News
HEN’s comments on the Federal Cabinet’s Approval
of CN Truck-Rail Intermodal Hub
On January 21, 2021 Minister of the Environment and Climate, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson issued the Decision Statement under section 54 of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2021 to approve the CN truck-rail hub in the Town of Milton.
HEN, along with many in our community, including MP van Koeverden, Regional Chair Gary Carr, Mayor Krantz, Mayor Bonnette, Mayor Burton, Mayor Meed Ward, and Regional, City and Town Councillors, Community groups, and engaged Citizens advocated against the location of this CN hub and appeared in front of the Federal Review Panel. HEN is disappointed with the Decision from Minister Wilkinson, in particular due to the apparent disregard for our community’s health, safety, and well-being and the health of our environment.
We know that this hub will increase Halton’s local GHG emissions and we understand that it is supportive of Canada’s national GHG reductions, but at what cost? Climate action needs to be holistic and we must move to accelerate the path of climate mitigation and adaptation.
We must proceed with due diligence, ensuring that we always protect and preserve our community’s health, wellbeing, and the local environment. Looking forward, climate action must look at the ecosystem as a whole, ensuring that our path forward doesn’t create new challenges or put local systems at risk.
The CN hub will cause adverse health effects in our community.
The CN hub will release particulate matter of PM 2.5, which is a dangerous and unsafe level for our citizens. Fine particulate matter is linked to more effects and has a grave impact on human health. The particulates can move deeper into your respiratory tract, including your lungs.
The hub is located within an area that includes 12 schools, a hospital and two long-term care homes. We know this particulate matter will be damaging to our children, seniors, and those with compromised health conditions, such as heart or lung disease, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The CN hub will increase local truck traffic with the addition of 800 trucks per day - 1,600 trips running 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Diesel trucks are a key source of fine particulate matter.
Our concern with this hub is warranted, even with the 325 new conditions as part of this decision. The fact still remains that this hub is in a populated area that will create an unsafe level of air quality in our community.
Many of the new conditions proposed within the decision cannot be enforced and will leave our community vulnerable.
Much like the proposed Oakville power plant from years ago, this is a bad decision.
HEN strives to collaborate, partner, and look for solutions, but this hub in this location will create a health crisis for our community.
Please contact Minister Wilkinson, your local MP, and/or CN rail, and if you hold stocks in CN rail, call your financial broker, voice your concern.
Moving forward, every infrastructure project must be considered through a more holistic lens that simultaneously incorporates climate change mitigation and adaptation, as well as community health, safety, and well-being. We are open to discuss opportunities, and ensure the future of our community is based on best practices.
Together we can create solutions that will support climate action in concert with the well-being of our community, people, and the environment.
For more information, please visit the Region of Halton’s website and these links below: https://www.halton.ca/The-
CEAA Panel Review of the: CN Milton Logistics Hub Project CEAA Registry No. 80100.
For more information please visit: https://www.halton.ca/The-
Generation Green 2021 Stakeholders Participate in HDSB Human Rights Symposium
What is the HDSB Human Rights Symposium?
Human Rights is the work and responsibility of all members of society. The HDSB recognizes the importance of bringing education and community partners together to engage in vital conversations to challenge our thinking. The Human Rights Symposium provides an opportunity for educators and community partners to examine important issues impacted by equality and the human condition.
This year generation Green Stakeholders took part in their discussion 'Climate Justice and My Future'. Thanks to Julia, Hannah, Rida and Daisy for sharing their voice and for Suha for moderating.Check out the full discussion in the video
In support of Conservation Authorities, HEN responds to Bill 229, Schedule 6
Bill 229 ‘Protect, Support, and Recover from COVID-19 Act (Budget Measures), 2020’ includes Schedule 6 outlining changes to the Conservation Authorities Act.
Conservation Authorities work across municipal boundaries with a holistic science-, data- and ecosystem-based watershed approach. The core mandates identified in Schedule 6 connect back to different times when watershed management was only responsive to drought, flooding and erosion issues. This is not what is needed today.
Take a look at the Halton Environmental Network's Response to Bill 229 Schedule 6 Proposal: We are deeply concerning that, as a budget bill, the Province deemed public comment through the EBR unnecessary.
How you can help
If you would like to show your support for Conservation Halton, and ask the Province to hold off on making unilateral changes to the CA Act without public consultation, please use this simple tool from our friends at Ontario Nature to send an email to your MPP and express your concerns.
HEN's comments on Halton’s Regional Official Plan
Halton is reviewing its Regional Official Plan, which guides land use decisions to ensure new development meets the needs of current and future residents.
To ensure we are aligned with Provincial policies and help inform how and where our community grows, we are asking for your feedback on the following topics:
- Natural Heritage
- Rural and Agricultural System
- Climate Change
- North Aldershot Planning Area
- Integrated Growth Management Strategy: Regional Urban Structure
Get involved and have your say! Your input is valuable. Click here to complete questionnaire and learn more.
Take a look at the Halton Environmental Network's comments on the Regional Official plan and go to Halton Regional Plan to provide your input and shape Halton's Future.
Halton Environmental Network Newsletters:
Generation Green conference is designed by youth for youth. Our goal is to help HDSB students in Grades 7-12 reduce their greenhouse gas emissions in our community and support them in becoming climate leaders.
Register and attend the March 11th project launch to find out how you can earn 20 community involvement hours!
Welcome to the new year! Check out events and excited news from Halton Environmental Network for January 2021.
From "HEN’s comments on the Federal Cabinet’s Approval of CN Truck-Rail Intermodal Hub" to "Home Energy Retrofit Survey", click the link to read more.
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year from HEN.
This holiday season, make your festivities joyous in spirit and gentle on the environment by having a more environmentally friendly celebration.
HEN is thriving, educating, engaging, and driving action - much gratitude to YOU for allowing us to serve the great community of Halton.
This movement was created as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good and celebrate generosity. Your gift to HEN can support climate action work in Halton community.
Special Newsletter for HCC and Cogeco presents Virtual Discussion with Sheila Watt-Cloutier!
Missed your chance to join HCCReads Virtual Discussion? GREAT NEWS! We've added more tickets!!
We sold 500 tickets but thanks to your interest, we've added more tickets! Don't delay! We've added 500 more.
The HCC Reads campaign continues to engage our community about the challenging issues of climate change. Our 2020 selection, Sheila Watt-Cloutier’s "The Right to be Cold" will inspire you to understand the issue and lean into local climate action.
It's October! Check out great events from the past month and upcoming events in November
News, tools and events! check out in the latest newsletter from the Halton Environmental Network
It's October! Check out great events coming up this Month like Food Waste Month and more.
Catch up on some amazing past events from September & October and check out these great upcoming events in the next month and don't miss out!
It's September! Check out great events from August and Upcoming events in September
Catch up on some amazing past events from September and check out these great upcoming events in the next month and don't miss out!
It's August at HEN! Check out great events from July and Upcoming events in August.
It's mid-summer, and things at HEN aren't slowing down. Catch up on some amazing past events from July and check out these great upcoming events in August.
Summer is here and with it, some great programs for the whole family!
This summer is a lot different from previous years but we are so grateful to have 6 great new environmental champions joining the HEN team this summer. We look forward to watching them succeed this summer, planning great initiatives and programs for the Halton community!
Good News for World Environment Day
HEN loves to share positive collective work in our community. The Students of the Halton District School Board have been working very hard these past few months on a climate emergency declaration.
This declaration is the first of its kind in Canada! It is student-led, focussed, and driven.
We at the Halton Environmental Network (HEN) are reaching out to you as we never have before.
We don’t just talk about climate change, we drive solutions!
With your support, we can ensure that action on climate remains a priority.
Celebrate Earth Day 2020 from the comfort of your own home!
At Halton Environmental Network, our team is finding ways to support one another as we adapt to our current reality. As always, please continue to be mindful of social distancing and self-isolation requirements. Continue to be safe and healthy while we celebrate our planet, and the 20th Anniversary of Earth Day.
HEN drives solutions in our community- you can help!
With your support, we can ensure that action on climate remains a priority. Your donation will be amplified with the Small Change Fund matching campaign, and you will also receive a charitable tax receipt.
We are reaching out to you in solidarity during this time of COVID-19. We hope you and your loved ones are doing well during this challenging time.
The HEN office will remain closed until it is deemed safe to open.
However, we are still here for you.
Please note the Halton Environmental Network's (HEN) office located at Queen Elizabeth Park Community & Cultural Centre will be closed effective immediately until April 5th in response to the COVID-19-pandemic. Please stay in touch via email info@haltonenvironment.ca
Recap of Great February Events and What's coming up in March
Thank you for subscribing to the Halton Environmental Network Newsletter!
We're here to connect you with all of the exciting events & initiatives happening in our community.Keep scrolling to see what's green in Halton!
HEN 2020: What's New and What's Happening in Halton Community
The Halton Environmental Network has partnered with Value Chain Management International, a global food consultancy group and leader in identifying and analyzing food loss and waste, in a cutting edge study: MAKE EVERY BITE COUNT.