Writing in the newspaper
The coalition educates and spreads awareness of local actions through the Low Down, our award-winning community newspaper of record. Click here for a full list of our published work [coming soon].
Hosting a monthly education series and forums for conversation on topics related to climate justice and a just recovery
Farming
On December 12, 2019 we hosted “Rural Routes to Climate Solutions” in the Wakefield Library. The event explored climate solutions for food growers that build resiliency against droughts and floods, improve soil fertility and protect biodiversity. The event was moderated by Emma Lui from the coalition and speakers included: Derek Leahy (Rural Routes to Climate Solutions) and Clementine Mattesco( P3 Permaculture). There were more than 80 people who attended with representation from several of our local food growers.
This action was supported by an editorial in the Low Down written by Jess Weatherhead and Emma Lui.
We facilitated a follow-up conversation with local farmers and environmentalists at the Wakefield Public Library in partnership with Jess Weatherhead, co-owner and manager of Roots & Shoots Farm and Stuart Oke, youth president of the National Farmers Union and co-owner and manger of Rooted Oak Farm. The discussion centered on the impact of the climate crisis on local farmers and on sharing new agricultural practices to mitigate the climate crisis.
In attendance were farmers, environmentalists, and community members representing over twenty local farms. The event has since been followed up with a municipal farmers’ coalition.
Housing
On January 30, 2020, the coalition hosted “Climate Solutions: Build Better Buildings” at the Wakefield Community Center. Speakers Aaron Thornell (Co-Energy) and Andrew Ryan (La Peche resident and local builder) spoke on the issues of energy audits, emission reduction in housing, affordable housing and gentrification in our municipality, and housing co-operatives. The event was attended by over sixty community members, including several local builders. PowerPoint copies of the presentations can be found here [coming soon].
Water protection
Held on World Water Day, the coalition partnered with Friends of the Gatineau (FOG) to educate the community on water͎ – lake – wetland issues and within our watershed. Though originally scheduled to be held at the Wakefield Public Library, the event was moved online in response to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the transition to virtual, the event was well-attended by over sixty community members. The panelists were Elizabeth Logue (Ottawa River Protector), Michèle Labelle (biologiste, ABVdes7), Rita Jain (president Friends of the Gatineau), Emma Lui (water protector with the Council of Canadians), and Guillaume Lamoureux (mayor of La Pêche). As a result of the discussion, The Water Protectors’ Coalition des Collines was formed to unify protection, education, and organizing efforts within the watershed.