Trent University to Install Energy Efficiency Upgrades

Trent University is partnering with Ameresco, Inc. to install various energy efficiency upgrades, including an on-site Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) on its Peterborough campus.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

The new system aims to reduce the University’s carbon footprint, while supporting the provincial energy grid.

“This project is an exciting next step in Trent’s ongoing commitment to environmental and sustainable initiatives on campus,” said Tariq Al-Idrissi, acting vice president, Finance and Administration at Trent University. “Our renewed Energy Performance Contract with Ameresco builds on previous energy saving projects such as converting the campus lighting to LEDs, implementing smart ventilation systems and using solar energy to power the new zero-carbon Forensics Crime Scene Facility, the first of its kind in Canada.”

The BESS will store energy overnight, when the provincial grid is producing the lowest cost and lowest carbon energy and use it to power the campus at strategic times when the Ontario system operators typically turn to gas-fired generation to meet atypical high demand for electricity.

Taking this action on campus contributes to Ontario’s Industrial Conservation Initiative and will result in an expected reduction in Global Adjustment fees of over $1 million annually. These savings will fund the BESS installation as well as extensive upgrades to Trent’s electrical infrastructure.

“One of the amazing things about working with customers on projects like these is finding energysaving solutions that work for them and generate significant cost savings in the long run,” said Bob McCullough, president, Ameresco Canada.

The Energy Performance Contract amendment between the University and Ameresco was recently approved by Trent’s Board of Governors, with construction scheduled to commence later in the fall.

Proposed upgrades include the installation of a 2.5MW/5 MWh BESS, the replacement of aging switchgear components and the implementation of a carport canopy photo-voltaic (PV) and electric vehicle (EV) charging station. The PV and EV charging station will complement the newly installed BESS and reduce the University’s greenhouse gas emissions.

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Shoreline Residents Along the Indian River Should Prepare for the Annual Fall Reservoir Drawdown

Otonabee Conservation has announced that they will be adjusting water levels along the Indian River on or after Monday.

Hope Mill Dam. Photo by Angela O’Grady.

Stop logs will be removed at Hope Mill Dam, Lang Mill Dam and Warsaw Auxiliary Dam.

During operations, shoreline residents can expect water levels to decrease above the dams; water levels and flows will increase below the dams. Water levels and flows will stabilize in the days following operations. In total, water levels will decrease 6 to 12 inches in the reservoirs.

Property owners upstream and downstream from the Hope, Lang, and Warsaw Dams should ensure that all boats, floating docks, etc. are removed from the water before this reservoir drawdown begins.

The Hope, Lang, and Warsaw reservoirs will not be restored to their current water levels until after the Spring freshet, which usually occurs before the May 24 holiday long-weekend.

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Random Acts of Green is Scaring Away Climate Anxiety With HalloGreen Challenge

Random Acts of Green is inviting the public to make lifestyle ‘s-witches’ and scare away climate change with their HalloGreen Challenge.

Photo courtesy of Random Acts of Green.

The HalloGreen Challenge is designed to help educate the public on different things they can do during the month of October to lessen their individual impact on the environment.

Participants take a pledge, then are challenged to escape the ‘Wicked Green Witch’s Lair’ by completing 15 challenges.

The challenges range in difficulty, from buying fruits and vegetables without plastic to writing a letter about the environment to a politician.

Photo courtesy of Random Acts of Green.

“Kids lead the challenge sometimes, but we have lots of adults and even businesses that want to participate to show their support,” said Jessica Correa, CEO Random Acts of Green.

This year marks the sixth year of the HalloGreen Challenge.

“It’s arguably our most popular challenge of the year,” said Correa. “Everyone has Earth Month which is very popular, but throughout the rest of the year people start forgetting about the planet and HalloGreen brings it back into the forefront.”

Since it’s inauguration in Peterborough, the HalloGreen Challenge has spread to places like Quebec and even Mexico. This year the challenge was translated to French and Spanish.

“These actions are meant to inspire people to start with one thing and then have that one thing spill off into multiple other things that they could be doing to help the environment.”

Random Acts of Green is a social enterprise, that began in Peterborough, with a vision to build a glocal (global + local) climate action community where everyone is empowered to take action together and promote environmental sustainability.

To take the pledge and participate in the HalloGreen Challenge click here.

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Victoria Park Gets Newly Planted Trees To Aid In Urban Forestry in Peterborough

Nine trees were planted at Victoria Park by Otonabee Conservation to increase the diversity of the urban forest and enhance habitat on Tuesday.

(from left to right) Dan Marinigh from Otonabee Conservation, Kim Zippel Councillor with City of Peterborough, Warden J. Murray Jones from County of Peterborough, City of Peterborough Mayor Diane Therrien, County of Peterborough CAO Sheridan Graham, and from U-Haul Kelly Gedge, Nasik Arrafih and Glenn Dee. Tree Canada has planted more than 83 million trees. Photo Courtesy of David Tuan Bui.

The trees planted included red oak, bur oak, sugar maple and white pine which are all native species.

“Victoria Park is a landmark park in the City of Peterborough and is owned by the County of Peterborough,” said J. Murray Jones, Peterborough County warden. “The health of our environment and community is very important, and we are excited to be part of this project.”

“This project will help to secure the health and succession of the urban forest and ensure that new trees are established in the park as the mature trees start to decline,” said Michael Papadacos, City of Peterborough infrastructure manager.

This tree-planting project was funded through Tree Canada and U-Haul.

“As a Tree Canada Gold Level Sponsor, U-Haul is excited for the continued greening of the beautiful Peterborough area and the generations of families here who will enjoy the benefits that these trees bring,” said Antony Grocott, U-Haul Ontario Marketing Company President, “These responsible, forward-thinking projects are only possible through the consideration and generosity of our wonderful customers.”

Tree Canada is the only national non-profit organization dedicated to planting and nurturing trees in rural and urban environments.

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TASSS Students Make Clintonia Park Greener With Tree and Shrub Planting

Grade 11 students from Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School (TASSS) of the Outdoor Leadership program have made Peterborough a little greener with Otonabee Conservation as they planted shrubs and trees at Clintonia Park on Thursday.

The students planted 64 red osier dogwood, fragrant sumac and potentilla shrubs. In addition, they planted 17 trees including white spruce, hackberry, honey locust, freeman maple and serviceberry.

These native species of trees and shrubs were planted to increase diversity and habitat, protect water quality and stabilize the shoreline along a tributary of Curtis Creek, which runs through the park.

“This project is part of the overall revitalization of Clintonia Park,” said Elana Arthurs, CAO at the Township of Douro-Dummer. “We are excited to work with so many partners to plant trees and shrubs that will benefit wildlife, naturalize the park, and enhance the Donwood area.”

TASSS Student Ella Perritt gathers the used tree-planter pots the shrubs were contained in. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The students said the tree-planting session was a great alternative hands-on learning experience from being in the classroom.

“Stuff like this makes school more enjoyable instead of sitting in the classroom all day,” said Ella Perritt, grade 11 student.

TASSS student Gideon Botting aiding in tearing down the silk fence before planting the shrubs. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Others want to pursue this line of work after graduating from high school.

“I actually want to be doing this in the future as well,” said Gideon Botting, grade 11 student. “I’m hoping to get into being a park warden. I just love being out in nature. It’s where I feel at peace and at home.”

Lilah Hotrum, TASS Grade 11 student, rolls up the silk fence that was taken down by the TASSS students before planting the shrubs and trees. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The Otonabee Conservation has been getting students to plant trees for the last 60 years while focusing more on high school students this year for the Pathway to Stewardship and Kindship program for nurturing healthy and engaged children and youth.

“It’s so important to get students outside,” said Meredith Carter, of Otonabee Conservation. “This way, they get some hands-on experience, they can see it and they can touch it so this is a critical part of the experience and fits in well with the goals of the Outdoor Leadership program.”

Christopher Nadeau-Lavalee, grade 11 student, planting his shrub after digging up hole. Students were given a demo on hole-digging before they went to work. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The fall plantings were a collaboration with funding from Tree Canada, U-Haul, TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, Township of Douro-Dummer, students from TASS Outdoor Leadership Program (KPRDSB) and Otonabee Conservation.

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Peterborough Launches Survey to Collect Information on Flooding

The City of Peterborough has launched a survey to confirm where flooding has been observed, which will help to to evaluate and improve the stormwater system.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough

The City is developing an advanced computer model to evaluate its stormwater system that consists of both storm sewers and natural watercourses. With partial funding provided by the Federal Government’s National Disaster Mitigation Program (NDMP), this work will identify areas of flooding and develop mapping applications to easily convey information.

To assist in developing this model, the City is asking residents or business owners to complete a short survey at www.peterborough.ca/floodsurvey. People who do not have access to the internet are invited to call 705-742-7777 ext.1504 to provide input.

This survey will help confirm where flooding has been observed and how it affects the community. The information collected will be used to validate flood predictions. With improved data and analytics, the City can make strategic investments in sewer upgrades and flood reductions works, while developing enhanced emergency response plans.

By understanding where and how flooding has impacted residents in the past the City can plan to reduce future flood damages. Any information provided will be critical to the success of this project and will only be used in the context of this work.

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1,500 Native Trees Planted to Rehabilitate and Restore a Former Gravel Pit in Selwyn Township

1,500 native tree seedlings were planted this fall as part of the ongoing restoration of a gravel pit in Selwyn Township.

Photo courtesY of otonabee conservation

The trees were planted in partnership with Otonabee Conservation, NEFAB Canada, Selwyn Township, One Tree Planted, Caterpillar, and students from the Youth Leadership in Sustainability Program (YLS) from Kawartha Pine Ridge District school board (KPRDSB).

Students from the YLS program planted 300 trees, employees from NEFAB Canada Peterborough planted 900, with employees from Selwyn Township and Otonabee Conservation putting the remaining 300 in the ground.

“We are pleased to be working in partnership with Otonabee Conservation on this restoration project, and excited to plant 1,500 trees at the site this year,” said Mike Richardson, from Selwyn Township.

A variety of native species of tree seedlings were selected for the site including White Pine, Red Pine, White Cedar, and White Spruce, which will restore the site and enhance habitat for local wildlife.

"Environmental restoration and community engagement go hand-in-hand, and we're honored to support this initiative to not only plant trees but also have an educational opportunity for young people to learn about local ecology," said Diana Chaplin, Canopy Director at One Tree Planted.

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Peterborough's Urban Forest With 481 Trees Planted Along Rotary Trail

Volunteers from the Rotary Club of Peterborough planted 481 new trees along the Rotary Trail in Peterborough to strengthen the city’s urban forest on Saturday.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

This tree-planting initiative was sponsored by RBC Dominion Securities with a $3,000 donation through the RBC Foundation. Assistance was provided by the City of Peterborough’s forestry division.

The city’s regular tree-planting program plants about 400 trees annually, the 481 trees planted on Saturday were in addition to those.

Urban trees improve soil and water conservation, store carbon, moderate local climate by providing shade, increase wildlife habitat and improve the land's capacity to adapt to climate change.

“This has evolved into a wonderful community project and we sincerely thank our partners,” says Councillor Lesley Parnell, Chair of the City’s arenas, parks and recreation portfolio. “These 481 new trees, in addition to the City’s yearly complement, are most welcome. In Peterborough, we love our trees and the Rotary trail. A variety of trees, native to our zone, will be planted for an authentic look and resilience. Special thanks to our forestry division at the City of Peterborough for their assistance.”

The trees are planted adjacent to the Rotary Centennial project shade shelter near the west end of Hazlitt Street.

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Peterborough and The Kawarthas O’de Piitaanemaan Pledge Reaches 1,000 Pledges

Following the July 6 introduction of the O’de Piitaanemaan Pledge (pronounced Oh-da Pee-tah-na-mawn), over 1000 people have vowed to participate in a campaign to promise to respect the land, waterways and communities of the region.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough and The Kawarthas.

The original goal of having 500 pledges by the end of 2021 was surpassed within one week. That resulted in Peterborough and the Kawarthas Tourism doubling that number to 1,000 as a new goal for 2021 which was also surpassed this week, less than two months after launch.

The pledge has received significant support, including both First Nations communities in the region, which issued the following statement of support “Hiawatha First Nation and Curve Lake First Nation are committed to continuing to work in cooperation with our neighbours, including the City and County of Peterborough. The O'de Piitaanemaan Pledge is a recent example of our coming together in a positive way. The Pledge was created by Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED) through meaningful and extensive consultation with both Hiawatha and Curve Lake First Nations. The incorporation of Michi Saagiig teachings and language within the Pledge is a demonstration of PKED's commitment to working in cooperation with us. Together, we can fulfil the intent of the Pledge – to give respect to all creation.”

The O’de Piitaanemaan Pledge has been taken and supported by many individuals, businesses, municipalities and organizations locally such as the New Canadians Centre Peterborough, the Peterborough Petes, the Canadian Canoe Museum, Fleming College and Trent University.

To learn more about the O’de Piitaanemaan Pledge, click here.

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Three Trent University Researchers Receive over $300,000 in Federal Funding through John R. Evans Leaders Fund

Three Trent University researchers, Dr. Huy Dang, Dr. Marguerite (Maggie) Xenopoulos, and Dr. Carlo Bradac, received a combined $328,351 in funding through the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI).

Photo courtesy of Trent University

The CFI, through its John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF), awarded Professor Dang $146,553 for his project titled Unravelling the emerging environmental risks of pollution from the High-Tech Industry.

They awarded $54,257 to Professor Bradac for a project titled Quantum-enabled nano-transducers for (bio)nanotechnologies.

Recently, Professor Maggie Xenopoulos, Trent’s newly appointed Canada research chair in Global Change of Freshwater Ecosystems, received $127,541 towards infrastructure associated with her new position.

“Our researchers have always thought big. Now, more than ever, they need state-of-the-art labs and equipment to turn their visions into reality,” said Francois-Philippe Champagne, minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. “Investing in our university research infrastructure is key to our continuing role as an innovation leader in wide-ranging fields, from Indigenous research to quantum computing, from neurobiology to advanced robotics. These investments will not only support our ground-breaking contributions to science and research but also improve our economy, environment and quality of life.”

The CFI, through the John R. Evans Leaders Fund will support 332 new research projects at 50 institutions across Canada.

It also supported 29 Canada research chairs at 19 universities through its infrastructure support funding. The funding aims to help universities attract and retain top research talent from around the world and provide the specialized infrastructure they need to excel as leaders in their field.

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