October 2009

Home Energy
Service Gets Results
EcoSuperior’s home energy evaluation service has encouraged hundreds of local
homeowners to make their homes more energy efficient with the added incentive of
government grants. In fact, so far this year, about 550 homeowners have had their home
Active and Safe
evaluated and are working through the list of recommendations in their customized Routes to
reports. Some homeowners opt to do the work themselves, others hire a contractor. In
any case, the economic benefits to the community are substantial. School Program
Program participants are keeping contractors and tradespeople employed. They’re
As the number of children being driven
buying building materials from local suppliers. The fees paid for the home audits also
to and from school skyrockets, schools are
help EcoSuperior continue some of our environmental programs that would otherwise
facing congestion and traffic safety issues,
be unfunded.
the air is being filled with more pollutants,
Since we began tracking data for the program in 2007, almost 1,500 homeowners
and many students are denied the opportu-
have completed their home renos and collected over $850,000 in federal and provincial
nity for exercise, fresh air & independence.
grants. The average renovation spending per household in the program is over $6,000.
EcoSuperior, the Thunder Bay District
The estimated total spending in the community is over $2.5M.
Health Unit and the City of Thunder Bay
The program is currently slated to end in March 2011, but we are hopeful that gov-
have teamed up to address these issues by
ernment officials can be convinced to extend the incentives. EcoEnergy for Houses is
promoting Green Communities’ Active &
doing what it was designed to do — make Canadian homes more energy efficient, help
Safe Routes to School program.
Canadians take action on climate change, and stimulate local economies.
Schools are encouraged to participate
To find out more or book an appointment for your home, see our website or call
in International Walk to School Month this
624-2140.
October and organize a walk to school
event. Registered schools will be entered to

For Rural Drivers

The sweet smell of road kill, the rear end or more on your annual gas spending. To Block heater timers $5 for the first one-
win a walk with the Mayor on International
Walk to School Day this October 7, 2009.
Active & Safe Routes to School also
offers a No-Idling at School campaign to
reduce vehicle idling in school zones.
of a transport and a road sign stating 20 km help you get started, EcoSuperior will be hundred participants By turning off vehicles when they are
to Thunder Bay—these are just a few signs offering a free ecoDriver presentation, infor- parked, we can improve the air we breathe,
Using a block heater timer means you save money, and stop harmful gases from
that you’re enjoying country living. Another mation on ecoDriving behaviours and the don’t have to run out before bed to plug in
sign you’re a country bumpkin is watching chance to purchase a block heater timer for entering the atmosphere. For more infor-
your car or leave it plugged in all day long, mation visit [Link].
the gas gauge more than the speedometer. only $5!
wasting electricity. This
With a steady rise in gas prices, rural resi- Thursday, simple timer allows you to
dents are especially hard hit. Well here’s
some good news — saving money on gas
doesn’t have to mean moving to town.
Nov. 12th, 2009
from 7pm – 9pm
at the Kakabeka
LEAVING THUNDER BAY pick a time and it auto-
matically starts and stops Inside
EcoSuperior’s ecoDriver program is
ready to show you ways to make your gas
Falls Royal Legion NOW ENTERING RURAL LIFE your block heater timer to
have your engine warm • E-Waste Collection
dollars go farther. Driving tips, maintenance Wednesday, when you need it and sav- • Sharrows
hints and a drive less attitude will help you Nov. 18th, 2009 ing you electricity when you don’t. For • Eco Tweets
enjoy the freedom of owning a vehicle but from 7pm – 9pm more information on these events please call
save you money at the gas pumps. Some at the Rosslyn Community Centre Derek Tessier at 624-2655 or contact us at • Pollution Hot Spots
simple changes can save you 10 – 20 percent Free Presentation, free refreshments! [Link] • Litter Audit
ECO-NEWS • EcoSuperior • 2

Community About Eco-News Board

Partners
EcoNews is produced by EcoSuperior Environmental
Programs. Look for our regular editions in your Chronicle
of Directors
Journal every spring and fall. All the articles are written by EcoSuperior staff unless A big thank you to the individuals who
otherwise credited. We are a non-profit organization, providing public education in generously provide time & expertise to
The many community programs and
the areas of water and energy conservation, waste reduction, pollution prevention guide the operation of EcoSuperior:
projects that you will read about in this
newsletter would not be possible with- and urban greenspaces. Our program area includes the city of Thunder Bay and the President: Mark Smith,
out the efforts of those who finance Lake Superior Basin. If you would like to comment on our programs, please contact City of Thunder Bay
and contribute to EcoSuperior’s activi- us: 212 Miles St. E., Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7C 1J6 • Telephone: 807-624-2140
Vice-President: Chris Walton,
ties. Through contributions of ideas, Facsimile: 807-622-0005 • [Link] • info@[Link]
Abitibi Bowater
connections, expertise and financial
support, the following organizations Treasurer: Bryan Heppler,
have played a major role in our suc-
cess. We extend our sincere gratitude
to the individuals within these organi-
zations that have helped us along the
Sharrows Enroute Union Gas
Secretary: Jane Todd,
Ontario Power Generation
way. By Adam Krupper Don Murray,
Past President
• City of Thunder Bay Do cyclists belong on the road? Of
• Environment Canada course they do! Unfortunately, there Dr. Anthony Gillies,
has been a lot of confusion about this Lakehead University
• EcoAction
topic, especially in Thunder Bay. Ken Allan,
• Thunder Bay District Health Unit While the Ontario Highway Traffic Thunder Bay District Health Unit
• Ontario Ministry of the Act clearly states that cyclists belong
Environment on the road, most roads in North Trudy Tuchenhagen,
America have not been built to accom- Lakehead Public School Board
• Ontario Ministry of Natural
Resources modate cyclists, thereby creating an John Stephenson,
endemic misunderstanding of both dri- Kuch Stephenson Gibson Malo
• Ontario Power Authority vers’ and cyclists’ roles and responsi-
• Ontario Ministry of Energy bilities. Kirk Ross,
To help address this issue, munici- A&R Ross Products
• Ontario Power Generation
• Green Communities Canada palities across North America have
•
•
Ontario Trillium Foundation
Union Gas
taken a number of approaches to help
drivers and cyclists use roadways
responsibly and lawfully.
Our Staff
The most well-known of these Executive Director:
• AbitibiBowater
measures are bike lanes. I hear all the Ellen Mortfield
• Thunder Bay Community
time, “Let’s just paint a line and call it Manager of Finance:
Economic Development
a bike lane!” I wish it were that sim- Heidi Smith, [Link]
Commission ple! City engineers have to conform to
• The Chronicle-Journal accepted roadway design standards. Administrative Assistant:
• Dougall Media Bike lanes have to be at least 1.2 meters wide and road ways, a minimum of 3.5 meters wide. Donna Alberts
• Newcap Media Many of our roads simply aren’t wide enough to accommodate a bike lane. Customer Service:
“Sharrows” are a lesser known option that are being used in 68 municipalities in the
• Zero Waste Action Team Shannon Brigden
United States and Canada. “Sharrows”, or shared-lane markings, are found on lanes that are
• ReCool Canada an additional 1 meter wide. These lanes, which are usually on designated ‘Preferred Bicycle Program Assistant:
• Litterfree Thunder Bay Routes’, have a bicycle symbol painted on it, along with two arrows indicating the direction Ashley Priem
• EarthWise Thunder Bay of traffic.
Studies have shown that Sharrows have several benefits: the cyclists’ presence is legiti- Program Coordinators:
• Volunteer Thunder Bay matized by the bike symbol, drivers have greater awareness of cyclists on roads, drivers give Jim Bailey (Binational Forum, Lake Superior AOCs)
• Fisheries and Oceans Canada cyclists more room when overtaking, fewer cyclists ride on sidewalks, and cyclists ride with Karen Copeland (Waste Reduction, Litter Prevention)
• North Shore Steelhead Association the flow of traffic rather than against. Adam Krupper (Active Transportation)
While not a bike lane replacement, Sharrows are useful when establishing new com- Lucie Lavoie (Stream Stewardship, Pharmaceuticals)
In addition to the list above, we must muter routes in areas where on-street parking is required for residents: because Sharrows are Jane Oldale (Well Aware, Fluorescent Light Recycling)
thank the many local businesses who not a dedicated lane, parking is still permissible but Sharrow symbols can indicate the safest Heather Shaver (Education & Youth)
make it possible for people to make place for a cyclist to ride in order to avoid dooring and be accommodated by drivers. Derek Tessier (EcoDriver, Water Conservation)
the right choices; the local media that Subject to Council approval, the City is hoping to have Thunder Bay’s first Sharrow
help us spread the word, and many marked and ready for next summer on Fassina Street. This pilot project will be used to Energy Advisors:
volunteer and committee members familiarize citizens with the markings, so that in the future, we can develop a network of Don Rutledge, Ken Piccinin and
who provide invaluable assistance. designated bicycle routes that help cyclists get around town safely. Ryan Whatley
 ECO-NEWS • EcoSuperior • 3

Smokers Top Litter Offenders

A basic litter audit prevalent type of litter health reasons, we are simply asking smok-
was conducted in August Litter Audit August 2009: is cigarettes and their ers to please take responsibility for their
as part of a new joint litter Breakdown by Type packaging, lighters, etc. butts, no matter where you smoke. Here are
(based on quantity of items found)
prevention project with Many smokers don’t some tips:
EcoSuperior and Litter 2% 5% 4% even consider their ciga-
1% 1%
• Ask your employer to install a self-extin- Karen Copeland, BSc
Free Thunder Bay. The rette butts to be litter,
objectives were to learn despite the fact that sta- guishing butt receptacle in your staff Karen is busy pulling together Waste
what our priorities should tistics state it can take smoking area. Share the load by taking Reduction Week events. She is also
be as well as to establish 15 years for them to turns emptying it when full. working with Litterfree Thunder Bay on
87%
baseline data that we can break down, and they a city-wide litter prevention campaign.
use to measure some are full of toxins. • Place an ash tray in your car, and use it.
(hopefully) success. Cigarette butts may There are handy types that fit in a bever-
The audit followed seem small, but with age holder or attach to the door. Dump
Red River Rd. from several trillion butts lit- the canister (according to the directions)
Beverage Litter Candy/Snack Litter in the garbage when it’s full, not on the
Water Street to Junot Fast Food Litter Paper Litter tered world wide every
Ave., including a full year, the toxic chemicals ground!
Cigarette Litter Miscellaneous Litter
sweep from Water to really add up! • Carry a portable ashtray that attaches to
Algoma, and test plots at every intersection ([Link]). your belt, or use an empty mint tin in
up to Junot. All litter was counted and During the audit, we counted over 3000 your pocket or purse.
placed under one of 52 types in 7 cate- cigarette butts, and that only included the
Shannon Brigden, BA/BEd
gories, including: beverage containers, fast test plots. Unfortunately, it seems smokers • Spread the word and remind others that
food waste, cigarette litter, candy litter, are getting a bad rap from all directions, cigarette butts are litter too. If you are calling to book an appointment
retail bags, paper litter and miscellaneous. squeezed out of buildings, away from build- for a home energy evaluation, Shannon is
Several litter “hot spots” were also noted ings, and out of public outdoor spaces. But Thank you to everyone who takes the time to the friendly voice who will provide the
for follow-up. As the chart shows, the most while quitting is the preferred option for put litter in its place. helpful information you need.

Safe Disposal
of Old Medicines
In 2008, with assistance from Environment The practical solution to cigarette waste management!
Canada, EcoSuperior launched an outreach Its time has come!
campaign to start educating the community
about the issue of pharmaceuticals as a poten-
tial environmental contaminant. We worked
with local drugstores to promote the practice
of returning old medicines to your dispensing
pharmacy. Through posters, media events,
community presentations and displays, we
have been promoting the message “Take Your
Medicine — Back to the Pharmacy.”
In April 2009, we stepped up the campaign with a special promotion of Medicine
Cabinet Clean Up Month. This included the distribution of medicine collection bags to
49,000 households. 16” Wall Mount 28” Wall Mount 40” Ground Mount

The good news is that the campaign is working — more and more old medicines are As more municipalities adopt smoke-free policies for public areas, more cigarette waste
litters ourAssidewalks and public
more municipalities adoptspaces. BUTTMATE
smoke-free offers
policies for public areas, morea simple, safe, and
coming back to the pharmacies instead of being flushed down toilets or sent to landfill cigarette waste
visually-pleasing litterstoour
solution thissidewalks
problem. andA public spaces. BUTTMATE
lit cigarette, dropped intooffers
the cylindrical unit,
with regular garbage. Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacies have kindly provided collection a simple,almost
is extinguished safe, and visually-pleasing
immediately due to solution
oxygen to this problem. Athus
deprivation, lit cigarette,
eliminating annoying
data to us that indicates a significant increase. In the 4-month period January – April 2008, dropped intowith
odours associated the cylindrical
some disposal unit, issystems.
extinguished
Easyalmost immediately
to maintain 100% duestainless
to steel
oxygen deprivation, thus eliminating annoying odours associated with
prior to the campaign, just four 25-litre pails of medicines were collected at 16 local some disposal systems. Easy to maintain 100% stainless steel. UNIT MAINTENANCE
Shoppers stores. In the 3-month period of April – June 2009, after the Medicine Cabinet For more product information and pricing, contact: Ground-mounted units come suppliedUNIT MAINTENANCE
with a fire-proof bag which
can be easily liftedGround-mounted
from the unit andunits comewhen
emptied supplied
[Link]
Pole or
Clean Up month promotion, collection increased dramatically to 13 pails. ALFA PRODUCTS INT.
BUTTMATE SPECIFICATIONS wall-mounted unitsa canfire-proof bag which
be removed fromcan be easily
bracket lifted
and tipped.
A big thank you goes to all area residents who are taking the time to collect their old Toll-Free: 1-888-554-1407
PoleFax: (807)
or Wall 767-2136
Mount Ground Mount fromCUSTOM
the unit and emptied when full.
COLOURS
medicines and return them to their pharmacy. It’s an important way to keep these chemi- Email: vvanska@[Link] Pole or wall-mounted units can be
Diameter 4” 4” Units
4” can be supplied in a broad range of colours and finishes,
removed from bracket and tipped.
cals out of our waterways and wildlife. Think
Height Green.16”Think Alfa.28” based on availability. (Costs may vary. Request a quotation.)
40”
ECO-NEWS • EcoSuperior • 4

Waste Reduction Week: Oct 19-25, 2009

Thunder Bay will once again be a part of the nation- or the City of Thunder Bay Household Hazardous Waste
wide celebration to raise awareness of waste reduction. The Depot (624-2195). Visit [Link] for more
City of Thunder Bay Transportation & Works Division, information. Also, check out the listing on page five where
EcoSuperior and our community partners will be coordi- you can take other forms of electronics and batteries.
nating a wide range of activities, so plan to participate!
Year Round Shopping Cart
Saturday, October 17th: Reporting System
Waste Reduction and Recycling Fair
Litterfree Thunder Bay has a system for taking care of
Join the Zero Waste Action Team, EcoSuperior, those shopping carts that appear all over town, often far
ReCool, Earthwise, City of Thunder Bay departments, from the store they belong to. If you see an abandoned
Pack Pros Plus and other informative groups at Intercity shopping cart, please call the store manager or use the on-
Shopping Centre for this information fair. Learn what you line shopping cart reporting system at [Link].
can do to reduce your “waste-line” and help our environ- Carts will be picked up and returned to the store.
ment. The fair will be held in the promo court from 9:30am November 1st to 10th:
to 6pm. Bring your questions, enter a draw for prizes, and Great Pumpkin Compost Collection
prepare to be inspired! October 19th to 23rd:
School Programs Residents are encouraged to put Jack in the Box, not in
Saturday, October 24th: EcoSuperior and Lakehead University Education stu-
the trash. Since the collection began in 1995, over 252
Community Electronic Waste Collection metric tonnes of pumpkins have been diverted from the
dents will be visiting classrooms during Waste Reduction
landfill to the municipal composting facility. Bins for
Help keep unwanted electronics out of the landfill by Week, sharing practical ideas on how to reduce waste.
Halloween Pumpkins will be set up from November 1st –
bringing them to the Intercity Shopping Centre parking lot Several schools will also participate in an electronic-
10th at the Lakehead Labour Centre, County Fair Plaza
(at Harbour Expressway and Fort William Rd. corner, by waste collection program. Computers (and peripherals),
and the Westfort Playfield. Remember — no plastic bags,
Sears) between 11am and 4pm for safe and secure recy- printers, fax machines and televisions are now accepted
no candles, and no trash — pumpkins only please!
cling, reuse and/or disposal. There is no cost, however, under a free collection program which helps divert poten- Sponsored by ReCool Canada Inc. and Print Pros Plus.
only the following items can be accepted at this time: tially harmful products from the landfill. See “Safety
Computers (including monitors, keyboards, mice and other First” for more details. Students may also have an oppor- Other ideas for Halloween Pumpkins:
peripherals), desktop printers, fax machines and televi- tunity to tour the new City of Thunder Bay Solid Waste
& Recycling Facility, or receive a visit from a local super • Pumpkin Smashing Day at Gammondale Farm on
sions. If you can not make it to this event, these items are
hero: Super Recycle Girl! November 1st between 1-3pm.
accepted on an ongoing basis at Pack Pros Plus (344-8799)
Visit [Link] or call 475-5615 for
October 19th to 24th: more information.
This waste reduction program is funded by the City of
Thunder Bay’s Transportation & Works Department Radio Promotions & Get Caught • Have your jack-o-lantern and eat it too!
and delivered by EcoSuperior Environmental Programs Recycling Check out [Link] for great recipes.

Stay tuned to your favourite local radio stations to For more information on any of these programs visit
learn how you can reduce waste and get a chance to win [Link] and click on the Waste Reduction
great prizes. Week link, or call EcoSuperior at 624-2148.

210 - 1205 Amber Drive

Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6M4
(807) 623-2141 Fax: (807) 622-1282
[Link] email: info@[Link]

Paul Fitzpatrick, CA* Marcel Gagnon, CA*

Rick Trochimchuk,CA* Steve Blazino, CA CBV*
Tammy Wylie, CGA CA* Shelly Gaudreau, CA*
*Professional Corporation
 ECO-NEWS • EcoSuperior • 5

Safety First! Have old batteries or electronics?

Don’t throw them out! Help protect
our health and environment by taking
them to the following locations for

What you put in the trash safe recycling & disposal.

Batteries:
may be hazardous to your health • Home Depot
• CTB HHW Depot
• Future Shop
It goes without saying that when we hop in a car or on a bicy- and assemblers. This program is being introduced in stages, so if • Rechargeable Batteries only:
cle, or even cross the street, safety is on our minds. If it weren’t, you have an item that is not on the list, please hold onto it until it • Zellers Home Entertainment Dept
we would feel the results very quickly. But how about when we will be accepted. Visit [Link] for more informa- • The Source by Circuit City
dispose of something…how often is safety an issue then? tion. • Staples Business Depot
The truth is it is an issue – a big one - despite the fact that it can Paints, thinners, cleaners, used oil, etc…
be difficult to detect the effects of unsafe disposal of hazardous The list goes on and on. Almost any sub- Cell Phones:
items in a direct way. High levels of toxic chemicals and heavy stance with a warning label needs to be • Future Shop
metals can end up in our waterways, air or soil, which can lead to treated with care. Of course the first step to • Zellers
health issues including cancer, brain damage and a host of other do is look for safer alternatives, such as • Canadian Diabetes Association
ailments. What we do as individuals can make a big difference to low-VOC paints, environmentally-friendly • Staples Business Depot
our health and environment, and fortunately it seems the tides are cleaners, etc.. Be sure to keep these items
turning. There are more and more opportunities to help us keep in a safe place, out of the reach of children Computers & Parts, TVs,
hazardous waste out of the landfills, air and water systems. Here or pets, and dispose of them at the Printers, Fax Machines:
are some examples: Household Hazardous Waste depot at the • Pack Pros Plus
Electronic Waste contains heavy metals such as lead, mercury, new City of Thunder Bay Solid Waste & • CTB HHW Depot
arsenic and cadmium, as well as many components which can be Recycling Facility at 5405 Mapleward Rd.
recycled. Often this waste Call 684-2195 for more information about the HHW depot. Home
CD’s, CD-Players,
is disposed of either in Depot will also accept latex and oil paints and stains and primers MP3-Players,
our landfills or is at their customer service desk. Portable DVD Players:
shipped overseas Medicines are difficult to remove from municipal waste-water, • Future Shop
to areas where there so flushing them down the toilet or sending them to the landfill
are few or no regu- means there’s a good chance they will find their way back to us, Useful Contacts:
lations to protect the possibly in the fish we eat. Unused prescription and non-prescrip- • EcoSuperior: (807) 624-2140
people or environment in tion drugs can be taken back to your dispensing pharmacy for safe • Pack Pros Plus: (807) 344-8799
that area. The Ontario Electronic disposal. • CTB Roads Division (807) 684-2195
Stewardship program ensures that our electronic waste stays with- Batteries contain heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, mer- • [Link]
in North America (providing jobs) and is traced until the compo- cury and nickel, as well as corrosive acids, all of which can find The City of Thunder Bay (CTB)
nents are made into a new product or otherwise safely disposed of. their way into the air, soil and water if tossed in the garbage. See Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)
OES-Certified Collectors are also required to make sure any per- below for a list of locations where batteries are accepted for recy- Depot is located at the new CTB Solid
sonal information on computers, etc. is kept secured until it can be cling and/or safe disposal. Try to use rechargeable batteries when- Waste & Recycling Facility at
destroyed. It is now FREE to dispose of these items as the finan- ever possible to reduce the number of heavy metals entering our 5405 Mapleward Rd.
cial responsibility is being placed on brand owners, first importers environment and our bodies.

“Think Outside the Bank”

142 S. Algoma Street • Phone: 345-7612 • Fax: 345-8939
[Link]
ECO-NEWS • EcoSuperior • 6

Youth Advisory Committee Derek’s Top 5

By Jessica Hochins One meeting involved a presentation from the EcoDriver pro- Eco-Driving Tips
gram. When teens turn 16, the first thing that often crosses their
Are you between the ages of 13 – 25, with a passion for envi- mind is the excitement of getting their drivers’ license. It seems to 1. Stop worrying about being late.
ronmental issues in Thunder Bay? If so, Ecosuperior has been make sense that because some youth are drivers, there should be a Most people speed to get some-
working within the Thunder Bay community to form a Youth youth component of the EcoDriver program, and this idea is what where faster, but speeding usually
Advisory Committee (YAC) as a means to engage youth in the cre- EcoSuperior wanted to pursue. The Youth Advisory Committee only makes a few minutes differ-
ation and implementation of environmental initiatives in Thunder was able to help make this happen! After the presentation, ideas ence. You’ll burn less fuel and feel
Bay. New members are welcome! were offered on how to alter the presentation to appeal to a more relaxed.
We will be advising Ecosuperior’s staff on ideas that could younger audience. Younger drivers want to know how much 2. Check that tire pressure. Monthly
appeal to youth in the community with their current programs, and money they can save by practicing particular driving behaviours, checks are necessary to keep up
recommend possible new programs or projects which may require and visuals in a presentation will make everything more appealing. with air loss in the tires. Your rec-
funding. The Committee will also develop its own projects where When the EcoDriver program arrives in participating schools this ommended pressure is listed on a
the members will be involved in the entire process, including plan- year, these changes are things you will see. The committee has sticker on the driver’s door post or
ning and proposals to the Ecosuperior Management and Board of also had a chance to learn about city transit, when a representative door. Keep your tires at that pres-
Directors. Not only will it be a forum for youth to share ideas, it visited a summer meeting. Now that we have had a chance to learn sure. This helps ensure you’re
will also be a resource for change while making the change. about how the city bus system operates, we will be better able to keeping fuel in your tank.
Our group is focused on positive actions for youth and ideas plan activities and promotions about the benefits of city transit.
that work towards a sustainable community. If you would like to We may soon take a tour of the transit facility. 3. Coast up to red lights and start slow
join us, please contact Heather Shaver at heather@[Link], This fall will offer the opportunity for new ideas and initia- at the green. Not only does coast-
or visit [Link] tives. There is no one particular theme that the committee dis- ing to lights save me gas it also
cusses; in fact, the more ideas the better. New members are allows me to avoid red lights at
From the YAC Coordinator: always welcome. Drop by a meeting to see and hear what the times.
The Youth Advisory Committee has been busy! Since their committee has been planning. You may have ideas of your own 4. Plan your trips around town to take
first meeting in June, youth from the community have met to dis- to share. You may also just want to hear what others have to say. the path with the fewest traffic
cuss several ideas about increasing environmental awareness in the Your level of volunteer participation in the committee is entirely lights and highest average speed.
city. They met with a member of the EcoSuperior board of direc- up to you. The upcoming meeting dates will be listed on our web- Highway speeds give you your best
tors, and had a chance to hear about how the organization operates. site: [Link]. fuel efficiency so if you’re going
from the north end to the south end
of [Link] use the expressway.
Heather Shaver, HBSc/BEd Derek Tessier, HBSc 5. Track your fuel use. My car has 2
trip meters so I always set one to
As our Youth & Education Derek is taking our EcoDriver zero at each fill-up and record the
Coordinator, Heather is organiz- program to the streets with pre- kilometers traveled each tank. I
ing our Youth Advisory sentations for workplaces, driving use EcoSuperior’s online calculator
Committee, the EcoMentors schools and more. He also looks to figure out my L/100 km. It helps
workshops, school presentations after our water conservation pro- you track your progress — you’ll
and many other initiatives aimed gram and will come to your home see a definite difference with
at helping youth get involved in for a free Water Saver visit if you changing just a few driving habits.
environmental issues. are looking for a toilet rebate.

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 ECO-NEWS • EcoSuperior • 7

Binational Forum Work Proceeding

The Lake Superior Binational Forum
will be holding its next meeting on
November 6th and 7th at Lakehead
the “EarthWise Community Environmental
Action Plan” which is available on both the
EarthWise and Binational Forum websites.
on Lake Superior
University in Thunder Bay. The Binational
Forum consists of 24 American and
Canadian volunteers from various sectors
The mission of EarthWise Thunder Bay is
to focus the energy, involvement, and col-
lective wisdom of the community to secure
“Hot Spots”
including small business, municipalities the environmental health of our region, and Jackfish Bay on Lake Superior, which is
and local elected officials, environmental thereby improve the social and economic located just east of Terrace Bay and Marathon’s
organizations, industry, First Nations, acad- well-being of future generations. main harbour, Peninsula Harbour, were identi-
emia, recreation, anglers, and the faith Presentations and discussion about fied as environmental hotspots in 1987 by the
community. Their role is to help protect development and implementation of the International Joint Commission, in co-operation
water quality in Lake Superior. Earthwise plan will be part of this public with the governments of Canada and Ontario.
As part of the Binational Forum meet- input session. The session is free and open Contamination in these areas is historical, relat-
ings in Thunder Bay, the Forum will host a to the public. More information will be ing to pulp and paper operations in past decades
Public Input Session from 1 to 4 p.m. on posted on the Lake Superior Binational before strong environmental regulations were in
November 6th in Room 2001 of the Forum’s [Link] website place.
Lakehead University ATAC building. The as it becomes available. Also feel free to Public committees for both of these environmental areas of concern were formed
session will centre on the “EarthWise call EcoSuperior at 624-2144 about the recently and are comprised of a cross-section of residents from both Terrace Bay-
Community Environmental Action Plan” meeting. Schreiber and also Marathon – Pic River areas respectively. The central focus of these
for Thunder Bay. The purpose of the Binational Forum is committees is to act as a two-way avenue of communication between area residents and
EarthWise Thunder Bay ([Link]- to provide input, analysis and assistance to government representatives in matters pertaining to Jackfish Bay and Peninsula
[Link]) is a partnership basin governments for critical issues relat- Harbour.
between the City of Thunder Bay and a net- ing to Lake Superior such as discharge of Current work related to the Jackfish Bay centres on making a determination as to
work of volunteers who have agreed to toxic substances, sustainable economic whether environmental recovery is underway or can be expected. In this regard, the
work together on the issues of climate development, pollution prevention, habitat Ontario Ministry of Environment has engaged the assistance of Lakehead University to
change and community sustainability. The and restoration efforts. examine existing environmental data and prepare a status report. This report is sched-
main priority of EarthWise is to implement uled to be released this fall.
In the case of Peninsula Harbour, work has already begun to design a “thin-layer
cap” for the area of highest contamination in Jellicoe Cove. Environmental monitoring
to better understand current harbour conditions is also being carried out. The collected
data will be useful when compared to similar data collected once the project is complete.
Additionally, a federal environmental assessment will be completed prior to thin-layer
capping going ahead.
Dates will be announced as to when the public committees for Jackfish Bay and
Peninsula Harbour will be meeting again this fall. All members of the public are wel-
come to attend. More information about Jackfish Bay and Peninsula Harbour can be
obtained on the EcoSuperior website at: [Link]/forum or by calling
EcoSuperior toll free at 888-301-5253. EcoSuperior, supported by the Ontario Ministry
of the Environment and Environment Canada is co-ordinating public engagement efforts
for both Jackfish Bay and Peninsula Harbour.

"As your accredited Greenagent (TM),

Forum members toured area parklands during a recent meeting in Grand Marais, Michigan. I am committed to promoting green real estate
in our community. Homes that are more

EcoSuperior Tweets! energy-efficient, whether you are BUYING

or SELLING may impact the price of your
Our organization currently produces an EcoNews newsletter like you’re reading home! Call me today for further details.
right now just twice a year, in April and October. But if you’d like a more up-to-the-
minute update on programs, events and happenings, you have lots of options.
Become a fan of our Facebook group, or follow us at [Link]
or. We’ll try to keep you informed of new activities and ideas to help you reduce your
impact on the environment. You can also look for our new monthly column in the New Janice Atkinson, Salesperson
Horizons, published the last Sunday of every month in The Chronicle-Journal. And be & Accredited Greenagent (TM)
sure to check our website regularly — we are working on a new, expanded and inter- Team 100 Realty Inc - Brokerage
active website that will soon allow you to check our new calendar of events and com-
ment on our programs, at [Link] Direct (807-)683-4317 • Office (807)345-2226 • email jatkinson@[Link]
ECO-NEWS • EcoSuperior • 8

Coming Events
October 7
EcoMentors Workshop for Youth at the Canada Games Complex, 4:00 p.m. to
8:30 p.m. Register on-line at [Link]
October 17
Waste Reduction & Recycling Fair at Intercity Shopping Centre promo court,
9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
October 19 to 25
Waste Reduction Week all across Canada, see page 4 & 5 for Thunder Bay
activities
October 21
Farm Collection Green Drinks Thunder Bay, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Location to be determined.
See [Link]

for pesticides, animal October 24

Community Electronic Waste Collection at Intercity Shopping Centre parking lot,
11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (see the Waste Reduction Week article for details)
health products October 28
Environmental Film Network showing Waterlife. 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at
A well-established obsolete pesticide ular pesticide was in the container, the prod- Confederation College lecture theatre, Shuniah Building. Follow the green
collection program is being expanded this uct should be labeled “pesticide unknown” arrow. Free admission, donations accepted.
year to also provide farmers with safe dis- when it is brought to a collection site.
posal for unused animal health products and Acceptable animal health products should October 29
sharps. This first-of-its-kind program is tak- have a label that contains a Drug EarthWise General Meeting, 5:00 p.m. at Superior C.V.I. high school.
ing place October 20 - 22 at Thunder Bay Identification Number (DIN). See [Link]
Co-op as part of an Ontario government-sup- Collection sites will not accept pesticides The 2-Degrees Tour, 7:00 p.m., speaking tour by David Noble of 2DegreesC
ported Great Lakes Basin water quality ini- and animal health products in aerosol con- from Guelph Ontario. Details to be released.
tiative that offers farmers a way to recycle tainers, medicated feed, premise disinfec-
these items. tants, or any household or human use items. November 1 to 10
As part of the CleanFARMSTM pro- Loose sharps will not be accepted – they The Great Pumpkin Compost Collection bins are available at the Lakehead
gram, farmers will be able to bring their must be brought in a closed container. Ziploc Labour Centre (Ft. William Road), Neebing Playfield (off Neebing Avenue) and
obsolete agricultural pesticides, unused ani- bags are not acceptable. County Fair Mall (Dawson Road). Bring your pumpkins and compostable
mal health products and used sharps (nee- The collection takes place during regular Halloween décor and we’ll make sure it gets to the municipal composting site.
dles, syringes and scalpel blades) to a series business hours October 20 – 22 at Thunder
of 16 collection sites across the province for Bay Co-op Farm Supply, located at 560 November 5
safe and environmentally responsible dispos- Boundary Drive. For more information, call Get Green Workshop at La Verendrye school, 175 High St. North.
al. The service is free of charge for farmers. AGCare at 519-837-1326. More details in The Key. Register by calling 625-2351. $10 + gst
Agricultural pesticide products should November 6
have a PCP number on the container, Community Clean-Up Day (stay tuned for details)
although in cases where the label is no
longer present or it is unknown which partic- November 12
EcoDriver Workshop and Block Heater Timer Event for rural residents. 7:00
p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Kakabeka Legion Hall. Block Heater Timers just $5 for the
Fall Leaf & Yard Waste Collection first 100 people. Contact Derek at 624-2655 for details or see page 1.
Detoxify Your Home Workshop, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at CD Howe School, 30
If we keep organic yard waste out of the landfill, it can be made into compost that can Wishart Crescent. More details in The Key, or call 625-2351 to register. $10 + gst.
help keep our community green! The annual fall collection of Leaf and Yard Waste takes
place between November 3rd and 13th. Look for the Leaf symbol on your Waste Collection November 18
Calendar for your leaf & yard waste collection date. Place leaves and organic garden waste EcoDriver Workshop and Block Heater Timer Event for rural residents. 7:00
at the curb in kraft (brown) paper bags, available at many grocery and hardware stores, or use p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Rosslyn Community Centre. Block Heater Timers just $5
clear plastic bags. There is no limit on organic garden waste, except no grass clippings for the first 100 people. Contact Derek at 624-2655 for details or see page 1.
please, as they can be a fire hazard. For more information about the fall Leaf and Yard Waste
Curbside Collection contact RECOOL at 577-0411. Of course, if you are a gardener, all November 28
those fall leaves can also make a great addition to your own compost pile, or can be used as Global Buy Nothing Day – a global holiday from consumerism. Spend a day
mulch in your flowerbeds. without spending! For more info, see [Link]/campaigns/bnd