Pollinator Action Sub-Committee
“No Mow May”
D. Pearson reported on research undertaken in response to a resident request that CKLEAC participate in the “No Mow May” movement designed to discourage mowing of lawns until the end of May to allow essential pollinators greater choice of flowers/seeds. D. Pearson indicated further consideration by CKLEAC is required in light of the following related issues:
- Recent research questions the service that dandelions provide as an allopathic species which inhibits growth of other plants and is linked to malnourishment in insects.
- Emergence of insects from leaves/debris tends to be triggered by heat rather than supply of flowers/seeds.
- Anticipated resistance by property owners to restricting lawn cutting in May.
The Chair requested D. Pearson circulate an article on the subject as additional background for future consideration by CKLEAC.
Pollinator Garden Tour
The Chair reported the Garden Tour has been deferred to preferred date of September 2022.
Mission Monarch
The Chair introduced Mission Monarch, a community science program which encourages groups and people to register, accumulate and send data on the presence of milkweed and monarchs in private gardens. CKLEAC were encouraged to google “Mission Monarch” and register.
Walking Garden Tour and Pollinator Garden Tour
The Chair reported that Bee City will be partnering with the 100th Anniversary Garden Tour event in Bobcaygeon on July 9, 2022 to present information about Pollinator Gardens.
D. Pearson reported on efforts to create a walking tour of Lindsay as in inspiration and education and to showcase front yard and pollinator gardens. The anticipated annual event to occur over the summer months would promote native plantings and pollinator pathways as an alternative to front lawns. The walking tour is anticipated to be launched in the near future, has about a dozen Lindsay gardens listed and has assured property owners that privacy will be protected.
R. Holy offered to clarify the status of the City’s GIS Pollinator Map noting the GIS system is being reconstructed and will have added services.
Environmental Hero Awards:
The Chair noted nothing to report as the Environmental Hero Awards for 2021 had recently been presented by Deputy Mayor Tracy Richardson and approved by City Council.
Active Transportation Master Plan:
J. Morris reported that Task Force members, which included CKLEAC Chair P. Warren, had been approved by City Council and the first meeting of the Master Plan Task Force was anticipated in June 2022.
Transportation Sub-Committee:
J. Morris referred CKLEAC to the previously circulated Sub-Committee’s minutes of May 10, 2022 and raised the following updated items:
Electric Vehicle Event scheduled for August 20, 2022 in downtown Lindsay.
D. Pearson reported that applications have been submitted and City approval is anticipated for: holding of the event on August 20, 2022; closing of Kent Street between Victoria and Cambridge Streets; and, acceptance of a vehicular detour plan around the closed street.
D. Pearson also reported on:
- Efforts to encourage discount coupons with downtown businesses during the event.
- The Plug 'N Drive Electric Vehicle Discovery Centre will bring staff and three electric vehicles which will be available for test drives.
- The Electric Vehicle (EV) Society – Kawartha Chapter volunteers will bring their own vehicles and be available to answer questions.
- $1,500 in event costs will be covered by an approved BIA grant applied for by the Kawartha EV Society.
R. Holy noted City approvals will be available before the event but specific timing may be dependent on requirements for City Council approvals.
D. Lowles questioned whether electric aircraft could be considered for the August 20th with response by Malcom Cook, Loomex Group that electric motors are the future of aviation once limitations to battery capacity are addressed and suggested that the aerospace engineering company Horizon Aircraft be contacted.
The Chair reported that Unwrapped, a Lindsay downtown business, will organize a Car Seat Recycling spot as part of the August 20th EV event..
Lindsay Bike Share
J. Morris reported the Chamber of Commerce application for “RTO8” Tourism Relief Funding was awaiting approvals for three bike share locations in Lindsay and emphasized the projects must be up and running within 2022 to meet grant conditions:
- Queen Square, Lindsay also slated for bike racks and a hydration station (requiring Parks Division approval).
- Old Mill Park, Lindsay adjacent to the waterway which has bike racks/bike repair station from past grants (requiring Parks Division approval).
- Fleming College.
The Chair reported on grant application by Bobcaygeon’s EAB for water refill and recharging stations for electric vehicles which are awaiting approval.