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 1 St Andrew St.
Port Elgin	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	McDonald’s – 278 Goderich St.
Sarnia	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 1399 Colborne Rd.
Simcoe	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	McDonald’s – 77 Queensway East
Southampton	Level 2: 1 Level 3: 0	Saugeen First Nation Gas Bar – 43 Cameron Dr.
Stratford	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	McDonald’s – 1040 Ontario St.
Strathroy	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	McDonald’s – 269 Caradoc St. South
Tillsonburg	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 2	Tim Horton’s – 401 Simcoe St.
Wallaceburg	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 848 Dufferin Ave.
Wasaga Beach	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	McDonald’s – 1275 Mosley St.
Waterloo	Level 2: 7 Level 3: 0	Northland Business Centre – 60 Northland Rd. Waterloo Corporate Campus – 180 Northfield Dr. West / 595 Parkside Dr.
Welland	Level 2: 1 Level 3: 1	Fitch Street Plaza – 200 Fitch St
Wiarton	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 445 Berford St.
Windsor	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 80 Park St. East
Wingham	Level 2: 0 Level 3: 1	Tim Horton’s – 33 Josephine St.
Woodstock	Level 2: 2 Level 3: 1	Quality Inn – 580 Bruin Blvd.

Some of the above noted locations may be subject to change prior to March 31, 2017.

Level 2 charging stations use a 240 volt system (similar to a clothes dryer plug) and can fully charge a vehicle from zero per cent charge in about four to six hours.

Level 3 charging stations (also known as Direct Current Fast Chargers or DCFC) use a 480 volt system and can charge a vehicle to 80 per cent in about 30 minutes. These stations allow EV drivers to charge their vehicles about eight times faster than Level 2 charging stations, and permit them to travel further than ever before.

Vintage

Chinese Newspaper Baskets

June 29, 2016 The Silo Leave a comment

2chinese_paper_baskets1 — Surprisingly sturdy and functional wastebaskets

Okay I admit it, newspapers are dead. But maybe in China they aren’t. Or are. Because in a local bargain shop I discovered a cache of wastebaskets in three different sizes made entirely out of newspapers: Chinese newspapers to be exact. And that started me thinking.

It seems probable that in China, or somewhere near there, an active recycling program is taking place. Instead of shredding or burning them for landfill, some sort of manufacturing facility is turning clean, bright and seemingly unread newspapers into functional everyday objects. Does this mean that the newspaper industry is suffering in China? Is there a surplus of printed newspapers? Are more Chinese people getting their news from digital media than print? Who can say. My phone calls to the Chinese embassy consulate in Toronto about these pressing issues were not returned.

The irony of wastebaskets made out of, well, waste, is not (ahem) wasted on me.

These products are powerful “green” metaphors produced in one of the most polluting nations on the planet. The industrialization of China is full steam ahead and damn the torpedoes. Consumer goods? They want everything we have, so it’s hard to claim any moral high ground. Anyway, there is an environmental statement here, intended or not. I’m just not sure what it is.

On the other hand, they are just really fun and handy wastebaskets that feel great when you pick them up by their long, soft handles. I kind of want one.

Supplemental:

In Jennifer Baichwal’s film Manufacturing Landscapes, about Canadian photographer Edward Burtynsky, we learn there are whole towns in China dedicated to breaking down and “smelting” the useable metals out of discarded electronics. When you choose to buy a new DVD player because it’s cheaper than repairing your old one, this is likely where your old one goes. Apparently you can smell these towns a mile off. The Chinese government sure knows a thing or two about recycling. But what would it cost to do this kind of metal recovery safely? What would it cost to make baskets out of the millions of unread, discarded and obsolete print newspapers in Canada?

Politics

Ontario Passes Landmark Climate Change Legislation

May 18, 2016 The Silo 1 Comment

Today, Ontario passed landmark climate change legislation that lays a foundation for the province to join the biggest carbon market in North America and ensures that the province is accountable for responsibly and transparently investing proceeds from the cap and trade program into actions that reduce greenhouse gas pollution, create jobs and help people and businesses shift to a low-carbon economy.

Under the Climate Change Mitigation and Low-Carbon Economy Act, money raised from Ontario’s cap and trade program will be deposited into a new Greenhouse Gas Reduction Account. The account will invest every dollar in green projects and initiatives that reduce emissions.

Following extensive consultation with industry and other groups, the legislation was strengthened by now requiring enhanced accountability and public reporting on the province’s upcoming Climate Change Action Plan and investment of cap and trade proceeds.

From J. Magnuson's Book on the approaching post-carbon economy. Link below. — From J. Magnuson’s Book on the approaching post-carbon economy. Link below.

Ontario will post its final cap and trade regulation upon royal assent of the legislation. The regulation covers detailed rules and obligations for businesses participating in the program. The final design was also informed by extensive consultation https://www.ontario.ca/page/cap-and-trade-consultations-summary with businesses, industry, the public, environmental organizations and Indigenous communities.

Climate change is not a distant threat – it is already costing the people of Ontario. It has damaged our environment, caused extreme weather like floods and droughts, and hurt our ability to grow food in some regions. Over the near term, climate change will increase the cost of food and insurance rates, harm wildlife and nature, and eventually make the world inhospitable for our children and grandchildren.

Fighting climate change while supporting growth, efficiency and productivity is part of the government’s economic plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes investing in talent and skills, including helping more people get and create the jobs of the future by expanding access to high-quality college and university education. The plan is making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario’s history and investing in a low-carbon economy driven by innovative, high-growth, export-oriented businesses. The plan is also helping working Ontarians achieve a more secure retirement.

QUOTES

“Passing the Climate Change Mitigation and Low-Carbon Economy Act marks the start of the next chapter in Ontario’s transformation to an innovative and prosperous low-carbon economy — one that will benefit households, businesses, industry and communities across the province. This legislation is about enshrining in law our resolve and action to protect and strengthen our environment for generations to come.”

— Glen Murray, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change

QUICK FACTS

§ Ontario’s Climate Change Action Plan is the next step in Ontario’s ongoing fight against climate change and is expected to be released in spring 2016. The plan will describe actions that will help more Ontario households and businesses to adopt low- and no-carbon energy in homes, vehicles and workplaces.

§ Ontario’s $325-million Green Investment Fund http://www.ontario.ca/greeninvestment , a down payment on the province’s cap and trade program, is already strengthening the economy, creating good jobs and driving innovation while fighting climate change — a strong signal of what Ontarians can expect from proceeds of the province’s cap and trade program. These investments will help secure a healthy, clean and prosperous low-carbon future and transform the way we live, move and work while ensuring strong, sustainable communities.

§ The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Account will receive proceeds from auctioning allowances under Ontario’s cap and trade program. The first auction will be held in March 2017.

§ Ontario intends to link its cap and trade program with Quebec and California.

LEARN MORE

Ontario’s Climate Change Strategy https://www.ontario.ca/page/climate-change-strategy

Learn How Cap and Trade Works https://www.ontario.ca/page/cap-and-trade

Green Investment Fund https://www.ontario.ca/page/green-investment-fund

Supplemental- Joel Magnuson’s Book- The Approaching Great Transformation: Toward a Livable Post-Carbon Economy

Reviews

Now Available In Ontario- IF You Can Find It- ‘Environment Friendly’ Boxed Water

January 18, 2016 The Silo 2 Comments

Water. It covers the vast majority of the earth’s surface. Likewise, water also comprises the bulk of the human body. The Earth and humans are each as dependent on the existence of water as the other. The earth’s environment graciously provides human beings with water, our most vital means of survival. It is our responsibility to reciprocate such generosity with the compassion we would show for our dearest friend.

Every year, about 50 billion plastic bottles of water are consumed throughout the globe. A whopping 30 billion of which are downed in the United States alone (amounting to about 60 % of the earth’s bottled water consumption) And 80 % of those plastic bottles end up in a landfill wherein the plastic breaks down into smaller fragments that absorb toxins and corrupt waterways, pollute soil and poison animals.

Even the manufacturing of bottled water is an environmental hazard. A single plastic bottle of water requires three times the volume of the water it takes to merely fill that bottle. And most of that water is rendered useless as a result of the chemicals utilized in the production of the plastic bottle. Without question, a more eco-friendly source of water delivery is an absolute necessity to the conservation of our planets resources. And now that solution has arrived in Canada. Boxed Water is an environmentally friendly and conscious brand and the answer to the drastic environmental cost extracted by the excessive consumption of plastic bottled water.

Boxed Water is new to the Canadian market and is distributed throughout the nation by RM Fresh Brands, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Legacy Ventures International Inc.(OTCQB:LGYV) Boxed Water is already making waves amongst consumers who love the product for being so eco-friendly and delicious. It is a fresh approach to remedying the environmental nightmares associated with the ubiquitous plastic water bottle.

Instead of plastic bottles, Boxed Water is packaged in a biodegradable box that’s reminiscent of a milk carton. The box is also key to the product’s brand identity. Carrying a simple message of ‘Boxed Water is Better’, this inconspicuous packaging effortlessly explains the concept of Boxed Water while attracting the attention of ecologically-aware consumers.

Benefits of Boxed Water:

(a) BPA/BPS FREE: All Boxed Water cartons are BPA/BPS free, which has been suggested as one of the leading causes of certain cancers.

(b) PACKAGING: 76 per cent of the Boxed Water packing is made from of trees, a renewable resource which renders the product a significantly more sustainable delivery source than the ecologically eradicating plastic bottle.

(c) FILTRATION: The water we drink should be healthy and refreshing. Boxed Waters 5 step filtration system process delivers pure hydration to help get the most out of life. Boxed Water is purified with UV, Carbon and reverse osmosis filtration. It is also free from chromium, arsenic, MBTE, chlorine, fluoride and trace pharmaceuticals.

(d) CONSERVATION: The trees used in Boxed Water come from Well Managed Forests.

(e) SHIPPING-WASTE LESS: Additionally, Boxed Water is shipped flat to the filler, lowering our carbon footprint which is much more efficient than shipping empty and glass bottles to be filled. Studies indicate that shipping accounts for 2.1 percent of annual global C02 and that number could increase up to 250 % by 2050. For one truck’s worth of bottled water,

Boxed Water can deliver 26 trucks’ worth of cartoned water. Boxed Water sends its cartons to its filling plants empty. A single pallet can hold some 35,000 empty, flat-packed Boxed Water cartons. Only after they’re shipped to the filling station are the cartons filled. At the plant, one truck’s worth of empty cartons can be filled to supply the 26 trucks. The space-savings ratio may be even more favorable when comparing the rectangular, easily stacked cartons with their rounded, pre-formed plastic water bottle counterparts.

(f) RESPONSIBILITY: Boxed Water donates at least 1 % of revenue annually to restoration and world water relief through partnerships with The National Forest Foundation and Water.org.

(g) RECYCLING Boxed Waters boxes are 100% recyclable at participating facilities (recyclecartons.com)

GIVING BACK: Boxed Water lessens the environmental impact and also gives back in a big way. During 2015, Boxed Water partnered with National Forest Foundation (NFF) to plant one million trees by 2020. This represents the largest single tree-planting commitment to date for the NFF and marked the start of a five year effort to plant trees in areas of our National Forests with highest ecological significance.

In recent months, Legacy Ventures International Inc. has showcased Boxed Water at major events such as the Toronto Film Festival and Holt Renfrew’s Holiday Kick Off. These partnerships, in combination with Boxed Water’s straightforward packaging, are expected to play a key role in getting the word out about the product by getting it into the hands of celebrities and other influencers.

Boxed Water represents an opportunity for Legacy to disrupt the Canadian bottled water industry with an eco-friendly, easy-to-ship, deceptively simple solution. As the company continues to identify and target additional disruptive brands in both domestic and international markets, Boxed Water represents the first step in a long term strategic plan to maximize shareholder value for the foreseeable future.

Boxed Water is available to consumers across Canada at the following select locations: Sobey’s, Whole Foods, Longos, Metro, Foodland, Pusatari’s, along with many smaller retail chains and independents. The brand has also caught the attention of non-traditional retailers including Ripley’s Aquarium and the Canadian Museum of Nature, who choose to exclusively carry Boxed Water as the only water available to the thousands of visitors who pass through their doors every year. More locations both national and local are signing up by the week to carry the brand and choosing this eco-friendly and healthier solution over traditional bottled water brands.

ABOUT LEGACY VENTURES INTERNATIONAL INC

Boxed Water is distributed in Canada through RM Fresh Brands, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Legacy Ventures International Inc.(OTCQB:LGYV) a Nevada based multinational conglomerate focused on acquisitions of proven and high-potential businesses across a variety of business sectors.

Through the strategic provision of capital and oversight to companies that have innovative products, category game changers and established fast growth brands, LEGACY VENTURES will hit the market with tremendous impact and traction.

Earth

Is Byproduct Coal Ash more Radioactive than Nuclear Waste?

December 18, 2014 The Silo Leave a comment

The classification of coal ash is back in the news as US authorities decide on how to label and regulate this byproduct. The following article, first published in Summer 2011 deserves another look CP

One would never think of taking a bath in sewage, or, for that matter, ‘drinking’ a glass of anything harmful to our system.. Our health care providers, after the fiasco in Walkerton, would be abhored at the presence of anything harmful in our drinking water (water wells, in particular, are stringently monitored by authorities, who are now extremely paranoid of any contaminents whatsoever..) There is one thing, however, that is not monitored, should be at the top of the list for testing of those ground water supplies, and that ‘thing’ is “radioactivity”… It seems the upcoming election, with it’s schism between parties that want to maintain the status quo, and keep the coal-fired electrical generating facilities, and those in the present governing party that want to go ahead with Green Energy electrical production by means of Wind Turbines and Solar Arrays, are at loggerheads with one another… They BOTH have studies, and, arguments (fiscal, as well as, science-based) that have caused massive rifts, shifts, and polarization in the minds of the voters… But, one thing that both parties don’t want the Public, at large, to know, is their dirty, DIRTY, little secret…

Those mountains of fly-ash (pictured above) at the Ontario Power Generation facility in Nanticoke, are, in actuality, huge mountains of toxic waste that must be buried at least 3500 feet below the ground, in order to prevent ground water (drinking water, in other words..) contamination… The reason.. It’s quite simple.. Those hundreds of thousands of tonnes of fly-ash in those small mountains, covered, after a hot, dry, and cruelly humid Summer with weeds, are Highly Radioactive…

If the costs of transporting that, toxic mountain, back to the very coal mines that the raw coal came from, now abandoned, in Kentucky and Tennessee, were ever factored into the costs we pay for electricity today, we could expect to have the costs of building the Pickering/Darlington and Bruce Nuclear plants added as “Debt Reduction” costs (presently what we pay EXTRA for, on our monthly electricity bills, is the debts associated with the building of the Nuclear Energy Plants, that went so far over estimated costs, our children will be paying for them ‘ad eterna’..)… That the Conservative Party of Ontario wants to keep those coal-fired generating plants going, without ‘informing’ the Public of Ontario about the radioactive, toxic byproducts of the process, without informing them of what is common knowledge within the coal and electrical generation industries, just to achieve a state of denial for the neccessity of a Green Energy Initiative, is culpable to a criminal act… What is wrong is that the TRUTH is going to cost us much more than fiscal damage control…

If anyone, living in the downwind footprint of the ashfall from those 550 foot tall smokestacks at Nanticoke, that lost a loved one to CANCER, ever subpoenaed the Ontario Health System for the numbers of deaths by cancer in those areas up to 25 miles East of those smokestacks, AND, determined there existed enough of a cancer “cluster”, and, took those findings to a lawyer….., the Ontario Public would be facing a grievous mega lawsuit that would make ‘Erin Brocovitch’ look pale in comparison… Having run a Convenience Store in Rainham Centre for fifteen years, I often questioned the number of deaths, from cancer, in the families and couples that patronized my business… My wife’s own battle with breast cancer made me even more acutely aware of something naggingly simple that was causing the outrageous numbers of cancers.

It wasn’t until I wound up working with a fellow employee, at a firm I had been with for over 10 years as well as running the Store, who happened to have grown up in Liverpool, England,… and we, one day, were discussing the Nanticoke Generating Facility and it’s mountains of fly-ash, and he said to me, “Bill, they used to make a cinder-block out of that fly-ash that they called ‘fly-brick’.. but, they built a few suburban townhouse complexes with them, and, all the kids started to get cancers,… Mostly throat and lung cancers, but there was a lot of Leukemias as well..”

That got me to thinking about the premise for this article.. and, when I started looking on the internet for some background to his tale, and the corelation to the ‘cancer cluster’ that seems to be in our area down-wind of those stacks, this link was the first hit… Silo Direct Link to coal-ash is more radioactive than nuclear waste YOU, make your own decision in this election… I’m going Green.. Bill Stewart is a writer for The Silo. Search his name from any of our sites pages to read more articles from Bill.

Earth

Greens call for ban on logging in Algonquin Provincial Park- over 65% open to logging

October 8, 2014 The Silo 1 Comment

Queen's Park - Green Party of Ontario leader Mike Schreiner is calling for a ban on logging in Algonquin Park. image courtesy of Bing — Queen’s Park – Green Party of Ontario leader Mike Schreiner is calling for a ban on logging in Algonquin Park. image courtesy of Bing

“People are outraged when they learn that the Liberals are failing to protect one of the province’s Crown Jewels – Algonquin Park,” says Schreiner. “It’s time to phase out logging in Algonquin now.”

According to the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario’s (ECO) Annual Report released recently at Queen’s Park, the ecological integrity of the park is threatened. Over 65% of Algonquin is open to logging. [The Report also mentions the use of bee-killing pesticides at Algonquin CP]

“The Liberals have a choice: stop the logging or be honest with people that Algonquin is not really a provincial park with basic environmental protections,” says Schreiner.

Ontario Environmental Commissioner Report

The Green Party is calling for a ban now in order to provide forestry companies time to economically phase out logging in the park over the next decade. The ECO suggests there is adequate lumber supply in the region to keep companies in business while protecting the integrity of the park.

“Like many parents, one of the highlights of my summer was paddling in Algonquin with my daughter. I’m not going to let the status quo politics at Queen’s Park prevent my daughter from enjoying the park with my grandkids,” says Schreiner. “Algonquin is worth fighting to protect.”

The government recently reduced the area of the park open to logging, but almost two-thirds of Algonquin is still potentially open to timber harvesting.

Historical logging and planking of Algonquin timber in the "Age of Wood"- harvested log planks being shipped to distant ports — Historical logging and planking of Algonquin timber in the “Age of Wood”- harvested log planks being shipped to distant ports

Culture

Watershed Forests Returning On Former Farmer Fields

May 27, 2014 The Silo 1 Comment

The Grand River watershed was 85 per cent forest 200 years ago. However, tree cover dropped to just five per cent by 1900 as land was cleared for farming and urban areas. Today, the tree cover has rebounded to about 19 per cent. Environment Canada suggests a healthy watershed needs a tree cover of about 30 per cent.

New forests are rising on old farm fields in Mapleton Township in an effort to improve water quality in streams feeding Conestogo Lake reservoir. About 70,000 trees are being planted this year and next on two parcels of land totalling 40 hectares (100 acres) on the north side of the reservoir.

The GRCA is planting a variety of species that are native to the area, including spruce, tamarack, white pine, bur oak, silver maple and cottonwood. In addition to the new forests, the GRCA will also do some reshaping of the landscape to create some seasonal wetlands that will also help improve water quality and provide additional habitat.

As the trees grow in coming years, the areas will quickly become home to a variety of animals, such as deer and wild turkeys. Later, as the forests mature, it’s expected that several bird species including scarlet tanagers, ovenbirds and great horned owls will take up residence. A 12 hectare parcel near Wellington Road 10 and Concession Road Five has been planted this year. The second parcel of 28 hectares is near Concession Road 5 and Sideroad 15. About 18 hectares has been planted this year and the rest will be planted in 2015. The land was acquired by the GRCA when it built the reservoir in the 1950s. It has been leased to farmers since then.

These two parcels of land were prone to erosion which sent a lot of sediment down the streams into the reservoir, explained Ron Wu-Winter, watershed forester with the GRCA. In addition, the sediment also carried nutrients – phosphorous and nitrates – which are found in manure and commercial fertilizers. The nutrients would spur algae and plant growth in the reservoir, resulting in lower water quality.

The northwestern part of the Grand River watershed contains some of the best farmland in Ontario. As a result, the forest cover is some of the lowest in the watershed. Forest cover is estimated at 15 per cent or less. A healthy watershed should have forest cover of about 30 per cent. Trees help raise water quality in several ways. They soak up nutrients in the soil, so reduce the volume that runs off the surface into a watercourse. Trees along a stream shade it, keeping it cooler in summer which is good for some coldwater fish species.

The total cost of the project is about $150,000. About $50,000 was contributed by the Grand River Conservation Foundation. It is also supported by the Trees Ontario Foundation which is contributing $65,000. For the Silo, Dave Schultz.

Tree Facts
* Across the entire watershed, the GRCA will plant about 400,000 trees this year, including 95,000 on its own land and 300,000 in partnership with private land owners.
* The GRCA operates a nursery near Burford, in Brant County, where it grows more than 150,000 trees a years from 60 different species.
* Since it was created in 1934, the GRCA has planted more than 27 million trees on both private land and its own land.
* The Grand River watershed was 85 per cent forest 200 years ago. However, tree cover dropped to just five per cent by 1900 as land was cleared for farming and urban areas. Today, the tree cover has rebounded to about 19 per cent. Environment Canada suggests a healthy watershed needs a tree cover of about 30 per cent.
* To learn more about the GRCA’s tree planting program, go to the Tree Planting section of the GRCA website. The GRCA helps private landowners develop planting plans, plant the trees and find grants to offset costs.

Supplemental- Turning farm land back into forest- http://www.udel.edu/PR/Messenger/04/03/PTturning.html

Politics

Ontario Greens list merging public & seperate schools as spring session priority

February 18, 2014 The Silo Leave a comment

Being 'pitched' again- The Green Party of Ontario believe that by merging Ontario's Catholic-Separate school board system with Ontario's Public school board system (ie: a single school for all students) the province would save $1,200,000,000 per year. CP — Being ‘pitched’ again- The Green Party of Ontario believe that by merging Ontario’s Catholic-Separate school board system with Ontario’s Public school board system (ie: a single school for all students) the province would save $1,200,000,000 per year. CP

Queen’s Park – Green Party of Ontario leader Mike Schreiner is calling on the status quo parties to stop playing political games and
focus on getting Ontario’s economy moving again while protecting the people and places we love.

“It is essential that political leaders put the public interest before their political self-interest,” says Schreiner. “Ontario needs an honest debate about making our schools fair and fiscally responsible, halting the record loss of farmland, and reversing the lack of concrete support for small businesses to create jobs.”

The Green Party urges the three other parties to seek solutions to the issues facing Ontario today that will last beyond the
next election.

Schreiner put forward the Green Party’s policy priorities for the spring session:

* A jobs plan that cuts taxes for small businesses by doubling the exemption level for the Employer Health Tax
* Permanent protection for prime farmland and source water, and
* Improving our kids’ education by merging the school boards into one public system with French and English boards to save $1.2 billion each year

“We need to tackle the tough challenges now. Ontario desperately needs new ideas to foster job creation and to protect the people and places we love,” says Schreiner. “The Green Party will continue to hold the government answerable to the people of Ontario.” For the Silo, Becky Smit.

Earth

Bird Eats Fruit To Get Drunk

December 6, 2013 The Silo Leave a comment

Cedar Waxwings are sleek, masked birds found year round in our area with unusual red, waxy deposits at the tips of their secondary feathers. They are cinnamon-colored, with grayish wings and tails and yellow terminal tail-bands. They have distinctive crested heads, black throats, and black masks lined with white.
The Cedar Waxwing is one of the few North American birds that specialize in eating fruit. It can survive on fruit alone for several months. They also eat flying insects and can often by seen fly-catching, particularly over Haldimand and Norfolk County streams.

Cedar waxwings are very sociable, non-aggressive birds that often travel in flocks, though they may pair off during breeding season. It is very rare to find solitary waxwings. Because they frequently feast on overripe fruit, these birds can become “drunk” on the fermented juices. For the Silo, Dixie Greenwood.

Earth

Ontario Greens: “Other provinces and countries are way ahead of us”

September 10, 2013 The Silo 1 Comment

""Greens will fight to protect the places we love. Let's leave our children the rich natural heritage we have enjoyed." image: redd-monitor.org — “”Greens will fight to protect the places we love. Let’s leave our children the rich natural heritage we have enjoyed.” image: redd-monitor.org

ONTARIO CAN’T AFFORD TO DELETE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTIONS (Queen’s Park): Trashing Ontario’s Endangered Species Act is unacceptable, says Green Party of Ontario leader Mike Schreiner.

“We can’t let the Wynne government bulldoze environmental protections,” says Schreiner.

“Greens will fight to protect the places we love. Let’s leave our children the rich natural heritage we have enjoyed.”

Schreiner joined environmental groups in calling on the Premier to reverse a Cabinet decision to grant sweeping exemptions to species protection. Over a thousand GPO supporters have sent letters to the Premier asking her to protect endangered species.

“The Premier failed her first big environmental test,” says Schreiner. “It’s not surprising that the Liberals’ short-sighted attack on endangered species has led to a lawsuit. Breaking their own legislation threatens protections for water, farmland and healthy communities. And the silence from the NDP and PC opposition on these issues is deafening.”

There is a better way to move forward without sacrificing environmental protection. The Green Party agrees with the Drummond Report: user fees should pay for environmental protection. User fees are fair and economical, and they discourage wasteful use of precious natural resources.

The Green Party is also calling on the government to support paying farmers and landowners for environmental good and services that benefit everyone.

“Instead of destroying species or regulating farmers out of business, Ontario should recognize the economic value of environmental goods and services,” says Schreiner. “Once again, other provinces and countries are way ahead of us in protecting what we value most.” For the Silo, Becky Smit

Politics

Ontario Greens: “Will push government to protect people and places we love”

September 9, 2013 The Silo Leave a comment

(Queen’s Park): Green Party of Ontario leader Mike Schreiner is calling for an end to political gamesmanship at Queen’s Park. Instead,
Schreiner wants the minority legislature to move on legislation that protects food and water, democracy and local jobs during the fall session.

“Greens will push the government to protect the people and places we love,” says Schreiner. “The status quo parties need to stop playing
political games so that we can get things done for the people of Ontario. Greens succeeded in pushing the Premier to save the Experimental Lakes Area [ search our site for more on the Experimental Lakes Area CP] in the spring, which was more than the Tories accomplished with 36 seats.”

As the only political leader to sign the Food and Water First pledge to protect prime farmland and source water, Schreiner is challenging the Premier and opposition parties to follow his lead.

“We can’t eat subdivisions, quarries or pipelines,” says Schreiner. “Ontario is losing farmland at an accelerating rate, bees are dying, and 2 pipeline proposals threaten our drinking water. None of the status quo parties are doing enough to protect the places we love.”

Greens know that part of the solution is to reduce the influence of powerful vested interests by banning corporate and union donations to political parties.

“People vote, not corporations,” says Schreiner. “We have to get politics back on track by closing the money taps that buy influence for powerful corporations and big unions.”

Greens are also calling on the government to remove barriers for entrepreneurs to create local jobs. Schreiner wants to see changes to finance laws to allow crowd source funding for new businesses.

“Ontario must invest where the puck is going, not where it is,” says Schreiner. “People want to invest in their communities to support entrepreneurs in clean tech and low carbon industries.”
For the Silo, Becky Smit

Culture

10 Year Old Eco Blogger Hannah Alper

August 30, 2013 The Silo Leave a comment

Eco-blogger and 'kid activist' Hannah Alper. — Eco-blogger and ‘kid activist’ Hannah Alper.

Dear Silo, you’ve probably heard me talk about my daughter Hannah in the past. She has been called many things: “The future of social media”, “Eco-Warrior”, “Changemaker” and “Activist”. At 10 years old, she is all of these things. And now, she can add Free The Children’s “We Day” speaker to the list. There will be nine We Days across Canada this school year, plus two in the United States. And the first U.K. We Day will happen in London next spring. [More on what “We Day” is all about below CP]

She created her blog, www.CallMeHannah.ca , at 9 years old, with the goal of sharing her growing knowledge and concern for the environment. Having always loved animals, Hannah made the connection between animals and the effects of environmental destruction on their habitats and lives. Hannah has become an engaged global citizen seeking to further her own understanding of her connection to and responsibility to the world. Believing that even the little things that we do add up to make a difference, her journey and discovery meet her call to action through her blog.

Issues that Hannah has written about in the past year include eco-friendly living, fair trade, bullying, clean water and child labour. She seeks inspiration and motivation from those who have come before her and regularly features the stories of her role models on her blog.

Not limiting herself to her laptop, Hannah has put her words into actions. She organized a shoreline cleanup in her community, was a WWF Earth Hour Team Captain 2013 and spoke at the WWFs Earth Hour event in Toronto, was the official “on the ground eco-blogger” for the JUNO Awards and launched We Create Change. Her impassioned speech at two local schools motivated her peers to collect 97,500 pennies for Free The Children’s clean water projects. An effective communicator, Hannah is comfortable and confident on both sides of the camera or in front of a crowd. She has honed her skills as an interviewer through conducting interviews with Craig Kielburger, Spencer West and Severn Suzuki. Hannah has appeared on CanadaAM, The Marilyn Dennis Show, APP Central, CBC’s Fresh Air and The George Stroumboulopoulos Show. She has been featured in a spotlight from Chickadee Magazine and named as a Champion of the Earth in Owl Magazine and was the youngest team captain for The WWF’s Earth Hour in 2013. As you can see, I am very proud of my daughter and her efforts to improve the world we live in. Her current focus is on We Day.

“We Day is a room that can transform people, where messages about bullying and social issues can resonate and a place where students can find people just like them,” said Free The Children ambassador Demi Lovato. “Growing up I was forced to deal with many personal struggles and I craved a space where I not only belonged but felt powerful enough to make a difference. To me, that‘s what We Day does – it brings people together in a day of celebration for world change, showing them they aren‘t alone in their journey and that it is cool to care. And I am so grateful to be a part of that.”

“As kids, we face different pressures all the time,” said Austin Mahone, Award-Winning American pop singer. “You‘ve got to surround yourself with positive people in your life, and that‘s what We Day does. It brings people together to celebrate the difference we can make for each other. I‘m so excited to be a part of it for the first time this year!”

We Day is a stadium-sized educational event and a movement of young people leading local and global change. We Day is tied to the year-long program, We Act, which supports students and educators with free educational resources, student-led campaigns and support materials to help turn the event‘s inspiration into sustained activation. Since 2007, youth involved in the We Act program have raised $37 million dollars for over 1000 local and global causes and logged more than 9.6 million volunteer hours.

“I had the opportunity this past summer to participate with Free The Children‘s communities in Kenya, and see first-hand the lasting impact that youth in North America are making through their charitable work,” said Joe Jonas from the Grammy® nominated, multi-platinum band the Jonas Brothers. “I understand what it means to these communities to have access to clean water and an education and I was thrilled to get involved by committing to help build two schools overseas with Free The Children. It may seem like a simple assignment to make one local and one global commitment, but these efforts fundamentally impact the lives of people around the world.” Eric Halper.

Stay connected:

– Like We Day on Facebook: facebook.com/WeDay

– Twitter: @Freethechildren; @CraigKielburger

– Official Hashtag: #WeDay

– Visit www.weday.com

About Free The Children

Free The Children is an international charity and educational partner. Founded in 1995 by international activist Craig Kielburger, Free The Children believes in a world where young people are free to achieve their fullest potential, and empowers youth to remove barriers that prevent them from being active local and global citizens. The organization‘s domestic programs—which includes We Day, Free The Children‘s signature youth empowerment event—educate, engage and empower 1.7 million young people across North America, the UK and around the world to become engaged global citizens. Its international projects have brought more than 650 schools and school rooms to youth and provided clean water and sanitation, health care and food security to one million people around the world, freeing children and their families from the cycle of poverty.

The organization has received the World’s Children’s Prize for the Rights of the Child, the Human Rights Award from the World Association of Non-Governmental Organizations, and has formed successful partnerships with leading school boards and Oprah’s Angel Network. For more information, visit www.freethechildren.com.

Earth

Green Party Emphatic No To Proposed ‘Tar Sands Oil’ Pipelines In Ontario

July 24, 2013 The Silo 3 Comments

Ottawa – Green Party leader Mike Schreiner is pledging to fight two oil pipeline projects through Ontario. Joining Ottawa South candidate Taylor Howarth on a campaign tour, Schreiner and Howarth raised concerns about the health, environmental and economic effects of TransCanada Corp.’s proposed east coast pipeline, which travels through Ottawa, and Enbridge’s proposed Line 9 pipeline. Both projects
will pump tar sands oil east.

“Greens will fight for the health and safety of our communities,” says Schreiner. “If BC can say no to dirty oil pipelines, Ontario should too.” TransCanada’s proposed Energy East pipeline could transport as much as 850,000 barrels of tar sands oil per day. The project would require retrofitting a 55 year old natural gas pipeline to handle the heavy, more abrasive and corrosive tar sands oil.

“I don’t want to see a tragedy in my community, and I will fight to prevent it,” says Howarth. “This pipeline was not built to handle tar sands oil, and as MPP, I will push the Ontario government to oppose the project. Every vote for the Green Party sends this message to Queen’s Park.”

According to the Montreal Gazette- Municipalities and Counties strung along the Line 9b pathway received cash donations from Enbridge. CP

Studies in the U.S. reveal that pipelines carrying tar sands oil spilled almost three times as much crude oil per mile of pipeline between 2007 and 2010 compared to the U.S. national average. And heavy tar sands oil is more difficult and expensive to clean up than light crude or natural gas. “Both of these pipeline projects are a bad deal for Ontario,” says Schreiner.

“These pipelines are all risk and no reward.” Instead of projects that will increase pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, the Green
Party is calling for policies to support clean tech innovation. “Ontario must invest in where the puck is going, not where it is, to create jobs and clean prosperity,” says Schreiner. “Ontario should commit to building electric cars that don’t pollute and support made in Ontario renewable energy, not pipelines that threaten our communities.” For the Silo, Becky Smit.

Supplemental- Ontario Energy Workers union backs proposed Line 9 Oil pipeline http://business.financialpost.com/2013/07/09/energy-workers-union-backs-line-9-project-calls-for-stricter-oil-by-rail-regulation/?__lsa=6225-fce3

Enbridge Website Line9 Reversal Phase 1 Project Overview http://www.enbridge.com/ECRAI/Line9ReversalProject

Earth

Fined $2K For Possessing Living Snakehead “Frankenfish”

May 2, 2013 The Silo 2 Comments

Frankenfish- the other name for the Snakehead. Frankenfish usually refer to genetically modified fish (search genetically modified salmon for more) but due to the 2004 movie "Frankenfish" which starred a Snakehead- this term is being used more and more for The northern snakehead, (Channa argus). This invasive species is now being discovered throughout North America and the United Kingdom. CP — Frankenfish- the other name for the Snakehead. Frankenfish usually refer to genetically modified fish (search genetically modified salmon for more) but due to the 2004 movie “Frankenfish” which starred a Snakehead- this term is being used more and more for The northern snakehead, (Channa argus). This invasive species is now being discovered throughout North America and the United Kingdom. CP

A Chatham man has been fined $2,000 for illegal possession of snakehead fish. Yung-Chieh Liu pleaded guilty to illegally possessing live invasive fish. In addition to the fine, two snakehead fish were also forfeited to the Crown.

Justice of the Peace Malcolm Rogers heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Blenheim, on April 17, 2013.

The Ministry of Natural Resources reminds residents that it is against the law to have certain invasive species in your possession, because they pose a serious threat to native species and ecosystems.

“The Northern Snakehead might enjoy life in Canada, but it would not be welcome here. This fish, native to eastern Asia, has invaded parts of the United States, where it threatens to disrupt ecosystems and native fish species unaccustomed to its presence. Scientists at Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) want to stop the snakehead from establishing a base in Canadian waters – and building a strong defence is the key to success.

The risk posed by snakeheads is very real. Several of the 36 species have a long history of invasions, and are very hardy. They can even live out of the water for a time – to pursue their prey or find a new home if the former one dries up. They survive winter under the ice of northern lakes; some have even recovered from being frozen! The Northern Snakehead, in particular, thrives on conditions that are similar to many Canadian waters. It is a voracious predator, and it grows rapidly to an adult length of 1.5 metres or more.

In their native waters, some snakehead species are fished for food or used for aquaculture. Many are exported to other countries where they may be sold live in food markets and pet shops. Scientists believe that the Northern Snakeheads found in lakes in some US cities may have originated from food markets. Some may have been released to the wild in an ill-advised attempt at fish stocking or because they were no longer wanted as pets.” Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Be on the lookout for the Snakehead. Report any sightings and help keep this invader out of Ontario's waters. — Be on the lookout for the Snakehead. Report any sightings and help keep this invader out of Ontario’s waters.

For further information about fishing regulations, please consult the 2013 Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary, available at ServiceOntario/Government Information Centres, licence issuers and at ontario.ca/fishing.

To report a natural resources violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) toll-free any time or contact your local ministry office during regular business hours. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Politics

Ontario Greens seek Experimental Lakes petition signatures UPDATE Liberals agree to fund

May 1, 2013 The Silo 1 Comment

(Toronto, Ontario): The Green Party of Ontario has launched a campaign calling on the Ontario government to take over the Experimental Lakes Area (ELA) from the federal government. In less than a day over 700 people have written emails to the Finance Minister Sousa demanding the ELA be included in the upcoming Ontario budget.

Federal Bill C-38 terminates federal funding for the ELA on March 31, 2013. “The Prime Minister is poised to throw away 45 years of world-renowned freshwater research with his anti-science agenda,” says Green Party leader Mike Schreiner.

“The Experimental Lakes Area is vital to keeping our water clean, sovwe’re calling on Premier Wynne and Minister Sousa to save this priceless resource for future generations.”

Ontario already owns the 58 lakes around Kenora that make up the Experimental Lakes Area. Since 1968, the federal department of Fisheries and Oceans has managed the operations of the ELA. The cost to maintain the ELA as avworld-renowned laboratory is only $2 million per year.

The ELA has played an essential role in explaining algal blooms and acid rain. ELA scientists continue to publish in scientific journals with the ELA being recognized as the most important freshwater research facility in the world.

“No one can predict the next threat to our water,” says Schreiner. “But we can predict the ELA will be vital to the scientists working on tomorrow’s challenges. The Prime Minister refuses to protect Canada’s water, so we’re demanding Premier Wynne step in before it’s too late.”

The Green Party’s ELA petition can be found here:

http://press.gpo.ca/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=82&qid=125123 For the Silo, Becky Smit

UPDATE- May1 2013 The Ontario Liberal Party has committed to ‘saving’ the Experimental Lakes through funding and other support platforms.

Earth

Our Wildlife: The (Canadian) American Bullfrog

April 28, 2013 The Silo 1 Comment

The American Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana -CP) is the largest of all North American frogs. They can be found in freshwater ponds, lakes and marshes with lots of vegetation, especially water lilies. Photograph by D. Greenwood

Bullfrogs are typically green or gray-brown with brown spots and have easily identifiable circular eardrums, or tympanum, on either side of their heads.

Females are slightly larger than the males, but only the male Bullfrog emits the trademark
baritone bellow Click for sounds of american bullfrog calls and their choruses can be heard during the day or night.

Nocturnal predators, Bullfrogs will ambush and eat just about anything they can fit in their mouths, including insects, mice, fish, birds, and snakes. Search “Dixie Greenwood” on the top of any page on our site to view more of Dixie’s nature photographs.

Politics

Revamped auto e-testing in Ontario is “ineffective money grab”

February 14, 2013 The Silo 1 Comment

The maniacal Hal9000 computer was in charge of operating a spacecraft in Kubrick's 2001:A Space Odyssey. — The maniacal Hal9000 computer was in charge of operating a spacecraft in Kubrick’s 2001:A Space Odyssey.

It’s time to scrap Ontario’s Drive Clean program and the latest reboot of the decade old Drive Clean program should get the boot altogether. I make this claim following the Wynne government’s latest set of changes introducing a bureaucratic and excessively onerous procedure for consumers and car dealers to follow if their vehicle fails the new Drive Clean test. The changes build on a government revamp of the program that now have vehicles undergo an OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) test instead of an emissions test directly at the tailpipe – changes that resulted in an immediate jump in failure rates from 5 per cent up to 10.5 per cent.

[In the scene below- astronaut Dave is refused entry back into the main spaceship after retrieving the body of fellow astronaut Frank. The Hal9000 computer incorrectly diagnosed a failure in the spaceship’s communication antenna array. CP]

When our previous government introduced the program in 1999, emission reduction was both the goal and the result – today numerous drivers are being told their car has failed the test simply because its on-board computer isn’t ‘ready with the only reduction coming to the motorists wallet. It’s clear government introduced a more stringent e-test as a way to justify a program that has obviously outlived its usefulness.

To ensure all monitors/on-board computers are ready, the Ministry of the Environment has suggested motorists should spend a few days driving the vehicle on the highway and around town.

It seems hypocritical that a program geared to emission reduction would also encourage Ontarians to drive around aimlessly to remedy a technical glitch before they can pay more money to take another e-test. The fact that this is an unworkable, ineffective money-grab that has well passed it’s best before date. The Auditor General specifically warned the Liberals last year to delay the implementation of their new e-test in order to ensure that all technical testing was completed and problems were resolved.

In typical Liberal-fashion, the government ignored the advice of the Auditor General and rushed ahead with their new emissions test – neglecting any due diligence whatsoever. For the Silo by Toby Barrett

Contact Toby for more information at 519-428-0446 or 1-800-903-8629

Fashion, Sci-Tech

Scottevest intro’s i-phone interactive tech fleece Jacket

November 5, 2012 The Silo Leave a comment

SeVFleeceJacket7p2 — Touch transmissive inner jacket fabric? Hell yeah!

Ketchum, ID – What happens when the greatest thing to ever hit SCOTTEVEST’s electronic shelves gets redesigned? We can’t wait to tell you…

SCOTTEVEST, Inc. has been known for over a decade for our ingenious pocketed clothing marketed toward travelers, gadgetphiles, photographers, and urban adventurers. Over the years, each successive product improves upon previous versions, as indicated by the software-style numeric naming system.

SCOTTEVEST transforms the way you will use your clothing, yet again, with the introduction of the Fleece 7.0 Jacket, available now as a pre-order and shipping October 31, 2012.

The Fleece 7.0 is the successor to our signature jacket, the Fleece 5.0, which quickly became a staple in many SCOTTEVEST customer wardrobes. The Fleece 7.0 features a revolutionary new patent pending pocket, the Quick Draw pocket, inspired by our good friend and London based blogger, Documentally. [Christian Payne – @Documentally CP]

This allows you to access your iPhone 5 (or other smartphone) through the Clear Touch Fabric in the hand warmer pocket, which is something you truly need to test out for yourself. We believe this will fundamentally change the way you interact with your mobile devices. You can plug it in to your wired in headsets or use Siri and FaceTime right through the clear touch fabric, without ever removing your phone from your pocket.

However, we didn’t stop there. Here are some key features that make the Fleece 7.0 so unique:

23 innovative, purposeful pockets for are perfect for gadget lovers, travelers and photographers on the move! Speaking of pocket innovations, this updated style also includes a new iPad/tablet pocket design, which adds extra security and better ergonomics when pocketing a large device.

The In-and-Out Pocket debuts on the Fleece 7.0, allowing you to access the interior chest pocket from the exterior of the
jacket. An updated eyeglass pocket with both top and zippered side access contains a cleaning chamois with a map showing each of the jacket’s many pockets.

SeVFleeceJacket7p1 — Wear the jacket of the ‘near future’ right now: SeV Fleece Jacket7.

Since the sleeves are removable with cleverly hidden zippers, a dual-access back lumbar pocket has been included to hold them if
you are wearing the Fleece 7.0 as a vest. Oh, did we mention that the Fleece 7.0 can turn into a vest? Inside, just in case you need to “show your papers” or “stow your papers” in a hurry, we have highlighted the travel documents pocket with a red zipper and a locking zipper pull, making it nearly impossible to pickpocket. No. Making it impossible to pickpocket (unless, perhaps, you are a really sleeper and hang your jacket in the closet).

Our typical level of attention to detail continues inside with a silky lining and a subtle “fractal” design comprised of our logo
in shades of black and gray. Ergonomic zipper pulls make getting into your pockets easy (even with gloves). Totally stealthy, the Fleece 7.0 is black with gray accents and has NO reflective piping. And if stealth isn’t your thing, it’s also available in a limited edition Red version.

The Fleece 7.0 is now available for pre-order on our website www.scottevest.com and is now shipping. This is just the beginning of many more incredible advances in the SCOTTEVEST clothing line. As the weather begins to cool down in your part of the world, things are definitely heating up at SCOTTEVEST…stay tuned!

About SCOTTEVEST
SCOTTEVEST is one of the world’s leading travel clothing companies, and was named the #41 apparel e-commerce site in 2011
by Internet Retailer Magazine and #77 fastest growing Consumer Products & Services Companies by Inc. Magazine. SeV specializes in stylish jackets, shirts and pants with a unique hidden pockets for travelers, and a patented system of conduits
and pockets for carrying, using and enjoying personal electronics. SCOTTEVEST is the first clothing company to provide
a pocket for the iPad®.

Please see the embedded photos to get a better understanding of our patented pocket feature that allows you to utilize your
electronic device without removing it from the pocket, keeping your hands warm at all times. Be sure to test it out for yourself
on the actual garment!

www.SCOTTEVEST.com

Politics

Ontario Greens say government failing in climate change driven water protection and conservation

October 3, 2012 The Silo 1 Comment

EnvCommnOntarioGordMiller — Ontario’s Environmental Commissioner Gord Miller. The Environmental Commissioner of Ontario is the province’s independent environmental watchdog. Appointed by the Legislative Assembly, the ECO is tasked with monitoring and reporting on compliance with the Environmental Bill of Rights, and the government’s success in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and in achieving greater energy conservation in Ontario.

Queen’s Park – The McGuinty Liberals have consistently failed to deliver simple policies and programs to protect and conserve our environment. These failures negatively affect our economy, communities and well being.

A [Sept 25,2012] report from the Environment Commissioner of Ontario cites many examples of how the government has failed to provide adequate water protection programs, monitor wild life populations and protect public health from industrial dust pollution. Ontario needs water protection and conservation programs to deal with the more extreme weather events caused by climate change.

We saw the importance of this first hand with this summer’s drought. Not having proper water supply affects our ability to grow food, our health and the productivity of industry.

The government’s failure to invest a relatively small amount in monitoring wildlife threatens forestry, one of Ontario’s most important industries. It is short sighted and irresponsible to not have a functioning wildlife monitoring program in place.

The government’s failure to provide responsible environmental protection directly affects our health. One of the most obvious examples is the government’s inaction on complaints related to industrial dust pollution. Ontario can do better. We must do better. Getting back in touch with environmental issues is important for our health, economy and quality of life. For the Silo by the Green Party of Ontario

Supplemental- http://www.eco.on.ca/

kingswebad — Our PRINT edition powered by our friends at King’s Flower and Garden Centre, Simcoe, Ontario

Politics

Holland Marsh Peaker Plant

September 25, 2012 The Silo 1 Comment

HollandMarshGasPlantBound — The Holland Marsh- photo:friendsofthegreenbelt.ca

“The cost of moving gas power plants for political reasons is more than financial. It erodes confidence in our government and our democracy. It leads to cynicism and turns people off politics.It’s a sad day for democracy when jokes are flying around Queen’s Park that the going rate for a Liberal seat is $40 million. Perhaps the Liberal party should repay the $200 plus million that this fiasco will cost taxpayers or ratepayers.” MIKE SCHREINER, GPO LEADER

The government must be held accountable for such a blatant and obvious example of putting partisan political interests ahead of the public’s interests.

Forgotten in all the talk of gas plants in Mississauga and Oakville is that the Holland Marsh Peaker plant proceeded against local opposition in a PC held riding.

KinggasplantsequenceHollandMarsh — York Enery Centre King Township Peaker Generating Station Construction Progress: 2011-04-21 photos: Greg Locke

That plant is located in Ontario’s protected Greenbelt, adjacent to prime farm land and sensitive wetlands. These compelling reasons and local opposition weren’t enough to stop the plant in a PC riding, yet days before an election local opposition was enough to stop a plant in a Liberal held riding.

At a minimum the Premier should issue an unambiguous apology to the people of Ontario for the costs to our finances and democracy that have arisen from his government’s mishandling of siting of gas plants in Ontario.”

GreenBelt Plan 2005

Green Party of Ontario
PO Box 1132
Toronto, ON M4Y 2T8
Canada

Culture

Protest at Marineland, Niagara Falls Gains Momentum

August 19, 2012 The Silo 2 Comments

On Saturday August 18th- hundreds of protesters gathered in front of the main entrance gates of Marineland in Niagara Falls, Ontario. At stake was the ethical treatment of animals used for performances and entertainment. Over the past three years there have been increased reports by the media regarding the attacking of trainers by killer whales and other performing animals.

marinelandprotesters4 — Messages on protest signs were simple, bold and clear. photos:The Silo/Mith Media

Many researchers believe that this sort of behavior is inevitable because killer whales are adversely affected by forcible confinement and pavlovian conditioning and that in turn has many questioning whether theme parks such as Marineland and Seaworld are capitalizing on animal cruelty. It’s not a new topic- zoo’s and circuses are not strangers to demonstration and protest and the relationship between humans and animals is a theme often employed by conscientious artists.

[Warning- the following video contains disturbing images. Viewer discretion is advised CP]

umweltScreenJarrodBarker — Segment from Umwelt (2010) exhibition catalogue- Jarrod Barker’s installation at the Norfolk Arts Centre explored the connectedness or non-connectedness (ie: the umwelt) of humans and animals. image:courtesy of the artist

Marineland denied our request (along with the Toronto Star’s request) for an interview and requested that the media respect “private [their] property”. That sort of reaction makes it difficult to investigate a story of this magnitude- and many questions remain unanswered. For example, earlier this year an infant beluga whale was attacked repeatedly by two adult belugas until it was killed. Media leaks reveal that the baby whale may have been ill and that the other animals acted out of fear since they may have detected signs of a contagious disease.

marinelandprotesters2web — image: The Silo

Although no date has been set, The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is planning on bringing independent Sea Mammal experts and Marine Biologists into Marineland for an inspection according to an online report at www.thestar.com CP

marinelandprotesters3web — image: The Silo

Art

Ontario Beach Zoomorph Profiled In Mexico City University Of Art Publication

August 8, 2012 The Silo 4 Comments

Artist Jarrod Barker, was recently invited to take part in MUCA-Roma’s Ala Afuera project. Based in the Roma district of Mexico City, MUCA is a University Museum of science and art. What made this project doubly exciting was the opportunity to show case a part of Barker’s home internationally.

The curators asked for a submission of 3 images and accompanying explanatory write-ups that “from your perspective, show a form of relationship between humans and the rest of nature.” This topic aka- Umwelt is not foreign to Barker who installed an exhibition of that name in 2010 at the Norfolk (nee Lynnwood) Arts Center in Simcoe,Ontario.

seal6web — Long Point Seal Tamer Concept- J. Barker
Location: Long Point, Norfolk County, Ontario, Canada
Long Point is a world biosphere. I know this because the United Nations has told me so. But for several months of the year Long Point is transformed. Under certain winter conditions, Long Point looks less like a marshy, swampy bird watchers paradise and more like an arctic shore. At least on the South West side. When I visit Long Point during these times, I react to the environmental changes. I see things differently. I feel things differently. A sun bleached tree stump becomes a seal. A marsh reed becomes a baton. A flint pebble becomes a ball. Natural transformation through the changes of the seasons is a holistic experience.

After the selection process, if successful- one of the artist submitted images and write-ups was selected for transformation into a postcard and incorporated with the other artist submissions. The goal was for the Ala Afuera team to mail out the postcards to other international Museums of art and science and Contemporary Art institutions as a connective gesture to highlight MUCA and the work of the artists involved in this project and to bring awareness to our human/nature relationships.

“The objective of the project Allá Afuera (Out There) is to gather a mosaic of images that represent
ways of understanding the relationship we humans have with the rest of nature. From bucolic or
passionate points of view to other more threatening myths and taboos, amazement, fear, the absurd,
and maybe even indifference. We do not intend to cover all possibilities, but through images as a direct
reading form, show that there are multiple ways of looking at this Bond.

Three times a year we will present a collection of postcards, with 18 images each, gathered in a
biombo format. After two years we will complete the edition of six collections, with a total of 108 ways
of understanding, 108 points of view, and 108 forms of defining our relationship with what is out there. “

Ala Afuera which translated mean’s “Out there” began mailing out the works a few weeks ago. For the Silo, Stephanie Bordega.

For more information and to request postcards please contact-
Allá Afuera (Out there) project Gonzalo Ortega and Jeronimo Hagerman
MUCA ROMA MUSEUM (University museum of science and art, Roma district, Mexico City)
[email protected]

Culture

Ontario Greens- partisan bickering brought province to “another election” edge

June 20, 2012 The Silo Leave a comment

almostskateboardslogo — GPO- We almost had a Summer election (yikes!)

“Ontario needs responsible leadership and instead we’re seeing partisan bickering, brinkmanship and flip-flopping from Queen’s Park politicians. Bringing us twice to the edge of another election only seven months after the last one is not responsible governance. I want to see the political establishment at Queen’s Park focus on solutions for the very real problems facing Ontarians. The people of Ontario do not want a summer election, and I welcome the cooperation that has averted one.However, the GPO remains concerned about the erosion of transparency, accountability, and public participation represented by the omnibus budget bill. Although we are pleased that our call to preserve the Endangered Species Act was answered, the budget bill still weakens environmental protections and opens the door to privatization of public services without proper oversight.

The GPO is disappointed that the parties at Queen’s Park slammed the door on an open, public discussion about merging the Catholic and public school boards. Before cutting essential services and closing schools, Ontarians need to talk about moving to a more equitable and financially responsible education system. The GPO remains opposed to the government’s misguided priority to spend a billion dollars on subsidies for wasteful electricity consumption, instead of a full-funding increase for Ontario’s most vulnerable children and investments in programs that help people save money by saving energy.

I believe minority government can work if the political establishment at Queen’s Park can put the public’s interests before their own partisan interests. The focus needs to be on long-term solutions instead of political as usual.” GPO Leader Mike Schreiner

Sent to the Silo by Jaymini Bhikha (O) 416-977-7476 (C) 416-275-8573 [1] [email protected] Green Party of Ontario PO Box 1132Toronto, ON M4Y 2T8 Canada

Culture

Unlike Quebec and United States, Ontario has no transportation budget $ for cycling infrastructure

May 28, 2012 The Silo Leave a comment

bicycleracequeenGPO — Still from the classic Queen song- Bicycle Race

Toronto – GPO leader Mike Schreiner is calling on the McGuinty
governmentto dedicate1% of the transportation infrastructure budget
to cycling and another 1% for pedestrians. Sustainable infrastructure
is a sound investment that will help people choose healthy
transportation options.

[The song featured is by Mercury and was supposedly inspired by his observing a leg of Tour de France. It starts with a chorus unaccompanied by instruments. The chorus is followed by two verses connected with a bridge, both followed by a chorus. Around the middle of the song there is a solo played with numerous bicycle bells. During the live performances, it was often played by the audience who specially brought the bells for this purpose. The song has a very unusual chord progression with numerous modulations, a change of meter (from 4/4 to 3/4) in the bridge, and the multitracked vocal and guitar harmonies.

The video for the song became scandalously famous for featuring 65 naked women, all professional models, racing at Wimbledon Greyhound Stadium. It was filmed by Dennis de Vallance. The group rented the stadium and several dozen bikes for one day for filming the scene; however, when the renting company became aware of the way their bikes were used, they requested the group to purchase all the bicycle seats. The original video uses special effects to hide the nudity.

“Bicycle Race “é um single da banda de rock inglesa QUEEN. Foi lançado em 1978, no álbum JAZZ e escrito pelo vocalista da Queen FREDDIE MERCURY. Ela foi lançada como um duplo lado-A única juntamente com a canção” Fat Bottomed Girls “. A canção é notável por seu vídeo com uma corrida de bicicleta com mulheres nuas em Wimbledon Stadium, que foi editado ou mesmo proibido em vários países. A canção tem uma progressão de acordes muito incomum com modulações diversas, uma mudança de metro (de 4 / 4-6 / 8) na ponte, e os vocais multipista e harmonias de guitarra.

A canção foi escrita por MERCURY e foi supostamente inspirado por sua observação de uma perna do Tour de France. Ela começa com um coro acompanhados por instrumentos. O coro é seguido por dois versos conectado com uma ponte, ambos seguido por um coro. Ao meio da música há um solo com sinos de bicicleta numerosos. Durante as apresentações ao vivo, muitas vezes era tocado pelo público, que levavam os sinos especialmente para esta finalidade.

O vídeo para a canção tornou-se famoso por escandalosamente com 65 mulheres nuas, todas as modelos profissionais, competindo em Wimbledon Greyhound Stadium. Foi filmado por Dennis de Vallance. O grupo alugou o estádio e várias dezenas de bicicletas durante um dia para filmar a cena,. Porém, quando a empresa que alugou tomou conhecimento da forma como as suas bicicletas foram usados, eles pediram ao grupo para adquirir todos os assentos das bicicletas, o vídeo original usa efeitos especiais para esconder a nudez. Courtesy of http://www.youtube.com/user/lcsRamone CP ]

“If Premier McGuinty can find $1 billion dollars to build his
‘people’s highway,’ why can’t he find a few million dollars to make
streets safe for people?” asks Schreiner.

Today marks the launch of Bike Month in the City of Toronto. Cycling
plays an important role in the health of our citizens, strengthening
our local economies and our general quality of life.

Quebec spends $200 million on cycling infrastructure and earns $135
million each year from bicycle tourism alone. The US dedicates 1.6% of
its transportation budget for states to invest in cycling
infrastructure. Ontario has no dedicated funding to support cycling or
pedestrian infrastructure.

“Ontario needs infrastructure if we are serious about making our
streets and roads safe,” says Schreiner. “A small investment to
support cycling will reap big rewards — combating gridlock, reducing
health care costs and supporting local businesses.”

Two Danish studies showed that when 1% of car drivers switched to
riding bicycles, health care costs were reduced by 1%. Copenhagen
saves $300 per person per year on health costs because almost 80
percent of its population bikes regularly. Cycling and walking
projects create 11-14 jobs per $1 million spent, compared to just
seven jobs created per $1 million spent on highway projects. These and
other studies show that Ontario cannot afford not to invest in cycling
infrastructure.

The GPO’s 1% percent solution would create two funds for
municipalities to access the dollars they need for cycling and
pedestrian infrastructure. By doing so, Ontario would finally
recognize that cycling and walking are important forms of
transportation for growing numbers of Ontarians.

“We need a Complete Streets Act in Ontario to ensure that our streets
are safe for all users: cars, trucks, bikes, pedestrians, wheeled
mobility devices, and transit users” says Trinity-Spadina candidate
and GPO critic for transportation Tim Grant.

Jaymini Bhikha
(O) 416-977-7476
(C) 416-275-8573 [1]
[email protected]

For the Silo by Green Party of Ontario
PO Box 1132
Toronto, ON M4Y 2T8
Canada

Culture

Ontario Girls Camp Stands Apart Via Social Action And Self Esteem

May 23, 2012 The Silo 1 Comment

campstella2 — Our future- values and esteem guide young girls development at Camp Stella Puella

Camp Stella Puella (“star girl” in Latin) is a summer camp “with a higher purpose,” says co-founder Mina Kazemi. Since she began in Dunnville,Ontario in 2008, along with cousin and co-director Julia Salco, the goal has been to provide young girls with a fun environment in which to explore issues of self-esteem, as well as introduce them to social action on a global scale, in hopes of instilling a passion to make positive change in the world.

It wasn’t long before Mina’s older sister Yasmin joined the team, two young women uniquely qualified to bring the world to Dunnville’s children. Mina is studying global health at the University of Toronto, has taken a world literacy trip to Ek Balam Mexico, and travelled to Kenya in 2009 with the Me to We program who, along with their charitable partner Free the Children, seeks to empower youth through activism at home and across the planet.

Yasmin also studies science and global health, has spent time in Ecuador volunteering at a childcare centre, and has been active since 2009 with Community Living. Last year she was president of the Best Buddies program, which matches a university student with a developmentally disabled adult to provide mentoring and friendship. All three young women are lifeguards with National Life Saving and first aid certification.

An emphasis on self-esteem and social action is what “sets us apart from other summer camps,” Yasmin says. Here’s how it works: at the beginning of the week, counselors introduce their campers to three issues of global significance—could be child labour, global warming, and how to find slave and sweatshop-free merchandise for more conscientious consumption. Or, perhaps, why girls can’t go to school in India. Through the process of building consensus with the children, a theme for the week is chosen, and the kids begin learning through age appropriate activities. Always they are taught that thinking globally begins with how we act locally, right here at home. Every week, as well, the children help plan a fundraiser based on their chosen theme. As an example, last year, after a week of learning about environmental issues, they organized an eco-spa with proceeds going to the World Wildlife Fund to help save endangered species.

After 5 summers, things are going well. This year a sister camp is active in Hamilton, and the Dunnville contingent is adding some overnight trips to their agenda. When I asked Mina what her motivation for all this work was, she told me that when she was a little girl, she loved going to camp. “It’s a place where long lasting friendships can be forged. And it can be character building too.” It sounds like these three ambitious young women have come up with a formula for a summer camp experience that can be both fun and formative. Every day there is some self-esteem building activity. Building on that foundation of self-love, a bunch of young girls are discovering there is a whole world out there waiting for people of conscience, just like them. For the Silo, Chris Dowber.

UPDATE March1, 2017– Camp Stella Puella does not currently have an active camping program but they continue to engage and offer services. There are plans in place to renew the camp program to learn more, visit www.stellapuella.ca or call 905-774-8601. Please mention The Silo when contacting.

Culture

Ontario Energy Board/Green Party – Rising electricity costs due to Nuclear; not so much Wind/Solar

May 2, 2012 The Silo 2 Comments

nuclearcoolingtowerart — A few examples of the fantastic Cooling Tower art found at: http://weburbanist.com Did you know Cooling Towers (the nuclear style) predate nuclear power?

Ontario Energy Board report reveals nuclear causing rising electricity rates. “We need an honest discussion about rising electricity prices in Ontario. The misleading rhetoric blaming green energy for rising electrical rates is a disservice to the people of Ontario. According to the Ontario Energy Board, since 2006, 45% of the increase in our electricity costs are from subsidies for the nuclear industry, while only 6% are due to subsidies for green energy.

This will only get worse if the McGuinty Liberals proceed with their $33 billion nuclear spending spree. We still have not paid off the $19.8 billion debt from our last nuclear fiasco. The bottom line is that the cheapest and greenest kilowatt is the one we save. We have to stop burning money and deliver a long-term energy plan that prioritizes energy efficiency programs.

The stakes are too high to have politically partisan rhetoric derail an adult conversation about our energy future. We need to protect our pocketbooks with an honest look at the causes of rising electrical rates.”
The full OEB report is available here- OEB MSP green report [ It’s not a ‘light’ read at 106 pages but it’s quite detailed CP ]

Jaymini Bhikha  Cell: 416-275-8573  Office: 416-977-7476  [email protected]
Green Party of Ontario PO Box 1132 Toronto, ON M4Y 2T8 Canada

Supplemental: http://weburbanist.com/2010/07/18/nuclear-coverup-10-cool-examples-of-cooling-tower-art/?ref=search

http://pcgladiator.blogspot.ca/2009/04/largest-cooling-towers.html

Culture

Ontario Greens: Liberal budget excludes public input on important environmental protections

April 24, 2012 The Silo 1 Comment

nopublicinput — Don't they want to listen anymore? The Green Party of Ontario believe that the recently passed budget bill " muzzles public input onchanges to important environmental protections."

[Ontario]Liberals have voted to pass a budget that muzzles public input on changes to important environmental protections. With these changes buried in the budget bill (Bill 55), the government has in effect exempted them from the public participation process normally required by law.

queenspark — The Ontario Legislature at Queen's Park, Toronto, Ontario Canada

“The GPO is all in favour of working together, and we applaud the cooperation that has averted another election. But it’s wrong for the Liberal government to use the budget bill to silence public input on changes to environmental protections,” says GPO leader Mike Schreiner. “The public has a right to comment on legislation that protects Ontario’s natural legacy.”

The GPO is calling on the Liberals to remove changes to laws prescribed under the Environmental Bill of Rights from Bill 55 before final passage. Greens oppose using omnibus legislation to avoid the mandatory 30-day public comment period.

“Changes to environmental protections have no place in a budget bill,” says Schreiner. “Solving a financial deficit by creating an ecological one isn’t sound management or good leadership. It’s time for the Liberals to do the right thing and address changes to environmental laws separately from the budget.”

Jaymini Bhikha (Office) 416-977-7476 (Cell) 416-275-8573 [email protected]

Green Party of Ontario PO Box 1132 Toronto, ON M4Y 2T8 Canada

Supplemental-

TORONTO, ONTARIO–(Marketwire – April 19, 2012) – The Quetico Foundation is deeply concerned that the Ontario Government’s omnibus budget bill will impact Ontario endangered species and parks. Significant amendments to dozens of important pieces of legislation are contained within Bill 55, Strong Action for Ontario Act. These changes being proposed, without consultation, include serious modifications to the Endangered Species Act, 2006 (ESA) that allow for exemptions, and to the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, 2006 (PPCRA) that threaten and weaken the process for preparation and review of park management plans. These modifications have no relevance to budget matters!

The Foundation is concerned that Bill 55 both weakens crucial global initiatives to preserve biodiversity and relieves government of its duties with respect to proper management of our Ontario Parks.

Further, inclusion of multiple legislative amendments in a budget bill disregards the process that normally opens such changes to public consultation. The standard process of the posting of changes on the Environmental Registry has been ignored.

The Foundation urges Ontarians to demand that the proposed endangered species and parks legislation amendments to the PPCRA and the ESA, along with a number of other Acts that fall under the Environmental Bill of Rights, be removed from Bill 55. Citizens need to insist that due process be followed and that any proposed amendments be posted on the Environmental Registry and be open to public discussion in accordance with the normal government process.

About The Quetico Foundation:

The Quetico Foundation was formed as a not-for-profit organization in 1954 with a mandate to protect the wilderness values and ecological integrity of Quetico Provincial Park and other wilderness areas in Ontario for the benefit of future generations.

www.queticofoundation.org

ESA/PPCRA BACKGROUNDER

Bill 55: The proposed changes are enabled in Schedule 69 of Bill 55, Strong Action for Ontario Act, “to enact and amend various Acts”. (Specific changes to the ESA are in schedule 19, and to the PPCRA are in Schedule 58): http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/bills/bills_detail.do?locale=en&Intranet=&BillID=2600

ESA: http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_07e06_e.htm

PPCRA: http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_06p12_e.htm

EBR: The Environmental Registry is available at: http://www.ebr.gov.on.ca/ERS-WEB-External/

The Quetico Foundation: The Text of the letter that the Foundation sent to the Ontario Minister of Finance, The Honourable Dwight Duncan, is available at: http://www.queticofoundation.org/pdf/2012_budget.pdf

The Environmental Commissioner of Ontario has issued a report criticizing the procedure being used to amend the ESA and the PPCRA acts. See: http://www.eco.on.ca/blog/2012/04/02/the-omni-budget-surprise/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-omni-budget-surprise

The Green Party position on this legislation is at: http://www.gpo.ca/blog/2012-04-11/budget-bill-threatens-environmental-protections-transparent-and-accountable-governme

ORA: Ontario Rivers Alliance’s position on this issue can be found at: http://ontarioriversalliance.ca/strong-arm-tactics-to-take-away-protection-for-our-environment-and-endangered-species-press-release/

Law Firm: The Toronto based law firm, Iler Campbell’s opinion on this issue can be found at: http://www.ilercampbell.com/blog/

Culture

Small House Living Is Bliss

April 12, 2012 The Silo 3 Comments

From our Facebook page:

Hi ‘Silo’,

Here are some quick shots I did of our place. For us, the challenge is to use every possible space and yet achieve a feeling of spaciousness. I just did a count of all the space saving/creating measures we have made over the years – about 25 – not counting replacing, enlarging and adding windows and doors – from simple shelves to complex projects involving cutting into walls and making a new room.
It has taken us more than 20 years to do this. We purchased the place and a barren 3/4 acres in 1986 for $20,000. And, it has turned out even better than we dreamed possible.
Even in this tiny space, we can lose each other. David Wells, my partner in all this, has a blog in which he talks about our life here. You may be interested:
http://DavesBackPorch.blogspot.com/p/about-me.html

OUR SMALL HOUSE

EXTERIOR FRONT

INTERIOR – FRONT

INTERIOR FRONT

‘HALL’ FROM FRONT DOOR TO KITCHEN

MIRROR IN ‘HALL’ TO REFLECT MORE LIGHT

OFFICE/COMPUTER (to the immediate right of above ‘hall’)

KITCHEN STORAGE AND TABLE (other side of office above)

KITCHEN – small but functional. As a former professional
cook, I have found ways to scale equipment way down,
and use my creativity to produce nutritious, interesting meals.