[Uvic-sustainability] News and Events for week of Aug 5th
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- Published on Wednesday, 13 August 2014 15:40
- Written by editor
NEWS
UVic’s AVP of Finance Kristi Simpson was interviewed regarding the recent grant UVic received from the province for a geothermal heating and cooling system for the new CARSA building. The funding is part of a new program where post-secondary institutions can apply to receive some money back from carbon offset payments made as part of the government’s Carbon Neutral Government program. See The Tyee.
A tailings pond located near Mount Polley in Central BC ruptured on Monday, spilling five million cubic metres of tailing pond wastewater which includes arsenic, mercury and sulphur, from the gold and copper mine located nearby. The spill directly affects local waterways, and residents have been... asked to stop using water from the affected areas including the entire Quesnel and Cariboo River systems right up to the salmon-bearing Fraser River. Find more info on the story CBC website and the Globe and Mail. This sobering event points to some of the very real potential hazards of the mining industry on human health and the environment.
Want to raise your voice about injustice in the mining industry? The Mining Justice Action Committee in Victoria is currently accepting submissions for their upcoming art show, “Communities in Resistance and the Art of Solidarity” opening on October 16th. Artists are invited to submit paintings, drawings, collages and other works on paper that express solidarity with people who are negatively impacted by Canadian mining companies around the world. About 70% of the world’s mining companies are registered in Canada, and many are linked to human rights issues and environmental degradation. Find out more on their website.
On a lighter note, a recent post by CBC’s Jennifer Chen talks about cycling as more than just a low-emission mode of transportation, arguing that it might have life changing potential as well. From moving beyond addictions to finding a sense of independence, and even meeting the love of your life in the bike shop, her article celebrates the big picture impacts of cycling on our happiness and quality of life. A good read!
Interested in lightening the environmental impact of your transportation habits? Cycling is one of the ways that Guy Dauncey suggests that BC could go ‘100% Renewable’. He also talks about other region-specific transport modes including electric vehicles, buses, trains and car sharing. The article is the second in a series of papers focused on transforming our energy use patterns in BC. Given the record heat we’ve been experiencing this summer, ‘greening’ our transportation choices has never been more timely.
EVENTS
THE DEVELOPMENT OF NATURE KINDERGARDEN IN BRITISH COLUMBIA AND CANADA
Aug 6th, 7:00 PM, Royal Roads, 2005 Sooke Rd.
The 10th Annual Robert Bateman Lecture at Royal Roads features Dr. Enid Elliot discussing the two-year pilot nature kindergarten program launched at Sangster Elementary School. For more info, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or see the event listing on the website.
COMMUNITY GARDEN HONEY BEE ORIENTATION
Aug 7th, 5:30 PM, Campus Community Garden
Join “bee master” Barry Denluck to learn about the bees in the community garden and beekeeping in general. Barry’s honey will also be for sale. Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
COMPOSTING BASICS WORKSHOP
Aug 9th, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM, the Compost Education Centre- 1216 North Park rd
Free workshop that introduces the basics of composting, and the many ways to do it. Call 250-386-9676 to reserve your spot, and get more info on the website.
HAT VOLUNTEER RESTORATION & POTLUCK BBQ
Aug 9th, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM, SOOKE, LOCATION TBA
The Habitat Acquisition Trust will be hosting a restoration celebration event, featuring a few hours of restoration work, swimming in a pristine, private reservoir, and an afternoon BBQ. Hot dogs and refreshments provided. Bing a potluck dish and a snack. Sturdy shoes, gloves, and a swimsuit. RSVP to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call Paige at 250-995-2428. More info on HAT's website
INTENSIVE: NATURAL BEEKEEPING
Aug 9th, 1:00 PM-4:00 PM, Compost Education Centre- 1216 North Park rd
Workshop shows how to begin the practice of backyard beekeeping. Topics include: hive design choice, how to build a hive, natural bee health and bee-friendly hive management. See the website for more info, or call 250-386-9676
LIFECYCLES PRODUCE PRESERVATION WORKSHOP
Aug 9th-10th, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, Location TBA.
Lifecycles community training on produce preservation. Learn how to teach others about dehydration, cold storage, water canning, freezing and more. For more info, see the website.
GORGE SWIM FEST
Aug 10th, 12:00 PM-4:00 PM, Gorge Waterway
Join the Gorge Waterway Initiative as they swim the Gorge to protect and enhance the natural and cultural features of the waterway. Featuring food, live music, games and crafts .For more info, see the CRD website, and check out the Facebook event page.
MORNING MIST CANOE ADVENTURE
Aug 10th, 8:00 AM-11:00 AM, Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park.
Guided adult paddle at Elk/Beaver Lake. Pre-register by calling 250-478-3344.
GREEN DRINKS
August 12th, 5:00 PM-7:00 PM, Spinnakers Brewpub, Esquimalt.
Mix and mingle with others interested in environmental sustainability. Find more info on the website.
INSIDE OUT PROJECT VICTORIA PUBLIC ART INSTALLATION, CELEBRATION AND GROUP PADDLE OUT
Aug 16th, 9:30 AM, Ogden Point
Community for a Clean Coast present a public celebration to state shared commitment to the conservation of coastal waters. The event features art installation pieces lining the breakwater, and a participation-for-conservation group paddle out. More info on the Facebook page.
Zoë Yunker Sustainability Intern Office of Campus Planning and Sustainability University of Victoria E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.uvic.ca/sustainability
