April 2017

Eco-NewsEco-NewsEco-NewsEco-NewsEco-NewsEco-NewsEco-NewsEco-NewsEco-News

• Rebates for Homeowners• Cap & Trade Info Session

• Spring Plant Sale• Tire & E-Waste Collection

• Bike Valet at Country Market• Local Food Market StudyInside

7th AnnualPaintedRainBarrelAuction

A few ofChris Rantala’s

rain barreldesigns frompast years.

Our spectacular spring event returns this weekend with a newlocation! See this year’s amazing artistic painted rain barrelsthroughout the weekend April 7 to 9 at Intercity ShoppingCentre. The display opens at 5 pm Friday with bids accepted inthe silent auction until 3 pm Sunday. Thirty local artists havetransformed our ordinary recycled rain barrels into beautifuloutdoor art. We are grateful to all of the artists who volunteertheir time, paint and creativity to help us raise funds forEcoSuperior’s community programs. Many artists havereturned year after year, including Chris Rantala, who has pro-vided a variety of design themes over the years.

Artist Spotlight: Chris RantalaChris Rantala grew up in Thunder Bay and now resides near

Kakabeka. He started his artist’s journey at the age of 3, whenhe began drawing pictures of cars, trucks, and houses on anyscrap of paper he could find, whether it be a memo pad, theback of a discarded envelope, or an old receipt. He began paint-ing in earnest when he was 14 years old, and has been a free-lance artist ever since, working with everything from oils andacrylics to airbrushing and digital art. Many residents arefamiliar with Chris’ art through some of his mural projectsaround town.

What originally made you want to participate in the paintedrain barrel event?

I think I saw the first auction in the paper and wasn't doingmuch art at the time. I wasn't aware that rainbarrels could be

painted. Intrigued, I thought I'd try and do one. It was a newchallenge since I hadn't really painted on a canvas that wascylindrical before. Also, I wanted to do my part to help out inthe community, raise environmental awareness, and showcasemy work – as it would be a large venue to get exposure. Overthe years, it became sort of a small tradition. I’ve done oneevery year for 7 years now and always get enthusiastic respons-es from each one. They are fun to plan out and paint and it isalways fascinating to see the creativity other individuals orgroups come up with on their barrels at every auction.

Where do you get the inspiration?

Most of my inspiration comes from nature or local history.My approach to painting a barrel is pretty conservative as I'mpainting one big scene, and it usually has some element ofwater, land, trees, and sky in the theme. I’ve painted wildlife,voyageurs, or a 1920s plowing scene. One exception was lastyear when I painted the starship Enterprise, since it was the50th anniversary of Star Trek. I'm a fan of the show and want-ed to try doing a scene set in space.

How do you feel about being a participant in the rain barrelauction?

All in all, it has been a privilege to participate in each auc-tion for EcoSuperior. I still haven't had a shortage of new ideasfor possible future barrels, so next year maybe we will seeanother new creation..

EcoSuperior’s application to the Ontario150Community Celebration Program has been approvedto support Celebrate Ontario Outdoors! What does this mean forThunder Bay? THREE OPEN STREETS EVENTS IN 2017!

Since 2014, EcoSuperior has hosted three Open Streets pro-grams that received overwhelming community support so we areexcited to continue this beneficial program. Open Streets offer afun and innovative way for a community to achieve environmen-tal, social, economic, and public health goals.

Open Streets Thunder Bay:• Engages participants in physical activity which can have long

term impacts on their health.• Offers environmental benefits by temporarily removing cars

from the road reducing greenhouse gases, noise and air pollu-tion, especially if the program occurs on a regular basis.

• Offers new economic opportunities for many types of busi-nesses situated along the Open Streets route.

• Builds a stronger sense of community, cultural identity, andsocial engagement by increasing the amount of interaction thatoccurs between participants of all ages, incomes, occupations,religions, races, and abilities.

This year’s Open Streets will take place in August, September,and October, and will rotate between the North and South side ofthe city. Dates and routes have yet to be confirmed so check theOpen Streets Thunder Bay Facebook page for updates and details.There are lots of opportunities for volunteer involvement and par-ticipation by community groups – we hope you can join us!

Open Streets

ECO-NEWS • EcoSuperior • 2

The many community programs and projects that you will read about in this newsletter would not be pos-sible without the efforts of those who finance and contribute to EcoSuperior’s activities. Through contri-butions of ideas, connections, expertise and financial support, the following organizations have played amajor role in our success. We extend our sincere gratitude to the individuals within these organizationswho have helped us along the way.• Agricultural Adaptation Council• Beef Farmers of Ontario• CBC Radio• City of Thunder Bay• Confederation College• Cooperative X• Copperfin Credit Union• Dennis Franklin Cromarty School• Dougall Media• EarthCare Thunder Bay• Environment Canada• GFL Environmental• Green Communities Canada• Heart & Stroke Fund

• Landale Gardens• Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre• OLG Casino• Ontario Ministry of

Transportation• Ontario Ministry of Environment

& Climate Change• Ontario Ministry of Culture,

Recreation & Sport• Ontario Trillium Foundation• Resolute Forest Products• The Chronicle Journal• Thunder Bay Catholic District

School Board

• Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce• Thunder Bay Country Market• Thunder Bay District Health Unit• Thunder Bay Economic Development Commission• Thunder Bay Federation of Agriculture• Thunder Bay Hydro• Thunder Bay Police Services• Thunder Bay Ventures• TD Friends of the Environment Fund• Tim Hortons• Township of Marathon• Township of Nipigon• Township of Terrace Bay

In addition to the list above, we must thank the many local businesses who make it possible for people tomake the right choices; the local media that help us spread the word, and many volunteer and committeemembers who provide invaluable assistance.

Community Partners

Boardof Directors

We know by your phone calls and huge response to EcoNews that you might like to see it more often. However, we only have the budget to publish twice ayear. If you’d like more news from us, please sign up for our E-News, sent out monthly to subscribers only. Visit our website and look for the sign-up box –enter your e-mail address and click on Submit. We’ll send you a quick and lively e-newsletter at the beginning of every month. You’ll be the first to know aboutnew programs and offers coming up. Subscribe now – it’s free and we promise not to send you anything but our monthly newsletter!

Want MoreEcoNews??

A big thank you to the individuals whogenerously provide time and expertise toguide the operation of EcoSuperior:

Executive:President: Colin KellyConfederation College

Vice-President: James HeighColliers Project Leaders

Treasurer: Tim MatthewsHenderson Family Law

Secretary: Lee SieswerdaThunder Bay District Health Unit

Directors:Dr. Anthony GilliesLakehead University

Bryan HepplerRetired

Pat JohansenRetired

Deneen BrighamOntario First Nations Technical Services

Chris WaltonArbora Management Services

Sara ChowThunder Bay RegionalHealth Sciences Centre

About Eco-NewsEcoNews is produced by EcoSuperior Environmental Programs. Look for our regular editions in yourChronicle Journal every April and October. All the articles are written by EcoSuperior staff unless other-wise credited. We are a non-profit organization, providing public education programs and encouragingenvironmental stewardship in the Lake Superior basin and beyond. If you would like to comment on ourprograms, please contact us: 562 Red River Road, Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 1H3 • Telephone807-624-2140 • Fax 807-622-0005 • www.ecosuperior.org • info@ecosuperior.org

Our StaffRain Garden Rebate expandsto businesses & institutions

Executive Director:Ellen Mortfield

Operations Supervisor:Jay Eingold

Acting Operations Supervisor:Ashley Priem

Customer Service:Matt Spackman

Program Coordinators:

Certified Energy Advisor:Don RutledgeKen Piccinin

Bookkeeper:Kathy Deley

Jamie SaundersShannon CostiganJulia PrinselaarCaroline Cox

Aynsley KlassenAmy BumbaccoErin Moir

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Property owners looking to beautify their com-mercial or institutional property and help managestormwater may be eligible to earn a $500 rebatetoward installing a rain garden, thanks to a newprogram funded by the Ontario Ministry ofEnvironment and Climate Change.

Modelled after the popular City of Thunder BayRain Garden Rebate program, which offers home-owners a financial incentive to install a rain gardenon a residential property, the new program is opento business properties.

“Since the Rain Garden Rebate program beganin 2013, we’ve received inquiries from businessowners, schools, and churches asking whether theycan participate in the program. We recognize thatthe institutional and commercial sector plays a largerole in helping to manage stormwater, so we’re verypleased that this funding has come through to

expand the program,” says Julia Prinselaar, programcoordinator for EcoSuperior.

“Rain gardens are also attractive features thatcomplement a storefront or institutional space.They can look just like a conventional flower gar-den, only with the added function of capturing rainwater. Hummingbirds, butterflies, insects and otherpollinators love them, too,” she added.

A total of five rebates will be available to theinstitutional and commercial sector for 2017 incommunities along the north shore of LakeSuperior, including Thunder Bay. Funding for 20residential rain gardens is provided by, and limitedto, the City of Thunder Bay.

Rain gardens are landscaped, sunken gardensdesigned to capture rain runoff from hard surfaceslike rooftops, driveways and parking lots. Generallywater from a downspout is directed into the garden,

which is typically planted with wildflowers, nativeshrubs and grasses – often complemented by riverrocks, stones and boulders.

The goal is reduced runoff entering storm sew-ers, and more water infiltrated into the soil torecharge groundwater and improve water qualitybefore entering nearby streams, rivers and lakes.

For more information about the Rain GardenRebate program and to learn how to qualify, visitwww.ecosuperior.org or call Julia at 624-2143.

ECO-NEWS • EcoSuperior • 3

The paper you are reading is manufactured by your friends & neighbourswho work at Resolute Forest Products – Thunder Bay Operations

Local Studentsat Ontario

EcoSchools’Youth EcoSummit

The Best Summer Ever atEcoSuperior’s Summer Day Camp!

Youth Earn-a-Bike comes to Thunder BayYouth Earn-a-Bike, a new program in which

teens build a bike that they get to keep,launched in February. Funded by Ontario 150,the program aims to improve access to bicyclesand to encourage youth to be physically active.

Program Coordinator Caroline Cox says theprogram was created to remove barriers tocycling.

“EcoSuperior and Safe Cycling ThunderBay have been running cycling education since2011. We have tried to offer cycling educationfor groups who work with at-risk youth andlow-income youth, but often these groups tellus that their kids don’t own bicycles. YouthEarn-a-Bike was created so that more youthcould have access to bikes,” she said.

Over eight weeks, youth earn their bikes byshowing up to class, doing their best work, andasking for help when needed. Five students inDennis Franklin Cromarty High School areparticipating as part of their TransportationTechnology class, and an additional five stu-dents are taking part in an after-school YouthEarn-a-Bike program held at CommunitySpokes. The course is team taught by two bikemechanics and a Safe Cycling Thunder Bayinstructor.

Participants lean bike mechanic skills, gainaccess to an affordable and environmentally-friendly form of transportation, and learn tosafely navigate Thunder Bay by bike. The cur-riculum teaches participants to fix their ownwheels, brakes, drive train, shifters, and

derailleurs so that they can continually carryout required maintenance. The last two weeksfocus on cycling skills and road safety to giveparticipants the skills they need to commute bybike once the program is over.

“A similar program has run at B!ke inPeterborough and it’s been very successful inempowering youth to take their transportation

into their own hands,” Cox said. “We’re reallyexcited to run the program here. We have twogreat groups of youth and the program is off toa fantastic start.”

Current participants will finish their pro-jects in April and then will go home with theirrefurbished bicycles, as well as a helmet,lock, bell, and lights.

Are you dreaming of all the ways you can keep your child active,engaged, and having fun this summer? Allow EcoSuperior’s SummerDay Camp to make all your dreams come true! EcoSuperior is celebrat-ing its fifth summer camp season – and we’re gleaning from the ‘best ofthe best’ activities and incorporating new guests, games, and adventuresto make 2017 the best summer ever!

Here are a few old favorites set to return for summer 2017: Dip Nettingin the Macintyre River, Water Games at the gardens, Special Guests likeScience North and Let’s Talk Science, and Bike Rodeos, a unique cyclingcourse for children that teaches safety and develops skills. Don’t have abike? Don’t worry – we have loaner bikes and helmets so no child is leftbehind.

New this year, choose between our Outdoor Explorers camp speciallydesigned for children ages 6-8 or the Eco Adventurer program suited forchildren ages 9-11. No matter their age, all children will have a chance tolearn about environmental stewardship as they explore the living world

around them. Also – Central Natural Environment Gardens is getting abrand new gazebo this spring - which means permanent shade and an out-door classroom where campers can comfortably connect with new friendsand experienced leaders in an intriguing, nature-based setting.

Pack a lunch, put on your sun hat, and get ready to make this the bestsummer ever! Programming runs Monday to Friday from 9:00am until4:30pm each week. Drop-off and pick-up supervision is available a half-hour before and after the program.

Registration fees are $175 and include all materials & activities, acamp hat, a reusable water bottle, and a child-friendly local food snackeach day. Check our website for “buddy discount” details. EcoSuperioris proud to partner with PRO Kids to provide subsidized spots forcampers each year – please complete a PRO Kids application directly ifthis option fits with your family’s needs.

Every summer has its own stories. Let EcoSuperior’s Summer DayCamp help turn your child’s story into a legend!

By Lindsay Bunce, Ontario EcoSchools

On March 7th, over 200 environmental leadersfrom 34 schools and 14 school boards across theprovince travelled to Mississauga to attend the secondannual Youth EcoSummit hosted by OntarioEcoSchools.

Ontario EcoSchools is an environmental educationand certification program that works with schoolsfrom kindergarten to grade twelve. Their mission is tonurture environmental leaders, reduce the ecologicalimpact of schools, and build environmentally respon-sible school communities. The program is based onsix sections, ranging from Teamwork and Leadershipto Environmental Stewardship, which promote stu-dent engagement through environmental learning andactions that take place throughout the school year.

With a focus on fostering environmental leadershipin secondary schools, the 2017 Youth EcoSummit wasa chance for engaged EcoTeams to meet each other,share experiences, and develop skills to take back totheir schools. Hosted in collaboration with Torontoand Region Conservation, the conference featuredhands-on workshops that included topics such as sup-porting local food to taking climate action. The dayalso featured a popular panel discussion on greencareer pathways, as well as video greetings from theMinister of the Environment and Climate Change,Catherine McKenna.

With support from Ontario EcoSchools’ KickStartProgram, St. Patrick High School, from the ThunderBay Catholic School Board, sent five student dele-gates and two teachers to the EcoSummit, winningthem the honour of “most travelled” EcoTeam!

Students shared that they had an enriching experi-ence, and that the networking, discussions, and guestspeakers served as motivation for them to continuebuilding a culture of environmental stewardship atschool. One student noted that not only did they get tolearn more about environmental issues, theEcoSummit was an opportunity to meet others withthe same beliefs and opinions. That peer-to-peer sup-port is an integral part of reinforcing positive behav-iours and helping students see themselves as leaders.

The conference offered St. Patrick’s EcoTeam aunique opportunity for student networking, as well asan experience that can be claimed in their OntarioEcoSchools certification application.

As part of EcoSuperior’s partnership with OntarioEcoSchools, Aynsley Klassen, EcoSuperior’sEducation Coordinator, will be visiting schools fromMarathon to Red Lake to conduct visits in schoolsthat have applied to be a certified Ontario EcoSchool.These school visits are designed to recognize and cel-ebrate the fantastic environmental projects takingplace across the region.

For more info about the Ontario EcoSchools pro-gram, visit www.ontarioecoschools.org

ECO-NEWS • EcoSuperior • 4

Safe Cycling Thunder Bay will be training a new group of cycling instructors this spring.Instructors provide an invaluable service to the Thunder Bay community. They help citizens learnhow to ride knowledgeably and confidently, they help make our roads safer for all users, and they setthe standard for cycling skill and etiquette.

“I became an instructor because I want to help people in my community build the skills and confi-dence necessary to cycle safely as part of traffic,” said instructor Lucas Johnson. “Sometimes peoplehave the misconception that cycling on the road is particularly hazardous or difficult and it preventsthem from enjoying cycling in the city. The reality is that with education and practice, any cyclist canlearn to share the road harmoniously with other users.”

Cycling instructors are certified by CAN-BIKE, Canada’s leading cycling education program. Theydeliver courses at all levels, including Learn to Ride courses for children and adults, Bike Rodeos forelementary students, adult courses for 55+, women, and commuters, and Safe Cycling’s famousthemed cycling tours.

“I acquired a new sense of empowerment after taking the CAN-BIKE course because it taught meurban riding skills,” said instructor Iris Reynolds. “I’m happy to share my passion for cycling and safe-ty with others in the community.”

Safe Cycling Thunder Bay is looking for people who are community-minded, enthusiastic aboutcycling, believe in the importance of lawful cycling, willing to learn and develop teaching and cyclingskills, and are committed to teaching cycling courses. Participants must be aged 18 or older and musthave their own bike and helmet.

Most courses are team-taught and new instructors will be mentored until they feel confident teach-ing on their own. Instructors teach throughout the spring, summer, and fall, and the highest volumeof courses is in May-June, when a large number of Bike Rodeos run in local elementary schools.While some courses take place during the day, others run on evenings or weekends. Instructors earn$20/hour.

For more information, visit safecyclingthunderbay.com/getinvolved or call Caroline at 624-2144.

You pull your bike out of the garage, throw ona helmet, and whiz along the bike lane with thewind in your hair... but when you get to your des-tination, there’s nowhere to lock your bike! Withthe help of EcoSuperior’s Bike Valet, a shortage ofbike parking at events will be a thing of the past.

And to make your bike parking experience evenbetter, the Bike Valet is coming to the CountryMarket every Saturday in July and August!

The Bike Valet is free temporary bike parkingdesigned to accommodate bicycles en masse, forexample at a large event. Each rack fits up to ten

bikes. Want to cycle with a friend, pull your kidsalong, or carry home tons of fresh produce?There’s room for tandems, trail-a-bikes, and trail-ers too! Whichever trusty steed you ride, it will besafe under the supervision of the Bike Valet’strained volunteers.

You can support local farmers, eat nutritiousfood grown in Northwestern Ontario, and bike tothe Market to boot! It’s a great way to reduce yourcarbon footprint, eat healthy & stay active. Makesure to ride to the Market on Saturdays in July andAugust and take advantage of the Bike Valet!

Become a cycling instructor!

Bike Valet offered at Country Market

ECO-NEWS • EcoSuperior • 5

The Thunder Bay and Area Food Strategy issupported by seven pillars that represent theessential parts of a sustainable, equitable, andhealthy food system. One of these is the SchoolFood Environments pillar with the goal ofimproving the eating habits, food skills, and foodliteracy of children and youth in the Thunder Bayarea. Fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foodsare important for the physical and mental devel-opment of children and youth. However, manyyoung people are not eating a nutritious diet tofeed their bodies and minds. At the same time,children and youth often have limited food litera-cy and food skills to have a positive impact ontheir food consumption habits.

That said, the School Food Environments pil-lar has been showing its strength in the ThunderBay area. Several farms have taken on the roleof educators by offering tours and activities foryouth. For example, Belluz Farms has createdschool programming that meets OntarioCurriculum requirements to create a knowledge-able and interactive opportunity for students tolearn about food and farming. Kevin Belluz said,“We offer school tours as part of our community-minded philosophy, but also as a source ofincome to help us keep the farm viable…” Belluzfinds it refreshing to hear the youth’s perspectiveson the farm and the wonders of nature. Schoolfarm tours are also offered at Gammondale Farm,and have been since 1985. Gammondale Farmprovides education through positive experienceswith agriculture and the natural world. SueGammond cites many great benefits and reasonsfor engaging in farm tours including, “promoting

healthy lifestyles and nutrition for families, fos-tering a lifelong interest in nature and history, andincreasing awareness of the importance of agri-culture in our community”.

With children spending a significant amountof time at school, educational institutions are alsotaking the opportunity to impact student food lit-eracy and eating trends. About 24 schools have afood garden, 13 have a pollinator garden, and 4are equipped with a greenhouse. Further, thereare 10 food classes available through schools andapproximately 52 schools have Student NutritionPrograms. School gardens help to teach childrenabout where healthy food comes from and howto care for it. When children have an under-standing about what food is good for their bod-ies, they often begin to choose and ask for health-ier options. Further, children who care for veg-etable gardens are excited to eat the produce andare proud of the food they grow. The school foodenvironments in the Thunder Bay area areempowering children with the knowledge, skills,and experience required to grow into healthy eat-ing habits to feed their bodies and minds.

On May 3rd, the City of Thunder Bay is onceagain hosting Food Frenzy, a fun-filled day foryouth to discover and enjoy healthy food. Theevent is focused on hands-on opportunities totruly engage youth in the behind-the-scenesprocesses and sensory experiences involved inthe creation of quality food. The Food Strategywill be offering an interactive activity to get yourjuices flowing and test your knowledge of thefood that grows in the fruitful Thunder Bayregion. Come join us!

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The Thunder Bay and Area Food Strategy wants to take stock of what you eat. Launched in 2013,the Food Strategy is a collaborative initiative among community members seeking to create a healthy,equitable, and sustainable food system. One part of this journey is the Thunder Bay and Area Foodand Agriculture Market Study that aims to provide a comprehensive picture of the local food econo-my in Thunder Bay and the surrounding area to assist in the growth of agricultural businesses.

With the support of 13 local agricultural associations and economic development organizations,research will be conducted on the demand for locally grown and processed foods. Research will beconducted on the size of the existing market as well as the types and volumes of locally grown foodbeing processed and purchased. The study will also determine critical price points, general purchas-ing habits and preferences, and the overall patterns of consumption. Further, the market study willseek to determine the interest in and capacity for procuring more locally grown and processed foods.

The results of the study will provide insights into supplying the local market. For instance, theinformation will enable farmers and other food businesses to create strategies for expansion, plan forgrowing seasons, strategically construct business plans, and connect with other food businesses to bet-ter meet demand. In the long term, the market study is expected to support local job creation and reten-tion while boosting economic activity within the agri-food sector through the expansion of currentfarming and processing businesses and the development of new businesses to fill gaps in the market.

Get Involved!The research for the market study will be collected through interviews (in person and over the

phone) and a focus group. Whether you are a grower, processor, distributor, or eater, everybody’s inputis incredibly valuable. After all, we all eat! The Food Strategy encourages those who are contacted foran interview to embrace this important initiative. Over the month of July (and possibly into August)shoppers at grocery stores and the Thunder Bay Country Market may be approached by local sur-veyors to take part in the study. Customers have a wealth of knowledge to share about food demandand your insight will be very useful and much appreciated.

To stay up-to-date with the Market Study, follow the Thunder Bay and Area Food Strategyon Facebook or visit our website at www.tbfoodstrategy.com. This project is funded in partthrough Growing Forward 2 (GF2), a federal-provincial-territorial initiative. The AgriculturalAdaptation Council assists in the delivery of GF2 in Ontario.

Growing Agricultural Businessesin the Thunder Bay Area

As the months of snow meltaway, a staggering amount of lit-ter will be uncovered on our citystreets and in our parks. Luckily,with spring comes Spring Up toClean Up! Every year, thou-

sands of proud Thunder Bay residents take to the streets andgreenspaces of their neighbourhoods as part of the city’s springclean-up program. Join them by participating in one of ourorganized community clean-up events. Watch for Spring Up toClean Up events throughout the City! More dates and locationsto be announced.

20 Minute Makeover for BusinessHelp us launch the 2017 Spring Up to Clean Up cam-

paign by taking 20 minutes out of your workday tobeautify your workplace neighbourhood or join usat our media event hosted by DST Consulting

Engineers! Entertainment and refreshments provided.

Windsor-Picton-BlutcherNeighbourhood Clean-upJoin area residents in a community clean-up& stick around to celebrate the arrival of spring!

South Core Neighbourhood Clean-upJoin members of the South Core Public Safety Task

Force and the Clean, Green and BeautifulCommittee in their mission to tidy the area for thespring season. Meet in front of City Hall.

Stash the Trash Community Clean-upSleeping Giant Brewing Company wants you tohelp Stash the Trash! Register a team for thisclean-up event and report for duty at the brew-ery for a morning of fun, photos and city-widetrash busting.

Can’t join the Spring Up to Clean Up events? That’s okay! You canplan your own clean-up in your neighbourhood. Big or small, wecan help! Register a clean-up for anytime in May and we’ll providefree clean-up supplies, public promotion and recognition and achance to win great prizes. All individuals, families, communitygroups, school and workplaces are invited to participate.

ECO-NEWS • EcoSuperior • 6

Spring Up to Clean UpContests

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For more information on events, contests or to register an individual, workplace, or group clean up, visit ecosuperior.org/springup or call 624-2141.Spring Up to Clean Up is funded by the City of Thunder Bay Infrastructure & Operations Department and delivered by EcoSuperior Environmental Programs.

Cigarette butt litter is a growing problemeverywhere. Each butt is loaded with toxic

chemicals, and because they’re small, they areeasily washed into street drains and end up pol-

luting our streams and lakes. Join in the nation-wide Butt Blitz to remove cigarette butts from our

environment. Just sign up as part of your SpringUp registration and receive a butt collection bin.

Return this bin to EcoSuperior and your collectionwill be added to the national tally. The butts willeven be recycled! For more information, visit

www.ecosuperior.org/cigarettes.

Spring Up to Clean Up Photo ContestWhat better way to share your clean-up experience than to capture it on camera? Takea photo of your clean-up crew in action and email, tweet (#springuptbay) or post yourphoto to the Spring Up to Clean Up Facebook page to enter. Qualifying entriesreceived by May 31st will be used to help promote the Spring Up to Clean Up cam-paign in the future!

Poster Contest for Elementary StudentsHelp get the word out about why people should stop littering!Submit a poster with your anti-litter message for a chance

to win great prizes! The winningposters in the junior(Grades K-3) and senior(Grades 4-8) categorieswill have their posters dis-tributed around ThunderBay. Qualifying entriesreceived by May 31st.

Join the Butt Blitz and HelpKick Cigarette Litter in the Butt!

Spring into Actionin Your Neighbourhood!

Thunder Bay’s Spring Up to Clean Up shows your civic pride!

May 6,2017

11:00am

May 11,2017

5:30pm

May 4,2017

10:30amGrand Prize Winner 2016 - Union Gas

Put your artistic skills to the test and enterthese contests to win great prizes courtesyof our event sponsors!

May 27,2017

10:00am

Junior Category PosterContest Winner: Mischa – Grade 2

Senior Category PosterContest Winner: Shyanne – Grade 6

ECO-NEWS • EcoSuperior • 7

Preventing Litter KeepsLake Superior Healthy!

Michael Gravelle, MPPThunder Bay-Superior North

I am proud of ourgovernment’s

investment in Ontario.Bringing growth,

prosperity, and jobsto the Northwest.”

“

179 South Algoma StreetThunder Bay, ON P7B 3C1807-345-3647mgravelle.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org

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For information visit www.ecosuperior.org/collectionevent or call 624-2142

Saturday, May 6, 2017 from 10:00a.m. to 3:00p.m.Cumberland street parking lot of OLG Casino Thunder Bay

Got old tires rolling around?

Each tire collected helps support EcoSuperior so that we can continue to providehands-on programs to help build environmentally healthy communities.

• No oversized, tractor, off-road, airplane or bicycle tires accepted• Automobile and light truck tires only• No bicycle tires • Rims accepted

Recycle them free!Recycle them free!Recycle them free!Recycle them free!Recycle them free!Recycle them free!Recycle them free!Recycle them free!Recycle them free!

Litter is a serious pollution issue worldwide.Not only does it make an area look dirty anduncared for, it can have long term impacts onecosystems, wildlife and people. Cigarette butts,food wrappers and other debris dropped on theground take years to break down and can travelwith wind into our waterways, injuring wildlife,destroying habitats and degrading water quality.

There are things that you can do to prevent lit-ter in your community and help keep our water-ways superior:• Prevent litter by always using the trash can and

carrying a litter bag and a pocket ashtray fortimes when one may not be available.

• Avoid unintentional littering by covering yourgarbage at the curb and securing your loadwhen transporting materials.

• Join a community clean-up event or plan yourown with friends and neighbours to helpremove litter before it enters our lake. Don’tknow where to start? We can help!

Waterfront Walkabouts areheading to the Northshore!

In 2016, EcoSuperior’s Waterfront Walkaboutshoreline clean-up program mobilized nearly 300local residents in the fight against litter. Over1500 kg of litter and debris were removed from inand around Thunder Bay’s waterways.

Now we are calling out to residents ofNipigon, Red Rock, Terrace Bay, Schreiber, andMarathon! Thanks to support from the Ministryof Environment and Climate Change GreatLakes Guardians Community Fund, theWaterfront Walkabouts program is hitting theroad this summer. Watch for clean-up eventscoming to a shoreline near you! All volunteerswill receive free clean-up supplies, surveysheets and safety tips. Refreshments will beavailable. Want to help plan an event? Visitwww.ecosuperior.org/walkabout or contactShannon at 807-624-2142 or shannon@ecosu-perior.org for details.

EcoSuperior Environmental Programs and OLGCasino Thunder Bay are hosting a free e-waste col-lection event! Bring your old electronics to the OLGCasino Cumberland Street parking lot on Saturday,May 6 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. and we’ll make surethey get recycled properly and stay out of our land-fill. Ontario Electronics Stewardship will make adonation to EcoSuperior for the volume of materialscollected so that we can continue to provide hands-onprograms to help build environmentally healthy communi-ties in the Lake Superior basin. Help us inspire environmen-tal stewardship in Northwestern Ontario!

For more information, visit www.ecosuperior.org/collectionevent or call 624-2142.

Visit www.ecosuperior.org/litterprevention for more info. Remember, if it’s on the ground, it’s in our lake.

Curbside Collection Reduction TipsUpcoming changes to curbside collection in

Thunder Bay have a lot of people concernedabout household garbage. Here are 3 quick tipsthat will help reduce the amount of waste youhave to carry to the curb!

• First, start composting! Up to 30% of house-hold waste can be composted. Fruit and veg-etable scraps, tea bags, coffee grounds – basi-cally any food waste that doesn’t includemeats, oils or dairy. Collect kitchen composta-bles in a container with a lid, and empty it intoyour backyard composter every few days.Easy! The City of Thunder Bay offers subsi-dized backyard composters to city residents –they’re available for just $25 at EcoSuperior.

• Second, stop bringing garbage home! Keep atravel mug and water bottle in your bag or inyour car to eliminate disposables. Take yourown bags when shopping and avoid productswith excess packaging by buying in bulk.

• Third, keep the recyclables out of yourgarbage. Use bins or bags to sort materials into3 categories—paper and fibre, containers, andcardboard. Remember to rinse out containersand flatten cardboard.

If you need help putting these tips into action,EcoSuperior offers free presentations on com-posting and recycling to workplaces and commu-nity groups. Visit www.ecosuperior.org/presenta-tions for more information.

E-Waste CollectionFundraising Event

ECO-NEWS • EcoSuperior • 8

In addition to all the colourful wildflowersspringing up at Central Natural EnvironmentGardens, a new post-and-beam structure andnew playground area will soon appear. Thanksto contributions from TD Friends of the

Environment Fund, local businesses, and theSaunders Family, we are excited to begin con-struction on site this spring.

Copperfin Credit Union is supporting theaddition of a habitat-themed playground featur-ing logs and boulders and lots of natural objectsto appeal to kids of all ages.

We are also adding a gazebo that will not onlyprovide shelter for our day camp participants,but will also be equipped with solar panels andseating so we can host open air workshops andpresentations at the Gardens. The gazebo is sup-ported in part by the Saunders family in memo-ry of Dan Saunders. His grandson Jamie is aProgram Coordinator managing many of ourstormwater projects at EcoSuperior.

“My Grandpa was a lifelong educator whoalways made the time to help people and sharethe wide range of skills he acquired in his yearsas a carpenter, air frame mechanic and estima-tor,” says Jamie. “After spending time teachingin Northern Manitoba with my GrandmotherOlive while raising a young family, he settledinto a career as technical director and eventuallyvice principal at Gron Morgan SpecialVocational High School. His focus was alwayson the practical, hands-on side of learning andhe had a knack and patience for instruction thatis a rare gift.”

Dan Saunders passed away last fall, and theSaunders family approached EcoSuperior ashort time later to discuss their wish to supportthe Central Gardens project in his name.

“My grandparents were always very ground-ed by their community and found joy in living asimple, sustainable life,” adds Jamie. “I knowthat they would love to help provide an educa-tional space in a beautiful natural setting likeCentral Gardens.”

The Fire Fighters 10 Mile Road Race is looking for an eco-conscious volun-teer to assist with various water stations along the racecourse and finish line.They would like to kick the bottle in 2017, and remove bottled water from theannual event. They need an environmentally motivated individual to help.

Water Station Coordinator In partnership with the water station sponsor you will brain storm ideas

on how to kick the bottle at the annual race, while still providing sponsorswith adequate promotion. Once a solution is reached, you will be in chargeof booking, gathering, and delivering the supplies needed for various water stationsthat are located on the racecourse and finish line. In partnership with the water stationsponsor, you will schedule and train volunteers for the water stations. (Most are returning volun-teers and are well seasoned)

To get more information or to sign up for this empowering task please contact Meghan at 631-7301or meg.shanks@gmail.com

Over the past two years, we ran aphoto contest that asked area residents,How Do You Picture Climate Change inNorthwestern Ontario? We receiveddozens of thought-provoking submis-sions that captured moments whenchanging weather patterns affected dailylifestyle and recreation, the natural envi-ronment and biodiversity – for better orworse. Here are a few of our favourites.

Climate AdaptationPhoto Contest

A. VilleneuveMechanical Ltd.Plumbing & Hot Water Heating

www.villeneuvemechanical.comFax: 807-623-7142807-622-8835

Commercial • IndustrialResidential

Boiler InstallationsIn Floor and Radiant Heating

Natural Gas and Propane InstallationPlumbing Installation and Repairs

Backflow PreventerTesting and Certification

New Additionsat Central Gardens

Help Wanted

John Halet – Eastern Towhee “On Dec. 6, 2015 this female easterntowhee arrived at our feeder. This is a firstever sighting/recording of a female easterntowhee in Northwestern Ontario. Her winterhabitat should be in the Southern USA.”

Rachel Globensky What a difference a day makes!November 18th vs. 19th, 2016.

Rachel Globensky.

Paul Berger – Ice Sheets In recent decades, Lake Superior has been almost completely covered in ice about once every ten years. In2014 and 2015, the jet stream stalled, sending cold Arctic air into central Canada for long periods. Wind canblow the ice sheets causing massive pileups and 'icebergs.' While these are beautiful, they are also symbols ofthe increased unpredictability of the weather due to climate disruption. Taken April 2015 by Paul Berger.

ECO-NEWS • EcoSuperior • 9

Citizen Sciencefor the

Cold-BloodedRain garden project

seeks donations

The Confederation College StormwaterProject has completed its 3rd year with severalsuccessful accomplishments.

Baseline monitoring on the McIntyre Rivercontinued with both discrete sampling and con-tinuous data loggers being installed in thewaterway. During the heavy rainfall event onJune 25, 2016 one of the continuous data log-gers was washed down the river, complete withconcrete base and metal cage stll attached.After an extensive search using pike poles andprobes, the logger was still nowhere to befound. Thankfully the Thunder Bay Eco-Diverswere able to come to the rescue and perform anunderwater search to locate the lost equipment!

2016 was an exciting year for green infra-structure on the Confederation College campus.True Grit Engineering completed designs forLow Impact Development (LID) features onthe College property in the vicinity of theSibley Hall Residence building. Constructionwas completed by Earthworks Contracting withassistance from Confederation CollegeEnvironmental Technology students. Further

amendments to the site will take place in thespring with the addition of native plants andshrubs to the site. Further work on campus willcontinue in 2017 with the construction of atleast one additional LID site and hopefullymore green infrastructure features to coincidewith the future construction of the TEC Hub atthe College.

As the City of Thunder Bay continues toadopt Green Infrastructure and Low ImpactDevelopment it is vital that we use the bestmethods for design and construction of thesesystems. In November 2016 and March 2017EcoSuperior and Confederation College hostedLow Impact Development training sessions.These sessions were very well attended by awide cross section of students, engineers,designers, landscapers and contractors.Thunder Bay is becoming a leader in GreenInfrastructure and Low Impact Developmentand EcoSuperior and Confederation Collegehope to continue to help our community adaptto the stormwater challenges faced in a chang-ing climate.

EcoSuperior and its partners are breaking ground with an innovative community initiative in theCastlegreen housing co-operative neighbourhood.

The Groundbreakers Project is working with residents and volunteers to plant rain gardens,install rain barrels, and plant trees in the community — a total of six green infrastructure installa-tions are planned. Collectively these features will help to reduce the impacts of urban flooding, andprotect local water bodies by capturing rain from rooftops and parking lots so it can soak into theground instead of running off into storm drains or nearby McVicar Creek.

“The project aims to demonstrate how communities can create naturalized green spaces to divertwater from municipal sewer systems and allow it to filter into the soil. The goal is to keep localstreams and water bodies cleaner and the neighbourhood more resilient during heavy rains,” saysJulia Prinselaar, program coordinator with EcoSuperior.

The project is currently seeking contributions and donations to support site installations, includ-ing landscaping materials (double-shredded mulch, native plants, tree seedlings, gravel, river rock,boulders, low-clay topsoil, compost), excavation equipment rental, equipment operator time, toolrentals (i.e. sod cutter, shovels) as well as volunteer essentials like work gloves, recognition prizes,food and refreshments.

Groundbreakers is organized by EcoSuperior in partnership with Castlegreen Co-operative, theCity of Thunder Bay, and Lakehead Region Conservation Authority. The initiative is one of threeprojects in Ontario supported by national organization Green Communities Canada and funded bythe Ontario Trillium Foundation.

Interested in getting involved or making a donation? For more info contact Julia Prinselaar at807-624-2143 or Julia@ecosuperior.org.

Working Together:Confederation College

& EcoSuperior

By Mallory Vanier, Boreal Program Intern – Ontario Nature

Do you have a frog or a toad that frequents your backyard garden, or a turtle that says “hello”every time you paddle your favourite river? If so – Ontario Nature wants to know! Ontario Nature’sBoreal staff will be out this summer encouraging individuals and groups to submit any sightings ofreptiles and amphibians to the Ontario Reptile and Amphibian Atlas.

The Ontario Reptile and Amphibian Atlas (the Atlas) is a citizen science initiative that tracks thedistribution and abundance of reptiles and amphibians in the province over time. By increasing ourknowledge of these species, we can better understand how they are being impacted by climatechange or other land use activities. It is hoped that increased awareness of the Atlas project will sup-port increased sightings across the province, especially in northern Ontario where the greatest datagaps exist.

Submitting data to the Atlas is easy using any of four submission platforms (mobile phone app,online form, e-mail or mail-in cards), and requires no experience. The upcoming release of a newlyredesigned phone app and online form will make it even easier to submit and review sightings inreal time.

To help introduce communities to the Atlas, Ontario Nature’s Boreal Office will be runningbooths, interpretive hikes and presentations throughout Thunder Bay District. Look for their mobileeducation trailer, painted like a Northern Leopard Frog, at events this spring and summer for moreinformation!

If you are interested in getting involved with the Atlas, please visit ontarionature.org for moreinformation and updates on summer events. For more specific questions, or to arrange a workshopor Atlas presentation, please contact Mallory (malloryv@ontarionature.org or 807-286-1789).

Home Energy Rebates Rack Up SavingsEcoSuperior’s certified home energy advi-

sors have conducted energy assessments onmore than 150 homes since the rebate pro-gram was re-launched in April of last year.Participating homeowners are not only cash-ing in on the rebates for specific measures likereplacing a furnace, water heater or windows,but they are also enjoying a more comfortablehome that costs less to operate.

For example, among the homes we’veserved, the average decrease in electricity con-sumption is 201 kWh, or about $22 a year. Theaverage reduction in natural gas consumptionis 802 cubic meters, or nearly $400 a year.

Saving energy means reducing greenhousegas emissions too, and to date this programhas reduced our community’s emissions byabout 450 tonnes! That is good news! Manythanks to all those who have taken the initia-tive to have an energy assessment completed,and followed through with recommendedretrofits and renovations. Most of the cost ofthe energy assessment is covered by the rebateprogram as well, so what are you waiting for?If you are planning any renovations this springor summer, visit our website to find out ifYOU can get paid for your home improve-ments.

Additional funding for the 2017 Drainage Rebate Program has been approved by City of ThunderBay Council. $100,000 has been made available for the installation of household drainage protectionincluding sewer backwater valves, sump pumps, sump pits, soak-away pits and weeping tile discon-nections.

A backwater valve is designed to allow water or sewage to flow only one way, that is, out of yourhouse. Anytime there is a sudden heavy rainfall, the city sewer lines can become overwhelmed, caus-ing water or sewage to flow back towards your home. If there is a sewer system back up, and youhave a backwater valve in place, sewage will not be able to flow back into your house.

Sump pumps are typically installed in the basement of homes to remove water that has collectedin the sump pit or basin. Generally, weeping tiles direct the water from around the foundation to thesump pit or basin but these installations can also be used to just collect the water from underneaththe basement without an associated weeping tile system. Water pumped from the sump pit is thenpumped into a soak-away pit or ideally directed into the City of Thunder Bay storm sewer system.

Rebates are available for 50% of the invoiced cost of installing a backwater valve up to $1750.50% of the invoiced cost of installing a sump pump and soak-away pit up to $1500 and an addition-al $500 rebate is available for disconnecting existing weeping tile from the City of Thunder Bay san-itary sewer system. All work must have been completed after May 28, 2012 to be eligible. Receiptsand inspection forms are required to be eligible for the rebate.

Some households may qualify for a greater rebate. Up to 80% of the invoiced cost may be rebat-ed to applicants who qualify for the City of Thunder Bay Property Tax and Water Credit Program forLow-Income Seniors and Low-Income Persons with Disabilities.

Applications will be accepted on a first come, first served basis until all funds are allocated. To date, EcoSuperior and the City of Thunder Bay have helped over 500 households protect their

property through the program since it began in 2013. Please contact Jamie Saunders, Jamie@ecosuperior.org or 807-624-2658 for more information

The City of Thunder BayDrainage RebateProgram Is Back!

Invader!ECO-NEWS • EcoSuperior • 10

Many business owners are concerned about the impacts of Ontario’s Climate ChangeStrategy and the new Cap and Trade Program. There are many questions about how theprovince’s new scheme will work, and what the impacts may be on the economy as a whole,and on individual businesses and consumers.

To help answer some of those questions and initiate some local dialogue, EcoSuperior andthe Chamber of Commerce are teaming up to offer a Lunch & Learn session on Tuesday, April25, 11:45am - 1:15pm at West Thunder Community Centre, 915 Edward Street South.

Our guest speaker is Chris Walton, Principal Consultant with Arbora Management Services.Chris is a past president and active member of EcoSuperior’s board of directors, and has over20 years of experience specializing in government relations, environmental management, sus-tainability planning and project development. Chris has led projects for a wide variety ofclients, including pulp and paper, forest products, bio-energy, educational institutions, manu-facturing, First Nations and industry associations.

Cost is $10 + HST and pre-registration is required at www.tbchamber.ca We hope you canjoin us and take part in the discussion!

Curious about Cap & Trade?

By Taylor Wright, Invasive Species Centre

Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) is an aggressive biennialherbaceous plant in the mustard family. Garlic mustard is native toEurope, and was introduced to North America as a food source andherbal medicine by settlers in the late 1800s. The seeds are easilyspread by people and animals, and can remain viable in the soil forup to 5 years. The plant can grow in a wide range of habitats, and isnow considered one of Ontario’s most aggressive forest invaders.Only recently has it been detected in Thunder Bay.

Garlic mustard is a strong competitor, often displacing nativewildflowers like trilliums and trout lilies from their habitats. It pro-duces chemicals that limit the success of other plants by interferingwith the growth of fungi that supply nutrients to plant and tree roots.

In its first year of growth, garlic mustard can be identified by itsdark green, kidney shaped leaves with scalloped edges. Whencrushed, the leaves release a strong garlic odour. In its second yearof growth, the plant will grow to a height of 0.3m-1.2m with trian-gular, alternate, sharply toothed leaves. The second year plants willalso produce white flowers with four small petals. Later in the grow-ing season (late May, June) the plant produces narrow seed pods.

Last year, the first annual garlic mustard pull took place atMcVicar’s Creek to begin the process of eradicating this plant. Thisspring, a follow-up event will take place to remove any returningplants. Contact EcoSuperior if you are interested in volunteering forthis and other invasive species events.

560 Boundary Drive at Hwy 61 | 807.475.5190 email: tbcoop@tbaytel.net | www.tbco-op.com

Thunder Bay Co-operative Farm Supplies was established over 62 yearsago when a group of Thunder Bay area farmers agreed to combine theirbuying power to receive better pricing. Since then, the

Co-op has been opened to the public and begun expansions in order to better serve farmers, home-owners and summer

campers in Northwestern Ontario.

Today Thunder Bay Co-op Farm Supplies offers an amazing variety oftested-and-true products for homes, summer camps and farms, at pricingapproved by cost-conscious farmers.

See us for a variety of products including...• The Largest Stock of Metal Roofing

• Lawn Seed & Fertilizer

• Fencing and Gates

• Supplies for Pellet Burning Stoves

• Plus many, many more products too numerous to list Awesome Service • Great Prices

ECO-NEWS • EcoSuperior • 11

Are you looking to add a unique touch to youryard or garden? Vibrant violets, vanilla-scent-ed sweetgrass, edible wild strawberries andshowy rose milkweed are among thedozens of hard-to-find grasses and wild-flowers to be featured in our annual nativeplant sale at the end of May.

Each year, EcoSuperior’s back yard turnsinto a pop-up nursery, flanked with trays andtables of locally-grown perennials – we mighteven have some annuals for sale this year, too!Native species carry many benefits for both your garden andthe natural environment. They’re already well-suited to thelocal climate and can tolerate variable growing conditions.Native species attract pollinators including hummingbirds,bees and butterflies and offer a refuge for overwintering.Wildflowers and grasses also establish deep root systems,which break up the soil and allow water to soak further intothe ground. For these reasons, native species make greatplanting choices for local rain gardens. Many of the nativeplants we’ll have for sale also have valuable medicinal prop-erties that have been relied upon throughout history to treat avariety of ailments.

Here are a few species that we’re excited to offer this year:

Wild Geranium: The unique toothed leaves ofwild geranium or cranesbill might look familiar

to you if you enjoy hiking through the wood-lands of our area. These early bloomers pro-duce five pale pinkish-purple petals on eachflower and grows to about 60cm tall.

Purple Coneflower: A favourite of beesand gardeners alike for its drooping purple

petals and cone-shaped head, Echinacea pur-purea is a medicinal commonly used in herbal

cold and flu remedies. Once established, Purpleconeflower grows well and tolerates variable soil conditions.

Big bluestem: Grown in ideal conditions, big bluestemprovides an excellent tall screen or hedge. The characteristicthree-pronged flowers make an attractive addition to freshand dried flower arrangements.

Northern Blue Flag Iris: Common in marshes andmeadows, this wild iris is perfect for the wet zones of a raingarden. Growing from 30 to 90 cm high, it boasts blue flow-ers with subtle yellow veins.

This year’s plant sale is scheduled for Saturday, May 27from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. behind our office building at 562 RedRiver Rd. Make sure to arrive early – many varieties sell outquickly!

Reserve the Water Bar for your summer 2017 event now! EcoSuperior is nowaccepting applications for the City of Thunder Bay Water Bar for summerevents. The Water Bar was designed and built by the Environment Division as ameans of promoting municipal water as the preferred drinking water source atoutdoor events in the community. Use of the Water Bar is free for outdoor eventswith access to a city water connection between May and September, and a min-imum of 500 expected participants. Call 624-2142 or visit www.ecosuperior.orgto submit the on-line request form.

Every drop is Superior!

Plant sale offers uniqueselection of native wildflowers

AttentionEvent Planners!

Coming EventsApril 7th to 9thPainted Rain Barrel Auction at IntercityShopping Centre

April 20thRain Garden Workshop for LandscapeContractors

April 22ndEarth Day display at Intercity Shopping Centre

April 27thRain Garden Workshop at TB Art Gallery

April 28th to 30thCAN-BIKE 2: Advanced Cycling Skills

April 28th55+ Drivers workshop, idling presentation

April 29thWalking Together for a Better World - CUSP

May 1st to 31stSpring Up to Clean Up

May 4thOne-day Rain Barrel Sale

May 4th20-Minute Makeover Event

May 5th55+ Drivers workshop, idling presentation

May 6thE-Waste Collection at OLG Casino

May 13th, 14th, 27th & 28thCycling Instructor Training

May 27thWildflower Plant Sale

May 27thStash the Trash Event

May 29th to June 2ndBike Week

June 1st to 30thBike Rodeos in schools

June 3rdYard Sale at EcoSuperior

June 3rdThunder Bay Bike Summit

June 5th to 9thCommuter Challenge

June 6th to 8thLRCA Children’s Water Festival

June 13th to 14th55+ Women’s cycling course, 6-8 pm

June 24th55+ Co-ed cycling course,10am to 2pm

June 28th55+ Bicycle Tire-changing clinic,6pm to 7pm

June 28th55+ Discovery Ride, 7pm to 9pm

July 11th & 12thWomen’s Commuter Cycling Course

July 25th & 26thCommuter Cycling Course

EcoSuperior, the Ministry of Environment & ClimateChange, and the City of Thunder Bay have partnered tocreate the Keep it Superior - Storm Drain AwarenessProgram to educate the public about the impacts ofpollution entering urban storm drains. In ourcommunity, most of the water entering stormdrains goes directly into local rivers, streamsand Lake Superior untreated. Storm drain pol-lution reduces overall water quality for humanuse as well as harming fish and wildlife.

A total of 160 stainless steel permanentmarkers have been installed around ThunderBay in high pedestrian traffic areas includingMarina Park, the Waterfront BIA, St Paul St, theCourthouse and City Hall. By installing a “”KeepSuperior – Drains to Lake” stainless steel markernext to urban storm drains, people are reminded that “ifit’s on the ground, it’s in our lake”. Another 300 mark-ers will be installed this year. To reinforce the mes-sage, EcoSuperior developed beverage coasters inthe same design as the street drain markers.

Thunder Bay businesses play a part in thisimportant community initiative by using KeepSuperior coasters at their establishment. Thecoasters remind patrons to make sure thatrun-off includes nothing but rain by keepingpollutants off the ground. Businesses interest-ed in helping keep Lake Superior great canrequest these free coasters by calling AshleyPriem at 807-624-2142 or email Ashley@ecosu-perior.org.

Thank you to the following businesses for supportingthis initiative:

• Bight Restaurant• In Common• Red Lion Smokehouse• Tomlin

• The Foundry• The Sovereign Room• El Tres

• The Madhouse• Tony & Adams• Sleeping Giant Brewery

Keep it Superior:Storm Drain Awareness Program

Watch for our new storm drain marker t-shirts coming soon!Call the office at 624-2141 or visit www.ecosuperior.org

for details on these and many more events.