Hellman’s commercial examines food production in Canada
Check out this thoughtful ‘documentary’-style commercial from Hellmann’s that discusses recent import / export trends in Canada:
Growing Our Community
Archive: Sustainability
Flushing Money Down the Toilet!
Change habits to limit tax increases
Over the past decade, Maple Ridge has added more and more homes and welcomed new residents to the community, but taxpayers have been faced with increases in their property taxes almost every year during this period. In conversation and in the media, I continually hear “We must increase our tax base to service our growing community” but I rarely hear, “How can we save money?”. As we have all seen, increasing Maple Ridge’s tax base is a long, arduous, and complex process but it’s important to note that we, as taxpayers, can make money-saving changes to our own behaviours that will benefit the community over the long term.
Recently, I was looking through a flyer from a local building supply company and saw a reference to a municipal toilet rebate program that offers participants $100 when they remove their old fixtures and convert to low flow, six litre flush toilets and low flow shower heads in their homes (applicable only to homes built prior to 2005). There are twelve districts and cities in British Columbia that have made this program available to local residents and it’s been shown to reduce not only water usage, but also the amount of effluent that is flushed down the sewer system. If you look at your 2009 property taxes, you’ll see that owners of single detached residential homes paid $348 for their water levy and $226 for sewer rates. Conversion to fixtures that use less water and produce less waste helps increase the efficiency of our homes by reducing the burden that we put on infrastructure services provided by the District of Maple Ridge.
While I agree that exploring options that would increase our municipal tax base is important, higher tax revenue is not the only way to keep a lid on property taxes in Maple Ridge. Participating in this rebate program and others like it is one of the many ways that residents can reduce personal waste and limit consumption — this type of activity helps reduce the total cost of the services to the community and, in the long term, will contribute to a more reasonable and logical history of tax increases.
I hope this letter flushes out some new thoughts and encourages people to look at other ways that limit consumption and our use of municipal services.
Ken Hemminger
Maple Ridge
Environmentally Sensitive Area Mapping in Maple Ridge [ESA]
As a Realtor in Maple Ridge for the last 36 years, I would like to thank the District of Maple Ridge for their forward vision in the protection of the natural resources of the community. The establishment of the Environmentally Sensitive Area [ESA] mapping is in line with similar steps taken by other BC communities and the Provincial Government. Most importantly, the ESA Mapping shows support for several principles of the Official Community Plan.
The Environmentally Sensitive Area Mapping and it’s acceptance as baseline information is consistent with Principles 23, 24 and 27 of the Official Community Plan [note Chapter 5] and provides the basis upon which the District of Maple Ridge can move forward and develope the Environmental Management Strategy [EMS]
Principle 23: The community values the protection of environmentally sensitive areas including water ( for its intrinsic value, habitat and aquifer recharge), areas of natural beauty, forests etc.
Principle 24: The community recognizes the environmental contribution made by lands within the ALR and
Principle 27: Overall environmental protection demands a comprehensive, smart growth” approach.
Also in Chapter 5.2 Environmental Management Model.
This section suggests that for proper environmental management it is necessary to firstly identify and then document the boundaries of ecosystems, the watersheds and the environmentally sensitive areas. To Quote the definition of an environmentally sensitive area [from page 3 Chapter 5 of the OCP] Environmentally Sensitive areas are areas where the landscape, wildlife , ecological function or historic value is of importance or is endangered.
Many Districts and cities in BC have actively developed Environmentally Sensitive Area Mapping such as:
* The City of Vernon [Feb 2007]
* District of Highlands [North of Victoria] 2005
* Kamloops [2005]
* District of Saanich
* Township of Langley [1993]
As for the Wet Land Protection in the ESA’s, these should be considered as one of the DMR’s natural capital assets, they absorb storm water, clean it and then allow a natural recharge of the ground water to the surrounding area… at no cost to the tax payer and with little or no maintenance.
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/climate/pdfs/climateaction_plan.pdf
Other Initiatives, that suggest the District is on the right track are:
1) The BC Provincial Action Plan in which a net zero deforestation policy and Trees for Tomorrow [a BC provincial program that will see millions of trees planted in backyards, schoolyards, hospital grounds, civic parks, campuses, parking lots and other public spaces around B.C. to foster the many
benefits] to maintain the Urban Forests and realize the full value of the carbon storage potential [Carbon Sequestration]
2) British Columbia established a biodiversity strategy forum in 2004.
Biodiversity BC, a partnership of government agencies and conservation organizations has
just published, “Taking Nature’s Pulse: the status of biodiversity in BC”. The status report will
be followed by public consultation and a five-year action plan.
http://www.biodiversitybc.org/EN/main/21.html
3) UNESCO with its Man and the Biosphere program has developed a global system of 482 biosphere reserves in 102 countries [two are in British Columbia]
The establishment of contemporary baselines for ESA’s is important in that as continued degradation of these natural and unique areas occurs we will soon accept the degraded ESA’s of today and tomorrow as the new baseline [this is called shifting baselines].
The more we know about properties in development areas, the easier it will be to establish the most efficient, responsible and economic benefits for all citizens of Maple Ridge.
Ken Hemminger
Maple Ridge - 2008 Election & Michael Sather
Remember to VOTE on November 15 2008!
Informed voters are the key to community sustainability, so here is a brief of Michael Sather.
Michael Sathers’ background includes a degree in biology and a Master’s degree in psychology. He grew up on a farm and worked as an oilfield and construction worker, teacher, biologist, business owner in wilderness guiding and tours, political assistant and mental health therapist. He is currently the MLA for Maple Ridge – Pitt Meadows (a position he will resign from if elected mayor).
Here is what Michael says:
We are living in the age of global warming and are at a turning point in the history of our community. The way we do business in North America will be changing to a new environmentally and economically sustainable model. There will be plenty of opportunities in the new economy and it is up to us whether we get on board or get left behind.
Maple Ridge has fallen seriously behind in business development and the creation of new, good-paying jobs. The vision, leadership and ability to develop new business has been lacking. Nowhere is this more evident than in our dilapidated downtown core.
My number one priority is re-development of our downtown area. We need larger format stores to complement Zellers and London Drugs. My vision also includes a development theme like Newport Village in Port Moody where attractive shops, with condominiums above, will keep more of our tax dollars at home and will invite visitors to shop in Maple Ridge.
An attractive downtown will enable us to densify our town centre. We will not get rapid transit until we show that we are densifying, not sprawling.
While re-development of the downtown core is the first key to bringing new business, the second is protecting the rural character of Maple Ridge. Our rural character and agricultural lands are our “ace in the hole” in successful business marketing. If we lose these we will become just another sprawling suburb that is too far from Vancouver to be of much interest to the new green businesses that are evolving in this century.
Agriculture is a business and should be developed as such, rather than being manipulated as a land bank for urban sprawl.
The relationship between business and the current mayor and municipal hall has not been conducive to development in Maple Ridge. I will establish a productive working relationship with the business community and all citizens.
Everyone will be treated with respect.
Bus service in Maple Ridge needs to be improved, particularly in new growth and rural areas. Quicker bus service to Skytrain in New Westminster is a must. I will advocate strongly for improved bus service.
Homelessness, crime and addiction are disturbing trends in Maple Ridge. In order to combat them I will maintain and increase our outreach, addiction, mental health, community police, RCMP, and supported housing resources.
We are an aging population. As mayor, I will work constructively with our seniors to ensure that their needs are being met in the new Maple Ridge.
If you have any questions for Michael Sather, here is his website http://www.michaelsather.com
AND remember to Vote - because you can!
Maple Ridge Municipal Election 2008
Comment on sustainability and the District of Maple Ridge by Peter Tam
“I think most people in the District of Maple Ridge understand the meaning of sustainability. But envisioning it and laying out the steps to achieve that vision has a few holes and missing pieces that needs some innovative patch work”.
Social Sustainability
Everything has a budget increase of about 10% to 15% in 2007 except for Recreation and Culture and Sewer, with protective service in the lead. Its time we think about preventive instead reactive. Through youth development and support group subsidies, neighborhood watch, volunteering, and with public education on social awareness promotions. Some of these fall under BC government services or school boards but we don’t have the luxury of time to do finger pointing; these social aspects have tremendous impact on our ability to grow economically.
Economic Sustainability
Everyone is saying we need more commercial base taxes. However, no one seems to be able to answer the question of how to achieve that. We need a firm commitment to potential investors from the top down, We need to establish the focus whether it is Tourism, Hi Tech., light industrial, etc. These Focuses should be driven by the strength of our community. And we need to identify this strength. Before we let the world know we are ready for business, we need solid strategies, identifying each step that is needed to take us there. And finally, we need to evaluate the way we are currently handling business licensing and bylaws. Yes, we need strict enforcement to keep out degenerates who wants to create more work for the police but we need to work with legitimate sustainable businesses.
Environmental Sustainabilty
I think we are going with the right ideas and in the right direction on environmental sustainability, but its enforcement we needed to beef up. And patch up some of the damages done in the past few years. For Example; the priority should be on the Allouette flooding,
Peter Tam for Council
A Clear Vision for the Future.
www.petertam.ca
The Maple Ridge Municipal Election
November will be a busy month for The District of Maple Ridge and we will be finished with the Canadian Federal Election.
Our local political race and outcome will probably have a higher impact on our daily lives than what happens in Ottawa…. so I welcome all candicates to make material contribtions to this website. This may help council hopefuls and incumbents to reach the public without the clutter of lawn signs and promotional brochures [I like the idea of saving paper and trees] - it is all about sustainability.
Maple Ridge Municipal Election 2008
The importance of the next Major and Council for Maple Ridge cannot be understated as our community grows, in numbers and in needs and expectations. Much talk, and a lot of postioning is already underway in Maple Ridge, with different potential candidates jockeying for the major’s spot and those of the vacating councillors. (Al Hogarth and Ken Stewart have stated they will not run for another term).
So, what would I do if I wanted to win a prized position in the Maple Ridge Municipal Government and what would my platform be?
Sustainability
As sustainabilty is a big catch word these days, I would take a close look at the current balance between the economic, social, and environmental interests of our community; I’d consider smart, long-term alternatives that strike a sensible balance between the three things mentioned above.
As a tax payer in Maple Ridge over the last 42 years, it’s pretty obvious that a sustainable balance has never been attained by any previous council. Voters should be asking themselves why this balance has never been achieved, and what this failure costs the community down the road.
Openness of Government and keeping citizens better informed of city operations, which includes development by private companies
Many voters currently feel that the District office are employees of the “developers”, and this public feeling has reduced the trust of the citizens. If openness can be established, and everybody can see what’s going on behind the scenes, then one would like to think that many of the ‘problem spots’ would be eliminated. Consequently, the District would follow the guidelines established in the Official Community Plan, a document that outlines sustainable and long term development.
As we move forward to the big day I will be adding my 2 cents worth and remember your property taxes are due July 2, 2008.
Teaching green: local students plant trees near school
The societal paradigm regarding environmental sensitivity has done quite the about-face in recent years. No longer are environmentalists referred to disparagingly, now that eco-friendly living has become main-stream. With Al Gore’s movie educating the masses and Oprah and Hollywood’s support, there are few individuals who no longer incorporate at least some measure of green living into their lifestyles. However, other popular trends have come and gone. How do we ensure that eco-friendly living doesn’t go the way of Feng Shui?
Local Maple Ridge resident Ken Hemminger partnered with Isabel Gibson’s Grade 1 class from Yennadon Elementary to educate these future environmentalists. The intent was to reach the children at a young age, integrating knowledge and hands-on practices that can grow and develop with them. Understanding and practicing an eco-friendly lifestyle will hopefully become second nature, embedding the will to preserve our earth so that green practices remain sustainable, continuing with future generations.
The 22 students and 10 parent volunteers spent March 13th planting a total of 46 trees. The trees were donated by Ken Hemminger, who grew the trees from tiny seedlings. The trees were Western Red Cedar, between 6 and 7 years old, the same age as the children participating. Each child tagged a tree with their name, so that they would be able to see the trees they planted growing with them. Prior to planting, they learned about the benefits these trees would have to them, to the neighborhood in which they were planted, and to the environment as a whole. The children were taught how the roots would absorb water preventing soil erosion, how the trees would provide homes for small animals, and create oxygen for them to breathe.
They showed their retention for these concepts when asked to write about their experiences the next day. Six year old Ryley stated “I love planting trees and I want to keep Earth’s air clean in the Earth”. That sentiment was echoed by all the students involved. Not only did they find the experience fun, but they expressed much interest in the whys of their actions. Such classroom projects will help to maintain the momentum of environmentalism, perpetuating continued interest and personal investments in our environment, ensuring that green living doesn’t ever become passé.
- Kerry Gibson
Interview with Richard Balfour, strategic planner and architect
The Tyee has a good little piece that involves Richard Balfour, a strategic planner and advocate for smart, localized growth. Balfour and Eileen McAdam Keenan have written a book, Strategic Sustainable Planning: A Civil Defense Manual for Cultural Survival, that recommends strategies for developing cities and regions in the days and years following Peak Oil .
Be sure to read the first few comments, as there are some that relate directly to the ALR drama that’s currently being played out in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows.
Urban Sprawl - Maple Ridge?
This seven lot subdivision proposal at 28491 Dewdney Trunk [RZ/083/06] is part of the watershed of Whonnock Creek and the District of Maple Ridge have taken steps to protect Whonnock Creek and by connection Whonnock Lake. These steps include expropriation procedures of lands and the construction of a dyking system so that water levels of Whonnock Lake are maintained.
I do understand that the application reflects some of the OCP guidelines and has included some positive steps for “Rain Water Management”.
What we know!
The seven proposed lots would need the following:
- Seven Wells. Each well should produce at least 600 gals per day
- Seven Impervious surfaces. The housing foot print of the proposed homes will be 2500-3500 sq ft for a total of approx 15000 - 22000 sq ft of impervious surface.
And then we have an impervious street surface of approx 9000 sq. ft. Total impervious surface approx 31000 Sq ft which is approx 3/4 of an acre. What steps have been taken to reduce this impervious area? These days you can use pervious ashphalt, brick walkways and patios and rain garden surfaces for rain run-off.
What we don’t know
- What is the dollar amount of the security as part of the Watercourse Protection Development Permit [required to ensure that the Development Permit Guidelines are met]. For large-scale applications the environmental security deposit is 2.5 % of the total construction costs, while smaller projects the deposit is $1500 … so how much money?
- Is there a Tree Inventory prepared by a certified arborist:
- so the District can clearly determine areas that the developer has suggested as being “limits of clearing?” and
- so that the vegetative / tree health in the proposed conservation zone be determined and ensure that this area is not a future liability to the District. We need to insist that these conservation areas are healthy! - The Historic Base Line flow levels for this part of Whonnock Creek to ensure that downstream water flows reflect pre-development flows. Note Sec 8.9 of the Official Community Plan states that pre-development flow regimes are to be maintained. Accurate data for the base flows [low flows] as well as reducing high flows is required so that there isn’t any disruption to the integrity of the watercourse and the living and movement of aquatic life. Note the photo of beaver lodge and dam below!
- The soil stratigraphy and the ability of the soil to retain water or not. This soil report is required in other districts, particularly when a watercourse is involved. [Coquitlam]
- What are the proposals for the re-vegetation of the drain-off areas for each building site and for each of the impervious driveway areas.
What we do know:
In the Executive Summary of this application the Engineering Department stated that, The lands to the east were recently subdivided and built on. These lands were subdivided over 15 years ago and since that time a higher level of awareness of sustainability is now reflected in the Official Community Plan.
The District had to extend the water system eastward to the Garibaldi St and McNutt subdivision due to a failure in a private water system [yes each home owner had a property assessment to cover these costs] However, at this site there is the BCIT woodlot between it and Garibaldi St [the distance is approx 2 kms.] so if a well water failure occurs in the future will this subdivision be a capital project paid for by the general public?
A significant number of residential homes located on these rural locations have suites [Whispering Falls, Rock Ridge] - due to the basic economics of affordability!
- Suites whether registered or not will increase demand on well water and septic systems so a Ground Water Impact Assessment Report should be required as all homes south of this lot are also on a well systems.
There is no provision for the densification of the tree and vegetation cover even though there is a housing densification.
The District should have a “Wildlife Habitat Assessment Report” as there is evidence of beaver activity in the South Eastern area of this property.
Beaver lodge in top center of photo taken 13 February 2008. Photo credit: © 2008 Ken Hemminger
If the District of Maple Ridge wants to protect Whonnock Creek and by extension Whonnock Lake we need to have more information for an educated decision on this subdivision application.
