From the June 12, 2008 Meeting of Regional Council

2008 Environmental Awards
The Young People’s Award, Elementary Age Category was presented to the St. Patrick Catholic Elementary School, Port Colborne, who created “We’re Going Green Buttons” to let everyone know that the Green Team had arrived. They host Litter Less Lunches in the school every Wednesday; distributed Green Team Bags filled with items such as eco-friendly cleaning supplies and water-saving shower heads and faucets to assist the community in becoming more “eco-friendly” free to each family. They also created “Did You Know” messages read on the announcements each day to raise environmental awareness and teach strategies to make a difference, which have become the focal point for a video that was the finale for the Green Team Assembly held in March.

The Young People’s Award, Secondary Age Category was presented to The Green Team and Garden Club at Ridgeway-Crystal Beach High School, Fort Erie, who have an impressive list of accomplishments. They have promoted Waste Reduction Week by encouraging the school administration to provide more blue boxes and recycling bins; collecting used cell phones and ink cartridges; combated litter by cleaning up litter on the school grounds and in the neighbourhood during Pitch In Week; participated in the development of the ECO School Garden Project at Ridgeway-Crystal Beach High School, planting trees and bulbs around the school yard and along the Friendship Trail; promoted environmental education and awareness through bulletin boards, displays, newsletter articles and guest speakers.

The Volunteer Award was presented to Adam Shoalts of the Town of Pelham, who is actively involved in raising environmental awareness in Niagara. Mr. Shoalts is a volunteer columnist covering environmental, nature and conservation issues for the Welland Tribune and The Voice of Pelham; he sits on the Tribune’s Youth Editorial Board ensuring that the paper has a “green” voice and speaks on environmental issues to a wide variety of audiences across Niagara; and as a student of Brock University, he is active on campus as a member of the Brock Environmental Club.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was awarded to Dan Bouwman of the City of Niagara Falls, who is recognized for his leadership in creating Heartland Forest in Niagara Falls, one of the largest woodlands in Niagara, which through his efforts has protected an important part of Niagara’s legacy. Mr. Bouwman acquired the 93 acre parcel of land in 1999 which is a prime example of a slough forest, containing a large number of rare plants such as black gum and pin oak, and provides important habitat for deer and other wildlife.

Update on Agriculture in Niagara
Mr. Albert Witteveen, President, Niagara North Federation of Agriculture provided Regional Council with an update on Agriculture in Niagara. Mr. Witteveen advised Regional Council of the issues that are affecting Niagara’s Agricultural industry: the lack of processing facilities; hog, beef and horticulture industries are still struggling; greenbelt pressures; Conservation Authority restricting approved normal farming practices through misguided regulation interpretation; concerns with the direction of the source water protection committees, for example – to date, refusal to discuss compensation issue in draft Terms of Reference; animal rights agenda; Niagara to GTA Transportation Corridor; trade issues.

The Niagara North Federation of Agriculture feels that the following solutions will assist the Agricultural industry with these issues: increase the involvement for the Agriculture Sub Committee (regular scheduled meetings); continue to encourage the “Buy Local” initiative in Niagara – a market of 120 million people is accessible within a days drive to Niagara; continue to support the initiatives of the Niagara Agricultural Task Force and take advantage of the opportunities provided to personally meet with farm representatives through scheduled events (such as summer BBQ on Wednesday, August 20, 2008).

Status of the Police Long Term Accommodation Issue
Regional Chair Partington noted that earlier this week a meeting was held with the Niagara Regional Police Services regarding the Police Long Term Accommodation issue. There was open and frank discussion that led to some common understanding and agreement on several issues and it was clear that we have a number of issues still to resolve. During this meeting Council’s direction from the May 1, 2008 meeting to establish a joint oversight committee moving forward was reaffirmed and the Police Services Board was provided with the background information and the draft terms of reference to guide the joint oversight committee. They agreed to review our information and the draft terms of reference and respond to the Regional Chair’s office. Upon receipt of the Police Services Board’s response, the Regional Chair will provide Regional Council with a further update for their consideration and guidance.

A Legacy of Poverty? Addressing Cycles of Poverty and the Impact of Child Health in Niagara
On June 5, 2008, the Regional Chair along with several Regional Councillors and key stakeholders attended the Council Business Planning Session, “A Legacy of Poverty? addressing Cycles of Poverty and the Impact on Child Health in Niagara.” The participants discussed four key objectives and the associated strategies: To inform council and the public about the impact of poverty on our community and the strategies to reduce poverty; To mitigate the effects of living in poverty on adults in Niagara; To increase programs and services for youth and children living in poverty in Niagara; To monitor the progress of Niagara’s strategies in reducing poverty. The results of the session will be summarized and further community engagement will take place and a final report will be presented to Regional Council for approval.

Congratulations!
Regional Chair Partington was pleased to recognize the recent achievements of Niagara Region’s Commissioners:

• Dr. Robin Williams was presented with an honorary degree by Brock University. Dr. Williams was recognized for her professional contributions in raising awareness of children’s health and welfare issues by educating parents, families, professionals and communities along with local provincial and federal governments about child development issues.

• Mr. Brian Hutchings, Commissioner, Community Services also received the Niagara Award from Niagara College in recognition of his contributions to Niagara. The recipient of this award must be an individual who is or has, brought recognition to the Niagara area; affected the community positively; is a pioneer that makes things happen and demonstrates a commitment over years of service.

• Dr. Doug Sider, Associate Medical Officer of Health was the recipient of an Honorary Bachelor of Applied Sciences Degree from Niagara College on June 11, 2008. Dr. Sider was honoured for his significant contribution to public health and community medicine. Dr Sider is widely known for his leadership, professional experience and dedication to public health in Ontario.