Select a news topic from the list below, then select a news article to read.

FAN - Lots of Workshops Coming Up!

 

We've got tons of great workshops coming up starting this weekend and going on into November with our Live and Learn program.   Register soon!

Read more ...

Cohen Allows Morton Report as Exhibit

Last Friday, October 7, Justice Cohen ruled, against the objection by the lawyers for Canada and the Province of BC, to allow my report to become an Exhibit of the Cohen Commission. So I can now share it with you. 

Read more ...

Report From Ottawa: Tar Sands Protest

The protests against the Tar Sands and the proposed pipelines are gaining momentum both in Canada and the United States. Citizens are gathering together in cities in both countries to voice their objections and bring the issue to the media's attention. Two Sunshine Coast citizens, Suzanne Senger and Brad Benson, attended the protest in Ottawa on September 26. Sustainable Coast spoke with them recently about their experience. Be sure to watch the video posted below.

Read more ...

HSPP Granted Air Permit Amendment

The Ministry of Environment has granted an air permit amendment for Howe Sound Pulp and Paper Corporation. The permit will allow the mill to burn more construction and demolition waste in their upgraded boiler. There will be a public information meeting on October 18 from 6 to 8 pm. at the Cedars Inn in Gibsons. After a short presentation the public will be able to ask questions about the permit.

Read more ...

BCTS Plans to Continue Logging on Dakota Ridge Revealed by ELF

ELF, Elphinstone Logging Focus, has announced that BC Timber Sales (BCTS) plans on extending the largest clearcut on the Sunshine Coast.  BCTS has confirmed that it will put the cutblock up for bid in early 2012. BCTS says the area covers about 40 hectares and about ¼ of the area – double the area usually required - will be retained in wildlife tree patches and riparian reserves to protect biodiversity.

Read more ...

Fall Events Ahead

Happy Fall everyone,


Hope to see you all at our big One Straw society fundraiser this Sunday, October 2nd from 12 - 4 at the Roberts Creek Hall ... our 4th Annual Fall Faire!  Bring your entries to these contests to win great prizes donated by local businesses:

 

1. Greatest Jam or Jelly

2. Best Fermented Preserve

3. Biggest Pumpkin or Squash

4. Best Dressed Zucchini

5. Most Unique Looking Veggie

 

We'll have pumpkin carving and wreath-making activities for the kids & young at heart.  We have a limited number of pumpkins, so feel free to bring your own to ensure that your little ones get a chance to carve a jack-o'-lantern. (Parental supervision required).

 

Be sure to visit our concession ... we've got a fine array of locally made treats, delicious soups and hot apple cider to warm you up!

The event features over 20 tables of local farmers, fine food artisans, and local organizations will be populating the hall, ready to tempt you with all kinds of fall garden goodies, preserves, homemade crafts, plants and way more.

 

Ok, so that was my last shameless plug of the Faire ... and now on to other community happenings:

 

***

Local Bio-dynamic enthusiast Silke Billig is presenting a introductory workshop on Bio-dynamic gardening for the backyard grower.  No registration necessary, just show up and bring a notebook, a donation, and your open mind!

INTRODUCTION INTO BASIC METHODS OF BIO-DYNAMIC GARDENING

The bio-dynamic gardening year starts in the fall! Now is the time to apply methods long forgotten but highly efficient.

Learn how to be a more successful gardener, have higher yields, save natural resources and strengthen seed security whilst healing planet earth.

Thursday, October 6th7-9 pmSun Haven Waldorf School, main hall, admittance by donation

Lecturer: Silke Billig


***

The Iris Griffith Centre, in Madeira Park, will be hosting a number of interesting workshops this fall and winter on topics ranging from protecting biodiversity, native plant cultivation, wild mushroom foraging, and more.  Here are the details on their next workshop:

 

Seed Collection & Propagation of Native Plants with Harry Hill
Saturday Oct 8th, 2 - 4 pm
Want to create a native plant garden?  Learn to collect seeds and cuttings from local trees, shrubs and perennials to create a beautiful natural habitat in your own backyard.
$15 (free for members)

Interested?  Call the Iris Griffith Centre at (604) 883-9201, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  Pre-registration is required.  Visit www.lagoonsociety.comto learn more. 

 

***

Our Live and Learn program will be offering a dozen or so workshops throughout the fall ... details still to come, but for now, here are some teasers:

 

An Introduction to Wildlife and Amphibian Habitats.  A talk by Rick O'Neill

Monday, October 24th from 2 - 3:30 pm at the Sechelt Public Library.

Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to register or find out more.

 

DIY Milling of Cedar Logs using a home mill.  Saturday, October 15th, and again on Sunday, October 16th.  Afternoon sessions.  

 

Keeping Warm Naturally:  Wool-bearers & spinning class.  By Annette Clarke.  Date TBA - soon!

 

Weaving Plant Fibres to Make Containers (cattail, tree bark, etc).  By Annette Clarke.  Date TBA - soon!

 

Contact me for more information on these last 3:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 604.741.9859.

 

***

And last, but certainly not least, the Elphinstone Logging Focus group has a hike coming up this weekend.  Read on for more information, and contactThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions.


 

Hike this Sunday, October 2nd to the nearby Dakota Ridge Ancient Forest.  Meet at Wilson Creek Plaza @ 1PM. Then car pool up.  Easy walking trail leads to one of the oldest, living trees (est. 1,880 yrs) in Canada!  A must see.  

Green Film Series Off to Great Start

The first screening of the Green Film Series, “The Clean Bin Project" was well received with over 85 attendees. Film makers Jen Rustemeyer and Grant Baldwin introduced their film and answered questions from the audience. With a lot of personal stories and some wonderful humour, they led the audience to thinking more about what we buy, use and throw away. 

Read more ...

Unplugged Appliance Program Begins October 1st

Unplugged, the first small appliance recycling program of its kind in Canada and the only government-approved small appliance recycling program in B.C., begins on October 1st.  The program accepts more than 120 small appliances. Gibsons Recycle Depot on Venture Way in Gibsons is the drop-off location for the Sunshine Coast.

Read more ...

Gibsons Park Plaza Depot to Close

On September 30, the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) recycling depot will be leaving its current location at the Gibsons Park Plaza. The Gibsons Recycling Depot at 1018 Venture Way in Gibsons will be the sole provider of recycling drop off services in the area.

Read more ...