Toronto Environmental Events May 31 - June 6, 2010

6:45am

Toronto: Annual Group Commute from Don Mills Centre

Beginning in Suburban Don Mills Centre Don Mills Rd & Lawrence Ave East -Southwest Corner (map)

Try out the suburban cyclist's journey commute to downtown on a pleasant comfortably-paced ride. Start your day with energy and vibe with a group of concerned citizens campaigning for sustainable transportation options no matter where in the city. Participants of any cycling background are welcome. Cost: Free For more information: Phone: 647-274-9082

7am

Toronto Group Commute

see website for details (map)

Joint Cyclists from across the City for the annual group commute down to City Hall. See website for start points and times. Participants get a free t-shirt, and free breakfast at the Bike Month Launch at Nathan Philips Square. Start points are City-wide, see website for details. Launch at Nathan Phillips Square 100 Queen Street West Queen & Bay Streets For more information: Phone: 311

8:30am

Vaughan: Ontario Solar Academy: 5-Day PV Design & Installation Training

350 Jacob Keffer Parkway Vaughan, Ontario (map)

Solar Academy's 5-Day Solar PV Design and Installation Course (Level One) covers fundamental knowledge and reviews the design, installation, and evaluation of residential and commercial solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. The solar training, based on the NABCEP learning objectives, includes site evaluation tools and techniques, solar electric component operation and connection, system design and sizing, and standard requirements and practices. This special Ontario Solar Academy course guides students from system fundamentals to advanced mechanical and electrical concepts in accordance with Electrical Code requirements in Ontario. Passing a final exam qualifies students for Solar Academy's "Solar Professional Certificate: Level One." Cost: $2,995 For more information:http://www.solaracademy.ca/

10am

Toronto: Bike to York Day at York University

York University Common (at the fountain in front of Vari Hall), 4700 Keele Street Toronto, ON (map)

Come out to York University and celebrate cycling for Bike to Work Day! Get a free bike tune-up, register your bike with Toronto Crimestoppers, or sign up to the Smart Commute NTV Bicycle User Group. We will be giving away prizes, information about the upcoming Finch Hydro Corridor Bike Path, cycling maps, gear and refreshments. Come and show your support and find out more about cycling to and around the campus. Cost: Free For more information: Phone: 416-650-8205

10am

Toronto: TBG Sprouts Club (Ages 6 to 36 months)

James Boyd Children's Centre, Toronto Botanical Gardens (map)

Looking for engaging programs to entertain and enrich your young child? Bring your baby or toddler and learn about easy ways to introduce your child to nature. Get outside and have a great time together. Cost: $45 Members $55 Public For more information: 416-397-1341

11am

Toronto: Story Time (Ages 6 to 36 months)

Weston Family Library, Toronto Botanical Gardens (map)

Weekly nature stories and activities for children in the Weston Family Library. Year-round, Subject to change, please call ahead. Cost: FREE, no registration required. For more information: 416-397-1341

2:30pm

Mississauga: Bird Watching Hikes

The Riverwood Conservancy 4300 Riverwood Park Lane Mississauga , Ontario (map)

Cost: Free Join expert birders Luc Fazio and Dan Salisbury for a series of bird watching hikes at Riverwood and other locations. Great for families, new birders and experienced ones alike! For more information: Contact: Madeha Khalid, 905-279-5878 For all Riverwood hikes, meet at the main (first) parking lot.

5pm

Toronto: Green Employers 2010

Fairmont Royal York Hotel, Toronto (map)

Join us on May 31st to learn from this year's winners of the Canada's Greenest Employers competition. It's the only event in Canada where you can hear directly from the HR leaders and green practitioners whose achievements have put their organizations at the top of their industries in creating environmentally friendly workplaces. For more information: www.GreenEmployers.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

Toronto: Feast & Famine: Shifting to a Sustainable Food System

Seeley Hall (second floor) Trinity College, University of Toronto 6 Hoskin Avenue (map)

A panel discussion on developing a sustainable food system, followed by a Q&A session. For more information: http://www.munkschool.utoronto.ca/EventDetails.aspx?eventid=9024

7pm

Toronto: Green Screens presents WATERLIFE

150 John St, at Richmond St W, NFB Cinema (map)

Waterlife follows the epic cascade of the Great Lakes from Lake Superior to the Atlantic Ocean, telling the story of the last huge supply of fresh water on Earth. Filled with fascinating characters and stunning imagery, Waterlife is a cinematic poem about the beauty of water and the dangers of taking it for granted. Preceded by John Weldon’s classic animated short, The Log Driver’s Waltz. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion with Tony Maas, Director of the Freshwater Program at WWF-Canada; Dr. Romila Verma, CIELAP Research Associate, Watershed Management and Climate Change; and Hilary Van Welter, Director of Social Innovation, Windfall Ecology Centre. Cost: FREE For more information:http://www.onf-nfb.gc.ca/eng/mediatheque/schedule.php?id=2073

9am

Toronto: Clean Air and Climate Change Summit 2001

Toronto City Hall, Council Chambers (map)

Clean Air Partnership is pleased to announce the evolution of the Smog Summit. On the morning of June 2nd, 2010 the Clean Air and Climate Change Summit: Moving from Words to Actions will be held in Toronto City Hall, Council Chambers. The 2010 Clean Air and Climate Change Summit: Moving From Words to Actions will highlight the: Achievements of GTA-CAC member jurisdictions in the implementation of the 2008 & 2009 GTA-CAC Declaration targets and actions. Priority GTA-CAC actions outlined in the 2010 “Inter-governmental Declaration on Clean Air and Climate Change”. Please join us and hear about the implementation of clean air and climate change actions taking place across the GTA. The GTA-CAC will be releasing an interim reporting on the targets and actions listed in the 2008 – 2009 Inter-governmental Declaration on Clean Air. For more information:http://cleanairpartnership.org/cleanair_and_climatechange_summit

10am

Woodbridge: Class 2 Backpack Electrofishing Certification Course

Boyd Centre, 9755 Canada Company Avenue, off Islington Avenue, just north of Rutherford Road, Woodbridge (map)

From Toronto and Region Conservation Led by a Class 1 instructor, participants will be instructed on the safe use of a backpack electrofisher and be certified to lead a crew in the field. For more information: Jeff Vandenberg at (416) 661-6600, ext. 5655 jvandenberg +at+ trca +dot+ on +dot+ ca

2:30pm

Mississauga: Bird Watching Hikes

The Riverwood Conservancy 4300 Riverwood Park Lane Mississauga , Ontario (map)

Cost: Free Join expert birders Luc Fazio and Dan Salisbury for a series of bird watching hikes at Riverwood and other locations. Great for families, new birders and experienced ones alike! For more information: Contact: Madeha Khalid, 905-279-5878 For all Riverwood hikes, meet at the main (first) parking lot.

4pm

Toronto Sustainability Speaker Series

Loyalty One/Air Miles - Corporate Office; 438 University Ave. (at Dundas - St. Patrick Station) Come to the 6th floor reception area to receive your access badge (map)

The Toronto Sustainability Speaker Series Presents: "The Sustainable Product Revolution" Using a case study approach we will learn about some of the tools that leading companies use to improve sustainability performance both at the corporate and product level. For example; life cycle assessment, design for environment, product scorecards and declarations Our distinguished guest: Kevin Brady Founding partner and a director of Five Winds International Kevin Brady will draw from his twenty years of experience as he speaks to the characteristics of the sustainable product revolution. He will illustrate how the use of life cycle assessment, design for environment and product scorecards and declarations are being used by leading companies. Some of the companies that will be highlighted are; BASF, SC Johnson and Timberland. AGENDA: 4:00 pm: Introductions - special announcements 4:15 pm: Kevin Brady of Five Winds International 5:30 pm: Networking over tea and coffee until 6:30 This is a FREE event - Limited space available! For more information:http://sustainabilityspeakerseriesjune2010.eventbrite.com/

6pm

Mississauga: Evergreen Monthly Stewardship at Erindale Park

Erindale Park 1711 Dundas St. W. Mississauga, Ontario (map)

Join Evergreen in our monthy stewardship event at Erindale Park, every 1st Wednesday of the month. Everyone is welcome! Activities will include removal of invasive species, mulching and litter pick-up. Join in for the whole season, or come out for one night! Cost: Free For more information: Please RSVP to Emily Adam, Evergreen Stewardship Coordinator at 416-596-1495 ext. 303 eadam +at+ evergreen +dot+ ca

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.

Toronto: Canadian College Environmental Network (CCEN) Eighth Annual Conference

George Brown College, 290 Adelaide Street East, Toronto, Ontario (map)

CCEN/CUESN Eighth Annual Conference The Green Economy – Policy, Education, Research - Opportunity Plenary Sessions Bob Willard, Author on the Case for Sustainability "Communicating the Business Case for Sustainability" David Miller, Mayor of Toronto, "The Mayor’s Tower Renewal Project" Sessions Gail Krantzberg, Donald Wallace, Bill Humber, "Is the Concept of Sustainability a Passing Fad?" Norm Lockington, VP Technology, Dofasco, (Retired) Chris Rickett, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, "Greening the Bottom Line in the Pearson Eco-Business Zone" David Smith, VP Sobey’s Canada, "Green Collaboration across Global Industries" Doug Hietkamp, Director of Sustainable Development Programs, Teknion Francisca Quinn, Loop Initiatives, "Supply Chain Sustainability Initiatives" Linda Weichel, Managing Director - Greening Greater Toronto Tom Rand, MARs Institute, "Kick the Fossil Fuel Habit" Toby Heaps, Editor in Chief of Corporate Knights, "Training the next Generation of 'Green' Workers" Christopher Hume, Urban Sustainability Columnist – Toronto Star Tyler Hamilton, Cleantech – “Employment in the Green Economy” Grant Trump, ECO Canada, "Accredited Programs lead to Certified Environmental Practitioners" Bill Humber, Director, Office of Eco Seneca initiatives (OESi), "Eco Pragmatism" COST: $220 also includes: Trade Show Tour of Exhibition Place – Trigeneration Plant, Photovoltaic Cells, Green Roof, Wind Turbine, Waste Diversion Several Meals Social Event, Evening June 2 – Steam Whistle Brewery For more information:http://www.eco.ca/ccen/events.html

7:30am

Toronto: 14th Canadian Pollution Prevention Roundtable

Sheraton Hotel & Conference Centre - Toronto Airport 801 Dixon Road Toronto, Ontario (map)

C2P2 hosts the Canadian Pollution Prevention Roundtable (CPPR) in a different province each year to learn of new developments and challenges in each region. The theme of this year’s event is “Shrinking the Environmental Footprint” and Roundtable sessions will focus on best practices, case studies, emerging technologies, practical tools and support available to assist facilities, municipalities and institutions in reducing their toxics, water, carbon, and energy footprints by preventing pollution at the source. The CPPR is not just another environmental conference. For thirteen years our focus has been on the practical application of sound pollution prevention technology, methods and practices to address today and tomorrow’s new and difficult challenges. To this end, the CPPR structures its format and programming to maximize opportunities for discussion, networking and information exchange amongst all participants. Particular attention is paid to attracting students and younger practitioners through reduced registration rates and volunteer opportunities. Join us for the 2010 CPPR! Meet leading P2 practitioners finding innovative solutions to P2 challenges. Network, share information and contribute to Canada's P2 movement. For more information:http://www.c2p2online.com/main/ns/99/doc/65

9:30am

Bolton area: Stream Flow Monitoring Techniques Course

Albion Hills Conservation Area Chalet, 16500 Highway 50, 8 km. north of Bolton (map)

The Stream Flow Monitoring Techniques Training Course is offered by Toronto and Region Conservation to provide an introductory overview of stream monitoring techniques for Students, NGO’s, municipalities, environmental consultants and other organizations. Topics covered will include description and techniques for stream monitoring from simple water level loggers to fully automated gauging stations. The training course also provides detailed practical training in manual discharge measurements using flow meters. The training will include information on: Measurement Theory Methodologies and Equipment; TRCA Monitoring Networks; In-field Manual Discharge Measurements; In-field Stream Gauge Station Set-up; and Health and Safety Considerations. For more information Rita Lucero at (416) 661-6600, ext. 5239 rlucero +at+ trca +dot+ on +dot+ ca

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

6:30pm

Oshawa: Go Green: Generation Green

McLaughlin Story Hour Room (map)

This program will offer you the ultimate guide to living an Eco-Friendly life. Based on the book Generation Green, by Linda and Tosh Sivertsen, this program will offer dozens of cool tips on how to shop, dress, eat, and travel the green way without becoming a green bore or lecturing your friends. There will be snacks and prizes, too! For teens ages 12 – 18. Free registration at any branch. McLaughlin Storytime Room Thursday, June 3 at 6:30 PM For more information: Tiffany pahman 905-579-6111 ext 5238

7:30pm

Pickering Naturalists Meeting

Pickering Recreation Complex, O'Brien Room 1867 Valley Farm Rd (map)

Each month brings another top quality presentation in matters natural. Past presenters have discussed birds, butterflies, ecotourism, distant travels, local nature hotspots, and lots more….. Monthly meetings take place at on the first Thursday of each month. Our scheduled program begins sharply at 7:45 pm so plan to arrive by 7:30 to socialize and find a seat. Raffle tickets and a silent auction are on offer. Beverages available: bring your own mug! For more information:http://www.pickeringnaturalists.org/

6:30am

Toronto: Diverse Bicycle City

Parkdale Community Recreation Centre 75 Lansdowne Avenue Queen Street & Lansdowne Avenue (map)

The Partnership for Integration and Sustainable Transportation proudly launches the Toronto Cyclists Handbook in 16 languages. Join us for this free intercultural celebration and help send a message that newcomers want a green, healthy, liveable and bike-friendly city! Young and old, there’s something for you: performances, information, exhibits, snacks. For childcare please contact us by May 31 to reserve your child’s spot at 416-588-6288 x229 or cycling@culturelink.net. The Partnership for Integration and Sustainable Transportation is a joint initiative of CultureLink Settlement Services and the Toronto Cyclists Union. Cost: Free For more information: Phone: 416-588-6288 Ext: 229

7:30am

Toronto: Bike First Fridays

Artscape Wychwood Barns 601 Christie Street St. Clair Avenue West and Christie Street (map)

Breakfast and social for cyclists hosted by the Toronto Cyclists Union, Ward 21 Chapter and Councillor Mihevc. A chance to meet, discuss cycling issues and learn about what is happening regarding cycling infrastructure in Councillor Mihevc's Ward 21 and city wide. Cost: Free For more information: Phone: 416-392-7460

9am

Toronto: Subtle Technologies Sustainability Festival

Innis Town Hall 2 Sussex Avenue St. George Street & Sussex Avenue (map)

For 3 days in June at the 13th annual Subtle Technologies Festival, an exciting line up of scientists, artists and designers will journey from around the world to share ideas, science and artworks that explore this year’s theme – Sustainability. New to the festival is community day on June 6th! This will be a day of lively discussions, demonstrations and exciting, sustainable art and science! Cost: $115 Adults $55 Youth For more information contact: Phone: 416-997-9048

9:30am

Toronto: Toronto Bicycling Network Ride

Meet at Coxwell and Lakeshore Coxwell and Lakeshore (map)

Members of the Toronto Bicycling Network (Toronto's Frendliest Cycling Club) lead a casual bike ride starting at the foot of Coxwell and Lakeshore Saturday Mornings at 9:30 am. You don't need to be a member of the club to join us for a ride. Cost: Free For more information: 416-760-4191

12pm

Toronto: Donate a bike at Bike Pirates

Bike Pirates 1292 Bloor Street West Bloor and Lansdowne (map)

Bike Pirates is a local non-profit that takes donated bikes and parts and uses them to educate, empower and mobilize folks from our community. Please drop by with a neglected bicycle of any size or shape to donate, and have a look at how our project works! Cost: Free For more information:www.bikepirates.com info +at+ bikepirates +dot+ com

Toronto Hydro's Great Exchange Event

Various places in Toronto (map)

The Great Exchange is Toronto Hydro's newest spring energy conservation campaign! Bring us your incandescent bulbs, old room air conditioners and dehumidifiers and we'll swap them! We have over 35 Great Exchange events scheduled across the City. Here's what you can swap: Exchange up to five incandescent light bulbs from home for five FREE CFLs; Exchange your old, inefficient room air conditioner for a $25 gift card and; Exchange your old dehumidifier for a $10 gift card! The Great Exchange is taking place at: Retail events at Toronto Rona, The Home Depot and Walmart Stores Seven Toronto Community Environment Days Why make the exchange? CFLs use 75 per cent less energy; By replacing five standard incandescent light bulbs with ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs you can save almost $30 every year**; ENERGY STAR qualified room air conditioners use 30-40 per cent less energy than most models sold 10-15 years ago**. For more information:http://www.torontohydro.com/

5am

St. Lawrence North Farmers’ Market

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

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

8am

Ajax: Household Hazardous Waste Residential Collection

Ajax Community Centre 75 Centennial Road, Ajax (map)

Houehold Hazardous Waste requires special attention for disposal. You can bring antifreeze, single use and rechargeable batteries, brake fluid, motor oil and filters, fluorescent light bulbs and tubes, herbicides, insecticides, old prescription and over the counter medicine, syringes (in secure container), propane tanks, pool chemicals, paints and solvents. Cost: FREE of charge for Durham Region residents only For more information: Durham Region Works Department 905-579-5264 or 1-800-667-5671www.durhamregionwaste.ca  

8am

Toronto: Evergreen Brickworks Farmers Market

Evergreen Brickworks (map)

Every Saturday throughout the summer, the Evergreen Brick Works Farmers’ Market features a fabulous assortment of fruits, vegetables, wild fish, meat, cheese, milled flours, eggs and oils—all from local farmers. Join us starting Saturday, May 29. For more information:http://ebw.evergreen.ca/whats-on/farmers-market/

8am

Toronto: Green Barn Farmers' Market

Artscape Wychwood Barns, 601 Christie St. (map)

The Stop's Green Barn Farmers' Market, named Toronto's best Farmers' Market by NOW magazine, continues to amaze and improve each week with a seemingly never-ending array of tasty, seasonal Ontario food products. The market is held (mostly) indoors November through to the spring, 8 am to noon every Saturday. For more information:http://www.thestop.org/green-barn-market  

8:30am

The Village Organic Farmers’ Market at Toronto Waldorf School

9100 Bathurst St, Toronto (map)

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

10am

Mississauga: Evergreen Public Planting at Malton Greenway

Malton Greenway Brandon Gate Dr. Mississauga, Ontario Canada (map)

Join Evergreen and the City of Mississauga as we plant native trees and shrubs in the Malton Greenway! Help bring new life to this environmentally sensitive park and make your local area a healthier place. Everyone is welcome! Cost: Free For more information: Please RSVP to Emily Adam Evergreen, Stewardship Coordinator at 416-596-1495 ext. 303 eadam +at+ evergreen +dot+ ca

10am

Scarborough: Rouge Valley Spring Eco Exploration Event

1749 Meadowvale Road, Scarborough ON (map)

Join us on Saturday June 5 at 10am at the Rouge Valley Conservation Centre, located at 1749 Meadowvale Road, for our Rouge Valley Spring Eco Exploration Event. Explore the Rouge Valley and learn about all its inhabitants from wildlife experts. Learn about our native fish, insects, birds, plants and more. For more information: info +at+ rvcc +dot+ cawww.rvcc.ca

10am

Toronto: Leaside EcoFair

Trace Manes Community Centre, 110 Rumsey Road, Toronto (map)

WHEN is hosting a FREE EcoFair in the Leaside neighbourhood! Whether you live in the community, or nearby, or just want to get out and connect with others on ways to have a healthy home and a healthy lifestyle, this promises to be a great event! Featuring: healthy food kids’ activities bike clinic explore alternative energies hands-on demos/talks recycle hand-held electronics products for your home, body, and soul The event will happen rain or shine, so walk, ride or TTC your way over. For more information: 416-928-0880

11am

Mississauga: Earth Day Battery Drive and Community Barbeque

6950 Creditview Rd, Mississauga, Ontario. (Creditview and Derry) (map)

Recycle your lead acid battery by dropping off to Exide Technologies and participate in community Barbeque. Other community participants and special guest! All proceeds donated to Sick Kids Hospital. For more information: Anna Froebe, 905-286-3883

11am

Toronto: International Back-to-Back Wool Challenge

Black Creek Pioneer Village, 1000 Murray Ross Parkway, east of Jane Street and south of Steeles Avenue, northwest Toronto (map)

The Toronto Spiders knitting group will shear, spin and knit a full sweater as fast as they can in hopes to achieve the world record time. For more information:http://www.blackcreek.ca/whatson  bcpvinfo +at+ trca +dot+ on +dot+ ca (416) 736-1733

10am

Toronto: CPA Hidden Gardens and Private Spaces Tour

Cabbagetown Parliament Street at Amelia, Winchester, or Gerrard (map)

Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the quaint streets of historic Cabbagetown. Admire well-trimmed front gardens and enter ten secret backyard oases with their charming, creative, and ecletic use of small spaces, all in the heart of the big city. This event supports local CPA Heritage Programs. All gardens are private property - courtesy in visiting is important. Garden entrances will be marked with balloon bouquets. Meet Marjorie Harris, special guest gardener, who will be in a garden with her books and expert advice. ~ Get your ticket early; this tour sells out. Tickets go on sale April 20th. Tickets cost $10.00 before the event; $15.00 the day of the event. Most outlets accept cash sales only. See website for ticket locations Cost: $10 - $19 For more information: Phone: 416-964-8004

12pm

Toronto: Mill Pond Splash

Mill Pond Park, Mill Street & Trench Street, Richmond Hill, ON (map)

Now in its 12th year, Mill Pond Splash is organized jointly by the Don Watershed Regeneration Council, Toronto and Region Conservation, the Town of Richmond Hill and the Richmond Hill Naturalists. It's a fun, active family festival featuring displays, presentations, native wildlife shows, nature walks and children's activities dealing with all aspects of conservation and our natural environment. * Learn about the environmental pressures on urban streams and rivers * Find out how to get involved in local environmental stewardship projects * Meet some native mammals, reptiles and birds of prey from southern Ontario * Find out what fish live in the Mill Pond * Take a look at the park through a naturalist's eyes * Plant some trees to help in park conservation * Get up-to-date on recycling and energy conservation initiatives * Find out about garden plants that can save you time, effort and water * View an exhibition of local landscape art * Build a bird box * Take part in a nature scavenger hunt * Try your luck on a rubber duck race After all this, you can browse the organic food market and listen to live music by local performers. Parking is available opposite York Central Hospital on Trench Street For more information: Jinho Lee at 416-661-6600 ext. 5280 jlee +at+ trca +dot+ on +dot+ ca