Toronto Environment Events 2009: May 25 - May 31, 2009

in

These environmental events are all happening in Toronto and the GTA (Ajax, Brampton, Brooklin, Markham, Mississauga, Oshawa, Pickering, Whitby) in the next week.

 

For more information, follow the links, or find more detail and event descriptions on the full calendar. We always recommend you contact the organization to ensure that an event is still scheduled before attending.

 

See the full Toronto Environment Event Calendar for more info or to have your event listed.

 

 

Tue May 26, 2009

7am

Bicycle Station Open House

 

Bicycle Station located at 20 York Street, in the York West Teamway section of Union Station. (map)

All are welcome to the open house for the bicycle station in the re-developed Union Station. The open house is all day 7 to 7 but refreshments served from 8-9am. The Toronto Bicycle Station is an indoor, secure bicycle parking facility for 180 bicycles. The 2,040 square foot facility houses 180 bikes, a change room and office space. There is also a vending machine stocked with common bicycle necessities, like tubes and lights. There is a one-time membership fee of $25. Then, you can choose either monthly ($20) or daily ($2) service to suit your needs. For more information: Phone: 416-392-7592

 

8:30am

Toronto: Dr. James Lovelock, The Vanishing Face of Gaia

 

250 Front St. West, Toronto, ON (CBC’s Glenn Gould Theatre) (map)

Come and hear Dr. Lovelock— one of the world’s foremost environmental scientists—present the thesis of his latest book, The Vanishing Face of Gaia. Following his presentation, Dr. Lovelock will address questions from the audience. Cost: $75 For more information:http://corporateknights.ca/

 

9am

Toronto: Investing In Water

 

41 Willcocks Street, Toronto, ON (The Faculty Club) (map)

Canada is estimated to have almost 20 per cent of the earth’s drinkable water. But Canadians consume 350 litres of water a day per capita, second only to the neighbours to the south, as the biggest consumers of water in the world. The recent United Nations 'Water in a Changing World' report states that population growth, climate change and demand for greater food and energy supplies are squeezing global water supplies. Will climate change, superbugs and our ‘first world’ water habits result in a global war over water? How can investors capitalize on a growing water resources industry? This full-day workshop will have experts address issues such as freshwater scarcity and security, political and human rights implications, corporate risks and investment opportunities, legal and regulatory frameworks, technology innovations, the commoditization of water and sustainable solutions for the crumbling water infrastructure in local (and global) communities. Join us as we examine water—the most precious of resources—and explore the financial, legal and political issues involved. Cost: $149 For more informationhttp://learn.environment.utoronto.ca/events/investing-in-water.aspx

 

9:30am

Toronto: Facilitation & Training Skills For Environmental Organizations

 

215 Spadina Ave.,1st Floor, Toronto ON (map)

This workshop will allow environmental organizations to learn about and practice principles of facilitation, and training. David Berger will explore the uses and benefits of facilitated approaches to inspire and challenge groups to be effective and engaged. You will learn about meeting management using facilitated approaches, effective training and the fundamentals of facilitation. The session will also cover approaches to effective program design, and implementation. Specific techniques you will learn are, among others, openings and closings, role playing, story telling, reflection, and listening skills. Learning how to use these skills ensures that your meetings are effective, memorable, and appropriate for your audience. This workshop will explore effective strategies to engage and inspire those with whom you work – your board, staff, volunteers, funders, clients. – by broadening, and teaching skills to smooth interactions at meetings, workshops, program planning, and discussions. Cost: $90 for organization with budgets <$250K $120 for organizations with budgets >$250K For more informationhttp://www.sustainabilitynetwork.ca/

 

6:30pm

Brampton: Tuesdays on the Trail - Birding for Beginners

 

Wexford Park, Brampton (map)

Learn the basics, from using binoculars to attracting birds to your yard. Look for birds that make the trail their home. Cost: FREE For more information: Jessika Corkum-Gorrill - (416) 661-6600 ext.5748

 

6:30pm

Mississauga: New Strategic Plan

 

4141 Living Arts Dr. Mississauga, Ontario (map)

With special guest speaker Dr. David Suzuki, Award winning scientist, environmentalist and broadcaster Hammerson Hall, Living Arts Centre Open House – 6:30 p.m. Presentation – 7:30 p.m. Free tickets will be available starting May 4, 2009 (Limit 2 tickets per person) For Strategic Plan information visit,http://www.ourfuturemississauga.ca  or call 905-896-5000 TTY: 905-896-5151

 

6:30pm

Mississauga: Tuesdays on the Trail - Birding for Beginners

 

3540 Morning Star Drive, Mississauga ON (Lobby of Malton Community Centre) (map)

Learn the basics, from using binoculars to attracting birds to your yard. Look for birds that make the trail their home. Cost: FREE For more information: Nicole Richards nrichards +at+ trca.on.ca (416) 661-6600 ext.5646

 

8pm

Brampton Horticultural Society

 

Brampton, ON (Flower City Seniors Recreation Centre) (map)

General Meeting Tuesday, May 26, 2009 Flower City Seniors Recreation Centre 8870 McLaughlin Road South Doors Open at 7:15 pm Meeting starts at 8:00 pm Guest Speaker: Marion Jarvie Subject: Garden Landscaping and Architecture. Cost: FREE For more information: bramhort +at+ hotmail +dot+ com

 

 

 

Wed May 27, 2009

10am

Toronto Bikeway Network Media Event

 

495 Sherbourne Street, Toronto ON (map)

Celebrate the City of Toronto's Bikeway Network achievements from 2008 and find out what's in store for 2009. City staff and councillors will be on hand for an official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Wellesley bike lane. For more information: Phone: 416-392-7592

 

3pm

Dufferin Grove Organic Farmers’ Market

 

873 Dufferin St, Toronto (in Dufferin Grove Park) (map)

Outdoors around the rinkhouse in summer; in and around the rinkhouse in winter. For more information:http://www.dufferinpark.ca/market/wiki/wiki.php

 

6:30pm

TBN Ride the Don North

 

Riverdale Park, just north of the Bridgepoint Health Centre on the east side of Broadview, north of Gerrard. (map)

Join TBN on a easy-roller ride through-out Sunnybrook Park and Edwards Gardens and north to Steeles. 20-50km. The ride finishes up Whistler's Grille for some dinner. Helmets and lights are mandatory. For more information: Phone: 416-760-4191

 

7pm

Brampton Clean City Committee

 

City Hall, Brampton ON (Clerks Boardroom) (map)

The Brampton Clean City Committee is a committee of City Council made up of concerned citizens who volunteer their time and effort in promoting environmental awareness and a clean community. The Committee meets on the 4th Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m., City Hall, Clerks Boardroom. For more information:http://www.brampton.ca/cleancity/

 

7pm

Free Flat-Fix and Intro to Bike Repair Workshop

 

761 Queen Street West, Toronto ON (map)

Flat-fix/Intro to Bike Repair Workshops The flat-fix classes consist of: * there will be a demonstration of tube repair and installation. A brief discussion of: * Bike fit * General safety issues (loose parts, damage, etc) * Lubrication For more information: Phone: 416-504-2918

 

7pm

Grafton Community Gardening Night

 

Roncesvalles and Queen, Toronto (Grafton Community Garden) (map)

Join the West End Flower Fairies, residents and business owners to help green the community! Participants will be out every Wednesday, Rain or Shine.

 

7pm

Markham: Towards a Sustainable Community Economic Sustainability - Speaker Series

 

3990 Major Mackenzie Dr. E., Markham ON (Angus Glen Public Library) (map)

You are invited to learn about community sustainability and to explore how you can help create a vibrant community in Markham that will ensure economic sustainability now and into the future. How can Markham become economically sustainable? What is currently happening in Markham to keep our economy vibrant? What is the state of the green economy and how is it being impacted by the recession? This discussion will explore some of the exciting economic initiatives in Markham and how they relate to environmental and social sustainability. Speakers include: Bill Humber, Executive Director, Revitalization Institute (RI), Seneca College, Richard Cunningham, President & CEO, Markham Board of Trade and Erin Charter, Project Coordinator, Grant Program and Farmers' Markets Program, Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation For more information 905-513-7977 ext. 7141

 

7:30pm

Brooklin: Spring Flower Show & How to Make a Country Garden Lecture/Slide Show

 

Downtown Brooklin, near Cassels Rd. E. & Hwy 12 (Brock St.) (map)

Garden Experts this month are: Dianne Stackhouse & Brian McLatchie from Scugog Line, Port Perry who will dazzle us with a presentation on How to Make a Country Garden. Spring Flower Show. This is where approximately 200 new, novice and expert gardening members have brought in flowers to dazzle you with a fabulous flower show. For more information:http://www.brooklin.org/hort/events.html  or call Cheryl Penner at home 905-665-6316 or cheryl.penner@sympatico.ca

 

 

 

Thu May 28, 2009

8am

Toronto: Bike Summit 2009

 

45 The Esplanade, Toronto ON (Hotel Novotel Toronto) (map)

Enjoy innovative and forward-thinking sessions that will: * Share international and Canadian best practices and perspectives realizing the economic and public health benefits of cycling. * Present innovative new approaches to street design that improve conditions for active transportation. * Engage key stakeholders on how to address barriers and effectively implement improved bicycle-friendly policies. * Showcase the most recent best practices in bike parking and bike stations. Join leading thinkers, practitioners & decision-makers who are on the fast track to creating bikeable communities. For more information: Phone: 416-392-0290

 

3pm

Dufferin Grove Organic Farmers' Market

 

South of Bloor on the east side of Dufferin, in Dufferin Grove Park (map)

A year-round farmers' market every Thursday afternoon from 3 to 7 pm. Outdoors in the beauty of the park in summer, on the skating rink pad in fall, and inside the rink buildings throughout the winter. Local farmers and city-based food producers bring a great variety of organic foods. A special feature of the market is wood-fired oven breads baked right in the park. For more information contact: Phone: 416-392-0913

 

7pm

Night Rider Workshop (and How to Make an LED!)

 

101-761 Queen Street West, Toronto ON (map)

To ride is an instinct. To survive is a necessity. Don't get stuck inside when the sun goes down, get on your bikes and ride! See how simple it is to build your own quality LED lights and tips for survival while riding at night. For more information: Phone: 647-896-0633

 

 

 

Sat May 30, 2009

5am

St. Lawrence North Farmers’ Market

 

92 Front Street East, Toronto (at Jarvis) (map)

For more information:http://www.stlawrencemarket.com/

 

8am

Markham Farmers' Market

 

Robinson Street and Main Street North, Markham (map)

Featuring many organically grown fruits and vegetables, as well as baked goods, preserves, flowers and much much more! The main focus is quality and competitive pricing. For more information: 905-472-2462

 

8:30am

The Village Organic Farmers’ Market at Toronto Waldorf School

 

9100 Bathurst St, Toronto (map)

For more information:http://www.villagemarket.ca/   

 

10am

Day of Action at Altona Forest

 

1735 Bayly Street, Pickering ON, Unit 14 (Pickering Soccer Club Parking Lot) (map)

Join us for a day of action on invasive species and garbage clean-up. Bring a friend, garden gloves and a water bottle. Volunteers are asked to meet at the parking lot trailhead on the east side of Altona Road (south of Finch and north of Sheppard). High school students can receive volunteer hours if they bring their record cards. This is an outdoor event - dress accordingly. For more informationhttp://www.sustainablepickering.com/EA/AltonaForestMay30.htm  Andrea Dube-Goss at 416.661.6600 ext. 5633

 

10am

Don Valley Trail Clean-Up Project

 

71 Thorncliffe Park Drive, Toronto ON (map)

This is a fun two hour trail clean-up event. Bags, gloves are supplied, and a free BBQ follows the event. Come and discover the forest of the Don! For more informationhttp://mtnbike.sa.utoronto.ca/  

 

10am

Kortright Centre: Wind Energy

 

Kortright Centre, ON (map)

The prerequisite of Green Energy Introduction (GEI) is strongly recommended. This workshop is designed to assist participants with the selection and purchase of a wind energy system. Topics that will be covered include: wind energy fundamentals, applications of wind energy for grid and non grid-connected systems, functions of system components; including: types and sizes of machines, controls, towers plus power versus energy yield, and factors that affect yield, buying green energy as compared to installing your own equipment. Participants will erect a 40’ tilt up tower as part of the workshop. A tour of the various wind energy systems at Kortright is a part of this program. This workshop will be held in an off-grid cottage on the grounds of the Kortright Centre for Conservation. The group size is limited to 16 people. The cost is $105 for a day that runs from 10am to 4 pm. Lunch is included. Please register by calling 416-667-6295 then press option #3 or email cmacgillivray +at+ trca.on.ca. Look for other workshop details athttp://www.kortright.org

 

10am

MEC Bike Safety Checks

 

400 King Street West, Toronto ON (map)

Drop by and the Mountain Equipment Co-op cycling staff will provide a free safety check on your bike. There will be a tent set up on the west side of the store. For more information: Phone: 416-340-2667

 

10am

Toronto: Introduction to Organic Gardening and Permaculture

 

High Park Children's Garden, Toronto ON (map)

This hands-on workshop introduces organic gardening, permaculture theory and seasonal hands-on activities. Topics: permaculture design; organic and permaculture practices; plant guilds (plants that grow well together, help soil tilth and support the larger ecosystem); dynamic accumulators (plants that accumulate nutrients and can feed the soil); spring planting (May only); soil building; cover crops and mulches; organic pest control; garden bed clean-up (fall only). Potluck or bag lunch. Cost: $50-75 sliding scale (incl. take home resources). Pre-registration required. For more informationhttp://www.gardenjane.com/workshopsandevents.html

 

1pm

Bikechain: Group Ride to Leslie Spit

 

33 St. George Street, Toronto ON (map)

We’ll be riding out to Tommy Thompson Park, otherwise known as the Leslie Spit. This event is hosted by Bikechain. Come out to meet other fellow cyclists. Meet at Bikechain at 1PM. Download and fill out a waiver form from our website and bring it to the day of the event. For more information: Phone: 416-978-6849

 

 

 

Sun May 31, 2009

10am

Toronto: The Soil Food Web

 

High Park Children's Garden, Toronto ON (map)

This workshop is for garden keeners who want to learn more about soil science and the soil food web. Topics: pH; Nitrogen and other macro and micronutrients; bacteria, fungi and other members of the food web; low and medium tech ways to make good compost tea and how to use it; inoculants and amendments that feed the soil. A good workshop for those who have taken Introduction to Organic Gardening and Permaculture. High Park Children's Garden, followed by lunch or tea at Grenadier café. Cost: $30-45 sliding scale For more informationhttp://www.gardenjane.com/workshopsandevents.html

 

12pm

Mill Pond Splash - Richmond Hill

 

Mill Pond Park, Richmond Hill (map)

Mill Pond Splash is a FREE annual springtime eco-festival held at the popular Mill Pond Park close to downtown Richmond Hill. Mill Pond Splash is as a community outreach project organized jointly by the Don Watershed Regeneration Council, Toronto and Region Conservation, the Town of Richmond Hill and the Richmond Hill Naturalists. Mill Pond Splash is a fun, active family festival promoting public awareness of conservation issues affecting our natural environment. Games, displays, shows and talks focus on learning and fun for the whole family! Mill Pond Splash encompasses all aspects of conservation, recycling and greener lifestyle options: • Raising public awareness of watershed-based environmental issues • Publicizing opportunities for local environmental stewardship and education • Enhancing appreciation of native wildlife • Restoring local habitat • Promoting a conservation-oriented lifestyle 2009’s Splash is expected to feature tree and shrub planting, nature walks, native mammal, reptile and fish displays, bird-box building, environmental games, eco-friendly gardening, energy conservation, waste management, an organic food market and a local landscape art show. Join us on Sunday May 31, 2009, noon to 4:30 pm, at the Mill Pond Park in Richmond Hill (Bathurst and Major Mackenzie area). Parking is free at York Central Hospital, then it’s a short walk to the festival. For more information:http://www.trca.on.ca/millpondsplash  or contact Michelle Vanderwel, Don/Highland Public Programs Coordinator, Toronto and Region Conservation, 416-661-6600 ext. 5280, mvanderwel@trca.on.ca

 

12pm

Toronto: Bells on Bloor 2009

 

High Park at the Bloor Street entrance (map)

Bells on Bloor is Toronto's largest pedal-powered parade in support of bike safety in the city and bike lanes on Bloor Street If you care about bikes, about the environment, about happy, healthy communities, or about safe and equitable transportation alternatives, this event is for you! Last year, the ride drew a diverse bunch, ranging from lots of families with little ones in trailers, to avid cycle commuters, to urban professionals, to road and mountain bike race teams, to some people who had never even dared to ride a bike in Toronto before! Some people dressed up, some people played musical instruments along the way, and some people even wore capes! Be creative (if you'd like); this event is for you! For more informationhttp://www.allthecooltoys.com/bells/