June 15th, 2010

Seton Elementary visits ACAP

Students from Grades 1 and 2 of Seton Elementary School in North Sydney stopped by for a visit with ACAP Cape Breton today. Katherine MacDonald took them on a tour of our Centre for Sustainable Communities and explained a little about ACAP Cape Breton. The students learned about the problem of littering, energy and water conservation. As always our fish were a big hit with the children as was the discovery cove sandbox.

June 14th, 2010

Planter Re-planted

Our front planter received a makeover today as Micheline Cote donated her time, plants, knowledge as well as her green thumb towards making it beautiful. Also on hand to help were Mike Barnes, Shawn Young and Arnold MacDonald.

Photos by Shawn Young                                             

Environment Week 2010: Embrace the Earth

Monday, May 31

Plant & Seed Exchange: ACAP Centre for Sustainable Communities

Bring in plants, slips from your garden and your favorite seeds and exchange them for something new for your garden. This event will go all day at the ACAP CB Centre, 582 George St, Sydney.

Tuesday, June 1

Biodiversity Bonanza - NSCC Marconi Campus Cafeteria 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

This event will mark the International Year of Biodiversity, which is also the theme of 2010 Environment Week.  The bonanza will feature displays focusing on different species of life here in Cape Breton, including Project UFO, CEPI and the Department of Natural Resources. There will also be an area to watch film presentations and lots of organic treats to enjoy.

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Wednesday, June 2 Clean Air Day

Free Trees!

Did you know a single tree provides enough oxygen for two people for their entire lives? Stop by the ACAP CB Centre for Sustainable Communities and pick up a seedling. Plant a tree, it can absorb over one ton of carbon dioxide in its lifetime – how’s that for taking action?

Vermi-composting Workshop 2 p.m.

Learn how red wigglers make short work of your food scraps and turn it into what gardeners refer to as black gold. The fertilizer created by these special worms that can consume their body weight daily.

Thursday June 3

Baille Ard Trail Biodiversity Survey 9:30 -10:30 am.

Join us on a fun trail walk to identify some different species of animal and plant life in our community. This is open to people of all ages, and there will be lots of fun for kids.

Friday June 4

VELO Commuter Breakfast  7 a.m. – 10 a.m.

Drop by ACAP CB and share some breakfast with VELO Cape Breton members. Breakfast treats, coffee, tea and juice will be served.

ACAP Cape Breton's Annual Computer Give-Away

This event will be held at 10AM at our location on 582 George Street, Sydney.

Terrarium Fun 3:00 p.m.

Stop by after school to create your very own terrarium! We will provide the supplies and the fun. It’s your chance to make a cool project that you can take home when you’re finished.

For more information please phone ACAP Cape Breton at 902-567-1628

“Green Cuisine” specials for Environment Week

The Bean Bank Café – Avocado veggie sandwich (incl. organic veggies)

Governor’s Restaurant – Atlantic lobster and lobster rolls

Flavor by Creative Catering - Atlantic lobster salad with Cape Breton wildflower honey vinaigrette AND Mini Cape Breton highland beef burgers with Cape Breton wildflower honey vinaigrette.

Sydney, NS – ACAP Cape Breton and NSCC Marconi Campus are teaming up during Environment Week for a Biodiversity Bonanza in the campus cafeteria on Tuesday June 1, from 5-8 p.m.

The bonanza will feature displays focusing on different species of life here in Cape Breton, including Project UFO, CEPI and the Department of Natural Resources, as well as activities for children. There will also be an area to watch film presentations and lots of organic treats to enjoy.

“We wanted to hold an event to mark the International Year of Biodiversity,” says Eleanor Anderson, Executive Director of ACAP Cape Breton. “NSCC Marconi Campus is a great supporter of ACAP initiatives, and wanted to partner for this event. The theme of Environment Week is Embrace the Earth, and this is a great way to encourage our community to do just that.”

The United Nations declared 2010 to be the International Year of Biodiversity. It is a celebration of life on earth and of the value of biodiversity for our lives. For more information, visit www.cbd.int/2010.

COOKING WITH AWARENESS June 7 - 11, 2010

Run for awareness association presents the 6th annual week of Cooking with Awareness from June 7th to the 11th

Information, education, motivation and exercise. Not to mention - a chance to enjoy a sumptuous selection of vegan food. Let your tatse buds lead you on a patheway to a healthier lifestyle..

Run for awareness association presents the 6th annual week of Cooking with Awareness from June 7th to the 11th. Classes take place in the Round Room opposite the Sydney board walk at the rear of the Civic Center, The Esplanade, Sydney.

Information, education, motivation and exercise. Not to mention - a chance to enjoy a sumptuous selection of vegan food. Let your taste buds lead you on a pathway to a healthier lifestyle..

Tickets: $10.00 per class –  available at:

Charlene’s Nutrition Centre, 254 Kings Road, Sydney.

Office of Dr. Cadegan, 65 Minto Street, Glace Bay

The Black Spoon, 320 Commercial Street, North Sydney

For updates and further information please visit our website at:

www.runforawareness.ca

Join us on Facebook and stay in the loop

Phone 539-0722 or 562-7083

Email runforawareness@gmail.com

Or watch for our ad in the Cape Breton Post

CONSERVE N.S.--EnerGuide Offers Savings in Several Ways

 MAY 10th, 2010

If we all make some changes to the way we use energy, we could make a significant difference to the economic and environmental future of Nova Scotia. That means more money in all of our pocketbooks and a greener future for Nova Scotians in every part of the province.

The EnerGuide for Houses program includes expert advice and rebates for upgrades to new and existing homes, and includes help for low-to-modest income homeowners. Through this and other energy efficiency programs, we are keeping our commitment to lower greenhouse gas emissions, and making life better for families in every region of the province.

Conserve Nova Scotia offers a variety of rebates, and financing programs to help homeowners save energy and money, and protect our environment. Nova Scotia Power also offers rebates and financing options for those planning to build or who have an existing home heated with electricity.

Natural Resources Canada recently discontinued its ecoEnergy Retrofit-Homes Program for new entrants. As a result, homeowners entering the province's EnerGuide program after March 31 are not eligible for federal rebates.

I realize that this change is frustrating for many Nova Scotian families that intended to access this program to reduce their energy use and take action on climate change.

It may also leave some people wondering if they can or should do an energy efficiency evaluation on their home if the federal rebate is no longer available. The answer is yes.

If you've registered after midnight on March 31, 2010, you can still have an initial assessment completed on your home, and can access provincial rebates of up to $1,500. Rebates of up to $4,200 are also available from Nova Scotia Power for energy efficient upgrades to electrically-heated homes. Financing options are available as well. Anyone registered by midnight March 31 can still access federal, provincial and Nova Scotia Power rebates.

As well, our solar program offers a combined $2,500 rebate from Conserve Nova Scotia and Nova Scotia Power for residential water heating projects that can be financed through the EnerGuide program's interest-free loan.

Energy efficiency evaluations are completed by certified energy auditors employed by service providers throughout the province. The $150 evaluation fee is a smart investment that will pay for itself over time. It provides valuable information to help homeowners reduce their energy and water use and provides an opportunity to save money on fuel and utility bills.

If you own a home, I encourage you to call a service provider in your area to book an EnerGuide evaluation today. Take advantage of this great opportunity to save energy and money, increase the comfort and value of your home, and reduce your impact on the environment. For more information on EnerGuide programs for new or existing houses, visit www.itstartswithme.ca or call the EnerInfo line at 1-800-670-4636.

A Road to Health and Harmony: How Tai Chi is Transforming Health Around the World

Free Documentary Screening

"A Road to Health and Harmony: How Tai Chi is Transforming Health Around the World"

6:00 PM, Wednesday, May 5, 2010 

Our Lady of Fatima Church Hall, Sydney River

If you haven't had a chance to see this wonderful documentary, don't miss this opportunity.

2010 Spring Course Schedule

Tai Chi & Qi Gong Courses

Sydney River, Our Lady of Fatima Church Hall Starting First Week of May

• Monday 11:00 AM 24 Form Tai Chi
• Wednesday 6:00 PM Qi Gong for Women's Health
• Wednesday 7:00 PM Tai Chi for Arthritis and Chronic Pain

Glace Bay, Tuesday Afternoon and Evening New Class Starting in May 

• Tai Chi for Arthritis, Tai Chi for Seniors

Main-a-Dieu, Thursday AM Class Ongoing

• Tai Chi for Seniors

Now accepting registrations for Spring Cooking and Nutrition Programs

For more information please contact:

Michael P. Milburn, PhD, DAc
232 St. Peter's Rd.
Sydney, NS B1P 4R1
902-562-2507
michaelmilburn@eastlink.ca

Earthweek 2010 a Sucess!

Photo Submissions - 20 Minute Tidy

Earth Week 2010 at ACAP Cape Breton was a huge success.  The week kicked off the festivities on Monday April 19 with a used book and magazine exchange.  Throughout the whole week book lovers dropped off boxes of previously loved books and spent hours browsing through the books on our tables.  Later that day, we had an excellent presentation by Heather Atiyah about gardening and lawn care using water wise and pesticide free methods. 

Our Earth Week Eco-Spies were deployed for the first time on Monday.  The day began slow, waiting to see if any unsuspecting recyclers could be spotted sorting their wasteproperly in a certain public space, but it was to no avail.  Grocery stores and coffee shops proved to be the targets of the day where we were able to find many customers using reusable bags, avoiding the drive thru, and using active transportation.  A trip to a bus stop ended the Eco-Spies’ day, with rewards going to people using public transportation. 

Tuesday April 20 was a busy day.  We began by hosting a guided walk of the Baille Ard Trails in Sydney, attended by 4 very interested community members.  The walk was leisurely, with participants and guide Stephanie Johnstone-Laurette stopping at frequent intervals to discuss different plants, animals and fungi which are found along the trail.  Participants were encouraged to share their knowledge and stories about the trail as well. 

At noon on Tuesday there was an Energy-Wise Lunch n’ Learn session held at the Centre for Sustainable Communities.  Certified Energy Advisor Bruce Young shared knowledge with residents about the best practices for saving energy in the home, as well as available programs for homeowners to increase their home’s energy efficiency.  Later that afternoon, a Tire Pressure Clinic was held in the parking lot of the Mayflower Mall with several drivers stopping to learn the importance of vehicle maintenance and how to correctly check their tire pressure. 

Wednesday, April 21 saw the beginning of our Second Chance Toy Drive.  This drive was also received very well, with many people dropping off lightly used toys, and others picking out that perfect item for their child.  This drive continued until the end of the week, with leftover toys being donated to a new local daycare.  Also on Wednesday, ACAP staffers invited the public to join them on a lunchtime walk.  Taking the time to get outside and walk is a great way to reinforce your connection with nature and the environment, plus it is healthy and fun to do!

Thursday April 22 was of course, Earth Day.  To show our love for the Earth, we organized a 20-Minute Tidy for noon.  The 20-Minute Tidy is a great way to show just how much impact a collection of small actions can make.  With 22 registered groups and over 895 participants, this year’s cleanup was very successful. 

Once the hard work was done, we gathered at the Centre for Sustainable Communities to celebrate a very special occasion, the 40th anniversary of Earth Day.  To celebrate, we had a party with delicious cake and eco-friendly homemade decorations. 

Later that evening, our Executive Director Eleanor Anderson gave a presentation at the McConnell Library in Sydney on “An Inconvenient Truth”.  Eleanor was one of two Atlantic Canadians selected to be trained by Al Gore on this material.  Over the course of the week, Eleanor also provided presentations to Morrison Jr. High in Glace Bay (212 students), Strait and Area Education Centre, SAERC, Port Hawkesbury (350 students and teachers), and Canso High School (75 students and teachers). 

Friday, April 23, we wrapped up the festivities by providing breakfast for those commuters who chose to use active or public transportation to get to work.  Delicious coffee and homemade treats were available for free from 7-10am.  Following the breakfast we had a drama presentation by Youth In Action on active transportation.  The group has been together for 5 years and is creating promotional material to encourage people to use active transportation whenever possible.

And of course, Friday was the final day for our Eco-Spy Initiative.  Throughout the week we visited different communities in the CBRM and found people doing reward-worthyactivities.  We rewarded those who picked up litter, used active or public transportation, avoided the drive thru, used reusable bags or mugs, reduced, reused and recycled and many other activities as well.  The reception was great; people almost always met our spies with a smile and were eager to share stories of other eco-conscious choices they make on a regular basis. 

Some Earth Week stats:

• 22 teams registered for the 20-Minute Tidy
• Over 895 participants in the 20-Minute Tidy
• 800-1000 bags and around 400 gloves were given out for the 20-Minute Tidy
• Over $2000 worth of prizes donated for the Eco-Spy Initiative
• 44 businesses donated prizes for Eco-Spies
• Approximately 650 people reached with presentations on environmental topics during the week

Information on our Earth Week activities was featured on:

• www.whatsgoinon.ca
• The Cape Breton Post
• ATV’s Live at 5
• CBC Radio One Information Morning and Mainstreet
• Cape Breton Radio
• 101.9 The Giant
• 103. The Eagle

We’d love to send a great big thank you out to all of the businesses who donated prizes for our Eco-Spies to hand out as well as treats and goodies for our Active Transportation Commuter breakfast (Full list of sponsors).  But don’t forget – if we all chip in and do our part we can make every day Earth Day!

Photo Submissions - 20 Minute Tidy

3RD Glace Bay Pathfinders

Lee Mac Neil, Ruth Gay, Myrtle Campbell, Mary Campbell - Connaught Ave. in the Bridgeport area of Glace Bay.

AECOM - Sydney Tar Ponds Cleanup

Northside General Hospital

RBC Sydney

ACAP Cape Breton now expects to receive funding from Environment Canada.

Letters of Support for ACAP Federal Funding PDF

Executive director Eleanor Anderson said that’s how she reads an email from Environment Canada Tuesday, although details remain sketchy.

Environment Canada says in the email that after completing a review, the ACAP program throughout the Atlantic region will receive funding for the 2010-11 fiscal year to transition the program to a new ecosystem-based approach to environmental management starting next year.

Environment Canada’s review had raised concerns that funding would be cut.

The email says total funding for conservation will remain the same in the Atlantic region this fiscal year but some adjustments have been made to the program to bring it in line with what is being done elsewhere in the country.

Spokesman Wayne Eliuk said Wednesday, Environment Canada won’t be answering any questions about funding for ACAP until after it provides details to the groups themselves. He wasn’t able to say when ACAP groups will receive those details.

Anderson said there is uncertainty about what is meant by adjustments that have been made to the program and a transition to an ecosystem-based approach next year and she is anxiously awaiting details about this year’s funding in time to line up partners for the projects.

“This is great, we are pleased with this news. However, the devil is in the details and we’d like to have those details as soon as possible so we can leverage opportunities for the upcoming field season,” she said.

“It’s hard to go to a partner to say can you please partner with us on this project because we don’t know exactly what these dollars will look like.”

ACAP Cape Breton may use Environment Canada funding this fiscal year to continue projects like water conservation presentations, stream restoration work, inventory counts of yellow lampmussels, a species at risk in Canada, and a research project to grow switch grass for use as a biofuel.

The federal government is withdrawing funding that provided rebates of up to $5,000 for home energy efficiency improvements. The program will continue until March 31, 2011, for people who are at some point in the process of the program or have booked an appointment for a home audit but it is no loner available to new clients.

The Nova Scotia government will continue to offer rebates of up to $1,500 and zero-interest loans of up to $5,000 for the home energy improvements, said Anderson.

Changes to the Federal Government’s EcoEnergy Retrofit-Homes Program

April 2010

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) has recently changed their EcoEnergy Retrofit-Homes Program. This change does not affect provincial grants available through Nova Scotia’s EnerGuide for Homes program.

1. How has the federal EcoEnergy Retrofit-Homes Program changed?

As of March 31st, 2010 NRCan will no longer accept registration for EcoEnergy Retrofit-Homes Program initial assessments. Anyone who has booked and had their assessment appointment registered in the NRCan database will still have their assessment performed and will be able to access both federal (up to $5000) and provincial (up to $1500) rebates.

• How will the change to the federal program affect Nova Scotia’s EnerGuide for Homes program?

Anyone who has had their EnerGuide/EcoEnergy Retrofit initial assessment done, or who has registered with the program by midnight on March 31st, will be able to have their final audit done and be eligible for both the provincial and federal rebates.

Those who have not yet registered for an initial assessment or registered after midnight on March 31st, 2010 can still have an initial assessment completed on their home, but will not be eligible for federal grants (up to $5000). However they will be able to access provincial grants of up to $1500, as well as grants through Nova Scotia Power.

The change to the federal program will not affect the province’s Residential Energy Affordability Program.

• How do I know what grants I’m eligible for?

You can access federal grants of up to $5000 and provincial grants of up to $1500, as well as grants through Nova Scotia Power, if you:

• Were registered in Nova Scotia’s EnerGuide for Homes program and had an appointment booked before midnight on March 31st, 2010.
• Have had your initial EnerGuide assessment completed, and are booked for a final audit, or will have your final audit completed within 18 months of your initial audit.
• Have had your initial EnerGuide assessment completed, and have requested an extension.

You can access only provincial grants of up to $1500, as well as grants through     Nova Scotia Power, if you:

• Were not registered in Nova Scotia’s EnerGuide for Homes program, or had not booked an appointment for an initial audit prior to midnight on March 31st, 2010

• Why should I have an initial EnerGuide assessment done if I can no longer qualify for the federal portion if the rebate? Is it still worth it for a provincial rebate of up to $1500?

The initial assessment provides valuable information to help homeowners improve the energy efficiency of their homes. Using information from the assessment to improve your home’s energy and water use can save you money on fuel and utility bills, and make your home more comfortable. The $150 assessment fee is a smart investment that will pay for itself over time.

The assessment is also necessary in order to access the province’s Zero Interest Loan Program for energy efficiency upgrades, and Nova Scotia Power’s energy efficiency rebates.

• How can I access the provincial rebates?

Nova Scotians are encouraged to register for an initial assessment in order to access the provincial rebates of up to $1500. The initial assessment is necessary for rebates through Conserve Nova Scotia and Nova Scotia Power.

• Who can I call to book an appointment for an initial assessment?

Six companies in the province are accepting appointments for assessments. Contact information can be found online at:

http://www.conservens.ca/energuide/existing-houses/how-to-start.asp

ACAP Cape Breton Earth Week Eco Espionage Begins April 19th

April 8th 2010

Here are your eco rewards

CLICK HERE

ACAP Cape Breton will be unleashing its ‘eco-spies’ for Earth Week 2010. Each day, starting April 19th, these spies will be in different communities catching people ‘green handed’ and rewarding them as they do something beneficial for the environment.

You never know where our eco spies will be. They could be outside of restaurants rewarding those who don’t idle, visiting bus shelters, and ‘catching’ people who randomly pick up litter or recycle right.

ACAP Cape Breton will be approaching local businesses in the coming weeks with a request for ‘rewards’.  

On Earth Day, ACAP Cape Breton is also doing another 20 Minute Makeover. This was a very popular event last year, with 50 teams and over 500 people participating. The basic premise: pick an area, take a ‘before’ picture, tidy it up in 20 minutes and take an ‘after’ picture. Teams can register by calling 567-1628 or email apenney@acapcb.ns.ca.

ACAP Cape Breton also has a full schedule of Earth Week Activities. If you have books, magazines or toys for our scheduled exchanges please feel free to drop them off at the ACAP Centre for Sustainable Communities, 582 George St., Sydney.

For more information please contact:

Katherine MacDonald

Senior Project Manager

ACAP Cape Breton

902.567.1628

kmacdonald@acapcb.ns.ca

CBRM Heavy Garbage Collection 2010

CBRM’s Annual Residential Heavy Garbage Collection is taking place on MONDAY, APRIL 12, 2010 for all residents. ALL Residents are required to have their heavy garbage materials placed curbside before 6 a.m. ON THIS DAY ONLY. (MONDAY, APRIL 12, 2010). Material placed out after this date Will Not be collected.

CBRM Solid Waste has made some changes to the way your Heavy Garbage Materials will be collected curbside.  Please pay attention to these important changes noted in the guidelines: Click here for Guidelines PDF

For more information on CBRM’s 2010 Residential Heavy Garbage Collection service, please contact CBRM’s Solid Waste Management Hotline at 567-1337 or log onto the Solid Waste section of CBRM’s Website at   www.cbrm.ns.ca/solidwaste.html

February 26, 2010

Climate Change & Its Effects in the Glace Bay Area: Learn More and Tell Us What You Think

Glace Bay, NS – Sea level rise and coastal erosion are unavoidable problems in our coastal communities. Whether you look on Upper North St. in Tablehead, or swim at the beach in Port Morien, the effects of climate change are obvious and quickly progressing.

Vahid Ghomoshchi and Daniel Savard on behalf of the Canadian Institute of Planners and Natural Resources Canada, along with the CBRM and ACAP Cape Breton, are partnering on a project to assist communities in preparing for climate change. They are looking to residents of Glace Bay to discuss the issues of sea level rise and coastal erosion.

Public meetings were held in Glace Bay in March and April for this SAM (sustainable development, adaptation and mitigation) Project. It is still possible for people to contribute by responding to the “Assessment of concerns for Glace Bay Survey” and “Actions for concerns for the Community of Glace Bay” (See links below)

Short presentations presented in March by the NS Climate Change Directorate, ADI Nolan Davis and CBRM Source Water Protection are also available below.

Residents are encouraged to listen to presentations on YouTube and provide input on the future of their communities. For more information, please contact ACAP Cape Breton at 567-1628.

Photos and Video Clip of Glace Bay Coastal Erosion

YOUTUBE Videos of Daniel Savard, Kyle MacKenzie, Fred Baechler, and Britt Roscoe:

Daniel Savard  

Kyle MacKenzie Part 1 of 4   Kyle MacKenzie Part 2 of 4   Kyle MacKenzie Part 3 of 4   Kyle MacKenzie Part 4 of 4

Fred Baechler Part 1 of 4   Fred Baechler Part 2 of 4   Fred Baechler Part 3 of 4  Fred Baechler Part 4 of 4

Britt Roscoe

Presentations in Powerpoint format:

Vahid Ghomoshchi - Glace Bay Climate Change Adaptation Plan

Daniel Savard - SAM Projects for Glace Bay

Please take the assessment of concerns for Assessment of concerns for Glace Bay Survey and Actions for concerns for the Community of Glace Bay

For more information please contact:

Katherine MacDonald

Project Manager

ACAP Cape Breton

902.567.1628

kmacdonald@acapcb.ns.ca

February 9, 2010

Stream restoration project builds bridge

During the week of January 25, 2010 ACAP completed the design and construction of a bridge (water crossing) and associated bank stabilization on wash brook at the South End Community Center location.  The project is part of a future stream restoration project scheduled for the summer of 2010.  The stream restoration project will focus on the section of wash brook between Cabot Street and Royal Avenue.  The SECC has partnered with ACAP Cape Breton to complete this stream project to enhance the brooks ability to support wildlife and stabilize the bank sides to allow for development of an urban garden which will provide a much needed area for environmental / nature education and enjoyment.  Funding for this project was provided by ACAP Cape Breton and The Royal Bank Blue Water Project.