A mental health crisis plagues North American culture at the same time that the climate crisis rages. Is it our gradual separation from the natural environment that has led to both? And could it be that the simple act of reconnecting with nature could offer a solution for both? 

Until very recently, the field of Psychology and its related therapies have focused almost exclusively on individual and social/cultural factors to explain and “correct” behaviour. A newer field called Ecopsychology highlights the deep connection between the human and non-human. By applying this model in the mental health field (and across other disciplines), there’s a world of possibility when it comes to healing the suffering of both the mind and the natural world.

Sarah Tuck is a local doctor practicing psychotherapy and hospice care. She is especially interested in the crossroads of mental health and ecological health. She finds peace and connection in the forest and hopes to share that love with her kids and with others.

Space is limited. Only 35 spaces available: first come, first served. Get your FREE ticket here:

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/a-talk-on-mental-wellness-and-reconnection-with-nature-by-dr-sarah-tuck-tickets-563538347367

Sustainable North Grenville, Kemptville, Ontario

Act local. Build relationships. Create community.

Sustainable North Grenville is working to bring the ever popular and eco-friendly Sustainability Fair to Kemptville on Sunday April 16, 2023.  This will be the 14^th Sustainability Fair since the fair began in 2008.

The event is to be held again at the North Grenville Municipal Centre Community Rooms and Arena. Presentations and workshops will take place in the theatre throughout the event.

For those new to our community, the Sustainability Fair is an opportunity to connect with small businesses local to our area, learn and share on various topics under the sustainability umbrella, see one of the largest electric vehicle displays in Eastern Ontario and test drive some of the latest models.  While some attendees are keen environmentalists, many are simply families coming out for a free, family-friendly event to see what they can learn. There’s something for everyone!

Local food, local music, tables with local vendors and community groups are expected. The usual space showcasing electric vehicles will be there.  Due to the success and excitement last year, additional space will be allocated in the arena for energy efficient home renovation information – specifically addressing the climate change issue.Watch for more information in the coming weeks.  Follow our Facebook page to hear the latest on presentations, workshops, test drive vehicle availability, and reach out to us there if you’d like to volunteer with us! 

Bill 23:  More Habitat Destroyed Faster

Dear Expanded SNG Family,

We can’t let the Ford government push this through – dramatic changes to the bill are needed. Do we all want more affordable housing? Of course. But this is NOT the way to get there. Let Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, know that Ontarians do not accept this reckless bill.

What: Pop-up rally to protest Bill 23
When: Friday, November 25, 2022 at 1PM – RAIN OR SHINE
Where: Outside MPP Steve Clark’s constituency office – 100 Strowger Blvd, Brockville, ON
Bring: Warm clothing, rain gear, a poster/sign (optional)

What is wrong with this bill? “A sampler”:

Reckless, short-sighted environmental destruction: By allowing for the sale of precious woodlands and wetlands, and downgrading the oversight role of the Conservation Authorities, this government prioritizes the construction of a proportionately small number of homes over the enormous value contained in these lands. According to Sarah Tuck, a local doctor and environmental activist, “the resulting suburban sprawl would be public transit starved and car heavy, only adding to the air pollution and sedentary lifestyles that threaten our health.”

Developers profit, taxpayer burden goes up: While the bill aims to encourage speedy development of “affordable” housing by eliminating development and community benefit charges, the result would be skyrocketing costs to municipalities (and thus taxpayers) for infrastructure, recreational and transit service. These outlying developments would be costly to service, resulting in under-serviced neighbourhoods without equitable access to infrastructure that support health and quality of life such as public transit and parks.

Municipalities left in the dust: Under this bill the planning for progressive housing expansion already underway in certain municipalities and regions would be undermined or canceled, and sprawl style development mandated. Additionally, municipalities would have no ability to enforce high performance development standards and other green building standards aimed at producing lower emissions buildings.
“Our municipality has already told me that if this bill goes through as is, they will no longer have control over certain developments,” added Tom Graham, local resident and leading member of Sustainable North Grenville. “This isn’t right: local municipalities know what works for their communities.”
“We hope people in the area will join us on Friday” said Michèle Andrews, co-founder of Sustainable Merrickville-Wolford and Executive Director at DoorNumberOne.org. “We have to put the current and future health and wellbeing of our children and grandchildren back on the priority list.” 

Brought to you by the following local, community-based organizations that are working to bring awareness and action to addressing the climate and environmental crises:
www.sustainablenorthgrenville.cawww.sustainablemw.org

Relevant links/media:
https://environmentaldefence.ca/handsoffthegreenbelt/

https://www.rvca.ca/media-releases/bill-23-less-protection-more-cost-diminished-local-decision-making

https://www.nation.on.ca/loss-local-decision-making-bill-23-does-not-work-eastern-ontario

Bill 23

https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-92-all-in-a-day/clip/15950315-the-ontario-government-revising-parts-its-sweeping-housing

Come out and celebrate Earth Day at the North Grenville Sustainability Fair this Saturday, April 23, 2022 from 10 am-3 pm. This popular Spring event takes place at the North Grenville Municipal Centre, and also features the electrifying “EVent” – the largest electric vehicle showcase between Toronto and Montreal! If the price of gas has been giving you the shivers lately, come and see what fires up our EV enthusiasts!

While the main hall will be full of booths where you can shop, learn, and share ideas, the arena is where you will find the electric vehicles. Test drives of some models will be available -arrive early to sign up, some conditions apply, and expect to wear a mask in the vehicle.  Models available (courtesy of Electric Vehicle Council of Ottawa):

• Tesla Model 3
• Tesla Model Y
• Tesla Model S
• Hyundai Ioniq 5
• Chevrolet BoltEV

We are introducing a new feature this year – our “Greening Your Home” section. These booths will feature businesses that can help you save energy (and money) for your home. Find out more about heat pumps. Chat with the electrical company about the charger you’re installing for your electric vehicle. Find an energy auditor. Want to talk about Passivhaus and ultra efficient homes? We‘ve got you covered. Plus, you will be able to see a large display of electric yard equipment that will keep your property looking its best. There will be a draw for a battery-powered leaf blower, donated by long-time SNG supporter, Allison Miller.

Parents will find our usual kids’ corner is a hive of activity for all of their busy bees! In fact, those garden helpers are the theme for our hands-on activities this year. Build a hive, learn about different kinds of bees, plant some seeds for the garden, or just take a break and relax with a good book from the collection provided by our very own NG Public Library.

Our presentations this year cover a wide range of topics aimed at helping you find ways to reduce your environmental impact. The presentations take place in the municipal theatre this year. Please note: due to remodeling work on the main theatre entrance, the theatre must currently be accessed via the exterior doors on the northwest corner of the Municipal Centre.

For further information on the presenters and presentations, see the poster below.

Join us for a day of sharing, learning, and connecting with your community at the North Grenville Sustainability Fair. With a delicious, locally-sourced food concession, and accompanied by a slate of talented local musicians, the Sustainability Fair is a feast for all the senses!

The family-friendly event is free and open to the public. 

As the event is being held at the North Grenville Municipal Centre, it is expected that Fair participants and attendees will abide by any COVID-releated regulations in place at the venue on the day of the event.  Masks are encouraged.

Watch the SNG Facebook page for the latest. https://www.facebook.com/sustainablenorthgrenville

Dear Expanded SNG Family,

The ever popular and eco-friendly Sustainability Fair will take place this Saturday April 23 from 10am to 3pm. This will be the 13^th Sustainability Fair since the fair began in 2008.

The event is to be held again at the North Grenville Municipal Centre Community Rooms and Arena. The Theatre will host presentations and workshops throughout the event.

In addition to the local and sustainable shopping options in the Market Hall, the Sustainability Presentations, and the Electric Vehicle show, the Fair is also an excellent opportunity to experience an earful of Local Music and a taste of Local Food. 

While you are enjoying the Sustainability Fair, you can also enjoy some locally sourced food, with a concession courtesy of Bruce Enloe and Nicole LeBlanc – former owners and chefs from the Branch Restaurant and Texas Grill (in association with Catered Affairs). Options include Bruce’s (famous?) central Texas-style hardwood smoked beef brisket, and feature locally sourced, natural, and organic ingredients, as well as vegetarian choices and beverages.

Musical performances kick off with Thrum’Mah (Mannie Giles) at 10 am, singing her heartfelt and heartstring-tugging original tunes. At 11:15, enjoy rhythm and boogie-woogie blues player, George Buys. After lunch, enjoy local legend, folk singer-songwriter, Arthur McGregor (12:30pm). And finally, stick around for the beautiful harmonies and mystical strings of Tripoly (Doug Hendry, Elizabeth McNally, and Glenna Hunter) to close the day (starting at 2 pm). The music can be found near the concession area in the main hall.

The usual space showcasing electric vehicles will be there, along with additional space this year for energy efficient home renovation information – specifically addressing the climate change issue.

Recently rising gas prices have people thinking about electric vehicles. Efforts are underway to make the EV show better than before, with local dealerships participating and new participation from local groups to enable test drives and rides in electric vehicles. Many owners will be there to answer questions. Come see if it makes sense for you and how much money you could save.  A dedicated section will showcase a variety of battery-powered yard equipment with a draw to win a battery-powered leaf blower.

The family-friendly event is free and open to the public. 

As the event is being held at the North Grenville Municipal Centre, it is expected that Fair participants and attendees will abide by any COVID-releated regulations in place at the venue on the day of the event.  Masks are encouraged.

On Friday, another email will follow with the timing for the presentations – so stay tuned!Watch the SNG Facebook page for the latest.
https://www.facebook.com/sustainablenorthgrenville

Dear Expanded SNG Family,

Our level of confidence is improving and we have selected SATURDAY APRIL 23 as the date for our Sustainability Fair.  This will be the 13^th Sustainability Fair since the fair began in 2008.

The event is to be held again at the North Grenville Municipal Centre Community Rooms and Arena. It is expected that many of the usual vendors and community groups who have exhibited at the Fair previously will want to participate.  In fact, we’re already 50% full!  If you know a local business with a green side to showcase, have them reach out to us soon!

It is hoped that the 2022 Fair will be as successful as ever. Local food, local music, tables with local vendors and community groups are expected. The usual space showcasing electric vehicles will be there, along with additional space this year for energy efficient home renovation information – specifically addressing the climate change issue.

We’ve seen gas prices, and holy smokes!  We’re trying to make the EV show bigger and better than before, with more dealerships participating and new participation from local groups to enable test drives and rides in electric vehicles.  Many owners will be there to answer questions.  Come see if it makes sense for you & how much money you could save.

We know that COVID-19 restrictions are changing.  At SNG, we have no control over that and can only confirm that any restrictions in place on the day of the event will be enforced by the venue. 

Watch for more information in the new year, and follow the group’s Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/sustainablenorthgrenville

The ever popular and eco-friendly Sustainability Fair is being planned to run April 24, 2022. UPDATED – EVENT WILL NOW OCCUR SATURDAY APRIL 23! Volunteers from the group Sustainable North Grenville (SNG) met recently to discuss the logistics of re-launching the Fair after a two year break due to the pandemic. This will be the 13^th Sustainability Fair since the fair began in 2008.

“All of this depends on the COVID-19 situation at that time,” explained organizer Jeff Goodman. “The Municipality has given us permission to book the space, so we’re moving ahead optimistically. But we all know it’s contingent upon conditions next spring.”

Many newcomers to the area may be unaware of the role SNG has played in raising awareness of environmental issues in the community. Besides hosting the Sustainability Fair – including the largest Electric Vehicle Show in eastern Ontario – members of the group have:

• Successfully protested the Energy East Pipeline Project (now cancelled)
• Attended climate marches in Ottawa and New York City
• Made submissions to local Councils on composting, green energy, sustainable living and water protection.
• Produced a ‘Sustainability Report Card’ on how the Community is doing
• Hosted ‘Give North Grenville’ – an annual social fundraiser with food and music.
• Hosted information and movie nights, composting demonstrations, written articles for the papers and shared other eco-friendly events

“It’s amazing to look back at what we’ve accomplished,” said Clare Weissflog, one of the founding organizers of SNG and the Fair. “Given the increasing interest today in protecting the environment, adopting sustainable practices and supporting local producers, it’s great to think SNG helped shape some of that.”

It is hoped that the 2022 Fair will be as successful as ever. Local food, local music, tables with local vendors and community groups are expected. The usual space showcasing electric vehicles will be there, along with additional space this year for energy efficient home renovation information – specifically addressing the climate change issue.

“The Fair draws a real mix of people,” said Carla Eamon, another SNG volunteer. “While some attendees are keen environmentalists, many are simply families coming out for a free, family-friendly event to see what they can learn. There’s something for everyone!”

Watch for more information in the new year, and follow the group’s Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/sustainablenorthgrenville

The 12th Annual Sustainability Fair and Market will be held on Sunday, April 14 from 10am to 3pm at the North Grenville Municipal Centre. Admission is free and there is something for everyone so be sure to mark this event in your calendar.

For full event details please visit the Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1147399825433833/

Happy Fall, North Grenville! The team at Sustainable North Grenville has been at work, planning the fall and winter events for our community. We will be leading with a movie night to screen the Scott Hamilton Kennedy film “Food Evolution”.  Narrated by Neil DeGrasse Tyson, this documentary film explores “the good, the bad and the ugly of genetic engineering”.

The filmmakers felt that genetically modified organisms (“GMOs”) had become a metaphor for almost every issue we have with food and our food system and decided to explore whether, by better understanding the GMO issues, we could make better decisions about science and technology in general.  More information on the film can be found online at www.foodevolutionmovie.com

We will be screening Food Evolution at the Grenville Mutual building on Thursday November 1.  Please aim to arrive by 6:45pm so we can be ready for a 7pm start.  There is no cost to join us.  Donations are discretionary and always welcome to help us cover the licensing costs for screenings like this.  Come watch the film and mingle with others from the community.  We will have some time afterwards for discussion and to share thoughts.

 

The North Grenville Sustainability Fair is known for its fun and friendly family atmosphere and this year will be no exception! Taking place on Sunday, April 22nd from 10am – 3pm at the North Grenville Municipal Centre, this FREE event features market-style booths, engaging kid’s activities, live music, delicious food, informative presentations and a huge electric vehicle show!

The kid’s area will be buzzing with activity again this year. Take part in hands-on activities such as seed-planting, button-making, knot-tying, scientific observation and more!

Join art and imagination guru, Anne Walsh, between 10am and 1pm in the Kid’s Zone for some recycling creativity. Based on the book, Not a Box, by Antoinette Portis, Anne will provide boxes and craft materials, encouraging children to use their imaginations and transform the boxes into meaningful objects. Find the kid’s area in the south-west corner of the main hall.

Organized by citizen-volunteer group, Sustainable North Grenville, the fair seeks to showcase a cross-section of community life keeping in mind the three pillars of sustainability: – economy, environment and socio-cultural engagement. Among the nearly 40 booths in the main hall, you will find participants who embody one or more of these pillars: local area business owners, artisans and entrepreneurs, environmental groups and conservation experts and not-for profit and community support groups.

The Sustainability Fair is a delight for all the senses with visual treats from local artists, tempting aromas and tasty morsels from Chef Bruce Enloe’s local organic food concession and locally-grown musical talent from Bella Borealis, Alexis Earl, Amanda Giles and Guitar Bruce Enloe (not to be confused with Chef Bruce Enloe!) PLUS get up close and personal with an amazing array of Electric cars on the North Arena floor; get a feel for how they operate and hear how quiet they are!

The Electric Car EVent has been a growing part of the fair for several years and has now become a huge draw in its own right; it is the most comprehensive E.V. show between Toronto and Montreal – not bad for little old Kemptville! This year peruse over 18 different models of E.V. and get the lowdown from the horse’s mouth, as local area owners proudly show and share their experiences with their vehicles. Test drives (conditions apply) have been confirmed with the following 2018 cars: Chevrolet Volt (Myers Kemptville), Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid (Barrhaven Honda), Toyota Prius (Tony Graham Toyota). A full line-up of presentations will take place throughout the day. Electric Vehicle presentations will be in the North Arena where the electric cars are on display. Our featured Fair presenters will be speaking in Meeting Room 1, which can be found at the top of the stairs from the lobby and to your left (see the schedule below).

 

Last, but not least, remember to bring your electronic waste for recycling!

The North Grenville Scouts will be partnering with the Kemptville Youth Centre to help divert e-waste from our municipality and raise funds for the various youth programs Scouts and KYC run in our community. Bring your e-waste to the parking lot of the Municipal Centre on the day of the Fair from 9.00am-2.30pm. They will be on hand to sort it for you! Among the many items that they will accept are computers and their accessories, televisions, cameras, cell phones, audio and video players. Visit Recycle Your Electronics (https://www.recyclemyelectronics.ca/on/what-can-i-recycle/) to see the complete list of electronics that can be recycled.

Celebrate Earth Day with Sustainable North Grenville – bring your family, friends & neighbours and find out what makes North Grenville such a great place to live and grow!

Act Local | Build Relationships | Create Community

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The 11th Annual North Grenville Sustainability Fair & Market

Including the Electric Vehicle EVent!

Sunday, April 22nd from 10am -3pm

North Grenville Municipal Centre

County Rd 44, Kemptville

Like us on Facebook to find out all the exciting details of this year’s N.G. Sustainability Fair