Author: Len Ring

Climate groups in Parry Sound Muskoka sit down face to face with MPP Graydon Smith

Len Ring

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

Jan. 26, 2023 – PARRY SOUND MUSKOKA – Climate groups in Parry Sound-Muskoka had an opportunity to sit down face-to-face with MPP Graydon Smith, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, on Jan. 19 following an unsuccessful attempt to do so in December. The meeting was cordial and covered a wide range of issues related to Bill 23 and its climate implications. 

The four representatives from Climate Action Muskoka (CAM), Almaguin Climate Action (ACA), and Climate Action Parry Sound (CAPS) reminded the Minister, that they represent constituents from all over the riding. They raised concerns about Bill 23’s impact on delivery of municipal Climate Action Plans; the importance of “protecting what protects us” through preservation of wetland systems, forest ecosystems, natural infrastructure; and the importance of shoreline site control protections to the future of our lakes and our drinking water. 

They spoke about food security and the Greenbelt “offset”; the inadequacy of the “80% of market value” equation to determine “affordability”; and the appalling climate and economic choice of expanding gas plants and infrastructure in the riding and across Ontario. 

The group also left Smith with a list of questions to which they have requested answers; and a list of solutions which will address the housing crisis and the climate crisis together, without reverting to urban and rural sprawl and highways.  

Smith heard the group out and said he would take the concerns back to Queen’s Park for discussion by the Caucus and suggested a future meeting with the climate groups. 

Read full meeting notes and written submission provided to the Minister.

Sept 24 – Municipal Candidates – Climate Action?

Len Ring

MUSKOKA – What are your municipal candidates’ ideas, opinions and positions around climate action? Climate Action Muskoka (CAM) asked all Muskoka candidates for municipal, district and mayoral positions. Candidate responses are now available on the CAM website: https://www.climateactionmuskoka.org/ Acclaimed candidates were encouraged to respond as well so their constituents have an idea of their intentions over the next four years. 

“Many responded with answers that were thoughtful and showed genuine concern for future generations,” says CAM member, Len Ring. “They make for informative reading.” 

Here are the questions CAM asked: 

1.What actions have you personally taken to support a greener, more sustainable climate?  

2. What opportunities for climate leadership at the municipal level (e.g. greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs)) would you champion in one or more of the areas Buildings | Housing | Land Use (sprawl) | Transportation | Other 

3. A long-term problem requires a long-term solution. What is your 100-year plan? If elected, what would be your first action? 

The municipal election period is October 17 – October 24, 2022. Find links to voter information here:  https://www.climateactionmuskoka.org/lets-talk-municipal-politics/

May 26 – Elizabeth May will be in Bracebridge Friday

Len Ring
Elizabeth May will be in Bracebrige

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

Muskoka – Climate Action Muskoka (CAM) is thrilled to announce that long-time climate activist and Green Party MP for Saanich-Gulf Islands, Elizabeth May, and Parry Sound-Muskoka Green candidate Matt Richter will participate in our weekly #FridaysForFuture climate strike this Friday, May 27, 11:30 to 12:30 at Memorial Park in Bracebridge.    

“CAM’s mandate is to drive climate action in Muskoka,” said Tamsen Tillson, a founding member of CAM. “We are thrilled to have Elizabeth walk with us, as she has long been a strong voice for urgent climate action. We hope her presence will help promote the climate message in Muskoka and Ontario.” 

“We invited all of the candidates to join us, and are very pleased to see Matt come out as well,” she added. “There’s sure to be some lively conversation. We hope their presence attracts some new climate strikers. Come join us!”   

CAM invites anyone who wants to talk climate to come down this Friday to walk and talk with MP Elizabeth May.  

Climate Action Muskoka is an inclusive, non-partisan group working to address the climate crisis in Muskoka. CAM has been holding #FridaysforFuture climate strikes since September 2019. This week the group celebrates 140 weeks of consecutive climate strikes (including in-person, digital and pop-up strikes during lockdown). Currently CAM holds climate strikes every Friday in Bracebridge and Huntsville.  

Climate Action Muskoka among 150+ group coalition launching Ontario Climate Emergency Campaign

Len Ring
Climate Emergency Campaign

A coalition of more than 150 groups from across Ontario — including Climate Action Muskoka — have launched the ‘Ontario Climate Emergency Campaign,’ and is calling on candidates in the upcoming provincial election to treat climate change as an emergency. 

Read article from Global News | Group sign-on

Climate Emergency Campaign

Live interviews with CAM members

Len Ring

You won’t want to miss these three interviews as our neighbors in Haliburton reach out to hear about Climate Action in Muskoka and the Ontario Green Party leader reaches out to our own resident expert to learn more about building green. Great job Sue, Linda, Tamsen and Melinda.

No Planet “B” Webinar – September 25, 202o – on you tube
hosted by Environment Haliburton!
Panelists: Muskoka Watershed Council member Peter Sale, CAM member Sue McKenzie, and Terry Moore discuss the climate crisis and activism in Muskoka

PLANET HALIBURTON – EPISODE 74 – SEP 25, 2020
BY: TERRY MOORE | CANOE FM
“On this PH episode we explore local climate change planning activism with two representatives of Climate Action Muskoka (CAM), Linda Mathers and Tamsen Tillson

Build Back Greener: Live with Mike – Sept 24, 2020 – on you tube
Melinda Zytaruk, CAM member and community power expert, chats with Mike Schreiner about how we can #BuildBackGreener and create new opportunities for women in trades.