Local food
New Report shows that Farmers' Markets Contribute $3.09 Billion to Canadian Economy.
A report comissioned in 2008 by FMC (Farmers' Market Canada ) has found that farmers' markets have an economic impact of $3.09 billion dollars anually on the Canadian economy. The study also shows that 62% of Canadians feel that buying directly from framers is extremely important. To read study click here.Canadian Opera Company is Abuzz with Bees
The Canadian Opera Company in Toronto is doing their part to stop the decline of bee populations in North America. They have installed two honey bee hives on the roof of their building. Recent studies have shown that urban bees often fare better than their rural counterparts due to lower pesticide exposure. Read Globe and Mail article here.
Michael Posner
From Thursday's Globe and Mail Published on Wednesday, May. 19, 2010
City's first Rooftop Farm will Supply Food to Downtown Eastside Residents
Three BC Municipalities Reject the Terms of the Canada EU Trade Agreement
The Canadian and European "Comprehensive and Economic Trade Agreement" (C.E.T.A.) is being carefully scrutinized by three BC Municiplaities. The cities of Burnaby, North Vancouver and Trail are asking the province and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) for a detailed analysis on the impact of the agreement on local purchasing policies and control over resources. A leaked document has shown that the agreement would eliminate local procurement policies of municipal and provincial governments and open Canada's drinking water systems to private water corporations.
If your city is interested in drafting a resolution on the trade agreement, please see the language adopted here http://www.canadians.org/tradeblog/?p=799.
Federal Liberals Focus on Food Policy
A national food program would include promotion for farmer's markets, a healthy eating program for low-income children, improvements to food inspection and more rigorous domestic standards for imported food. Read Globe and Mail article here.Vancouver Launches Curbside Composting
The City of Vancouver chose Earth Day to launch its new curbisde composting program. As of today residents can pitch fruit and vegetable food scraps in their yard waste bins. In 2011 the program will expand and allow for the composting of meat, dairy and bread products. Read more in the Vancouver Observer
Community Gardens Taking Root
A growing interest in growing food has lead to several new food security projects in Richmond, BC. Read Vancouver Sun article here.
Vancouver council approves backyard chicken plan
Vancouver City Council adds its name to the list of over 300 North American cities that have amended their by-laws to allow for backyard chickens. Read article here.Tofino to Fast-Food Chains: Keep Out
The District of Tofino is drafting bylaws that would throw up a nearly insurmountable series of roadblocks to discourage franchised fast-food chains hoping to do business in Canada's surfer playground.The district is considering restrictions on everything from the size and illumination of signage and cookie-cutter decor to takeout packaging, carbon footprint and use of non-local ingredients, according to chief administrative officer Bob Long.
Islands Trust Launches Food Security Project
The Islands Trust has initiated a project to address the issue of food security in the Islands Trust Area and provide public education through a new food security web page."The Islands Trust can support food security by creating policies that deliberately link land-use planning with community development, ecological conservation and socio-economic sustainability," said Sheila Malcolmson, Chair of the Islands Trust Council. "Food security is about more than simply having enough to eat.
