Ecology Ottawa

News Clippings

Resistance remains to proposed Chelsea rail-line removal despite court decision

Ottawa Citizen

By Norman Provencher, Ottawa Citizen, July 29, 2017

Opponents of a proposal to rip out old train lines in rural Chelsea to create a multi-use ski and nature path say they’re hoping to reach “some sort of agreement” with the town despite a Quebec court ruling allowing the proposal to proceed.

“Really, we’d much rather try to reach a solution in some sort of negotiated way,” than to try to oppose the “rail-to-trails” project through the courts, said Tim Kehoe, who chairs a citizens’ group opposed to the project.

Bad weather forces Ottawa-area farm to send temporary workers south - Ottawa - CBC News

By David Rockne Corrigan, CBC News Ottawa, July 28, 2017

An Ottawa farm has been forced to transfer some of its temporary foreign workers because rain-soaked fields have led to lower yields — and lower demand for labourers.

Abby Hill Farms has been growing fruits and vegetables in Richmond, Ont., since 1992. Owner Graham Green said this year's weather has presented challenges like never before.

"There's still lots of good stuff in the field to pick, but there's not near the normal yield that you should get off it," said Green.

Spike in tickets for drivers parked in bike lanes - Ottawa - CBC News

By Kimberley Molina, CBC News Ottawa, July 28, 2017

At the very least it's annoying, and at its most serious it can be life-threatening: Vehicles parked in cycling lanes are problematic and appear to be a growing trend in Ottawa.

The number of drivers charged for blocking bicycle lanes has more than doubled in the first seven months of 2017 compared to all of last year.

As of Wednesday, the city's bylaw officers had handed out 183 tickets to drivers parked in bike lanes.

Conservation authority looks for new project after Navan controversy

Ottawa Citizen

By Jon Willing, Ottawa Citizen, July 28, 2017

The conservation authority that was denied building an artificial wetland in Navan is looking for another Ottawa community to enhance.

The South Nation Conservation Authority is working with the city to find a candidate site.

“We plan to select an area that would benefit from enhancements to biodiversity while improving water quality in a community with local support,” according to John Mesman, a spokesman for the conservation authority.

Bright idea? Light pollution fears shadow NCC plan to light up capital

Ottawa Citizen

By Gabrielle Roy, Ottawa Citizen, July 28, 2017

The National Capital Region is known for its breathtaking views and historical landmarks. Come sundown, though, the moonlight only illuminates a portion of Canada’s history.

A plan is afoot to brighten up some of Ottawa’s landmarks during the nighttime. Yet, many consequences will come to light as the city gets brighter.

After an analysis of the current evening condition of the capital region, the National Capital Commission developed what has been dubbed the Capital Illumination Plan in collaboration with the City of Ottawa, the City of Gatineau as well as private and public stakeholders.

Over a 10-year period, the NCC plans on showcasing the nighttime landscape of the capital region with the goal of “promoting sustainable development, enhancing the Capital’s nighttime beauty, enriching the resident and visitor experience and supporting existing planning, heritage conservation and urban design strategies.”

Reevely: Canada Post promises to follow bike-lane laws, but only in Toronto

Ottawa Citizen

By David Reevely, Ottawa Citizen, July 26, 2017

Canada Post drivers will be expected to obey the law and not park their trucks in bike lanes, the corporation announced this week, though the policy will apply only in Toronto.

In other places, apparently, law-breaking drivers can be confident Canada Post has their backs. It’s a really weird thing, like declaring that stopping at red lights will be mandatory in Edmonton or that drivers won’t plow through crosswalks in the southern half of New Brunswick.

Better water and wastewater treatment for Ottawa residents - newkerala news #257261

By New Kerala.com, July 25, 2017

OTTAWA, July 25, 2017 : The governments of Canada and Ontario are committed to investing in local infrastructure that ensures Canadians and their families have access to modern, reliable water and wastewater services that meet their needs.

These investments safeguard the health and well-being of residents, protect waterways and preserve local ecosystems, while also laying the foundation for new economic opportunities to strengthen the middle class across the province.

Think before you flush: Gatineau launches campaign to limit objects in sewage - Ottawa - CBC News

By Giacomo Panico, CBC News Ottawa, July 26, 2017

The city of Gatineau has a blunt message for residents: don't treat your toilet like a garbage.

On Tuesday, the city opened the doors of its sewage treatment plant to reporters, for a look at the problems posed when people flush away solid objects.

"The most common stuff we find is dental floss, hair, wipes, female hygiene products and condoms," said Guy Crégheur, the sewage plant's director.

Canada's endangered wild ginseng under threat from poachers - Politics - CBC News

By Alison Crawford, CBC News Ottawa, July 26, 2017

Conservation officers in Ontario and Quebec are using surveillance and other techniques to try to outsmart thieves bent on digging up Canada's most valuable endangered plant.

Poaching poses the greatest threat to wild American ginseng, which can sell for anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars per root depending on its shape and size. A single root the size of an adult male's finger can fetch up to $1,000.

On the front lines of the preservation effort is an Ottawa-area botanist and senior wildlife enforcement officer for Environment Canada.

Cover up: West Nile virus discovered again in area mosquitoes

Ottawa Citizen

By the Ottawa Citizen, July 26, 2017

Ottawa Public Health warns that area mosquitoes have again tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV) and the agency warns residents to protect themselves outdoors.

The health body noted that the positive results have come in early in the season, indicating that 2017 may have higher than usual WNV activity.

Residents are urged to cover up as much as possible when outdoors and to try to eliminate standing water areas in which mosquitoes can lay eggs.

Record rainfall floods North Gower area homes, fields, farms

Ottawa Citizen

By Paula McCooey, Ottawa Citizen, July 25, 2017

North Gower firefighter Joe McLaughlin had been up most of the night helping area residents to protect their homes from the record rain that hit the valley on Monday, but he never expected to wake up the next morning to a more dire situation than those he had left.

“It’s two feet deep in the backyard and this morning (my basement) was about four feet deep with the pumps I was able to get from work … I’m down probably about a foot now,” said McLaughlin.

McLaughlin and hundreds of residents in the small town and surrounding communities were dealing with the aftermath of a record 79 mm rainfall that fell throughout the day Monday. He said area residents told him they haven’t seen that much water in the streets since 1973.

Hydro One no longer has Ontarians’ interests at heart

Ottawa Citizen

By Randall Denley, Ottawa Citizen, July 26, 2017

The important thing about Hydro One’s recently announced acquisition of an American power company is not that it gives our former public utility a tiny stake in an American coal-fired power plant, although the premier’s efforts to justify it have been amusing.

What does matter is what the $4.4-billion deal tells us about Hydro One’s priorities. The company’s focus is clearly on expanding into the U.S., not serving Ontario customers better.

In buying Avista, Hydro One is simply doing what businesses do, growing wherever it can to boost earnings and share prices. The key indicator of success is meeting the short-term expectations of the stock market.