[All] minutes of GREN meeting, October 24

[Gregory C. Michalenko]

MINUTES OF OCTOBER 24 MEETING OF THE GRAND RIVER ENVIRONMENTAL NETWORK

The meeting, held at St. John's Kitchen, was chaired by John Jackson.  Thirteen members attended.

John Jackson reported on activities of the water committee (Bob, Susan, Norah,Lulu).  The committee has been busy.  Carol Moss has been working with with John on a  forthcoming report on water efficiency showing that consumption per capita can easily be cut by 50%.  For example, emphasis can be put on measures such as switching residents over entirely to front-loaded clothes washers.  The next step is "the water-sensitive home". Bob mentioned the "rare" water forum. The source water management plan and water efficiency program are moving along separately.  Reports are due in June, 2014.

The Grand River Water Management Plan was also mentioned.  The plan is for the entire watershed.  A workshop was held recently with about 45 people attending.  Most were members of voluntary organizations.  Issues concerning drinking water were also discussed.

Kevin Thomason reported on ongoing activity in designing, planning, and building the Light Rail Transit system.  Activities are proceeding smoothly and the TRI-ACT group remains active.  Robert Milligan also mentioned his studies devoted to a vision of a long-term sustainable transit system.

Matters pertaining to reurbanization were briefly mentioned.

Several members expressed their interest in working up better contacts with Grenlings in Brantford, particularly Ella Hayley.  Kevin and Lulu reported on the activities of the Concerned Citizens of Brantford, particularly about a proposed quarry development by Dufferin Aggregates.  John proposed that we attempt to hold a meeting in Brantford.

Felix Munger's thesis research on the structure and communications networks of environmental organizations in Water Region is nearing completion with a presentation scheduled for Dec. 5, 7:00 p.m., St. John's Church.

Gord Nichols reported on the latest activities in the long-standing campaign to save Hidden Valley.  A concerted attempt was made to persuade the City of Kitchener to earmark for Hidden Valley a significant part of its once-off Leaf funding program for parks-related environmental programs.  Letters were written and a presentation made to Council.  Councilor Yvonne Fernandez proposed an amendment to assist Hidden Valley, but was criticized by several other members of Council and her amendment was defeated.

Daphne Nichols mentioned several other matters connected to Hidden Valley.  A number of loose groups and individuals are active on the issue.

John discussed the proposed nuclear waste repository.  A number of "candidate" sites with "willing hosts" are being considered in northern Saskatchewan ,Lake Superior areas, and near Lake Huron. A residents' group, "Save Our Shores" has sprung up at Southampton.  John had been invited up to speak there and discovered that a large number of Waterloo Region residents have cottages in the Southampton area.  The possibility of hosting a community education meeting in KW in the new year was discussed.

The meeting concluded with a brief discussion of the  ongoing Region waste management plan proposal.  John mentioned concerns that incineration is one of the options included and seems to have attracted some support.

- recorded by Greg Michalenko





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