County receives funding to combat invasive Phragmites

MEDIA RELEASE - The County of Brant, ON, was awarded $5,820 from the Green Shovels Collaborative’s Invasive Phragmites Control Fund to combat the invasive plant, Phragmites.

This project joins 20 others from across Ontario supported through the Invasive Phragmites Control Fund, a granting program made possible by an expanded investment of $250,000 from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.

Invasive Phragmites is an aggressive plant that spreads quickly and poses a considerable threat to Ontario’s environment and economy. Phragmites outcompetes native species for water and nutrients. Growing up to 5 metres in height and up to 1 metre below ground, Phragmites forms dense stands that generally provide poor habitat and food for wildlife, including several species at risk.

Investing in a collaborative, sustained solution to Phragmites is well worth it. A study estimated total economic benefits realized by controlling Phragmites could exceed $113 million annually in Ontario An investment in Phragmites control would pay dividends in preventing the many costs of Phragmites to Ontario through reduced agricultural production, reduced public access to water, increased flooding and lost tourism revenue.

The County of Brant Phragmites Control Project is an ongoing, collaborative project using proven strategies to control Phragmites in the county Dense Phragmites patches throughout the community negatively impact native plants and animals, reduce property values, block river access, and significantly reduce wetland habitat for several flora and fauna.

"Reducing Phragmites populations along roadsides, environmentally significant areas, and parks will preserve habitat for native species and provide residents with safe, enjoyable spaces while ensuring the long-term sustainability of municipal infrastructure," said Meghan Hunter, Manager of Parks and Forestry, County of Brant

Invasive Phragmites is an aggressive plant that spreads quickly and poses a considerable threat to Ontario’s environment and economy. Phragmites outcompetes native species for water and nutrients.

County of Brant photo

Closet Couture Boutique to permanently close December 9th

Brantford (ON) - It is with heavy hearts that we announce the closure of Nova Vita’s social enterprise, Closet Couture Boutique. Over the past 10 years, across 2 locations, and through a global pandemic Closet Couture Boutique has worked tirelessly to upcycle generous clothing donations with the purpose of raising much needed funds for our emergency shelter. With our lease agreement ending and the rising costs of operating a retail store front, we have made the difficult decision to close our doors at 415 Fairview Drive in order to focus on our vital programs and services for women and families impacted by violence and homelessness. We are incredibly grateful for the love and support we have received over the years from our caring community through the donation of new and like-new clothing, through the countless hours served by our dedicated volunteers and staff, and through the loyal customers who have supported Nova Vita by shopping at Closet

Couture Boutique. Thank you for 10 years of wonderful memories and making a difference for our community. We invite you to shop, save, and support Closet Couture Boutique before we close our doors on December 9th, 2023.For more information about the programs and services that Nova Vita offers and how you can make a difference please visit www.novavita.org/ and follow on social media at @NovaVitaBrant

Welcome to Paris, Up Yoga + Wellness!

Up Yoga + Wellness is the newest business to open shop in Paris. On November 1st, the business officially celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by Mayor David Bailey, Councillors John Bell, Lukas Oakley, Steve Howes and Jennifer Kyle. Guests had the opportunity to meet the facility’s yoga teachers, staff and wellness practitioners while enjoying some live music and tasty appetizers prepared by Juniper Dining Co. Owners of Up Yoga + Wellness also made a $1,305 donation to Nova Vita from proceeds from their Yoga in the Park fundraiser. Want to learn more about this new business, follow them online!