Posted April 15, 2025 on Niagara At Large
St. Catharines Regional Councillor Haley Bateman, the only municipal representative in all of Niagara to so far sign an Open Letter to federal leaders urging more action on climate change
We are mayors and councillors from across Canada, where we represent and serve millions of residents of all political backgrounds.
Like so many of you, we are already feeling the effects of U.S. trade attacks in our communities through lost jobs, uncertainty for businesses, and increased costs of daily living.
Increasingly, we are also guiding our communities through another kind of crisis: recurring wildfires, floods, storms and deadly climate events. We believe this is the moment for Canada to fight back, by investing in national projects that will connect and protect our country from the dual threats of tariffs and climate change.
Leading through a climate emergency changes you. You can’t witness elderly neighbours overheating in low-income apartments during a heat wave, and not recognize the critical role of well-insulated, affordable housing.
You can’t comfort people who have lost everything in floods and fires, and not wonder how we will afford to rebuild. You can’t watch your kids and loved ones choke on toxic wildfire smoke without knowing the time to act boldly on climate change is right now – because later is too late.
Over the past decade, we’ve watched wildfires rip through nearly every part of our country. Just like you, we were stunned when Lytton disappeared off the map. Then parts of Halifax went up in flames. Last year, wildfires engulfed the iconic and beloved Jasper.
We can’t keep watching our homes, towns and forests burn to a crisp, and pretend the status quo is working or safe. We can’t adapt our way out of this problem.
These projects would create hundreds of thousands of good local jobs in cities, rural and Indigenous communities, using Canadian steel, aluminum and lumber. They would bolster our economy and make daily life safer and more affordable for all of us. We can afford to pay for them now: by redirecting billions of dollars in fossil fuel subsidies, and strengthening the polluter pays principle, for example.
That is why it has been so disappointing to hear voices following Donald Trump’s lead and using this crisis to revive long-dead and unpopular pipeline projects. Let’s be honest: new pipelines require massive public handouts, trample on Indigenous sovereignty, and mean more climate disasters hitting our cities and towns in years to come.
As local leaders, we know that whatever their political backgrounds, our constituents are worried about the same things: good jobs; a safe and affordable place to live; and confidence that their leaders have a plan for the next crisis we face, whether a climate disaster – or an economic sucker punch from our closest ally.
To Review the Open Letter and list of municipal representatives who have so far signed it, click on – https://elbowsupforclimate.ca/
A Footnote – Herb Sawatzky, the leading member of 50by30Niagara, a Niagara-wide citizens group advocating for more action from our municipal representatives on the climate crisis, has, in his words, “sent an email to every councillor and mayor in Niagara asking them to add their names to that letter. So far I’ve heard back from one regional councillor, Haley Bateman, who signed on immediately. I’ve also heard from two municipal Environmental Advisory Committee members who have passed it on to their respective committees (thanks to Niagara Falls and Port Colborne).”
He is urging residents across Niagara to contact the mayor and councillors in our municipality and urge them to sign the letter.
Let’s contact Niagara Regional Chair Jim Bradley and members of Niagara’s Regional Council and urge them to sign this letter too.
For more on 50by30 Niagara, click on – https://50by30niagara.org/News
To read a CBC news report on this open letter, click on – <https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/letter-mayors-federal-leaders-1.7507440>
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A Federal Election Message from Canada’s Green Party
Posted April 15th, 2025 on Niagara At Large
A Brief Foreword by Doug Draper at Niagara At Large – Unfortunately, there is probably about as much chance of the Green Party winning more than a handful of seats, if that, than there is that climate change will emerge as a key issue in this federal election. But good for the Green Party for putting a climate plan foreword, which is why I am pleased to post it here.
For Canadian voters who care about climate action and want to be represented by leaders who take their responsibility to protect our planet seriously, the Green Party has the strongest policies.
This April 15th in Montreal, co-leader Jonathan Pedneault presented the Green Party’s 2025 plan for climate action. You can watch that press conference on CPAC:
[Watch Here](https://www.greenparty.ca/en/civicrm/mailing/url/?u=389861&qid=169384012)
Through a national grid we would deliver 100 per cent renewable electricity to the country by 2035. New fossil fuel infrastructure would be halted, subsidies eliminated, and we would aim for a full phaseout of fossil fuel production and exports by 2045.
And we would bring in legally binding emissions reductions, setting Canada on a path to zero emissions by 2050.
We know Canada must meet the climate crisis with unflinching resolve and unwavering leadership.
Our plan is detailed, forward-thinking, and scientifically sound. We are excited to share that it will be unveiled in full on Wednesday morning as part of our full electoral platform release!
This is an important week in the campaign. Thank you for supporting your local candidate, sharing our Green message, and contributing in the ways you can!
For more on The Green Party of Canada, click on – https://www.greenparty.ca//
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“A Politician Thinks Of The Next Election. A Leader Thinks Of The Next Generation.” – Bernie Sanders
An Invite to All from The Pelham Advocates for Trees and Habitat (PATH), a citizens group dedicated to advocating for a cleaner, greener environment
Posted April 14th, 2025 on Niagara At Large
On Saturday, April 19, the 4th Annual The Pelham Advocates for Trees and Habitat (PATH) PATH 4 Annual Rally on Eathday call for Action (AREA) will be held at Peace Park, 20 Market Square, Fonthill (behind Pelham Town Hall), from 1 to 3 p.m.
The major event will feature performances from Niagara Regions Native Centre’s Drummers and Singers and Blessings from their Elders, Niagara’s well-known musician and songwriter Jamie Snider.
Prominent speakers: the Spokesperson appointed by Municipalities of Canada for Earth Day 2025, Mayor Marvin Junkin, Regional Councillor Wayne Olson, and grassroots environmental speaker Grahm Pett from PATH. And much more. Please take a look at the attached below.
NIAGARA AT LARGE Encourages You To Join The Conversation By Sharing Your Views On This Post In The Space Following The Bernie Sanders Quote Below.
“A Politician Thinks Of The Next Election. A Leader Thinks Of The Next Generation.” – Bernie Sanders
An Invite To All from the City of Welland in Niagara, Ontario
Posted April 15, 2025 on Niagara At Large
Beginning March 31, Welland residents can register online to order a free tree sapling or in person at the Welland Community Centre beginning April 1. There are six different trees to select from, each with its’ own pickup date during the Welland Farmers’ Market on Saturday, April 12 and April 19. More information on this event is available on the free tree giveaway event page.
Celebrate Earth Day by showing love to your community by removing litter and debris from City parks, open Spaces, and trails. The city will be hosting a community clean-up on April 19 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. If you are not able to celebrate in our clean-up, keep with the Earth Day theme by maintaining and tidying your own property or business to keep our community clean.
NIAGARA AT LARGE Encourages You To Join The Conversation By Sharing Your Views On This Post In The Space Following The Bernie Sanders Quote Below.
“A Politician Thinks Of The Next Election. A Leader Thinks Of The Next Generation.” – Bernie Sanders
News from the City of Port Colborne in Niagara, Ontario
Posted April 14th, 2025 on Niagara At Large
Beginning at 9 a.m., 500 free trees and 100 free seed packs will be supplied to residents on a first-come, first-served basis (limit of two trees per household).
The giveaway is a partnership between the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) and Sassafras Farms.
Grow-your-own pollinator greenhouse kits will be available for purchase in support of the local ecosystem, with City staff on site to facilitate information sessions regarding tree care and sustainability.
Contact Website
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“A Politician Thinks Of The Next Election. A Leader Thinks Of The Next Generation.” – Bernie Sanders
A Video Message from California Senator Adam Schiff with a brief Foreword from Doug Draper
Posted April 14th, 2025 on Niagara At Large
This is what many polls say.
We have seen some of that lately with Americans holding up Canadian flags as they rally against Trump on their side of the border.
U.S. Democratic Senator Adam Schiff fearlessly fighting back against Trump’s dangerous and destructive actions against his country, and against Canada and other free and democratic countries around the world in the U.S. Senate.
And now, there is this very kind video, produced by a U.S. Democratic Senator for California, Adam Schiff, that is a message to us that in his view, and many others, Canadians are still considered good friends.
Schiff, as at least some of you may know, played a key role as a Congressman in getting to the bottom of the corruption and law-breaking when it came to Trump’s dealings with Ukraine during his first term as president, and in revealing the leadership role Trump played in the January 6th, 2021 assault on the U.S, Capitol building with an aim to overturning the results of the November, 2020 presidential election that saw Trump lose to Joe Biden.
To read some American reaction to Senator Schiff’s video, click on – Senator Adam Schiff sends beautiful message to Canadians : r/OptimistsUnite
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“A Politician Thinks Of The Next Election. A Leader Thinks Of The Next Generation.” – Bernie Sanders
An Invite from the Seniors for Climate in Niagara
Posted April 14th, 2025 on Niagara At Large
*ABOUT THE EVENT*
*The Ontario government is currently giving rebates of up to 30 per cent on clean energy installations* such as battery storage systems, heat pumps, solar panels and smart thermostats.
*Our special Earth Day Clean Energy Fair is designed to give you more information about such upgrades* and whether or not they’re worth installing.
*Herb Sawatzky of our partner organization 50by30 Niagara is our key speaker*, and he’ll talk us through renovations and upgrades that are both energy-efficient and economic.
*We’re also excited to welcome Kassie Burns, Niagara-on-the-Lake’s new Climate Change Co-ordinator.* Kassie will talk about her role in leading the Town’s commitment to sustainability in Niagara-on-the-Lake to ensure the town’s quality of life is maintained during this unprecedented era of climate upheaval.
*Our third program feature is a presentation of * *“Two Degrees: How to Pave The Way To Renewable Energy”,* a short but inspiring documentary about how one country is leading the way towards 100 per cent clean energy use.
For a Map of event venue, click on link below-
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A News Release from the City of St. Catharines in Niagara, Ontario
Posted April 14th, 2025 on Niagara At Large
The City of St. Catharines is encouraging residents to take part in two upcoming community clean-up events this spring to help keep the Garden City clean and green.
“Whether you’re cleaning up your street, your favourite park or a public green space, your efforts make a real difference,” said Brett Cudmore, Forestry Supervisor with the City. “We’re proud to support residents withthe tools and supplies they need to help keep St. Catharines beautiful.”
Residents are invited to celebrate Earth Day by organizing clean-up efforts in their neighbourhoods and local parks.
Supplies, including garbage pickers, gloves and bright yellow trash bags, will be provided free of charge. Clean-up kits can be picked up at the St. Catharines Farmers Market at 91 King St. on Saturday, April 19, between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Participants are asked to email Forestry Supervisor Brett Cudmore – CitizensFirst@stcatharines.ca – with their clean-up location. The City will coordinate the collection of filled yellow bags — leave them beside a City trash can, and they’ll be picked up during the week.
To ensure everyone’s safety, volunteers are reminded to remain on public property and avoid railway tracks, private property and areas under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Transportation, such as highway shoulders and on- and off-ramps.
If volunteers come across any sharps, they should not attempt to handle them. Instead, contact Citizen’s First at citizensfirst@stcatharines.ca <mailto:citizensfirst@stcatharines.ca> or 905.688.5600.
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News from the Office of Ontario NDP Official Opposition Leader Marit Stiles
Posted April 14th, 2025 on Niagara At Large
Niagara Centre NDP MPP Jeff Burch appointed to NDP Leader’s Advisory Council on Tariff Response and Economic Security
QUEEN’S PARK – Ahead of the 44th Parliament, Marit Stiles, Leader of the Official Opposition NDP, has appointed MPP Catherine Fife (Waterloo) to chair the Leader’s Advisory Council on Tariff Response and Economic Security.
Fife, the Shadow Minister for Economic Development and Trade, has been tasked with leading consultations with industry, labour, sector-specific experts and elected officials to help inform the Official Opposition’s work in the new provincial parliament. Fife will be taking a collaborative, solutions-first approach focused on realizing Ontario’s economic potential as our province faces unprecedented uncertainties.
“Ontario is at a crossroads and how we respond to this crisis will make or break the future of our province. Thousands of jobs and the economic future of our province is at risk. We cannot sit and wait for the storm to pass; we need to roll up our sleeves and get to work to make sure we can come out of this stronger – as a province and as a country.
“This moment is also an opportunity, the opportunity to reset and re-evaluate our province’s investment priorities. Our council’s focus will be to stabilize and build new export opportunities for Ontario’s industries through forward-looking strategies for procurement, research, innovation, and intellectual property that create economic growth and good jobs here at home.”
Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles
The Leader’s Advisory Council will include a core group of shadow ministers, with additional caucus members participating in meetings related to their regions, portfolios and professional experience.
Brian Topp, former Chief of Staff to Alberta Premier Rachel Notley, and member of the Prime Minister’s Council on Canada-US Relations, will join the Council to share his expertise and guidance.
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Presented by Knights of Columbus, Sacred Heart Council 2319, Thorold
Posted April 14th, 2025 on Niagara At Large
Thorold, ONTARIO – Niagara has a solution for a season of lush gardens, vibrant lawns, and healthy plants! The solution starts with the Knights of Columbus 2319 at their 5th annual Garden Fest in Thorold.
The community event will feature a fertilizer, grass seed, and compost sale. Potted plants from Schenck Farms will also be available. It’s your one-stop shop for all the essentials to nurture your garden and yard.
Fri., April 25, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sat., April 26, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sun, April 27, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Holy Rosary Hall, parking lot, Sullivan Avenue, Thorold
Whether you’re planting a new lawn, feeding your garden beds, or giving your outdoor spaces a spring refresh, the Knights will have the perfect products for you. The high-quality fertilizers selected for Garden Fest are designed to nourish your soil and promote healthy, vigorous growth. Choose grass seed varieties to suit your needs for sun or shade areas.
Additionally, don’t miss our premium compost donated by Walker Industries for rich, organic material that will boost plant health and structure.
Customer Service: The Knights will be in action to help you load up the right products for your lawn’s or garden’s needs.
Top-Quality Products: Garden Fest stocks top quality, local products including fertilizers, grass seeds, compost, and potted plants ensuring your lawn and garden thrives.
Great Value: Enjoy great deals with all-in pricing on premium gardening products during this 3-day sale!
Support Charities: Proceeds from the sale will be donated to local charities; Hotel Dieu Shaver Foundation, Wellspring Niagara, Special Olympics (St. Catharines), and St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank (Thorold).
Thanks to Sponsors – The Knights appreciate the support of Garden Fest sponsors. Financial support from Bocchinfuso Funeral Home, Dixie Regulator and Torch Repair, Marr’s Thorold Foodland, Club Belvedere, Golden Gardens Supply Co., Buck or Two Thorold, JKJ Heating and Air Conditioning enable the Knights to promote the fundraising event for our charities.
“We’re thrilled to bring together gardening enthusiasts and local companies for this year’s Garden Fest,” said John Perri, Knights of Columbus member and event chair. “We’re offering products that are perfect for gardeners who want to grow beautiful plants. We’re proud to be offering solutions that support healthy, sustainable gardening practices.”
Customers can purchase lawn and garden products from the Knights at the community event in the Thorold Arena, Sat. April 26, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Knights famous Beef on a Bun will be on sale as well as hot dogs and popcorn at the arena canteen during the Earth Day celebration.
For more information on Garden Fest email kofc2319@gmail.com
NIAGARA AT LARGE Encourages You To Join The Conversation By Sharing Your Views On This Post In The Space Following The Bernie Sanders Quote Below.
“A Politician Thinks Of The Next Election. A Leader Thinks Of The Next Generation.” – Bernie Sanders