Business August 2014 by Scott Sumner

August 2014

Inside! CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW??...CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?? COME OUT TO THE WESTFORT VILLAGE 32ND ANNUAL STREET FAIR!

Creating Jobs, Strengthening Health Care in Northern Ontario

Drop Zone Thunder Bay Thunder Bay Hydro Conservation Launches Energy Saving Contest

North Superior Publishing @tbay25

Northern Policy Institute Hosts Speaker's Breakfast With Ring of Fire report author, Nick Mulder

Montreal Is A Cosmopolitan City!

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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS AUGUST 2014

Drop Zone Thunder Bay can sell tickets at $5 each to help them raise their fundraising goal. The prizes will be 2 tickets to any Porter Airline destination and a Best Western Travel Card, Helicopter tour with Wisk Air, a Eureka camping package from Gear Up for Outdoors and monthly dinners for a year at Kelsey’s or Montana's. We want more people to repel down Maplecrest Tower.”

Have you ever wanted to be a superhero? This is your chance! Easter Seals Drop Zone is a unique and exhilarating fundraising event that encourages ordinary individuals to become superheroes for a day. On Thursday, August 14, brave individuals will challenge themselves and change lives by harnessing up and rappelling 14 storeys down Maplecrest Tower (590 Beverly St., Thunder Bay) to raise funds for children and youth with physical disabilities. Since 2005, more than 4,000 individuals have participated in Drop Zone across Canada and this year, Drop Zone events are being held coast to coast in 14 cities. Rappelling participants must raise a minimum of $1,000, take part in a pre-event training session and will be guided by highly trained experts throughout the entire process. The rappel is facilitated by Remote Access Technology, a company whose staff are fully certified and highlytrained in rappelling and rope access.

SPACE IS LIMITED, SO REGISTER TODAY! You can register as an individual rappeller or create a team of superheroes. Visit www.thedropzone.ca to register. When I was asked to participate in rappelling down a tall building last year I said no…I am terrified of heights!! Then I was told it was for Easter Seals Anyone who knows me, knows that I will do just about anything for kids! WHAT A RUSH!!! DO

IT!!! - Laura Zaina, CKPR Morning Show Host For more information or to register, contact Rhonda Harrison at rharrison@easterseals.org, 807.345.7622 ext. 4 or toll-free at 1.800.267.3778. Rhonda Harrison “ This year we have partnered with the Hill City Kinettes and have a raffle going on where our participants

Lenora Pauluik is turning 80 in September and will repel down Maplecrest. I have done some things like this before. In Haita I did a zip line across the ocean and it was wonderful. I have ridden a camel, swam with the dolphins and would like to parachute and want to go para-sailing. I have raised 8 kids and they don’t say much about my repelling!”

Amy Rusak is back for a second time at Drop Zone. “I had so much fun last year I can’t wait to do it again, it was fantastic. Last year I raised over $3500. I was so strapped in it was very safe. If I can do it anybody can do it.”

Thunder Bay Hydro Conservation Launches Energy Saving Contest Summer is here and for many families that means kids are home all day, and energy conservation becomes an issue and top of mind. Today, to help encourage youth to save energy and become more efficient, Thunder Bay Hydro Conservation launched the Easier Ways Colouring Contest.

peaksaver PANDA was at the Teddy Bear’s Picnic, providing children with conservation tips to inspire creative artwork submissions. Says Thunder Bay Hydro, Energy Services Advisor, Jake Allen; “Youth play a big role when it comes to energy conservation and the key is to get them excited about it. With

saveONenergy initiatives, saving energy is easy and ways to save are being implemented into thousands of homes in

Thunder Bay. The Easier Ways Colouring Contest encourages the younger generation to start thinking about how they can conserve as individuals.” The Easier Ways Colouring Contest asks Thunder Bay youth to draw, colour, paint or even create a photo collage, that features ways their family saves energy at home. Twelve winning submissions will be selected and featured in local newspapers and the 2015 peaksaver PLUS calendar that will be distributed in Thunder Bay. Continues Allen; “Thunder Bay families don’t have to go to extremes to save ener-

gy this summer. Conserving energy can be a habit our children get used to. We teach our children things like brushing their teeth, washing their hands before dinner, and how totie their shoes; We need to show them the basics about conservation and lead by example. All household members can become accountable for how much energy they use.” Easier ways to save energy ideas: • Letting your dishes air dry • Using cold water on full loads of laundry • Installing compact fluorescent light bulbs • Closing your curtains and blinds to keep the sun out Easier Ways Colouring Contest submissions must be submitted by September 19th, 2014, to easierways@firedogpr.com or mailed to: Firedog Communications RE: Easier Ways Colouring Contest 32 Court St S Thunder Bay ON P7B 2W5 Contest details and entry forms can be found at easierwayscontest.com.

THUNDER BAY BUSINESS AUGUST 2014

Publisher’s Note Scott Sumner After a several month hiatus from travelling it was time to get back in the saddle and begin my journey to Montreal, Quebec. The main purpose of my trip was to attend and cover the 2014 RBC Canadian Open PGA Tour event. My

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Montreal Is A Cosmopolitan City! My stay in Montreal began in the St. Martin Hotel ideally located in downtown Montreal near St Catherine Street. This 4year-old boutique type hotel features very fancy rooms based on today’s design features. It was fun to drive up with your car, hand off the keys to their staff and then explore Montreal from your home away

US Presidents.”said Joanne.

arrival began with a nice tour of Montréal and then off to the Prince of Pop’s, Bruno Mars concert at the Bell Centre. This Bruno Mars concert was a highlight

from home. Each day I drove my Ford Taurus to a golf course to play including firstly Montreal Island, then St Raphael and final-

“ In 1962 when Place Ville Marie was built they decided to connect the office tower to the train station and hotel which was useful for all the tenants for access. They built tunnels which was the beginning of the underground city which is now 29 kms long,” said Joanne Papineau, Regional Director of Public Relations. “ It is quite interesting and useful because in summer it is quite hot outside so it is our air conditioning and in the winter the reverse- heated so we don’t need boots.” The Fairmont Queen Elizabeth is an iconic hotel now owned by the Quebec Pension Fund. This is the hotel where the gold floor concept originated. It is mostly business travelers duringn the week or on the weekends leisure. It is very useful because you get your own concierge, check in at the 19th floor and will be a VIP and have a beautiful view.

of this trip for me. I have never seen such an elaborate performance right from my seat adjacent to the stage. It was amazing and a spectacle unlike any I have seen in my concert history.

President Miranda Bolt Graphic Designer

Sonia Rutter @ 807- 631-4244

ly Royal Montreal where the tournament was held. You can read more about my golf adventures at www.golfingnews.ca The final part of my stay was at the iconic Fairmont Queen Elizabeth, also in downtown Montreal.

“ We are famous for our John Lennon and Yoko Ono visit in 1969 where they did their bed in for piece protesting against the war in Vietnam. Today we follow Yoko on twitter and use the room as a tribute and respect their message. We work with charities close to Yoko and enjoy reactivating the message. Give Piece A Chance was recorded in this suite so it special, it is really a symbolic suite. We also currently have had many celebrities stay here like Bruno Mars, Bon Jovi, Oprah Winfrey and

If you join the Fairmont Club which is free, you can get the newspaper daily, free room nights, upgrades and they will even provide you with Rebook running shoes, BMW bicycles, golf clubs from Taylor Made and free wifi. Traveling to Quebec is always enjoyable for me primarily because of the people there. This trip was no exception and also allowed for more time to explore the cosmopolitan world-class city of Montreal. It really is quite easy to get there from Thunder Bay with just over 3 hours of travelling time. Once you arrive you will experience many unique activities and return home with a refreshed new perspective on your life at home!

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COME OUT TO THE WESTFORT VILLAGE 32ND ANNUAL STREET FAIR! By Sherry Aalto

How quickly times flies!! Here we are again…get ready to take part in the 32nd street fair of Westfort Village, Thunder Bay, on August 23, 2014 . Mark that date on your calendar to gather up the family, friends and neighbours for a day of social exchange, fun and frolic for the kiddies and talk about the food, food, food that will be available!! Along with all the different cuisine to enjoy, there will be vendors presenting their wares for purchase and activities for the kiddies and entertainment for everyone. The Westfort Village Street Fair has been a growing success since it began

back in 1982, when six neighbourhood merchants set up a table in the parking lot of the Royal Bank’s West Frederica Street branch. It was like a little yard sale then, but a Street Fair had evolved and has grown dramatically since. Even with so many other events in the city taking place at the same time, The

Westfort Street Fair has remained popular for a celebration of community. The fair host approximately 8,000 visitors each year, throughout the day, which is a nice number for those who don’t want to attend larger events with

the Westfort community and where everyone can relax and have an enjoyable time.

bigger crowds and the event has something for everyone, especially for the kids. The Westfort Street Fair has a real sense of ‘neighbouring spirit’ which seems to resonate throughout

and show them how they too can have a good time…just like the yesteryear! August 23, 2014…be there! Westfort Street Fair, on Frederica Street, from Brown Street to Ford Street…Have a great time!

Don’t miss out this year! Bring the family, visitors, friends and neighbours

Rhonda Adduono 217 W Frederica St Open 9:30 to 5 Tues to Saturday Evenings by Appointment Phone 577-9090

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Watch for our special section on the Westfort Street Fair 2014 in the September issue of Thunder Bay Business! To participate in the section contact Sylvia at 629-7599 or Sonia at 631-4244

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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS AUGUST 2014

Creating Jobs, Strengthening Health Care in Northern Ontario Ontario Helping Thunder Bay Become a Centre for Advanced Medical Research July 30, 2014 11:00 a.m. Office of the Premier Premier Kathleen Wynne visited the Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute, where she announced that the government will help it expand its patient-centred health care research and create 29 new jobs. The province is providing more than $4 million in support to the institute through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC). The institute is an independent, not-for-profit research corporation that develops technology to detect and treat diseases such as cancer. The province's support will help it fund research projects, buy equipment used for early detection and cancer treatment, and ultimately improve patient care.

Ontario's support is helping to make Thunder Bay a centre for advanced medical research and improving health care for people in the region. Supporting health care and job creation in the North is part of the government's comprehensive plan for a strong Ontario that builds people's talent and skills, builds a more dynamic business environment, builds new infrastructure and builds a more secure retirement for Ontarians. Quick Facts • Since 2003, the NOHFC has committed $930 million to 6,055 projects, helping create or sustain more than 23,400 jobs across the North. • In 2011 and 2013, the NOHFC provided a total of $4.9 million in support to the Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute (TBRRI). • TBRRI’s clinical tests will give patients in the northwest access

for the first time to early-stage trials of imaging and diagnostics technology used to detect and treat diseases. Quotes “Our government is committed to making smart investments to improve health care and create jobs in Northern Ontario. I am pleased that this support will help the institute perform cutting-edge research that will improve health care while creating 29 high-skilled jobs in the region.”

Kathleen Wynne Premier of Ontario “By continuing to invest in this remarkable facility – one that has already advanced a diversified economy in Thunder Bay – our government is enhancing state-of-the-art health care research in the region. It is also providing students with the most relevant training possible. Incredibly important work is taking place at TBRRI, as the Institute conducts ground-breaking research into the early detection and treatment of diseases such as cancer.” Michael Gravelle Minister of Northern Development and Mines and Chair of the NOHFC “The Regional Research Institute continues to conduct important research, create good jobs and offer educational and training opportunities for students in our area. I am very pleased that the NOHFC could support these projects, which will help improve health care in the Northwest.” Bill Mauro MPP Minister for Thunder Bay-Atikokan “Premier Wynne’s funding announcement today will greatly improve both patient care and research in Northwestern Ontario. This new investment reaffirms our strong partnership with the provincial government and the NOHFC, which is vital to the success of our growing research program.” Dr. Roxanne Deslauriers Acting CEO of the Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute and Vice President of Research at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre

cranerentals@towerlight.ca

THUNDER BAY BUSINESS AUGUST 2014

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CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW??...CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?? By Sherry Aalto Recognize this?? If you do, then you haven’t visited the stay ‘anywhere connected’ people at Lakehead Communications, located at 420 Balmoral Street in Thunder Bay.

touch with other boats on the water, and the transcending radio features include submersible construction, “Float n’ Flash” technology, intuitive interfaces and Military Spec. Do you own a communications device that can help you stay in contact, provide emergency sig-

Since 2000 Lakehead Communications, has been a leader for products and service in communications devices for Thunder Bay and region. According to, G.M., Mr. Fred Erickson, ‘vast knowledge, intricate advice and service for such technology is difficult to find when you really need help beyond the purchase and sales of cellular phones, satellite phones, two –way radios, C.B. radios and other communication devices that are off the grid.’ If you don’t know what Lakehead Communications offers…check this out…for example… most of us are familiar with cellular phones…but…sometimes we need a little booster to be able to not lose our signal in areas that are weak or if we are in a remote area, like at camp! Lakehead Communications has a better variety of boosters for such needs, plus…they are a Tbaytel authorized dealer for cell phones sales and service and everything that goes with it such as, blue tooth and hands free kits. They also have a large variety of other devices for communicating, such as GEOTAB, for management by measurement , iridium, which offers global mobile satellite voice and data, Kenwood radios (authorized Kenwood dealer) for land mobile radios, icom, for recreational boaters and marine industry, which provides the user with the latest weather report or to simply keep in

nals for help…especially if you or anyone you love become lost, stranded or in distress, in a remote area while hiking, hunting or even fishing? Let’s face it…we live in the North, so it would only make perfect sense to have a device that provides a sense of security, knowing that if anything happens, a signal can be sent out for help and help will be on the way with the added feature of knowing where to find you! Also, anyone who owns a boat or any marine vessel should not be without a communications device for sending a distress signal. Life happens and weather can change on any lake at a moments’ notice, so being prepared is the best insurance you can offer your-

self and your family. Another amazing device in communications is the “inReach” by DeLORME. This is the satellite communicator that puts amazing functionality in the palm of your hand without having to pair the device. It can send and receive freeform text messages, trigger S.O.S., interact back and forth with GEOS, a 24/7 search and rescue centre and track GPS coordinates. A cell phone is a great gift idea for Christmas or birthdays but presenting a device that can assist in saving a life, that’s extraordinary! A communications device can offer immeasurable peace of mind for when you or someone else is going off the grid for camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, driving highways, back roads and off road trails. Not being able to call for help in any situation can be a very scary experience. Just knowing that you or someone you love can send a signal for help, can ease the mind greatly! Lakehead Communications provides devices that offer security, performance and assurance! Custom installs, field work, reasonable pricing, plans and rates, marine radio communication devices, two-way radios, boosters, antennas, accessories are all available at Lakehead Communications. Call them or stop in and visit with Fred Erickson today for any of your communication devices needs, whether it be marine or

remote…and maybe you won’t have to say ‘CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW??...CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW??’…anymore! Lakehead Communications 420 Balmoral Street, Thunder Bay, Ontario, (807) 628-0198, Toll-Free 1-800-4148309, FAX (807)626-8248 or www.lakeheadcommunications.com

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From one Local Business to another… and another… and another… Welcome to our Shop Local – Shop Thunder Bay section which is now a regular monthly feature in Thunder Bay Business. North Superior Publishing is a local business celebrating its 30th anniversary this December. Because of our long-term success, we decided to create a section in Thunder Bay Business where local businesses can be showcased. WHY? · Because we want to support local business. After all, local business has supported us for almost three decades. · Because we wanted to create a place specifically for local businesses where they can promote and advertise their goods, products, services, events, etc. Our local businesses carry many of the same items that are found in non-locally owned businesses, and we want everyone to know

who they are and where they are. · For the purposes of this publication, a local business is defined as: o You are a locally owned BUSINESS operating in Thunder Bay o You are a locally owned and operated FRANCHISE that makes advertising decisions independently from its Corporate Offices o You are a BIA who wants to promote your Shopping District HERE’S WHAT ELSE WE ARE DOING We will be doing a feature article on one of the advertising businesses each month. You may be asking, “How are you going to make THAT decision?” On the 16th of each month, we will put the names of all the businesses advertising in the next issue of Shop Local – Shop Thunder Bay in the proverbial hat and draw a name. This means that each business has an equal

chance of being our Featured Business of the month. We can’t make it any simpler than that! Thunder Bay Business is also available online for no less than 12 months. These are the complete issues of each publication which means that EVERYTHING that was in the print issue is online for an entire year! So, not only can people read the articles in the back issues, but they can also see who advertised in those issues. This is just one more way that we are helping businesses to promote themselves at no additional charge. Starting in the May issue, all the ads will link directly to the businesses’ website – not only for the current issue but for all online back issues. (Issues prior to May 2014 will not hyperlink to websites). In future issues, we will be including more editorial about the local economy, statisti-

cal information, articles on events, and more. We would like to invite YOU to submit articles about shopping local such as how local businesses are working together, tips on marketing locally, what BIA’s are and why they work, etc. The bottom line – North Superior Publishing wants our local businesses to THRIVE! For more information on Shop Local – Shop Thunder Bay, contact: · SYLVIA GOMEZ – (807) 629-7599 – sylvia@northsuperpublishing.com · SONIA RUTTER – (807) 631-4244 – sonia@northsuperiorpublishing.com · SHERRY ALTO – (807) 627-9345 – snwriter@hotmail.com BY THE WAY… Did you Shop Local today? Could you have?

SHOP LOCAL . . .REALLY! Yes…Really! Isn’t time to discover or even rediscover what great places there are to shop right here in Thunder Bay! With all the hype on cross-border shopping and online shopping, it is easy to get accustomed and excited about seeking out deals, deals, deals, when the world is at your finger tips. But wait! Before you even click the mouse…check out what you can actually buy here in Thunder Bay! Shop on line! Local vendors want you to access their web sites but, at the end of your search words in your tool bar type in… ‘/in Thunder Bay’! For everything we purchase for our families, ourselves, our homes, our friends, should we not at least see what our local vendors have to offer? In a lot of cases, most anything we purchase across borders has a price close to what we would pay here at home…so why not keep the dollars at home? Everyone knows the importance of strengthening their own economy and it is no secret that a stronger economy secures more jobs and spin off and so on and so on. Those are two benefits of shopping local! Another

benefit is the good feeling you get when you know you have exercised loyalty and supported your local vendor in your community! Vendors want to do well for their consumers. They want to develop a relationship with families for generations! And there is something to be said about that kind of recognition for both consumer and vendor/local shop owners! Now, no one can shop local all the time, but wouldn’t it be nice if whenever we shop we make ‘did I try to shop local today’ our first option. The barter system is still in style, maybe not everywhere you shop, but if a consumer asks for a bit of a discount, most times the local vendor will check out the possibility to satisfy the request and when both parties are satisfied…a new relationship has just begun. Why do we want our locals to shop local? Because when shopping begins at home, everyone benefits! We want to encourage local support for our local businesses and build commerce in our city. Sometimes, as we meandour our way through our shopping sectors and we see another business has

closed its doors, or we hear about a local vendor going out of business, we acknowledge some sense of disappointment, because it marks change and we know that business will more than likely never return. So… so?? What can w do to ensure our local businesses stay in business? We can try to shop at home first. We can ask our local vendor to send out for items we can’t find in

their stores. We can see if we can get a better price from the local vendor. The bottom line is… “If I shopped today…could I have shopped local?” One local purchase at a time is all it takes to build a stronger local economy. That’s all it takes! As the old saying goes,… “We’ll be here, as long as you are here!”

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Legal Matters thousands of dollars of clean-up costs. Could you afford to pay those costs? Most property owners, whether home owners or businesses, purchase insurance to protect themselves from exposure to catastrophic expenses. Unfortunately, most insurance policies

contain a form of pollution exclusion endorsement by which the insurer shifts those risks back to the property owner. These clauses were first introduced in the 1970s to control claims costs. The wordings were altered in the 1980s in response to loopholes created by court decisions. Since that time, there has been an ongoing cycle of amendments followed by courts finding ways to find coverage, or limit the exclusions. In Ontario, there was a noteworthy case in 2002 where the Court of Appeal found that only industrial polluters were excluded, and that the risk of a carbon monoxide leak from an apartment building furnace, not being industrial pollution, was covered. The court said that

“An exclusion clause should not be interpreted in a way that is repugnant to or inconsistent with the main purpose of the insurance coverage but so as to give effect to that purpose and the reasonable expectations of the ordinary person as to the coverage purchased.” That ruling seemed to be the leading case at least up until 2011. At that time, the appeal court considered a situation arising from a leak at a gas station. It makes commercial sense that leaks are a risk that a gas station owner would expect he was insured for. The Court ruled that the exclusion extends to activities, such as storing gasoline in the ground for resale at a gas bar, that carry a known risk of pollution and environ-

mental harm. Many businesses and property owners may be unaware of this shift in the law. If your business has environmental risks and you have not reviewed this coverage issue with your broker since 2011, now is the time to make a call. You may be advised to purchase environmental liability insurance. Better that you make an informed decision now rather than face a nasty surprise of coverage denial later. Weilers has been advising clients on insurance coverage law for over 65 years.

Northern Policy Institute releases report on Ontario minimum wage Minimum wage: Good politics, bad economics? The latest report issued by Northern Policy Institute, Northern Ontario's think tank, examines the impact of minimum wage increases on the economy in Ontario. The report suggests that raising minimum wages is good for politics and Canada's international profile but has negative effects on employment by reducing demand for workers. Authored by Canadian Professor and Economist, Morley Gunderson, the report titled Minimum wage: Good politics, bad economics? highlights that good politics does not always translate into good economics. He goes further to suggest that minimum wage increases fail to achieve the fundamental goal used to justify them – minimum wage increases do not reduce poverty in Canada. Furthermore, the subsequent (or unintentional) effects do in fact harm those who are actually living in poverty. Ontario is currently proposing regular raises to minimum wage to support the Ontario Poverty Reduction Strategy. This proposal is based on claims that raising

minimum wage could rescue the economy and pull people out of poverty. Gunderson's paper addresses a series of inter-related issues revolving around the political appeal of minimum wages, the profiles of minimum wage workers in Canada, and the effects of minimum wage increases. Gunderson says; "The “upside” of a higher minimum wage seems immediate and apparent – higher wages for low-wage persons. However, the more subtle and less visible subsequent negative effects – the most notable being adverse employment effects – are largely downplayed in public discourse." In Canada, the majority of minimum wage workers are teens or youths who live at home with their parents. Many other minimum wage workers have spouses who earn above the minimum wage. Continues Gunderson; "Increasing minimum wages results in greater unemployment, and unemployment reduces total family income, pushing more families into poverty or making those who were already poor, worse off." Gunderson recommends that continuous small increases to minimum wage are a better strategy than infrequent large increases. Furthermore, he suggests that Government decision-makers should increase their focus on the adverse employment effects of minimum wage changes noting; "Minimum wage increases should not be used as a poverty

reduction tool." To read the full report titled Minimum wage: Good politics, bad economics? by Morley Gunderson, visit www.northernpolicy.ca.

About the Author, Morley Gunderson: Morley Gunderson is the CIBC Professor of Youth Employment at the University of Toronto and a Professor in the Department of Economics, the Centre for Industrial Relations and Human Resources, and the School of Public Policy and Governance. He is also a Research Associate of the Centre for International Studies, and the Institute for Human Development, Life Course and Aging, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. Morley is originally from Fort Frances, Ontario.

About Northern Policy Institute: Northern Policy Institute is a not-forprofit organization with offices in Thunder Bay and Sudbury. Its founding funder is the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation. Northern Policy Institute provides proactive, evidencebased and purpose driven recommendations to government and industry on policies and programs that strengthen our communities and create a more competitive and productive Northern Ontario. Northern Policy Institute has six key strategic areas of focus:

Our Next Issue of

Thunder Bay Business Ad Copy Deadline: August 25th Contact Sylvia Gomez @ 629-7599 Sonia Rutter @ 631-4244 www.northsuperiorpublishing.com www.thunderbaybusiness.ca

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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS AUGUST 2014

URBAN GREENSCAPES…Read This! By Sherry Aalto This is AMAZING!! You must read this! In the middle of the day or in the evening when you are home relaxing in front of your television set, there is a small but dedicated group of volunteers that go out and spend their time together…fixing up green scapes in our city! That’s right! When you are driving by some of the nice looking and well groomed green scapes and maybe you are commenting to yourself how nice they look, well…you can almost bet

they were cleaned up by the volunteers of Urban Greenscapes! In his spare time away from his job, Chief of Electrical Water Pollution Control Plant, Thunder Bay, Dan Fulton, born and raised in Thunder Bay, heads up the volunteer group for the Urban Greenspaces and is also a member of the Thunder Bay Master Gardeners. He also has a huge interest in Bio-diversity especially when it comes to Milkweed plants for Monarch Butterflies, raised and released over 600 in the past 3 years. They have also given away hundreds of packages of Milkweed seeds in that

time.http://www.davidsuzuki.org/what-youcan-do/what-you-can-do-to-bring-backmonarch-butterflies/ Monarchs are listed on the Ontario Ministry of the Environment Species of Concern List. http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/Specie s/2ColumnSubPage/MNR_SAR_MNRCH_B TTRFLY_EN.html There is a diversity in the tasks performed by the volunteer group and just to give you an idea of what that might entail, just take a look at this list below: URBAN GREENSCAPES PROJECTS – SUGGESTIONS 1. CURRENT RIVER – FISHERMAN’S PARK(AT THE MOUTH) – CLEAN UP AND REMOVAL OF NOXIOUS WEED AND INVASIVE PLANTS (TANSY, BURDOCK, CANADIAN THISTLE, BULL THISTLE,COW PARSNIP) ADD PERRENIAL WILD FLOWERS FOR POLLINATORS, BIRDS AND MONARCHS – BIODIVERSITY 2. CURRENT RIVER – BETWEEN DAM, CURRENT RIVER, GRENVILLE AVE AND CUMBERLAND STREET – LOTS OF INVASIVE SHRUBS (TARTARIAN HONEYSUCKLE) OVERTAKING NATURAL UNDER GROWTH. THEY ARE ALL READY DESTROYING NATURAL BIODIVERSITY AND STORM WATER RETENTION OF THE AREA, BIRDS WILL EAT THE BERRIES BUT THEY ARE A VERY POOR FOOD NUTRITION SOURCE

Your Northern Voice at Queen's Park

3. BOULEVARD LAKE – INVASIVE AND NOXIOUS WEEDS ALONG PATHWAYS AND SHORE LINES (TANSY, BURDOCK, CANADIAN THISTLE, BULL THISTLE,COW PARSNIP) - ADD PERRENIAL WILD FLOWERS FOR POLLINATORS, BIRDS AND MONARCHS – BIODIVERSITY 4. MARINA – NOXIOUS AND INVASIVE PLANTS REMOVAL– TANSY, PURPLE LOOSESTRIFE, POISON WATER HEMLOCK, CANADA THISTLE, BULL THISTLE, COW PARSNIP, STINGING NETTLE - ADD PERRENIAL WILD FLOWERS FOR POLLINATORS AND MONARCHS – BIODIVERSITY 5. CITY MAINTAINED DRAINAGE DITCHES IN MANY AREAS OF THE

CITY - POISON WATER HEMLOCK , PURPLE LOOSESTRIFE, COW PARSNIP 6. KAM RIVER PARK – CLEAN UP AND PLANTINGS (SMALL TREES, SHRUBS, VIRGINIA CREEPER AND PERRENIAL WILD FLOWERS FOR POLLINATORS, BIRDS AND MONARCHS BIODIVERSITY) HELP WITH STORM WATER RUNOFF FROM THE TRAIN TRACKS – VERY IMPORTANT HERE DUE TO THE RIVER- GENERAL ESTHETICS OF THE PARK 7. KAM RIVER OVERLOOK PARK (ALONG SIMPSON STREET) – PARKING LOT AND FENCE BESIDE IT. REPLACE DEAD TREES, PLANT SHRUBS AND VIRGINIA CREEPER ALONG NORTH AND EAST FENCE LINES, WILD FLOWERS FOR POLLINATORS, BIRDS AND MONARCHS (BIODIVERSITY) 8. THE “OLD BANK” FAÇADE ON VICTORIA AVENUE – CLEANUP OF AREA AND FLOWER BED AREA AND SHRUBS INCREASED. BUILT IN BENCHS ON TOP OF THE OLD FOUNDATIONS ON EAST AND WEST WALLS. REMOVE PIGEON ROOSTING SPOTS FOR HEALTH AND ESTHETICS. FLOWER BOXES IN THE FRONT ON VICTORIA AVENUE. GRAFFITI REMOVAL. 9. SHELTER HOUSE – OUTER COURTYARD – WILDFLOWER GARDEN ALONG SIMPSON STREET FOR POLLINATORS, BIRDS AND MONARCHS (BIODIVERSITY) 10.

SHELTER HOUSE – FRUIT TREES

11. THUNDER BAY MUSEUM – NOXIOUS WEEDS AND INVASIVE PLANT REMOVAL AND TIRE GARDEN WITH PERRENIAL WILD FLOWERS FOR POLLINATORS AND MONARCHS FOR SOME COLOR AND ESTHETICS ON THE WEST SIDE LANEWAY AND FRONT ENTRANCE - SOUTH SIDE DONALD STREET – SHRUBS AND TREES ON DONALD STREET ENTRANCE/RAMP REQUIRE A GOOD PRUNING AND CLEANUP – SHRUBS AND TREES AROUND THE AC UNITS AND TRANSFORMER OUTSIDE ARE DAMAGING FENCE AND HAMPERING EQUIPMENT EFFICIENCY - NEED REMOVAL – WEST SIDE AND NORTH SIDE ALONG LANEWAY 12. CITY OWNED PROPERTIES – EMPTY LOTS ON MAIN ARTERIES – SIMPSON, FORT WILLIAM, MEMORIAL, ETC – FLOWER BINS – RECYCLED PALLET CONSTRUCTION – VERY LITTLE MATERIAL COST FOR CONSTRUCTION EXCEPT FOR SOME SCREWS, LANDSCAPE CLOTH AND PAINT-BOTTOM WATERING DESIGN (WATERING REQUIRED ONCE A WEEK AT MOST DURING DRY PERIODS) - BUILDING THEM CAN BE DONE AS A COMMUNITY PROJECT- BIG ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECT WITH THIS - EASILY MOVED BY A FORKLIFT/FRONT-END LOADER FOR RELOCATION ELSEWHERE 13. ISLAND DRIVE PARK – CLEANUP AND NOXIOUS WEED REMOVAL – PERENNIAL WILDFLOWERS AND NATURAL SHRUBS FOR BIODIVERSITY, SHORE LINE RECLAMATION 14. RAIN GARDEN PROJECTS ON CITY PROPERTIES AROUND CITY – BARE POINT ALREADY HAS ONE

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URBAN GREENSCAPES…Read This! Continued from previous page 15. BIODIVERSITY PLANTINGS ON CITY PROPERTIES- FOR POLLINATORS AND MONARCHS ADDED NOTES: SEE TORONTO CREDIT VALLEY CONSERVATION BROCHURE ON NOXIOUS PLANTS AND INVASIVE PLANTS http://www.creditvalleyca.ca/wpcontent/uploads/2012/09/cvc-appendixlandowners-guide-to-invasives.pdf 1. MONARCH BUTTERFLIES ARE ON THE MINISTRY OF ONTARIO’S SPECIES OF CONCERN LIST. THEY ARE CURRENTLY UNDER MASSIVE PRESSURE DUE TO HERBICIDES KILLING OFF THEIR FOOD AND BREEDING PLANTS ALONG THEIR MIGRATION ROUTE. 2. THERE ARE NO CURRENT CITY BYLAWS REGARDING THE REMOVAL OR CONTROL OF NOXIOUS PLANTS IN THUNDER BAY 3. THERE ARE NO CURRENT CITY BYLAWS REGARDING THE REMOVAL OR CONTROL OF INVASIVE PLANTS IN THUNDER BAY 4. POLLINATORS ARE IN A HIGH STATE OF CONCERN WORLDWIDE WITH THE PANDEMIC USE OF NEONICOTINOID PESTICIDES. THERE ARE NO RESTRICTIONS ON THEIR USE IN THUNDER BAY. SEVERAL OF THE LOCAL ARBORISTS CURRENTLY USE THEM. NEONICOTINOIDS ARE A NONSELECTIVE PESTICIDE (THEY KILL BEES, BUTTERFLIES, MOTHS AND MANY BENEFICIAL INSECTS) 5. NOXIOUS AND INVASIVE PLANTS OF PATICULAR CONCERN ARE 1. POISON WATER HEMLOCK, COW PARSNIP, BURDOCK, TANSY, CANADIAN THISTLE, STINGING NETTLE, BULL THISTLE, TARTARIAN HONEYSUCKLE, MANITOBA MAPLE AND NORWAY MAPLE IN BRUSH AREAS 6. URBAN GREENSCAPE EFFORTS IN THE LAST THREE YEARS 1. ORGANIZED CLEAN UP AT KAM RIVER PARK TWICE 2. ORGANIZED CLEAN UP OF VICTORIA BANK FAÇADE 3 TIMES 3. EVERGREEN – UNITED NEIGHBORHOOD – YARD CLEANUP – DEAD TREE REMOVAL 4. FLOWER BED AND SHRUB INSTALLATION AT VICTORIA BANK FAÇADE LAST YEAR 5. SPOT CLEANUPS AT THE VICTORIA BANK OVER THE LAST 3 YEARS – 20 TIMES – I INSTALLED 2 GARBAGE CANS THERE TO HELP KEEPING THE AREA CLEAN. REMOVAL OF HUNDREDS OF NEEDLES (USED AND NEW) 6. ORGANIZED INVASIVE PLANT CLEAN UP TWICE LAST YEAR – REMOVED PURPLE LOOSESTRIFE FROM 8 DIFFERENT AREAS ON CITY DRAINAGE DITCHES AND AT MARINA PARK 7. INVASIVE PLANT REMOVAL AT CURRENT RIVER BETWEEN THE DAM AND CUMBERLAND STREET 8. SHELTER HOUSE VEGGIE GARDEN PROJECT – 2ND YEAR FOR THIS PROJECT – INSTALLATION OF 3 RAISED BEDS IN THE INNER COURTYARD FOR VEGGIES AND FLOWERS – ROTOTILLED IN LARGE ARE IN OUTER COURTYARD FOR VEGGIES – INSTALLATION OF FLOWER GARDEN ALONG THE OUTSIDE OF THE AMP PROGRAM COURTYARD –RAISED BED FOR FLOWERS AND VEGGIES INSIDE AMP PROGRAM COURTYARD – ONGOING PRUNING AND MAINTANANCE OF TREES AND SHRUBS ON THE GROUNDS (SEE BAYVIEW MAGAZINE SUMMER 2013 FOR MORE DETAILS) 9. CHARRY PARK (EAST END) – ORGANIZED CLEANUP OF NORTHEAST CORNER – HOBO CAMPGROUND

– REMOVED 3 TRUCKLOADS OF GARBAGE, SOILED CLOTHES AND BROKEN CAMPING GEAR FROM THE LOW LYING PONDS IN THE BRUSH AREA– IT IS A SMALL WETLAND AND AS FROG BREEDING AREA IN THE SPRING 10. INVASIVE PLANT AND NOXIOUS WEED REMOVAL AT FISHERMAN’S PARK AT CURRENT RIVER MOUTH 11. ISLAND DRIVE PARK – 12 TRUCKLOADS OF ILLEGALLY DUMPED GARBAGE REMOVED FROM THE AREA. SOLICITED AND OBTAINED DONATION BY THUNDER BAY STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL (MNR) FOR SUPPLY OF 10 MOUNTAIN ASH TREES WHICH WERE PLANTED BY AN ORGANIZED PROJECT WITH THE COUNCIL (UNFORTUNATELY THE DEER FOUND THEM QUITE TASTY OVER THE NEXT 2 YEARS) SOLICITED AND OBTAINED HELP FROM CP RAIL IN REGARDS TO BLOCKING REAR ACCESS OF THE PROPERTY WHICH HELPED TO CUT BACK ON ILLEGAL DUMPING IN THE AREA (THEY INSTALLED SEVERAL CONCRETE BLOCKS TO LIMIT VEHICLE TRAFFIC). OBTAINED THE COOPERATION OF LAFARGE LTD NEXT DOOR, DONATION OF 2 DUMP TRUCK LOADS OF CRUSHER FINES FOR WALKWAYS AND LOAN OF EQUIPMENT TO MAINTAIN/GRADE WALKWAYS AND PARKING AREA(INCLUDING OUTALL AREA FOR THE THUNDER BAY WPCP). LARFARGE ALSO DONATED AND INSTALLED 6 CONCRETE LEGO TYPE BLOCKS AT ENTRANCE TO LIMIT ACCESS- PARKS SOUTH LOCK ON ENTRY CHAIN- UNFORTUNATELY SOMEONE DESTROYED LOCKING SETUP AND TOOK THE CHAIN, I HAVENT HAD TIME TO DEVISE AND WELD A MORE SUBSTANTIAL ONE YET - INVASIVE PLANT AND NOXIOUS WEED REMOVAL. TRANSPLANTING APPROXIMATELY 40 NATIVE SHRUBS OVER TIME TO HELP WITH SHORE LINE EROSION AND BIODIVERSITY. WILD FLOWER SEEDING AND TRASNPLANTING TO INCREASE BIODIVERSITY. GAS TRIMMING TRAILS AND UNDER CONIFEROUS TREES TO HELP WITH GROWTH. ROTOTILLING COMPOSTED LEAVES INTO AREAS TO BOOST SOIL HEALTH. SOLICITING

AND OBTAINING SPRING ROAD SWEEPINGS FOR FILL FOR GRADING PARKING LOT. PRIOR TO THAT IT WAS BASICALLY A MUD HOLE WHEN IT RAINED. OBTAINMENT OF SOIL FOR BUILDING OF EARTH BERM TO CREATE A NATURAL BARRIER AGAINST VEHICLE TRAVEL.

If you would like to become an Urban Greenscapes Volunteer, you can find Dan Fulton on Facebook…just send him a ‘friend’ request and he will gladly accept your invitation and you can become involved with your passion as well…making this world just a little safer environmentally and more beautiful to look at!

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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS AUGUST 2014

Northern Policy Institute Hosts Speaker's Breakfast With Ring of Fire Report Author, Nick Mulder BY SCOTT A. SUMNER

Thunder Bay BUSINESS The Northern Policy Institute held a Speaker's Breakfast with Nick Mulder, the author of the think tank's first report on the Ring of Fire. The Speaker's Breakfast took place on July 10th at the Valhalla Inn in Thunder Bay. The Ring of Fire report, released earlier this month, suggested that an Authority model similar to the

their own special needs in their communities which are quite separate from the infrastructure needs of the mining companies. They have to be interconnected because you can’t just build roads that aren’t interconnected to other roads. If they are involved in this independent transportation authority I am suggesting could be set up, the aboriginal communities could make their own links to the transportation route.” “ Minister Michael Gravelle called and we had a very pleasant conversation. He

Nick Mulder, the author of the think tank's first report on the Ring of Fire

Airport/Port Transportation Authority model would be an effective model in developing infrastructure in the Ring of Fire. Following significant interest in the report, Northern Policy Institute invited Nick Mulder to deliver a presentation of the report directly to Northern Ontario stakeholders. Says Charles Cirtwill, President & CEO of Northern Policy Institute; "One of the main goals of Northern Policy Institute is to generate and facilitate dialogue around policy issues. This first report on Ring of Fire infrastructure development has certainly started the discussion and we want to continue the conversation among stakeholders on potential options. “ About the Author, Nick Mulder: Nick Mulder is the former Deputy Minister of Transport Canada. As one of the principal architects of a broad commercialization agenda with the Government of Canada, Nick Mulder developed the Transportation Authority model governing ports and airports. About Northern Policy Institute: Northern Policy Institute provides proactive, evidence-based and purpose driven recommendations to government and industry on policies and programs that strengthen our communities and create a more competitive and productive Northern Ontario. For more information visit: www.northernpolicy.ca Nick Mulder “ The NPI are very pleased with the interest in the report I did and the attendance at the breakfast.” “ I agree with the questions of the Aboriginal community attending today and believe in their extensive involvement and being partners in the decision making process. You need to look after

said we want a real local partnership with local people in the decisions. I am not sure what the Ontario government will come up with in the next month or so.” “ KKWG and I will have a meeting to compare notes.” “ I worked in government provincially in New Brunswick and federally in Ottawa in various departments especially transportation. My original idea to have a set up similar to airport authorities came from Western Canada for instance in Calgary with their airport. The Calgary and Vancouver airports were the

first to be commercialized in the mid 1990s. They have done a good job, not costing the government money and all the decisions are made by the airport authority. These are good examples.” “ The aboriginal communities have to be involved in any event even with the

recent court decision as it is their traditional lands where they have roamed for fishing or hunting. They want a big say in what happens and in some cases the final decision.”

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