Fwd: TODAY IS LAST DAY FOR COMMENTS ON Bill 5
Barb & John
------ Original Message ------
From: in...@hamiltonnature.org
Sent: Thursday, May 1st 2025, 11:55 AM
Subject: HNC e-Newsletter May 2025
HNC Newsletter
May 2025
HNC Members - log in to enjoy the latest issue of the Wood Duck online. Have a story or photo to share? Connect with us at wood...@hamiltonnature.org
Read the Wood Duck
Eastern Redbud - Photo by Helen Powers
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Meetings
Monthly Meeting
May 12, 2024 @ 7:30 - 9:00 PM
Cores and Connections to Conserve Nature with Mary E. Gartshore
Learn more
Bird Study Group
N/A
No Bird Study Group this month. Enjoy spring migration!
Events
Garlic Mustard Pull
May 3, 2025 @ 10 AM - 1 PM
Spooky Hollow Nature Sanctuary
Learn more
Birding at Falkirk Forest
May 4, 2025 @ 8 AM - 10 AM
Falkirk Forest
Learn more
Tree Planting
May 9, 2025 @ 10 AM - 12 PM
Pine Hill Nature Sanctuary
Learn more
Garlic Mustard Pull
May 10, 2025 @ 10 AM - 1 PM
Spooky Hollow Nature Sanctuary
Learn more
Rain Ready Hamilton
Green Venture has just launched a new rebate program to help you create a greener, stormwater friendly home. Build rain gardens, permeable driveways, or other low-impact development projects and save big, with funding in two tiers; up to $1,500 or $5,000 towards your project. Applications are now open! This program is funded by the City of Hamilton.
Green Initiatives at the City
Free Tree Giveaway
Still a few trees left with pickup dates from Mohawk College or Bayfront Park. See website for details and to order!
Learn more
Rain Barrel Sale
On sale now until May 31 - $70 and includes delivery by mid-June. (Eligible expense under the Rain Ready rebate program!)
Learn more
News & Updates
Endangered Species in Ontario Need Your Help
The provincial government is proposing legislation that will reduce safeguards for endangered species. Ontario’s Endangered Species Act was once considered strong legislation for endangered species protection but those protections have declined over time seemingly in favour of special interests of big industry such as developers and forestry. Ontario had 22% more species at risk in 2020 compared to 2009.
HNC is concerned about proposed Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, 2025 for the following reasons:
Applicants can proceed with projects as soon as they complete an online registration process, rather than waiting for a permit from the Environment Ministry. This “register-first, ask-questions-later” model is concerning as developers are able to proceed before environmental implications are fully known.
The establishment of special economic zones where Cabinet can exempt areas and companies from applicable laws – a move that raises serious concerns around transparency, accountability, and environmental stewardship.
The definition of habitat is proposed to be reduced to just “a den, nest or other similar place that is occupied…” This is in contrast to the Endangered Species Act which defines habitat much more broadly as, “an area on which the species depends, directly or indirectly, to carry on its life processes, including life processes such as reproduction, rearing, hibernation, migration or feeding.”
Fast-track mining and infrastructure development — including in ecologically sensitive and contested areas like the Ring of Fire — without proper consultation or consent from Indigenous communities.
The proposed bill removes the requirement for the government to develop a recovery strategy, management plan, response statement and review of progress.
You can help by:
Submitting your concerns to the Environmental Registry (025-0416) Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, 2025. | Environmental Registry of Ontario:
Sharing your concerns with your MPP (find your MPP here - Current MPPs | Legislative Assembly of Ontario)
Noteworthy Bird Records
Now published! Explore the Noteworthy Bird Records for the Fall 2024 season for the Hamilton birding area. This issue was co-compiled by Bill Lamond and Jude Szabo.
Upcoming Webinar from the Ward 12 office
Everyone is welcome! Join the Ward 12 Hamilton office for an online webinar to learn about some exciting environmental initiatives in Hamilton. Hear all about:
Green Venture’s new Rain Ready Rebate
Pollinator gardens
Updates from the Office of Climate Change
Online meeting is on Monday, May 5 at 6:30 - 8pm. Please RSVP at this link: http://bit.ly/4jKscmG
Picturing Place
You’re invited to explore community perceptions and connections to Hamilton Harbour through an upcoming photography exhibit, Picturing Place. Co-presented by the University of Waterloo and the Hamilton Harbour Remedial Action Plan, this exhibit uses photography and storytelling to reflect on the Harbour’s past, present, and imagined future—revealing a layered landscape of memory, meaning, and possibility. At the heart of these images are stories of a community—its reflections, hopes, and evolving relationship with the Harbour it calls home.
Join us for a kick-off event on Saturday, May 24 from 10 am to noon for a celebration of Hamilton Harbour with the photographers. The exhibit runs during market hours until June 25. Learn more at https://hhrap.ca/events/picturing-place/
Urban Boundary Expansion Meeting - recording online now
If you missed the City-hosted online public meeting about Urban Boundary Expansions on April 17, the recording is now available online. The Virtual Open House looked at two private initiated applications to expand Hamilton's urban boundary: Elfrida Urban Boundary Expansion application & White Church Urban Boundary Expansion application. Please submit your comments against developer-driven urban boundary expansion to City Staff and ask to be added to the notification list if you are not already on it. Send your email and comments to urbanb...@hamilton.ca
Now Streaming
Our monthly meetings and Bird Study Group meetings are now being streamed live on YouTube. Watch live or catch up later.
Have Nature-related Events, Projects or News? Share It!
If you are looking to get the word out about nature-related events in and around Hamilton, projects that protect and conserve nature, or otherwise relevant news or stories then send a note to in...@hamiltonnature.org so we can amplify your message.
Membership & Volunteering
Memberships support the management and maintenance of the nature sanctuaries, education and outreach initiatives, and research projects. Become a member today! Questions? Contact Claire Bennett, Membership Director (membe...@hamiltonnature.org).
Looking for more ways to get involved with the HNC? Become a volunteer! There are plenty of ways to help; hands-on stewardship work, providing expertise, writing content for the Wood Duck or join the mailing committee, and more.
The Board of Directors is looking for a Fundraising Director. Contact Charlie Briggs, Volunteer Director (volu...@hamiltonnature.org) to learn more about our current needs.
Connect with Us!
Get to know the HNC's Board of Directors and Staff, and learn about their favourite local nature spots and species!
We have transitioned to Bluesky! Find us at https://bsky.app/profile/hamiltonnature.org
DONATE TODAY
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Mailing address: P.O. Box 89052, Hamilton, ON L8S 4R5
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