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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

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

Earth Day Family Celebration Volunteer (Saturday, April 24, 2010)

We're looking for support with our Earth Day Celebration over the next few weeks including: Logisitics, promotion,stage setup,etc. During the event (from 10am-5pm) we'd like help in: welcoming/orienting/directing, etc. Before or after the event (from -10am and 5-7pm) we'd like help with: setup/cleanup, etc. Please send an email to: Christopher Minnes at: cminnes@ecoecho.ca to share your interest, skill area and availability.

Posting closes: 
Thu, 2010-04-22 (All day)

Tell the Mayor and Council to Protect Eco Echo

Take action to help protect this special place.

Click here to send a message to the Mayor and Council from our convenient email-writing tool.

Environmental Education Center "powers the region"

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 »

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.

Campaigner Profile

  • Christopher Minnes's picture
    Christopher Minnes
    Co-Founder and Vice-President of Eco Echo, Christopher is experienced in strategic planning, marketing, organizational development and fundraising for non-profit cultural and environmental organizations. As Director of Endowment and Planned Giving for the Dallas Symphony, he is responsible for...
  • Shannon Ross