SEN Info Bulletin

SEN Event Calendar Thrives

The Saskatchewan Eco-Network's On-line Event Calendar (http://www.econet.sk.ca/events/) tracks the events of many organizations in Saskatchewan and facilitates advance planning of events. We want to continue expanding the calendar, and we encourage our member groups to post their events directly to the calendar. The more active our members are, the stronger we'll be as a network!

If you are interested in participating in the calendar, contact Paddy at sen@link.ca and we will set up an account for you.

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Architect Jan Gehl Touts Bike-friendly Culture

When it snows in Copenhagen, the bike lanes are first to be cleared. Then the sidewalks. If there is money left over, the roads are next.

While it may be a radical concept for a winter city such as Saskatoon, Danish architect Jan Gehl is in favour of transforming Saskatoon into a pedestrian-oriented, bike-friendly city.

"Reduce the asphalt in Saskatoon," he said to strong audience applause at his presentation Monday night. "The traffic you have is a matter of how much asphalt you have," said Gehl, who in his four-decade career has studied and supported the transformation of Copenhagen into one of the most bike-friendly sustainable cities in the world.

The temporary bike racks outside Persephone Theatre were nearly full Monday and Tuesday nights as people from across Western Canada gathered to hear the world-renowned architect deliver two sold-out presentations.

Full story: http://www.thestarphoenix.com/travel/Reduce+asphalt+Gehl+says/1953135/story.html.

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Food Secure Saskatchewan Provincial Conference Announced

Food Secure Saskatchewan is planning two interactive conferences around local food security issues and challenges from farm-gate to table. The first conference will be held at the SIAST campus in Moose Jaw on October 2 - 3. Registration will be held at 8:00 - 8:30 Timothy Eaton's Gardens, 510 Main Street North. The second conference will be held in La Ronge on October 22 - 23.

This year’s theme is Growing Together in Saskatchewan. A wide cross section of presenters will share their knowledge on the following topics: Food and health policy development; Sustainability in food and agriculture; Self reliance and the 100 mile diet; and Eating wild and natural. Both conferences will be preceded by Food for Thought workshops and tours.

Full details on their website at http://www.foodsecuresaskatchewan.ca.

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Public Hearing for Cigar Lake Project

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) will hold a one-day public hearing to consider Cameco Corporation’s application to amend the Cigar Lake Project Uranium Mine Construction Licence to complete remediation and construction of the Cigar Lake Project. The Cigar Lake Project is located within the Athabasca Basin in northern Saskatchewan. The hearing will take place on November 6, 2009 at the Saskatoon Travelodge Hotel, 106 Circle Drive West, Saskatoon, SK. (Time t.b.a.)

Cameco seeks authorization to complete the mine remediation and to finalize the construction activities required for the five phases of the project. Cameco also seeks authorization to complete activities related to Shaft number 2 and to continue surface construction.

The public is invited to comment on Cameco’s application. Requests to intervene must be filed with the Secretary of the Commission by October 7, 2009 on-line at http://www.nuclearsafety.gc.ca/eng/commission/intervention/index.cfm or at Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, P.O. Box 1046, Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5S9.

Full details: http://www.nuclearsafety.gc.ca/eng/commission/hearings/documents_browse/date.cfm?dt=6-Nov-2009.

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Green Drinks Regina

Our host for September is Allan Finney of Envron Environmental Ltd, the parent company of HeatWaveSolar.com. Allan will be discussing solar water heaters.

Come out to Green Drinks for lively conversations, and new connections. For more information on Green Drinks Regina, to be added to our e-mail list or to RSVP to this event (allowing venue to staff accordingly) e-mail us at: greendrinksregina@gmail.com or join our Green Drinks Regina group on facebook.

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Boom and Bust: The Growing Income Gap in Saskatchewan

Please join the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives for the release of their latest report on income inequality in the province. Prof. Paul Gingrich of the University of Regina and Peter Gilmer of the Regina Anti-Poverty Ministry will discuss the dislocating effects that income inequality has upon society.

Admission is free and refreshments will be served.

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Builder Operator Training: Waste & Water

Rising Energy Costs a Concern for Your Facility? Learn energy conservation principles, new technologies and potential facility retrofits to help reduce energy consumption and cost. Ideal for any building operator, custodian, or facility personnel. Presented by the Saskatchewan Environmental Society. For more information contact Judy Espeseth at 306 260-4743 or email: awareness@environmentalsociety.ca

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A Non-Nuclear Retreat-Gathering At Crows Nest

This will be a loose, communal gathering with lots of time for walking, relaxing, talking informally and personally, and playing, without other pressures. The weekend, including meal preparation, will be totally self-organized and community guided. We have room for about 25, using cabins, and camping for those who can bring tents. Please bring sleeping bags and some good food to pool for meals. We have large indoor meeting spaces. There are trails throughout our land. We are close to Fort Qu’Appelle for supplies.

RSVP by September 4th at the very latest, if there are one or two people from your area and network who are interested in attending, to Jim Harding 306-332-4492.

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LEED for New Construction Workshop

Registration fee of $475 includes: Continental breakfast, lunch and refreshment breaks, the LEED NC/CI reference package at a discounted price of $275 plus GST & shipping. Reference package can be ordered at the workshop or on-line during the registration process. More information at: http://my.cagbc.org/courses.php. If minimum attendance is not reached, CaGBC reserves the right to cancel the workshop up to one week prior.

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Gabriel Dumont Park Warbler Walk

Join members of the Saskatoon Nature Society for some birding in Gabriel Dumont Park. For more information , contact Donna Bruce at 956-3437. Meet in the parking lot for Gabriel Dumont park off Saskatchewan Cres. West.

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Dr. Tony Allan Seminar

Dr. Tony Allan, a world-leading expert and renowned authority on water issues, will be visiting Saskatoon this fall. With expertise encompassing both natural and social sciences, Dr. Allan pioneered research in the area of water policy and economics. For his achievements he was awarded the 2008 Stockholm Water Prize, the equivalent of a Nobel Prize in Water Science.

The intent of Dr. Allan’s visit is to meet with local water experts and exchange water knowledge. Through seminars to students, faculty/staff and the general public, Dr. Allan will highlight the complexity of water issues and discuss how various challenges are being managed in other parts of the world.

Hosted by the Toxicology Centre with co-sponsorship from the Schools of Environment and Sustainability and Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy, these seminars are made possible with assistance from the University of Saskatchewan Visiting Lecturer Fund.

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Solar Water Heating for the Home

Join guest speaker Brent Veitch for an introductory talk covering how solar domestic water heating works, comparison to other forms of solar, typical system costs, and grants & incentives available to Saskatchewan residents. Event co-sponsored by the J.S. Wood Library and Saskatchewan Environmental Society. For more information contact 665-1915.

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Fall Bird Count

Join one of the Saskatoon Nature Society’s groups to survey the Saskatoon District. Novice birders will be assigned to an experienced leader. Contact Michael Williams at 242-5383 by September 10th for assignment to a group.

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Builder Operator Training: Waste & Water

Rising Energy Costs a Concern for Your Facility? Learn energy conservation principles, new technologies and potential facility retrofits to help reduce energy consumption and cost. Ideal for any building operator, custodian, or facility personnel. Presented by the Saskatchewan Environmental Society. For more information contact Judy Espeseth at 306.260.4743 or email: awareness@environmentalsociety.ca.

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No Nukes Go Renewables Rally Preparations

Wanted: Creative People, People Who Love to Dabble in Paints and Markers, People With A Message, People Who Love the Environment! To: Paint signs, Make Decorations for Bicycles, Make Banners for the Rally for Renewable Energy planned for Sunday, October 4, 2009.

The Coalition for a Clean Green Saskatchewan is hosting two banner and sign-making workshops on Thursday, September 17th, and Thursday, September 24th in Christ Church Anglican Church basement on 28th Street and Avenue E North. For further information, contact 652-1275.

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Musicians for Peace Concert

Musicians for Peace features an amazing line up of Saskatoon’s finest musicians celebrating the International Day of Peace! The event is sponsored by the Saskatoon Peace Coalition; the City of Saskatoon’s Cultural Diversity and Race Relations Committee; and the local chapter of the United Nations Association of Canada. We are raising funds for Oxfam (international) and Switch (local community service). Tickets are $10.00. Doors open at 6:30 pm. For tickets phone the Broadway Theatre at 652-6556.

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Roadmap 2020 Annual General Meeting

Visit http://www.roadmap2020.ca for more details.

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Climate Change: How Will It Affect Saskatchewan?

Professor Elaine Wheaton, climate scientist, will discuss evidence of climate change in Saskatchewan and its effects on water, agriculture, health and communities. Event presented by the Social Action Committee of the Unitarian Congregation.

Elaine Wheaton is widely published, with about 200 publications in referred scientific journals, books, technical reports, and conference proceedings. She is the author of the 1998 award-winning book, “But It’s a Dry Cold! Weathering the Canadian Prairies.”

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4th Annual Sustainable Gourmet Fundraiser

Tickets are now available for the 4th Annual Sustainable Gourmet. Support the Saskatchewan Environmental Society by purchasing your ticket now: Tickets are $65 with a portion tax-deductible. Tickets available at the SES office 306-665-1915. Only 150 tickets will be sold to this unique event in which all the primary ingredients for the meal will be grown or made locally. This helps our environment, strengthens our community and provides a showcase for local sustainable entreprises.

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i heart bike lanes

A massive bike-a-thon to thank the City of Saskatoon’s Mayor, City Councillors, City Administration, The Partnership, and the Cycling Advisory Group for our bike lanes! For more information please visit: http://www.iheartbikelanes.com/.

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Risk Management Training Conference

Volunteer Saskatoon & the United Way of Saskatoon & Area presents Imagine Canada’s Insurance & Liability Resource Centre for Non-Profits Risk Management Conference Presented for the first time in Western Canada, this training conference will: Motivate participants to undertake or improve risk management policy and procedures and will give you the skills and resources to do so; Learn about the key risks facing nonprofit organizations in Canada and how to manage these risks; Provide you with a comprehensive 350 page Resource Binder; Give you an opportunity to examine the challenges and options specific to the non-profit sector and interact with other leaders in the sector.

Visit: http://www.volunteersaskatoon.com/events/ Need help with costs? Check out the training grant/bursary available through The Muttart Foundation http://www.muttart.org/training.htm.

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Builder Operator Training: Waste & Water

Rising Energy Costs a Concern for Your Facility? Learn energy conservation principles, new technologies and potential facility retrofits to help reduce energy consumption and cost. Ideal for any building operator, custodian, or facility personnel. Presented by the Saskatchewan Environmental Society. For more information contact Judy Espeseth at 306.260.4743 or email: awareness@environmentalsociety.ca

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Waste Minimization Forum

For more information, contact the Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council at 306 931-3242 or visit http://www.saskwastereduction.ca/forums/fall-09-NB/fall-09-NB.html.

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SOEEA Conference: Keepers of the Prairies

For more information, please email: soeea.sk@gmail.com or visit SOEEA's website at http://www.soeea.sk.ca/conferences.html.

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Nature Saskatchewan 60th Anniversary Fall Meet

Yellowhead Flyway Birding Trail Association (YFBTA) is hosting the 60th Anniversary Nature Saskatchewan Fall Meet in Saltcoats, September 26 to 28, 2009. The members of the YFBTA have planned an exciting nature weekend to honour the 60th anniversary of the Nature Saskatchewan. Details at http://www.naturesask.ca/?s=news&p=events.

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North American Association for Environmental Education 38th Annual Conference

Many environmental, economic, and social challenges face our world, but fortunately environmental educators have the skills to lead communities towards positive decision-making for sustainable solutions. For over 37 years, NAAEE has held an annual conference where educators from around the world present how they deliver quality environmental education. The conference runs from October 7-10, 2009 in Portland, Oregon, with all day Wednesday Workshops, field experiences on Tuesday and Sunday and a Research Symposium Tuesday /Wednesday. Visit the NAAEE conference web site to learn more and to register for the conference: http://naaee.org/conference.

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Call for Proposals: CEAA Research and Development Program

The 2009-2010 Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency Call for Proposals is now open and will extend to September 7, 2009 (4 pm EST). The R&D Program supports research that furthers the practice of environmental assessment (EA), including the application of EA processes and techniques that promote sustainable development. The purpose of the R&D Program is to encourage innovation and excellence in the application of relevant, credible, efficient Environmental Assessment.

For the 2009 Monograph Series, the Agency will provide up to $42,500 for one successful project to be completed by March 31, 2010. The Agency will entertain research proposals that address at least one of the following priority areas: Adaptive Management or Climate Change.

Details at: http://www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca/default.asp?lang=En&n=0ABA6FD8.

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Clean Energy Fund

On May 19th, the Minister for Natural Resources announced the $1 billion Clean Energy Fund (CEF). One component of the CEF is funding for demonstration projects in Renewable Energy and Clean Energy Systems. The scope includes the integration of these systems into the built environment. Innovative community-scale projects are included in the scope. Projects can be funded up to 50 percent of eligible costs, with a minimum CEF contribution of $2.5 million and a maximum of $50 million. Deadline is September 14, 2009.

For further information, and an “Intent to Submit” form, see the CEF web site at http://nrcan.gc.ca/eneene/science/ceffep-eng.php.

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Pan-Canadian Biodiversity Best Practices/Case Studies Contest

The Pan-Canadian Biodiversity Best Practices/Case Studies Contest has been extended until September 15, 2009! Increase your organization’s visibility and win $200! All you need to do is send a ½ page description of your biodiversity project.

In advance of the International Year of Biodiversity in 2010, the Canadian Environmental Network launched a Best Practices/Case Studies Contest to gather innovative and effective examples of environmental non-governmental organizations' (ENGOs) work related to the conservation, sustainable use, and awareness of biodiversity. The "winning" case studies and best practices will be featured in a 20-page handbook that will be posted on the RCEN website and distributed to Environment Canada and the Secretariat of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. Our aim is to include one best practice/case study from each province and territory. If your best practice or case study is selected, you will receive $200 to write a 1-2 page summary to be included in the handbook.

For more information please contact Sarah Heiberg, RCEN National Caucus Coordinator at 514-833-9810. Send your submission by email to sarah@cen-rce.org. Details are on the RCEN website at http://www.cen-rce.org/eng/index.html

Selected submissions will be announced September 18, 2009. Once selected, groups will have until September 28th to submit their final best practice/case study summary to be included in the handbook.

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Call for Nominations: Fred Heal Conservation Award

Partners FOR the Saskatchewan River Basin is accepting nominations for the 2009 Fred Heal Conservation Award. This award was established in memory of Fred Heal, the former executive director of the Meewasin Valley Authority and the driving force behind the establishment of Partners FOR the Saskatchewan River Basin. Applications will be accepted until October 1, 2009.

The award intended is to recognize a for-profit or a community organization that has taken a direct initiative in the preservation and/or the enhancement of the health of the Saskatchewan River Basin. The organization will have developed and implemented a program or policy that results in a direct benefit to the health of the basin. The organization should show measurable results from the initiative and will show continued dedication toward environmental sustainability.

The presentation for the award will occur at our November 3 - 5 conference - Sustainable Water & Sustainable Energy. The decision committee will be appointed by the PFSRB Board of Directors.

Applications require the following information: name and address of the organization, main contact name(s) and numbers, description of program or policy (not to exceed one page), what they have achieved to date under the program or policy, and evidence of long-term commitment to the Saskatchewan River. Self-nominations are accepted and encouraged. Applications and additional information can be found at http://www.saskriverbasin.ca/.

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ecoENERGY for Personal Vehicles Funding Opportunity

Have a great idea to improve fuel efficiency? Looking for a contribution to your project? Natural Resources Canada's (NRCan's) ecoENERGY for Personal Vehicles program is launching Round 3 of its funding process. Details about proposal submissions and evaluation criteria are available on the Web at http://www.vehicles.nrcan.gc.ca.

NRCan is soliciting proposals for projects to help Canadian drivers change their behaviours when buying, driving and maintaining their vehicles to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, the principal greenhouse gas (GHG) linked to climate change. The funding is for all non-governmental organizations, community groups and associations, educational and academic institutions, and provincial/territorial and municipal agencies, just to name a few.

Funding priority will be given to projects that use a multi-faceted approach to address the ecoENERGY for Personal Vehicles program objectives focused on personal vehicles and integrates buying, driving and maintaining behaviours in order to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Examples of possible projects include: developing clinics, workshops and campaigns on fuel-efficient driving styles targeted at Canadian light vehicle drivers; building on NRCan's national campaign to encourage Canadians to reduce idling (www.idling.gc.ca); developing outreach activities that will increase the purchase of fuel-efficient vehicles; or encouraging school boards to develop and implement a "no idling" policy with an accompanying awareness and outreach campaign.

The deadline for applications for this funding round is October 15, 2009. Approved projects will start April 1, 2010 and run to March 31, 2011.

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Community Outreach Program Officer

Primary responsibilities of this position include planning, coordination and delivery of SCIC’s public engagement program activities for Saskatoon and northern Saskatchewan with some communications-related activities to promote these programs.

This is a full time position [35 hours per week] with starting salary approximately $40,000 per year plus a generous benefits package. Please send applications to scic@earthbeat.sk.ca with a resume and a covering letter outlining the applicant’s interest and qualifications for the position by 5 pm, Monday, September 21, 2009. Details at http://www.earthbeat.sk.ca.

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Artisan and Traditional Craft Coop Co-ordinator

New Community Youth Development Corporation (YDC) is a Saskatoon based non-profit that uses social enterprise, hands on training and mentorship with youth as community development tools. YDC is about a year and a half old and currently runs a number of social enterprises.

YDC is looking for an individual with the following qualifications: experience working with youth at risk; understanding of First Nations culture and traditions; some experience making traditional crafts; an understanding of barriers to employment and success faced by young people at-risk in Saskatoon; a strong work ethic; experience in project management; capability of learning on the job; capability of working collaboratively with partner agencies, co-workers, and customers. YDC strongly encourages applicants of First Nations or Metis ancestry to apply.

Duties: Provide 10 -20 hours/week of instruction and program coordination; Work as part of a team with other YDC staff members. Wage and Benefits: Based on experience and training.

Please apply by email or in person to: Keith Jorgenson, Executive Director, YDC, 322 Ave C South, Saskatoon. Phone 975-3955; email keith.ydc@sasktel.net.

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Regional Organizer

The Council of Canadians seeks an Edmonton based Regional Organizer to: work with Council of Canadians chapters in the Prairies Region on current Council of Canadians campaigns and local level initiatives;); promote and facilitate participation by Prairies activists in campaigns; initiate and participate in coalition-building with partner organizations; and take the lead on organizing Council of Canadians events in the Prairies.

This is a full time permanent position of 35 hours per week and is based in Edmonton, Alberta. We offer a unionized environment, excellent benefits, and a pay scale of $55,450 per annum. Deadline to apply is September 16th.

Details: http://www.canadians.org/about/jobs/12-Aug-09.html

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Executive Director: Saskatchewan Association of Watersheds

The position would be a .25 time contract position based on 40 hrs/month and an ideal position for someone who wishes to work from home. The successful applicant would work with the SAW Board on our work plan to grow and assist our member watersheds. Post-secondary education in environmental sciences or related fields would be an asset. Details at http://www.saskjobs.ca/jsp/joborder/detail.jsp?job_order_id=262144.

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