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A crucial moment for sustainable development in rural Quebec
The Municipality of La Peche, QC recently revealed plans for an expanded 100-acre industrial park at the entrance to Wakefield. To do so, it would have to expropriate and permanently destroy private land already in use for an eco-development project--the not-for-profit Outaouais environmental campus, Eco Echo.
Eco Echo has been actively using this land since April 2008 for community workshops and the Wakefield Organic Fruit Co-operative. It plans this year to expand its programs to include organic farming demonstrations, youth job training, nature camps, a spectacular outdoor amphitheatre, and more. The significant potential economic, environmental, and cultural value of these services is at risk.
The municipality has no business plan and no feasibility study. Elected officials have never made public any plans for an industrial development of this scale. Moreover, an industrial park of this size directly contradicts the long-term vision proposed by the citizens in Wakefield's urbanization plan. By contrast, Eco Echo is intended to be a key element of the PPU.
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Join our Earth Day Family Celebration on Saturday April 24, 2010 from 10am to 5pm
Submitted by Christopher Minnes on Sun, 2010-04-04 11:03
The Community is invited to explore the Eco Echo property, meet neighbors, share a potluck lunch, learn more about the possibilities of this great place! Activities include: 10-12 Collaborate with Environmental artist Marc Walter on decorating his outdoor artwork "Le Cri" (to be installed on-site today!) 12-2 Community Potluck (with music by Ian Tamblyn, Ellen Francis, Alise Marlane, The Pelts and other performers to be announced) Enjoy interactive artist displays coordinated by Nathalie Coutou. 2-5 Acoustical Drumming in the Quarry Amphitheatre (experience this unique site and hear how it will sound as a permanent outdoor venue) For information, please email Christopher Minnes at: cminnes@ecoecho.ca
Environmental Education Center "powers the region"
Submitted by Christopher Minnes on Sat, 2010-03-20 17:52
Situated amidst rolling hayfields south of Wakefield Quebec at the entrance to the Municipality of La Peche, the Outaouais Environmental Campus has been reinvesting in our community since March 2008. We attract visitors and provide viable employment, offering vital services while preserving our natural heritage. ... Read more »
In war, first disrupt communications …
Submitted by John Bennett on Fri, 2011-10-14 10:51
We got the word last night. The federal government won't be funding the Canadian Environmental Network (CEN) any more. The network consists of 600 groups from coast to coast to coast.
The news came about the same time Heritage Minister James Moore tweeted the announcement of his new War of 1812 iPhone App - part of a $29 million program to celebrate a 200 year old war.
CEN is a coordinating body that doesn't take stands. It just helps environmental organizations network and facilitates communication with the federal government. It’s the very definition of non-partisan. ... Read more »
Sierra Club to rock Wakefield, Quebec for Eco Echo
The Sierra Club is taking up the fight for Wakefield, Quebec’s Eco Echo environmental campus, helping the project with an email-writing campaign, providing media relations support and campaign advice, and raising funds at The Pelts’ concert at the Black Sheep Inn March 25.
Additional Excerpt:
The band’s saxophonist, Daniel Spence, doubles in real life as Director
of Communications for Sierra Club Canada, a well-known environmental
group. “This is totally the kind of thing the Sierra Club is interested
in,” said Spence, who contacted Eco Echo owner and friend Christopher
Minnes after hearing about the conflict over the proposed industrial
park on the radio.
Link to source site:
http://lowdownonline.com/2010/03/sierra-club-to-rock-wakefield-quebec-for-eco-ec... Quebec environmental preserve under threat
Supporters of a farm-like environmental preserve near the village of Wakefield in the municipality of La Pêche, Que., are upset over a proposal to develop part of the land as an industrial park.
La Pêche has ordered an engineering survey of the land, which has been in Midge Minnes's family since 1974. Minnes was saddened to hear that the municipality could expropriate part of the land, which is about 35 kilometres north of Ottawa.... Read more »
Link to source site:
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/story/2010/03/10/wakefield-preserve.html Connect with us ...
