4 minute read
UpFront
UPFRONT New group aims to increase local urban canopy
American sycamores, Victoria Avenue North, Lindsay. Photo: Jamie Morris.
Advertisement
Concerned local citizens have formed a new organization to increase the urban tree canopy in Kawartha Lakes. Canopy Project Kawartha Lakes (CPKL) plans to increase the amount of tree coverage in the settled areas of the city — Lindsay, Fenelon Falls, Bobcaygeon, Omemee and other towns and villages in Kawartha Lakes. The urban tree canopy refers to the layer branches, stems and leaves that cover the ground as seen from above.
As John Ireland, one of CPKL’s founders, explains, “many studies show that increasing the urban forest helps mitigate storm water damage, decrease pollution and home energy consumption, and increase property values.” As Ireland explains, trees can absorb a lot of rainwater, reducing the cost and effects of storm water runoff. Well-placed shade trees can actually lower the air temperature, reducing the need for air conditioning in warmer months.
“The mental health benefits of an urban forest, not to mention the opportunities to address food insecurity by the strategic planting of fruit trees are also incredible benefits. And these are benefits that will be enjoyed by the generations to come,” he adds.
The group is well into the planning phase of its first project and is meeting with community partners with the goal of using education, advocacy and hands-on projects to increase the number and quality of trees in the city. For more information or to get involved visit cpkl.ca or email info@cpkl.ca.
How are you living during this pandemic? You can share your day-to-day stories and pictures of life during the COVID-19 restrictions with future generations, thanks to Kawartha Lakes Public Library.
Have you tried new things or caught up on things you had forgotten you wanted to do? Did your kids draw pictures about life during the pandemic? Want to tell others, including future generations, about your work-fromhome experience? Do you have insights into a day in the life of an essential service provider?
Whether you’re a senior or in kindergarten, the library wants to hear from you. Be a part of our shared community history and help others remember. No contribution is too small and there are no limits to how many contributions you can share. Please visit kawarthalakeslibrary.ca/covid19timecapsule to get started.
Share your pandemic stories
With local businesses forced to close or reduce their hours amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the recently launched FanSaves Helps Gift Certificate Program will give business owners a boost across the country and in Kawartha Lakes.
The program is completely free for businesses to take part in, while encouraging social distancing and allowing businesses to stay afloat and generate revenue during the pandemic. The buying process is simple as visitors to the website are able to select the business they want to support in their region (or the region of a friend or family member), click on the preferred denomination and checkout. They will then receive a digital gift certificate, which they can print out and use once things get back to normal.
The program is being used by the Lindsay + District Chamber of Commerce, the Lindsay Downtown Business Improvement Association, the Fenelon Falls & District Chamber of Commerce, the Coboconk/Norland Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Bobcaygeon & Area Chamber of Commerce, featuring gift certificates from local stores which can be used once they reopen.
“We are thrilled to partner with FanSaves, the Lindsay BIA and the other Kawartha Lakes area chambers of com merce to offer this service for Kawartha Lakes businesses and residents. It is important to support your local businesses now if you are able to,” says Colleen Collins, executive director of the Lindsay + District Chamber of Commerce.
For more information and to buy a gift certificate visit www.fansaveshelps.ca. If you would like to add your business to the page visit www.LindsayChamber.com
You can help local businesses with new Chamber program
Olivia Moore, owner of Milk & Honey Eatery in Lindsay, is one of many Kawartha Lakes’ businesses taking part in the program.
The Lindsay + District Chamber of Commerce (LDCC) selected its new board recently at its annual general meeting. The meeting occurred online, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The new board for the 2020-21 year is: President: Roderick Benns Vice president: Brian Haire Past president: Bob Armstrong Treasurer: Wendy Short Secretary: Shana Kelly Director: Kim Downey Director: Brett Goodwin Director: Lori Mitchell Director: Rochelle Pickering Director: Tammy Adams Executive director: Colleen Collins Congratulations!
AFFINITY GROUP Cindy Ray SALES REPRESENTATIVE
PINNACLE REALTY LTD. BROKERAGE
273 Kent Street West
Lindsay, ON CELL: 705-340-1188 OFFICE: 705-324-2552 www.cindyray.ca
The premier employment service agency and resource centre in the City of Kawartha Lakes and surrounding area.
We’re here to support you.
Employment Counselling and Job Search Assistance Employer Recruitment Support • Retraining Programs Free Job Postings • Apprenticeships info@vccs.work • www.vccs.work (705) 328-0180 • Toll Free: 1-855–825–0180 370 Kent Street West • Whitney Town Centre Lindsay Connect With Us!
Job Board still available!
