Tag Archives: climate change

Earth

Support Needed To Ensure Clean Water Supplies In Ontario Greenbelt

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Dear Silo, in December last year 2017, the Province launched a consultation process on expanding the Greenbelt to protect critical water resources in Ontario. While several significant water systems are included in the proposal, key vulnerable areas are missing.

We have 24 hours to tell the government to expand their proposal to ensure clean water supplies for future generations.

Over 1.25 million people in our region rely on groundwater for their drinking needs. And, our lakes and wetlands are home to numerous at-risk species of fish and wildlife. We urgently need features like moraines, wetlands and headwaters that filter and store water protected from the impacts of urban sprawl and climate change.

9 in 10 Ontarians support the Greenbelt’s protection of water, farmland and nature. You can be one of them.

Together we can grow the Greenbelt to protect our most precious resource, water.

Thank you,

Susan Lloyd Swail
Livable Communities, Senior Manager

P.S. you can read our blog to learn more.

Earth

Ontario Results Of November Cap And Trade Program Auction

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NEWS from The Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change- Ontario has announced the results of the province’s fourth auction of greenhouse gas emission allowances, held Nov. 29, 2017.  A total of 20,898,000 current (2017) allowances were sold at a settlement price of $17.38 CAD and a total of 3,116,700 future (2020) greenhouse gas emission allowances were sold at a settlement price of $18.89 CAD. The auction generated an estimated $422,081,073 in proceeds, which by law will be invested in programs that will reduce greenhouse gas pollution and help families and businesses reduce their own emissions through the Climate Change Action Plan.

Proceeds from the province’s carbon market auctions are funding programs in 2017-18 that help people and businesses across Ontario reduce pollution, including:
 $64 million to improve energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gases and redirect savings into patient care at 98 hospitals across the province
 Up to $377 million to establish the Green Ontario Fund to help homeowners and businesses save money and fight climate change through programs and rebates
 Up to $657 million for repairs and improvements to social housing apartment buildings over five years, contingent on carbon market proceeds
 $200 million for public school energy improvements
 Up to $100 million to support municipalities in fighting climate change through projects such as renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements
 $93 million for cycling upgrades
 $25 million to establish the Low Carbon Innovation Fund to help create and commercialize new low-carbon technologies

These recent investments build upon $100 million to help homeowners make home energy upgrades, $20 million to install a network of fast-charging electric vehicle stations, $92 million for social housing upgrades, nearly $100 million to help businesses adopt low-carbon technology, and $13 million to support clean economic growth in First Nations communities, $8 million to launch a new pilot program to help fund the purchase of electric school buses, over $1 million to improve ecosystem health in urban and rural communities across the province.

The auction was administered by the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change using services contracted by the Western Climate Initiative (WCI) Inc., with oversight from an independent market monitor to ensure the integrity of the process. The summary report of the results has been made available to the public.  For the Silo, Anna Milner.    Disponible en Français.

QUOTES
” The goal of Ontario’s carbon market is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from our largest
sources of pollution. The proceeds generated are being invested into Ontario’s economy
through programs and projects that will do even more to reduce greenhouse gases, and help
people in their everyday lives.”
– Chris Ballard
Minister of the Environment and Climate Change

QUICK FACTS
 On May 18, 2016, Ontario passed landmark climate change legislation that ensures the
province is accountable for responsibly and transparently investing proceeds from the
cap and trade program.
 The Climate Change Action Plan and the cap and trade program form the backbone of
Ontario’s strategy to cut greenhouse gas pollution to 15 per cent below 1990 levels by
2020.
 On September 22, 2017, Ontario signed a cap and trade linking agreement with Quebec
and California. The linkage will become effective on January 1, 2018.
 After introducing its cap and trade program and putting a price on carbon, California’s
economy grew at a pace that exceeded the growth of the rest of the U.S. economy.
 The number of jobs in California grew by almost 3.3 per cent in the first year and a half
of the program, outstripping the national rate of job creation, which was 2.5 per cent over
the same period.
 In the United States, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) has invested more
than $1.3 billion of auction proceeds since 2009 in programs that include energy
efficiency, clean and renewable energy, greenhouse gas abatement and direct bill
assistance.
 RGGI investments are projected to return more than $4.67 billion in lifetime energy bill
savings to more than 4.6 million participating households and 21,400 businesses.

 

Earth

Canada Methane Emissions Not Properly Regulated

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We need to take steps NOW to make sure Canada’s methane (aka Hydrogen Sulfide gas which contains up to 90% methane) emissions are being properly regulated. Methane is a greenhouse gas that is 84 times more potent than carbon dioxide – and its uncontrolled emissions affect everyone.

The solutions to reducing methane emissions are actually very simple – frequent leak detection and repairs, and replacing equipment that deliberately releases methane. The industry is resisting these solutions and pushing the Canadian government for weaker methane regulations. They want longer delays before regulations come into effect, as well as less frequent monitoring so that methane leaks go undetected for longer. And, they want to be paid for reducing methane emissions – so instead of polluters pay, the industry wants it to be pay-the-polluter.

Those who live in Alberta strongly agree that regulating pollutants like methane to the strictest North American standards is the right thing to do. If the province that would be most affected by these regulations feels this way, why aren’t we doing it?

Time is running out to make sure Canada’s methane emissions are strongly regulated. For the Silo, Dale Marshall.  Featured image- Les Stone /Greenpeace

Dale Marshall
National Program Manager
Politics

The Dakota Access Pipeline, Environmental Injustice And More?

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“Standing Side by Side in Peaceful Prayer”   Starting in April 2016, thousands of people, led by Standing Rock Sioux Tribal members, gathered at camps near the crossing of the Missouri and Cannon Ball Rivers to stop the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) there- creating the #noDAPL movement. DAPL is a 1,172-mile pipeline for transporting crude oil from North Dakota to refineries and terminals in Illinois.

As a business venture, DAPL’s advocates claim the pipeline will meet the highest environmental safety standards. They also claim the venture will produce greater U.S. energy independence and jobs at the same time it lessens the environmental risks of oil trains, though it is opaque how the new pipeline could increase oil production, oil consumption, employment, and state tax revenues.

Part of what makes things contentious: The Planned route- depending on who you speak to, either crosses, nears, touches, goes through, or avoids Standing Rock Reservation.
Part of what makes things contentious: The Planned route- depending on who you speak to, either crosses, nears, touches, goes through, or avoids Standing Rock Reservation.

The #NoDAPL movement sees the pipeline as posing risks to the water quality and cultural heritage of the Dakota and Lakota peoples of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. Part of DAPL’s construction is occurring on lands and through waters the….click here for full article.
Article by Kyle Whyte, academia.edu.

Supplemental- News about Dakota Access Pipeline

Politics

Economic Aspects Of Globalization In The Past Material World

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Questions and deliberations concerning globalization are more than a hot topic of extended cross-disciplinary focus in academia; they are also central to the long-simmering debates regarding policies and their implications that today often enter the public arena. For example, a quick perusal of broadly accessible media outlets from late 2013 and early 2014 reflects a suite of still unresolved but vibrant civic pondering: “When did globalization start” (The Economist 2013), “The dark side of globalization: why Seattle’s 1999 protesters were right” (Smith 2014), and  “Have we reached the end of globalization?: (CNN 2014).

Yet can such issues really be evaluated judiciously without defining the critical elements of globalization, and then dissecting and assessing its historical scope? Given the broad temporal and spatial elements implied by the concept of “globalization”, it is not most likely that the outcomes and effects of this multifaceted process would be highly variable across time and space?

But through a diachromic and comparative examination of human connections over time, might we see some commonalities and learn relevant lessons?

Continue reading this essay by Gary Feinman by clicking here.

*Banner image of Ronald McDonald -McDonalds China courtesy of image.minyanville.com

Culture

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

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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.

Earth

Circular Economy Is New Direction For Waste Free Ontario

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In late Spring 2016, Ontario passed legislation to divert more waste from landfills, create jobs, help fight climate change and lead towards a waste-free province. Currently, Ontario is producing too much waste, and not recycling enough. Over eight million tonnes of waste is sent to landfill each year. Absolute greenhouse gas emissions from Ontario’s waste have risen by 25 per cent between 1990 and 2012 as the amount of waste disposed in landfills has increased.

The Waste-Free Ontario Act  will: encourage innovation in recycling processes and require producers to take full responsibility for their products and packaging, lower recycling costs and give consumers access to more convenient recycling options to help fight climate change by:

-reducing greenhouse gas pollution that results from the landfilling of products that could otherwise be recycled or composted
-overhaul Waste Diversion Ontario into the Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority, a strong oversight body with new compliance and enforcement powers that will oversee the new approach and existing waste diversion programs until transition is complete.

Solid Waste No More

The province will also be finalizing its draft Strategy for a Waste-Free Ontario: Building the Circular Economy, within three months of the legislation coming into effect. The strategy outlines Ontario’s vision for a zero waste future and proposed plan to implement the legislation.
Harnessing the value of waste as a resource 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
“Ontario is moving in an exciting new direction for managing waste in the province. The Waste-Free Ontario Act is an important step in creating Ontario’s circular economy — a system in which products are never discarded, but reintroduced and reused or recycled into new products. Managing our resources more effectively will benefit Ontarians, our environment and economy and support our efforts to fight climate change.”
— Glen Murray, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change

QUICK FACTS
Every 1,000 tonnes of waste diverted from landfill generates seven full-time jobs, $360,000 in wages (paying above the provincial average) and $711,000 in GDP.
Every year in Canada, an estimated $1 billion in valuable resources is lost to landfill.
Eventually the Waste-Free Ontario Act will eliminate industry funding organizations such as the Ontario Tire Stewardship and Ontario Electronic Stewardship.
The Blue Box program is available in about 95 per cent of Ontario households and keeps approximately 65 per cent of residential printed paper and packaging from landfills.

LEARN MORE
Read about the draft Strategy for a Waste-Free Ontario: Building the Circular Economy
Learn more about Ontario’s current waste programs

BACKGROUNDER via Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change
The Waste-Free Ontario Act and Strategy
Ontario has passed the Waste-Free Ontario Act and will be finalizing the draft Strategy for a Waste-Free Ontario: Building the Circular Economy, within three months of the legislation coming into effect.
Together, the proposed legislation and strategy would:
-Foster innovation in product and packaging design that encourages businesses to design long-lasting, reusable and easily recyclable products
-Boost recycling across all sectors, especially in the industrial, commercial and institutional sectors, which will reduce waste and lower greenhouse gas emissions
-Incent companies to look for ways to make their recycling processes more economical while staying competitive
-Shift the costs of the blue box from municipal taxpayers to producers while continuing to provide convenient collection services for Ontarians.
-Develop an action plan to reduce the amount of organic materials going to landfills.

The draft Strategy embraces a vision of “an Ontario where we have zero waste and zero greenhouse gas emissions from the waste sector and where all resources, organic or non-organic, are used and reused productively, maximizing their recovery and reintegrating recovered materials back into the economy.”
Ontario’s vision would be fulfilled with the draft Strategy’s two goals: a zero waste Ontario and zero greenhouse gas emissions from the waste sector. To achieve these goals Ontario would work towards systematically avoiding and eliminating the volume of waste, while maximizing the conservation and recovery of resources. This would also help the province meet its climate change commitments and help Ontario build a low-carbon economy.
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Earth

New ‘tipping point’ in climate- “Holy Sh*t” moment says NASA scientist

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Yeah this image is a little "Hollywood" but seriously, Europe DID have a Little Ice Age not that long ago......
Yeah this image is a little “Hollywood” but seriously, Europe DID have a Little Ice Age not that long ago……

 

The delicate balance of the planet’s biosphere is tipping — threatening all life on earth. Scientists are calling it our Holy Shit moment on climate change, and world leaders meet at the UN next month — we have until then for all of us, everywhere, to act, in the largest day of action on climate change in history, to call for action and fight for everything we love. Sign up to join in:

JOIN IN

The last ice age happened in 6 months. 6 months for the planet to unleash a giant wall of ice across central Europe and the Northern Hemisphere. This is what happens when we hit a climate ‘tipping point’, and right now we’re rushing towards 3 more of these catastrophic reactions.

[ Did you know? Europe had a Little Ice Age between the 12th and 15th Century- http://www2.sunysuffolk.edu/mandias/lia/little_ice_age.html ]

It’s our “holy shit” climate moment according to a leading NASA scientist, and only a holy shit massive coordinated day of action response, right now, can change the future we’re facing.

One agreement with common sense steps to end dirty energy can save us. That’s why the UN has called an urgent climate meeting next month with all major world leaders — if we greet them on September 21st with the largest ever global climate mobilisation in history, we can break through the walls of mega coal, oil, and business that prevent even the best politicians from doing what is right.

There’s no way to get around how big a task this is. But together, each small action will add up into a millions-strong movement that literally drowns out the opposition and gives our leaders the best reason to break free and build a hopeful, clean and green future. Click below to join in:

https://secure.avaaz.org/en/event/climate/?source=blast&cl=5698277643&v=44357

“Tipping points” are feedback loops, where climate change feeds back on itself and causes rapidly accelerating, catastrophic consequences. Right now, methane gas that is 25 times worse for global warming than CO2 is frozen into arctic ice. But as the ice melts, the gas escapes into the atmosphere, increasing global warming, melting more ice, and thus releasing more and more gas… everything starts to spin out of control. And that’s just one example. These tipping points are the reason why scientists are yelling from the rooftops that we have to act now.

The Great Irish Frost

We actually have the tools and the plan we need to make sure we don’t cross into a world where tipping points destroy us. And while it will take global cooperation on a bigger scale than ever before, our 38 million-strong movement already has real people power to help move leaders from every country to take the first steps. Recently, the United States and China announced serious new plans to curb their carbon pollution. Momentum is building ahead of next year’s critical Paris climate summit where a deal could be inked, and next month we can take it up a notch further.

Taking to the streets in a record setting show of power and coordination is one of the most effective ways to create change — from the anti-Apartheid movement in South Africa to civil rights in the US, it’s sometimes been the only way. This is our chance to bring that power to the most important issue of our time: survival and a thriving future for our families, their families and the generations of people to come. Click below to be a part of it all:

https://secure.avaaz.org/en/event/climate/?source=blast&cl=5698277643&v=44357

We know we can do this… and do it big. When our community was just 3 million people we held 3,000 actions on the same day to protect our planet. We’re now 38 million strong, twelve times that size! Imagine what we can achieve together now…

With so much hope for our future,

Ricken, Emma, Iain, Lisa, Alice, Emily, Uilleam and the rest of the Avaaz team

 

It’s time to put our climate mobilisation plan into action! Click to either host a local event in your community, or join one that’s already being organised – https://secure.avaaz.org/en/event/climate/?source=blast&cl=5698277643&v=44357 

MORE INFORMATION

Global warming: it’s a point of no return in West Antarctica. What happens next? (The Guardian)
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/may/17/climate-change-antarctica-glaciers-melting-global-warming-nasa

A Call to Arms: An Invitation to Demand Action on Climate Change (Rolling Stone)
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/a-call-to-arms-an-invitation-to-demand-action-on-climate-change-20140521

Mini ice age took hold of Europe in months (New Scientist)
http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20427344.800-mini-ice-age-took-hold-of-europe-in-months.html

Report: Prepare for climate tipping points (Politico)
http://www.politico.com/story/2013/12/national-research-council-report-climate-change-could-hit-tipping-points-environment-100615.html

Great Lakes Frozen Over 2014- the scene from Space http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/02/140228160624.htm

 

 

Culture

North American Society A Madhouse Says Former US State Hospital Doctor

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deranged "Joker" killer James Holmes
According to reports, deranged “Joker” killer James Holmes (in this July 2012 courtroom photo courtesy of thesun.co.uk) still believed that he was the fictional comic book and film character The Joker.

“Insane” has a clear meaning when we can look at it next to “sane” in the real world. Unfortunately, that has become more and more difficult to do, says Mike Bartos, former chief of staff at an American state psychiatric hospital for the criminally insane.

“It’s not just because the media rely so much now on bizarre behavior to entertain their audiences,” says Bartos, author of “BASH” – Bay Area  State Hospital – (www.mikebartos.com), a fast-paced tongue-in-cheek novel that stems from his decades of experience as a mentalhealth-care professional.

“Take a look at what have become the ‘normal’ problems in modern America – some of them could be textbook examples of psychological dysfunction.”

Case – or rather, cases – in point:

• Obesity epidemic: Denial, compulsion, addiction and sublimation are just a few mechanisms at work in the psychology of a largely obese population. Sublimation is the mature defense activity perpetrated when socially unacceptable impulses, such as sexuality, are redirected, in this case to the consumption of salty, fatty and sugary food. With more than two thirds of the U.S. population and almost two thirds of the Canadian population [http://tinyurl.com/78o9z66 CP] either overweight or obese, there is nothing sane about this health crisis.

• Banking: The financial crisis that changed the world in 2008 can be largely owed to a cluster of “too big to fail” U.S. banks and their employees who thought they could continuously repackage terrible debt loans. Meanwhile, unqualified customers snatched up properties they couldn’t afford. This was an undiagnosed mega-scale gambling addiction. Many in the financial world knew it simply could not be sustained but the players continued to ante up.

• Climate change: Denial, denial, denial. The raw data from objective scientists overwhelmingly tells us man is largely responsible for warming global temperatures, yet we continue to use fossil fuels and to fill landfills with methane-producing waste. It’s a classic case; we completely ignore symptoms and evidence to maintain the status quo.

What the Bradley Report had to say about Rush Limbaugh's much-publicized addiction to oxycontin
What the Bradley Report had to say about Rush Limbaugh’s much-publicized addiction to oxycontin

• A drugged nation: Marijuana, a natural relaxant, is outlawed in most states while tobacco and alcohol – responsible for incalculable violence and sickness, as well as tens of thousands of accidents and deaths each year – are lucrative and legal vice industries.  Meanwhile, some pharmaceutical companies and physicians encourage substance abuse and chemical dependency by promoting pills to ease the inevitable emotional and physical pains that come with life.

“Many of my psychiatric patients suffered from addiction to both legal and illegal drugs. Sometimes it was hard to tell which came first, the addiction or the other mental health issues,” Bartos says.

“The legal or illegal status of certain drugs seems to be completely arbitrary — much like the behavior of a patient suffering psychosis,” he says.

 

photo: usrecallnews.com
photo: usrecallnews.com

 

• Spoiled-brat adults: Narcissistic Personality Disorder isn’t only now accepted in society, it’s widely encouraged and celebrated, Bartos says. Reckless driving and road-rage are just two examples in which individuals are so self-absorbed, they believe their time and sense of entitlement are more important than the lives and safety of others. Throw on top of that our obsession with plastic surgery, need for constant attention on social media, and pre-occupation with consumer brands and we have pandemic megalomania.

• War: America [with on again -off again support from allies such as Canada,England and NATO allies CP] has been at war for 10 years now, and leaders cannot say with any precision what the US is doing with its current campaign in Afghanistan, nor what was accomplished with the last one in Iraq. It’s as if government leaders have a masochistic, sociopathic relationship with one percent of the U.S. population – the military, and their families. Young men are shipped off in the prime of their health, and often return physically or mentally damaged, if they come back at all.

“Is this sane?” Bartos asks.

Mike Bartos is currently in private psychiatric practice in the San Francisco Bay Area where he lives with his wife Jody.  He has several decades of experience in the mental health field, including serving as chief of staff at a state hospital for mentally ill patients convicted of violent crimes, where he focused on forensic psychiatry. Bartos is a former radio show host and newspaper columnist. For the Silo, Ginny Grimsley.

Supplemental- Oxycontin and the opium epidemic of the 21st century

 

Politics

Ontario Green Party Vows To Protect Our Water

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GREEN PARTY LEADER LOOKS AHEAD; COMMITS TO PROMOTING CHANGE DURING MINORITY GOVERNMENT

Toronto – The Green Party of Ontario promises to continue to promote positive change during this minority session of government.
“I am proud of the Green Party’s campaign. The historic gains we made in terms of volunteers, membership and fundraising are accomplishments that build for the future,” said Mike Schreiner, Leader of the Green Party of Ontario.
“I’m disappointed, but not discouraged by the outcome of the election,” said Schreiner. This election saw the lowest voter turnout in Ontario’s history, and created a minority government.

“We’ve established a solid foundation for the Green Party to grow. The policies articulated in our platform are what Ontario needs, and our organization grows stronger by the day. Unfortunately, vote totals don’t always reflect the strength of a party. I am especially committed to strengthening our democracy by re-engaging the people who didn’t vote this time.”
The Green Party will continue to promote solutions that move the province forward toward a sustainable future for ourselves, our children and future generations. “Our campaign focused on key issues that won’t go away. We will continue to challenge the old parties on tackling tough challenges including local job creation; climate change; access to healthy local food; and responsible government that protects our water, preserves our farmland and puts the needs of our communities ahead of special interests,” says Schreiner.

Contact:

Becky Smit
Green Party of Ontario
(c) 647-830-6486
(o) 416-977-7476
(e) beckysmit@gpo.ca Sent from Green Party of Ontario

PO Box 1132
Toronto, ON M4Y 2T8
Canada