Table ofContents

• Introduction ……………………………………………………………………….. 1• Natural History …………………………………………………………………… 2• Recreation ……………………………………………………………………….. 8• Alternative Transportation ……………………………………………………. 13• Other Transportation …………………………………………………………… 17• The Arts …………………………………………………………………………. 23• Home ……………………………………………………………………………. 27• Do It Yourself …………………………………………………………………… 33• Gardening ………………………………………………………………………. 38• Food …………………………………………………………………………….. 43• Family …………………………………………………………………………… 55• Government …………………………………………………………………….. 61

IntroductionWelcome!The Thunder Bay Green Guide was developed by Bob Jickling’s Outdoor Ecological and ExperientialEducation class, 2006-2007, at Lakehead University’s Faculty of Education. It was inspired by theTwin Cities Green Guide. www.greenguide.org We felt it was important to promote practical greenways to live in Thunder Bay. This is by no means an exhaustive resource; however, it is our hopethat it will inspire you, Thunder Bay residents and visitors, to take action in addition to what we havesuggested here. This guide offers possibilities for all community members to get involved in any wayyou are able.

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Natural HistoryHow did the Sleeping Giant Form?• about 1.5 BILLION years ago a soft sedimentaryrock called shale was laid down by shallow seasthat existed in this area.• this soft layer was then broken up and forcedupward by some volcanic rock which was pushingits way through and cooling as a hard layer• this hard layer was not uniform and so some of itwas carved away over time through forces oferosion (weather, heat, rain)• the landscape of this eroded shale and hardvolcanic rock is marked by steep rock cliffs androck fragments which accumulate at the bottom• The Sleeping Giant is an example of diabasesills (hard volcanic rock and eroded shale)

"Those who have never seen Superior get an inadequate idea by hearing it spoken of as alake.  Superior is a sea.  It breeds storms and rain and fog like a sea.  It is cold, masterful,and dreaded.” ~ Rev. George Grant, 1872

Interesting Factsabout Thunder Bay• The rocks aroundThunder Bay areapproximately 600million years old!• Lake Superior wavescan reach 31 feet andthe lake is the grave ofmore than 325 ships.• Lake Superior is thebiggest freshwater lakein the world—if you’reconsidering surfacearea (32,000 squaremiles or 82,000 km²).Lake Superior is thesecond largestfreshwater lake in theworld if you go byvolume—Lake Baikal inSiberia is the biggest.• In a one hundred yearperiod, an averagewater molecule spends98 years in the ocean,20 months as ice, abouttwo weeks in lakes andrivers, and less than aweek in theatmosphere.• Lake Superiorcontains 10% of theearth’s surfacefreshwater.Watercolour of Thunder Cape by William Armstrong (1822-1914),

National Archives of Canada.

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Natural HistoryFlora and Fauna of Thunder BayThunder Bay is fortunate to be situated in thewilds of Northern Ontario. Residents of thisunique place often have encounters with the floraand fauna (plants and animals) of the region. Onthe following few pages are: a) some suggestionson how to come in contact with more wildlife; b)some of the common birds, reptiles, animals andtrees in the region; c) some interesting informationabout Thunder Bay’s ecozone.

Did you know…An Ojibway legend identifies the Sleeping Giant as Nanabijou, thespirit of the Deep Sea Water, turned to stone when the secret location of a richsilver mine, now known as Silver Islet, was disclosed to white men.

Wild Welcome!Thunder Bay is teamingwith life that you canvisit or welcome intoyour very ownbackyard. This sectionof the Green Guide isintended as anintroduction to NaturalHistory of this region.Get connected to theworld around you bytrying a couple activitieslisted in this section orlearning some of theanimals that live in yourneighbourhood.Anyway you do it,excitement and wonderare soon to follow.Please enjoy!

Thunder Bay’s Boreal Forest Country

Thunder Bay is situated in a southerly band ofboreal forest that is made up of conifer(evergreen) and hardwood (deciduous, leaf trees)trees. On the following few pages there is a list ofcommon birds, reptiles, animals and plants foundin this region. Thunder Bay is also located on theCanadian Shield (a large u-shaped mass ofancient rock stretching North from the GreatLakes to the arctic ocean) which is part of itsstunning landscape of steep hills and valleys.

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Natural History

Wild Activities:1.Bird TVSet up a few bird feeders around your backyardand see who comes to visit! Be sure to placestickers on windows so your new birdie friendsdon’t run into them. Experiment with different seedcombinations to see which birds likes which.2. Nature InvestigationsA neat way to get down and dirty in the wild is tobring a magnifying glass or binoculars on a trip.Magnifying glasses are great to look at plants andsnowflakes closely and binoculars can bringelusive birds and animals into full view.3. Seasons of ChangeIf you live close to a park or a tree, a great way totap into the wonder around you is to watch theseasons change in that one area. Visit the tree,plant or park once a week during the changes ofseasons and observe how things transform rightbefore your very eyes. Document what you seewith watercolour, sketches or photography for astunning art project.4. Sense of NatureExplore your different senses on a hike or walkthrough a park. In winter, listen to the differentsounds of snow and wind. In spring, close youreyes and inhale the fragrances of renewal andgrowth. In the summer, feel warm breezes on yourskin and watch the harvest moon rise in August.In the fall, pile up a bunch of leaves and jump intothe soft crinkles.

Did you know…There are over 85 species of mammals, 400 species of birds, 80species of amphibians and reptiles, 160 species of fish, and 3,200 species ofplants living in Ontario; most of them are found in the boreal forest.

Boreal Forest Info• Percent of land inCanada covered byboreal forest: 53%• Percent of the world'sboreal forests that liewithin Canada'sborders: 25%• Percent of the world'sunfrozen fresh watersupply found inCanada's boreal forest:80%• Total number of birdsbreeding in the borealregion: up to 5 billion• Number of treespecies in the borealregion: approximately20• Number of species offungi growing in borealforests around theglobe: 5,000

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Natural History

BirdsThe following is a list of birdsand animals you will mostlikely find in the differentseasons in Thunder Bay.Winter• Blue Jay• Gray Jay• Black-capped Chickadee• Boreal Chickadee• Rose-breasted Grosbeak• Pine Grosbeak• Evening Grosbeak• American Goldfinch• Red-breasted Nuthatch• Common Redpoll• Cedar WaxwingSummer• Belted Kingfisher• Common LoonAll Year Round• European Starling• Roughed Grouse• Hairy Woodpecker• Common Grackle• Common Crow• Raven• Bald Eagle

Did you know…The former Fort William section occupies flat alluvial land along theKaministiquia River which has a river delta at its mouth of two large islands knownas Mission Island and McKellar Island.

Where in the World?The following two pages provide pictures of some of the common birds,animals, reptiles and trees and plants you can find around Thunder Bay. Hereis a guide to when and where you are most likely to find these wonderfulcreatures and plants. Hint: as you are walking on a trail open your ears andclose your mouth for a few minutes, most birds and animals can be found thisway, follow their songs and movements to where they are hiding.

Reptiles and Animals

WinterSnowshoe Hare

SummerNorthern Leopard FrogSpring PeepersBlue-spotted SalamanderYellow-spotted SalamanderPainted Turtle

All Year RoundMooseWhite-tailed DeerGray WolfRed FoxRaccoonPine Martin

Green Spaces in Thunder BaySituated in the great wild north, ThunderBay is full with places to connect withnature. Check the recreation section for afew suggestions. For a morecomprehensive list visit:www.borealforest.org/greenspaces/tbay.htm

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Blue Jay Gray Jay (Whiskey Jack) Black-capped chickadee Boreal chickadee

Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pine Grosbeak Evening Grosbeak American Goldfinch

Red-breasted Nuthatch Common Redpoll Cedar Waxwings European Starling

Belted Kingfisher Roughed Grouse Common Loon Hairy Woodpecker

Common Grackle Common Crow Raven Bald Eagle

Common Birds of Thunder Bay

Northern Leopard Frog Spring Peeper Blue spotted Salamander Yellow Spotted Salamander

Painted Turtle Moose White Tailed Dear Gray Wolf

Red Fox Snowshoe Hare Raccoon Pine Martin

Red-Osier Dogwood Balsam Fir Paper Birch Red Pine Trembling Aspen

Woodland Strawberry Sweet Coltsfoot Purple Vetch Star Flower Canada Mayflower

Common Reptiles of Thunder Bay Region

Trees and Plants of Thunder Bay Region

Recreation What does recreation have to do with being “green” you ask.

Well, a lot actually. Take a minute and think about what recreationalactivities are common in Northern Ontario…are they green? Northern Ontariohas a very dichotomous range of high-polluting (non-green) activities,however, the vast landscape and outdoor opportunities provide NorthernOntarians with an extensive array of activities that are “more” green thanothers.

Thunder Bay and the surrounding area offer a plethora of recreationalopportunities for all age groups and abilities. This section of the Thunder BayGreen Guide lists recreational activities which have been selected for their“Green Factor”. Not all recreational pursuits are low impact, therefore it’simportant to consider the environmental impacts of your leisure endeavors anddecide whether or not your pastimes are actually eco-friendly. That beingsaid, it’s hard to come by activities that are purely green, and consequently wejust want you to think about how you can remain active, but make greenerchoices.

We are not suggesting that you quit all the recreational activities thatyou partake in, we just want to raise awareness to activities that we considerto have a greater green factor than others. For example, ripping up the trailson an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) is extremely exciting and fun; we want you toconsider possibly using the trails in a greener fashion. ATVing not onlypollutes the air (burning fossil fuels) but it also greatly degrades the earth andecosystems that inhabit the trails. A possible change in recreation would be tobike those trials. One would not produce the harmful emissions, they wouldreduce the impact on the landscape and they would be moving at a slowerpace and would have more of a chance to take-in the landscape they aretraversing! Just because your recreational activities are not green, does notmean you should stop them, we just want you to think about other activitiesthat you could partake in that would have similar experiences, but are greener!Keep active!

The next few pages are a comprehensive (but by no means complete)list of activities in the Thunder Bay area that we consider to have a better thanaverage green factor. We have attached contact information to help youresearch and discover activities that interest you! Have fun with it, trysomething new, explore a new area of the north or continue on with yourfavourite green activities but in a location you did not know existed!

Did you know…Canada’s Physical Activity Guide recommends at least 30 minutesof physical activity daily!

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Recreation

X-COUNTRY SKIING:Lakehead Region Conservation: The Cascades,Wishart and Hazelwood Lake Conservation Areasoffer a variety of groomed cross-country ski trails forall ages and abilities. (807) 344-5857www.lakeheadca.com/consarea.htmCentennial Park: (807) 625-2113www.thunderbay.ca/index.cfm?fuse=html&pg=1922Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park:www.ontarioparks.comKamview Nordic Centre: (807) 475-7081www.nordictrails-tb.on.ca/kamview.htmLappe Nordic Ski Centre: (807) 767-2423www.lappenordic.ca/Mink Mountain:www.superiornorth.com/Sleeping Giant Provincial Park:www.ontarioparks.com

*** SNOWSHOERS…this is for you! Many of thecenters of sites listed above also offer snowshoeing.Check out their websites, and find yourself a trail!But remember, please stay off the groomed classiccross-country skiing tracks…the skiers don’t likewhen their tracks get all mucked up!

Did you know…You do not need a trail to enjoy snowshoeing, off trail snowshoeingprovides its own unique adventures! Just don’t get lost!

DOGSLEDDING:Mush, On By, Gee, Haor Whoa. If thosewords interest you at all,or are familiar to you,you need to get back onthe sled and hit thetrails with the dogs!You will have anexperience toremember and gain anappreciation of thepower and teamworkthat sled dogs possess.Norwest Sled DogAdventures:www.sleddog.on.ca(807) 964-2070

We have listed numerous centers and recreational activities. We have clumpedthem together according to the activity that they offer. However, some centersoffer more than one activity, so explore the websites because you just do not knowwhat exciting activities you could find…and they could be just around the cornerfrom your house!

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Recreation

KICKSLEDDING:Have you ever heard of this before? Why

not give it a try. A kicksled is a Europeaninvention and looks very similar to a dogsled (andcan and is used for that purpose on occasion).The kicksled has been coined as the winteralternative to a bicycle. Start the trend in ThunderBay!Nor-West Outdoor Centre (807) 475-8346www.cqo2000.com/noc

Chaltrek & Ostrom Outdoors (807) 577-8848www.chaltrek.com

Did you know…The kicksled has been coined the winter bicycle!

ICE + ROCK CLIMBINGIce axes, crampons,harnesses, ropes andwicked frozen waterfallsand cliffs. Does that appealto you? Ice climbing couldan activity you might wantto try!Alpine Club of Canada:www.alpineclubofcanada.ca

www.acctbay.ca

Event ***Nipigon Ice Fest!www.nipigonicefest.com

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RecreationPARKS + GREEN SPACES

Thunder Bay Green Spacewww.borealforest.org/greenspaces/tbay.htm

Mt.McKay: www.fwfn.ca

Cascades Conservation Area:www.lakeheadca.com

PROVINCIAL PARKS:The north is littered with Provincial Parks. Don’tbe caught with the notion that these parks are forsummer use only. Enjoy these treasures in all theseasons! Follow the Ontario Parks website toplan and navigate your next getaway! Paddle,hike, bike…use your imagination and create aunique trip of your own.- Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park- Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park- Pigeon River Provincial Park- Quetico Provincial Park- Sleeping Giant Provincial Park- Wabakimi Provincial Parkwww.ontarioparks.ca

Did you know…It is actually possible to surf on Lake Superior, near Thunder Bay!Just dress warmly, and make sure you take a friend along with you for safety.

GEOCACHINGThat looks like astrange word eh. Nowthat the name has yourattention, give it a try.Geocaching is anoutdoor recreationactivity that uses GlobalPositioning Systems(GPS) to find hiddencaches. These cachesare small, waterproofcontainers that caninclude anything. Thegoal is to use thecoordinates given tofind the cache in thebackcountry.www.geocaching.comwww.geocachingontario.com/www.brillig.com/geocaching/ontario.shtml

SAILING:www.sailsuperior.com

PADDLING:Kayaking: www.kayakthunderbay.com/

WildWaters Canoe + Kayak Shop:www.wabakimi.com/kayakshop.html

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RecreationEVENTSSibley Ski Tour: www.sibleyskitour.ca/

Thunder Bay Kite Festival 200712:00-4:00pm, Location TBA, Free Admission- kite relay races- paper airplane making + tossing competition- Awards for “best homemade kite”, “most unusualkite” and “crowd favourite kite”www.thunderbay.ca/index.cfm?fuse=html&pg=3233

Thunder Bay Dragon Boat Race Festival: July 20-21, 2007www.thunderbaydragonboat.com/links.html

Did you know…Thunder Bay is regarded as the “sunniest” city in Ontario!

USED SPORTSEQUIPMENT:

Play It Again Sports:www.playitagainsports.com/franchise/franchise.asp?ID=1461

Kijiji Online Classifieds:thunderbay.kijiji.ca/f-buy-and-sell-sports-bikes-W0QQCatIdZ111e

MORE WEBSITES THAT MAY INTEREST YOU!

www.nob.on.ca/aroundtheNorth/01-31-07-Catching.aspwww.thegreenguide.org/www.thunderbay.ca/index.cfm?fuse=html&pg=1424www.thunderbayhealth.ca/play/default.htmwww.foundlocally.com/ThunderBay/Entertainment/index.htmwww.nordictrails-tb.on.ca/www.tbha.cawww.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.asp?trailid=XUL002-007www.tbaycc.ca/www.kayakthunderbay.comwww.thunderbaytourism.com***Please remember, this list is not comprehensive. Just because it is not listeddoes not mean it does not exist, or that is means it is not GREEN. Give greenerrecreation a try, we will all benefit!

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AlternativeTransportation

Why not take a bike?The advantages of bicycle commuting arenumerous, ranging from personal well-being to thegeneral health of the entire community (and, sinceevery contribution helps, no matter howminuscule, biking contributes to the planet’shealth, too). If you don’t believe me, perhaps thisextended list of cycling’s benefits will shift yourperspective:• No greenhouse gas emissions, which, in this eraof climate change, should be all of the incentiveone needs.• Significantly reduced costs compared to driving;no more expensive gas, and no more paying forparking.• Incredible personal health benefits, both physicaland mental.• Over short distances, biking is often more timeefficient that driving through traffic. Even over alonger distance, when car travel would save sometime, just breathe deep and remember that you’regetting both your travel and workout time whilecycling. It’s hard to feel in shape when you’reperched in the front seat of your Grand-Am withmuffin crumbs covering your chest.• Biking is fun!Perhaps this last point needs to bereiterated...biking is fun! There is no better way tostart your day than to get outside in the fresh air,feel the wind as you glide over smooth pavement,smile and wave at other fellow bikers or pedestrians, etc.

Did you know…The most efficient animal on earth in terms of weight transportedover distance for energy expended is a human on a bicycle.

If you are still not soldon the whole idea, I betsome inspirationalcycling-relatedquotations are all youneed...Enjoy:“The bicycle is the mostcivilized conveyanceknown to man. Otherforms of transport growdaily more nightmarish.Only the bicycleremains pure in heart.”~Iris Murdoch

“When I see an adult ona bicycle, I do notdespair for the future ofthe human race.”~H.G. Wells

“Melancholy isincompatible withbicycling.”~James E. Starrs

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AlternativeTransportation

Cycling Concerns1. It’s too cold/snowy/icy to bike to work.Good point. In this city there are going to betimes when taking the bike out is just notappealing, or not safe. Still, there are at least 7-8months of great, bike-friendly weather here inThunder Bay every year. So go ahead and takethe bus, or, if need be, drive during the winter, andbike in those seasons that allow you to. Don’t feelguilty about ditching your bike... just imagine theimplications if huge numbers of Canadians beganto drive their cars only four months a year. AlGore would certainly approve.

2. There are potholes all over the place.Umm, that’s another very valid point. Certainroads are simply nasty for cars, let alone bikes.As a first step, try to avoid damaged majorroadways like Memorial Ave. and Oliver Road,instead opting for parallel streets that have lesswear and tear (e.g. Fort William Road is slightlymore hospitable than Memorial). As a furtherstep, write to your municipal and provincialrepresentatives and demand safer streets forcyclists.Thunder Bay City Hall:www.thunderbay.ca/index.cfm?fuse=html&pg=88Ontario Listing of MPPs:olaap.ontla.on.ca/mpp/daIndex.do?locale=enOr, get in touch with the local roads department toalert them of any serious potholes or dangerousareas:Transportation and Works (807) 684-2195After Hours (807) 684-3117Traffic Engineering (807) 684-2265

Did you know…The longest tandem bicycle ever made was actually for thirty-five.It is almost 67 feet long and weighs about as much as a Volkswagen.

It’s hard to imagine anydistinguished writersbecoming so enamoredwith a half-ton pickup.In fact, Wells also wrotethat ‘cycle tracks willabound in Utopia,’which is a nice image,but for now we’ll have tomake do with whatThunder Bay has tooffer. Unfortunatelythere is a definite lack ofconvenient bike paths inthe city itself, makingcommuting slightlyinhospitable. Still, thereare many wonderfulroutes available to therecreational cyclist,covering a large area inand around the city. Anexcellent place to findsome new and excitingbiking routes is on theThunder Bay CyclingClub website, under theTourist Informationsection.

Recreational BikeRoutes in ThunderBay:www.tbaycc.ca/tourist.htm

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AlternativeTransportation

3. Cycling is dangerous. Not really, as long asyou obey some safety guidelines and stay alert onthe roads. It is also important to respectlocal/provincial laws regarding cycling.A good online resource for bicycle laws and safetyequipment is aptly entitled Ontario Bicycle Laws:www.bicyclesource.com/body/safety/laws/ontario-laws.shtmlSome equipment all cyclists should/must have is:• A properly fitting helmet• Front and rear lights if riding near dawn or dusk,or on overcast days• Reflective tape on wheels, front and back ofbike, and, if possible, on your own clothing.• A bell or horn• Water, to prevent dehydration.4. My bike is in poor repair, and I don’t want tospend excessive amounts of money to fix it.No one wants to spend a lot of money fixingrandom bike problems, so luckily there are tonnesof resources online regarding do-it-yourself bikerepair. This one is quite helpful and relativelythorough:Bicycle Repair, Maintenance, and Much More:www.bikewebsite.comHINT: Here are the two best (and rather easy)bike maintenance tips;1) Keep yer tires full o’ air2) Oil all the joints on the bike regularly,particularly after rain and/or snow.

One final excellent tip on how to keep bike riding the most affordable means oftransportation is to check in on local police auctions of recovered bikes.Thunder Bay Police Service - General Inquiries (807) 684-1200

Attention Drivers: Ifyou need to drive, youcan still participate inmaking Thunder Bay amore pedestrian-friendlytown. Practice the art ofcourteous drivingwherever you go... thismeans always yieldingthe right of way topedestrians atintersections, reducingspeed in residentialneighbourhoods and indense commercialareas (e.g downtownFort William), andresisting the urge to idleyour car for 20 minutesoutside of the grocerystore, filling thesurrounding air withnoxious fumes that anypassing pedestrians willbe forced to inhale.Also, drivers shouldplan their trips inadvance, so that onedriving trip canaccomplish manyerrands, and items orservices required withinwalking distance are notincluded.

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AlternativeTransportation

Don’t Wanna Bike? Why Not Walk?Another healthy and simple mode oftransportation is using the feet that thousands ofyears of evolution gave ya. Going out on a walkmakes a lot of sense a lot of the time. Even oncold winter days, a brisk walk can rejuvenate yourspirits and keep you feeling active during themonths when it’s easy to start feeling slothful.Need more encouragement?.....in list format?....well, here you go....

Top Six Reasons to Walk in Thunder Bay1) Allows us to see the world at a slower pace,connecting with the community around us.2) Prevents pollution when people choose a nicerelaxing stroll over a noisy car ride. It is everyresponsible citizen’s duty to reduce their personalgreenhouse gas emissions in this time of climatechange.3) Strengthens the local economies of downtownPort Arthur and Fort William when many peopleare walking, window-shopping, and interacting indenser areas.4) Helps us to stay in shape.5) Gives the opportunity to pick-up litter aroundour own neighbourhoods... when one personbegins a small greening project like a casual litter-picking stroll, chances are other communitymembers will recognize that effort and may helpout in turn.6) STUDENT SPECIAL: Walking home from thebar instead of getting a cab offers one the uniqueopportunity to view the spectacular northern lightsin the middle of the night. Very few students atother universities and colleges in Ontario will ever have that option, so don’t miss out!

Did you know…Crossing signals at intersections in Germany feature a man with ahat, and in Mexico City, the man's feet move.

Make sure that you’rebeing safe when youwalk... observe all localtraffic laws, respect thepedestrian crossinglights (no matter howlong that orange handstares you in the face),and try to wearreflective gear when outat night.

Recreational OptionsWalking around this cityshould not be a purelypractical event. Walkingcan be an enjoyableactivity, in and of itself.For information on someexcellent walking routesaround the city, whichcombine the pleasure ofwalking with a historicaltour of the city, check outthis website.

Thunder Bay HistoricalWalks:www.thunderbay.ca/index.cfm?fuse=html&pg=776

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OtherTransportation

For more information, for the online version of the bus route maps and schedules,or to find out where to purchase a bus pass, check out:www.thunderbay.ca/index.cfm?fuse=html&pg=732

“Get up in the morning,get on the bus.Get up in the morninglike the rest of us.Places to go, importantpeople to meet.Better not get up or youmight lose your seat.”

Bus RiderThe Guess Who

We’ve acknowledged that, despite the innumerable benefits of bicycling andwalking, there are times when you simply have to rely on something with a motorto get you from point A to point B. This could happen during one of the coldestmonths of winter or in order to travel outside the city.

However, just because we’ve okayed the use of the combustion engine from timeto time does not mean that you are now void of all environmental responsibility!There are many ways that you can significantly reduce the quantity of fossil fuelsused on each excursion. To start, use public transportation:

City BusesThe city of Thunder Bay has 13 bus routes to takeyou all over town. Most buses run very regularly,swinging by your stop every 15 minutes during theday and every 40 minutes in the evening. One ridewill cost you $2.25. However, you can buy a 20-ride pass for $30 (meaning that each ride onlycosts $1.50) and it never expires! A monthly passcosts $65, which will save you money only if youtake the bus more than 43 times a month.You can pick up a handy pocket copy of yourregular bus route right on the bus itself, or at any ofthe bus terminals.

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OtherTransportation

Intercity/Long-Distance TravelAir travel has a much larger impact than travelingon firm ground, due to the large number ofgreenhouse gas emissions. For example, usingthe calculation tool referenced below, a returnflight from Thunder Bay to Toronto produces thesame amount of carbon emissions as you wouldgenerate for all purposes (including heating,cooking, lighting and local transport) in about twoand a half months. To calculate the impact of yourown flight, visit the website:www.chooseclimate.org/flying/mapcalc.html

The most environmentally friendly way to travelbetween cities is by bus. According to Hydro-Quebec1, each passenger on a domestic flightconsumes between 3,000 and 5,000 kJ/km,compared to just 567 kJ/km on a diesel bus. Amid-size car with a fuel consumption of 8litres/100 km and one passenger consumes 2,800kJ/km, which isn’t much better than flying. Theonly way to make driving anywhere nearcomparable to the bus is to load three passengersinto a compact car (6 litres/100 km). In this case,each passenger would be consuming about 800kJ/km.

So hop on a Greyhound! The bus will take youjust about anywhere in Canada there are roads,normally at a considerably cheaper cost thanflying.

Bus Depot815 Fort William Road

807-345-2194Bus schedules: www.greyhound.ca

Just say no to airplanes!

The benefits of ridingthe bus are plentiful:• Reduced burning offossil fuels, whichmeans fewergreenhouse gasemissions (in fact, thedriver of a compact carmay consume fourtimes as much energyas a passenger of a busfilled at 50% capacity1)• More time to read andget other things done• Less of the stressassociated with sittingbehind the wheel intraffic• An opportunity tointeract with otherpeople in thecommunityFun tips for ridingTBay transit:• Standing at your busstop but not sure howlong you’ll have to wait?Dial 684-3744 and keyin the 4-digit number onyour bus stop sign tofind out when the nextbus comes!• Have a friend alongwho doesn’t have anychange? Simply ask thebus driver to punch your20-ride pass card twice.

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OtherTransportation

Ways to entertain yourself on a long bus trip:• A good book and an MP3 player• I Spy• Do as Simon & Garfunkel suggest in the song America:“Laughing on the bus,Playing games with the faces,She said the man in the gabardine suit was a spy.I said be careful his bowtie is really a camera.”(i.e. people watch!)• Talk to strangers. A great memory from theGreyhound comes from an 18-hour ride sittingnext to a grandmother from Georgia, who toldstories for the entire trip about her experiencesworking on Saturday Night Live for 30 years.• Sit in the front seat and look out the window.Canada has some spectacular scenery and, luckyfor us commuters, if not so lucky for the land, ourhighways take us right past some beautiful sights.Looking out the window also helps us to get toknow our country better.• Bring along your laptop and get some workdone, or watch a movie.• Sleep

Did you know…Greyhound Canada serves nearly 1,100 locations in Canada alone.

Greyhound tips:• Buy your bus ticket atleast two weeks inadvance and save lotsof money (for example,the price of a one-wayticket to Ottawa reducesby $45)• If you’re a student, youget good discounts onstandard fare tickets(although it’s still muchcheaper to buy 14 daysin advance)• Greyhound also runs acourier express servicethat is significantlycheaper than mostother couriers forsending packagesbetween cities

Ways to reduce motor vehicle usage:• Live close to where you work.• If you must drive to the grocery store, pick up staples from your local corner storein the interim to reduce the frequency of grocery shopping excursions.• Car pool whenever possible!• Get a big backpack and walk to the laundromat.

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OtherTransportation

Alternatives to Vehicle Ownership:What with walking, biking, public transportation,and many ways to reduce your motor-vehicleusage, hopefully you are asking yourself if youeven need to own a car. If you would like to losethe burden of car ownership but know of a fewtimes a month or year that you would absolutelyneed access to a vehicle, there are still ways to beauto-free:

Rent or borrow a car when you need one.Rental expenses can seem a little steep, but don’tforget that you completely eliminate themaintenance and insurance costs associated withvehicle ownership. Because let’s face it, your carnever breaks down at a convenient time, and italways costs a whole lot more than you think itshould to repair.For a fairly thorough list of places to rent a vehiclein Thunder Bay, check out:www.thunderbaynet.com/carrental.html andwww.foundlocally.com/ThunderBay/Trans/Trans-RentalCarsListing.htm

Car share.Car sharing is a great solution for people who livein a city and only need access to a car a few timesa month. It’s a way to have access to a car whenyou need it, without the hassles and costassociated with ownership. There are many carsharing organizations established across Canada,but unfortunately none have made their way toThunder Bay yet. This could change at any timethough, so keep your eye on the website:www.carsharing.ca/. This site also has lots ofgreat information about how car sharing organizations work.

“If you live in a city, you don't need to own a car.”William Clay Ford Jr.,

CEO, Ford Motor

More on car sharingJust because there isn’ta car sharingorganization in our cityyet doesn’t mean thatyou can’t start up yourown. There arebusinesses set up thatcan give you the helpyou need to start yourown car sharingnetwork. For somehelpful guidance, checkout:www.carsharing.net/.Finally, there isn’t anyreason why you need togo through anorganization to share acar. Find some friendswith similar vehicleusage needs to yourown and buy a cartogether! Of course,you’ll have to work outsuch details as how toget the car and keys toeach other and how tomake a fair schedule.But once that’s in place,you’ll have regularaccess to a vehicle withonly a fraction of thepurchase andmaintenance costs.

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OtherTransportation

If You Must Own a Car…As a vehicle owner, there are still many ways tobe environmentally responsible. The mostimportant thing is to try to use your car as little aspossible by employing the preceding tips onalternative and public transportation. But there arekinds of cars that you can buy and types of fuelsyou can use that will reduce greenhouse gasemissions significantly for those times that you dohave to drive somewhere.

Hybrid CarsA hybrid is any vehicle that is equipped with asmall fuel-efficient combustion engine and abattery-powered electric motor. The batteryrecharges automatically as you drive. There aremany advantages to owning a hybrid car, such as:• It’s better for the environment because itconsumes less fossil fuels per kilometre• Lower monthly cost of gas• Less time spent filling up at the gas stationAlthough hybrid vehicles are more expensive topurchase than their traditional cousins, the extramoney spent can be reclaimed over time inreduced fuel costs. The savings vary with the typeand price of the car, and the amount and type ofdriving you do. For example, hybrids actually workmuch better in stop and go traffic than on ahighway.

Where to get a hybrid car in Thunder Bay:Just visit your local Toyota, Honda, Nissan, or GMdealerships. You can look them up in the yellowpages or online. If there aren’t any hybridsavailable on the lot, they should be able to order one for you.

Did you know…In 2004, SUV drivers spent about $1,225 on fuel, while passengercar drivers spent only $976. Hybrid car drivers spent between $350 and $450.

Hybrids currentlyavailable on themarket:• Toyota Prius• Honda Accord Hybrid• Honda Civic Hybrid• Lexus GS 450h• Nissan Altima Hybrid• Toyota Camry Hybrid• Saturn Aura Hybrid• Honda InsightBefore purchasing anycar it’s really important todo some research inorder to find out whichone will work best foryour specific situation,and hybrids are noexception. Some goodplaces to start:autos.msn.com/research/category/hybrid.aspxGreat information on thehybrid technology, andinformation on all thedifferent models.www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/hybrid_sbs_cars.shtmlThis Americangovernment websiterates the Toyota Prius asthe most fuel efficient ofall the hybrids, andcontains an in-depthcomparison chart.

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OtherTransportation

Hybrid Mileage Tips:• Drive slowly (the aerodynamic drag increasesdramatically the faster you drive)• Maintain a constant speed (speeding up andslowing down uses energy)• Avoid abrupt stops (the electric motor takessome energy from the car as it slows down, so itcan recover more energy if you give the motormore time to slow the vehicle)Fuel Efficient CarsIf a hybrid car is simply out of your price range,there are other options. Engine technology iscontinually improving, and there are some non-hybrid options these days that are almost as fuelefficient as their hybrid cousins. For example, theToyota Yaris was rated first in its category for fuelefficiency in the 2006 EnerGuide Awards. For allthe other winners, check out Natural ResourcesCanada’s website:oee.nrcan.gc.ca/transportation/personal/pdfs/most-efficient-vehicles-2006.pdf.EthanolEthanol can be produced domestically from cornor other crops, as well as from cellulosic biomasssuch as wood or paper wastes and grasses3.Ethanol contains oxygen which results in morecomplete combustion, thereby reducingemissions. According to the federal government,ethanol from grain has about 40% fewergreenhouse gas emissions than gasoline, eventaking into account all factors from its productionand use. An E10 blend is an ethanol-blendgasoline in which 10% of the gasoline has beenreplaced with ethanol. This would result in a 4%reduction of greenhouse gas emissions relative to standard gas.

Find ethanol-blend gas at:Mohawk station, 500 Arthur St. W

(corner of Arthur and James)

Ways to reducemotor-vehicle impact2:• Own a compact car,never an SUV.• Eliminate idling.Canadian motorists idletheir vehicles onaverage five to 10minutes per day. Idlinga vehicle for 10 minutesa day uses an averageof 100 litres of gas ayear.• Reduce your highwaycruising speed. In mostvehicles, increasingyour cruising speedfrom 100 km/h to 120km/h will increase yourfuel consumption byabout 20%.• Get regularmaintenance. A poorlymaintained vehicle canincrease fuelconsumption by up to50%. For example, aclogged air filter alonecan increase fuelconsumption by 10%.

• Have regular tirepressure checks. Eachtire that is under-inflatedby 2 psi causes a onepercent increase in fuelconsumption.

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The ArtsVisual Arts – GalleriesThunder Bay’s vibrant art scene can be found in avariety of public and private domains.Restaurants, bars, malls and private housesshowcase local arts and crafts. Next time you arehaving a bite at the Madhouse, a drink at Lot 66or a coffee at Calico’s take a look around you,these establishments may be hanging ThunderBay’s finest on their walls! If you are interested inchecking out some of the public gallery exhibits,here are a few to get you stared.

Definitely SuperiorDefiantly Superior is a nonprofit centre for artsfounded is 1988, operated by artists for artists.The centre was founded in 1988 and offers abridge between commercial and public galleries.The centre offers workshops, lectures, film andvideo screening, performance, music and literaryevents.(807) 344-3814my.tbaytel.net/defsup/index.html

One of the first conditions of happiness is the link between man and nature.- Leo Tolstoy, In Happiness

Lakehead Visual ArtGalleryLocated along the harborof Marina Park, thisgallery features localartwork. Admission isfree.(807) 766-8466

Thunder Bay ArtGalleryA must see in ThunderBay! The Thunder Bayart gallery is the largestin the region, and one ofthe only galleries inCanada to hold apermanent collection ofFirst Nation’s art. Thegallery has threeseparate spaces,showcasing a variety ofwork at once, eachexhibition runningapproximately six weekslong. This gallery ismore than just a prettyface, offering a variety ofeducationalprogramming, art classesand workshops.(807) 577-6477www.theag.ca

Adam Bowhey

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The ArtsAhnisabae Art GalleryExperience a cultural exhibition of local andregional First Nation’s artwork, featuring apermanent collection of the late renownedaboriginal artist, Roy Thomas. Admission is free.(807) 577-2656www.ahnisnabae-art.com

The Brodie Street Art GalleryResident and in-studio artist Peter Humeniukshowcases his passion for art and the spirit of theNorth through his watercolor paintings. Frequentexhibitions and demonstrations. Admission isfree.(807) 622-7573

Milescreek Gallery(807) 473-5451Local artisans and antiques. Kakabeka Falls.

Country Seed Planters(807) 683-8690Local artisans and collectibles.

Crafters’ Corner(807) 623-3722Over 40 local artisans featured.

The Glass Lady(807) 344-4277

Kleewyck Stained Glass(807) 622-6636

Loosen Up and Do the Doodle!Give sketching and drawing a chance with a non-dominant drawing exerciseintended to loosen you up and free you from the anxieties of first time drawing. Useyour non-dominant hand to capture the essence or gesture of your subject orlandscape. Once you are fired up and ready to go, pass your pencil to yourdominant hand and let loose with reckless abandon. This exercise is a lot of fun,and great practice too!

Supplies:

Creating725-B Victoria Avenue(888)-468-0322

Dats Scrapbooking513 High St S(807) 344-7702

Painted Turtle204 Red River Road(807) 344-4636

Online:Curry’s Artists’ Materialswww.currys.com

Art Supplies Directwww.artsuppliesdirect.ca

Luke Nicol

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The ArtsMuseumsThunder Bay MuseumThis museum bridges Northwestern Ontario’s pastwith its present through artifacts, documents,monuments, lectures and publications. Themuseum offers programming to reach all agesand interests.(807) 623-0801www.thunderbaymuseum.com

Fort William Historical ParkAllow Fort William and your imagination to takeyou back to a place that existed hundreds of yearsago to witness the fur trade first hand, at the NorthWest Company of Fort William. Voted one ofCanada’s top ten attractions the Fort offers yearround excitement bringing the past back to life inevery season! The Fort is a living history programwhere costumed actors react the past. Visitorsare invited to participate or just kick back andenjoy the show!(807) 473-2344www.fwhp.ca

Hymers MuseumCelebrate Thunder Bay’s colorful past through thecollection held at the Hymers Museum. Mining,logging, farming, church and schooling displayscapture the lifestyles of our early settler.(807)577-4787

Thunder Bay Military MuseumA collection honoring the historical efforts of theNavy, Army and Air Force.(807) 343-5175

Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame and MuseumOur legendary athletes are showcased with pride here at the Sports Hall of Fame.Celebrating the athletic heritage of Northwestern Ontario, this museum showcasesathletic artifacts, photographs and memorabilia.

Green Art Tips• Use water andvegetables basedalternatives when usingpaints and pastels• Dispose of hazardouschemicals carefully –check your local wastemanagement division tofind out how• Avoid frequent use ofpaint thinners andsolvents by using morebrushes and cleaningthem less often.• Choose non-toxicproducts• Avoid aerosol sprays• Avoid dry dusty orpowdered suppliesIf you must use theseproducts such as pastels,clean up any dust thatsettles afterwards with awet cloth or vacuum, thiswill prevent thesehazardous chemicalsfrom becoming airborne

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The Arts

Performing Arts - Theatre and Music

Magnus TheatreMagnus theatre stages classic and internationalproductions with a strong commitment topromoting Canadian plays.Thunder Bay Symphony OrchestraThe TBSO is nationally recognized for theirmasterful performances and concerts across theCanada. The TBSO is professional orchestra andperforms regularly at a variety of local venuesincluding the Community Auditorium, ItalianCultural Centre, Thunder Bay Art Gallery andmore!(807) 345-4331www.tbso.caThunder Bay Community AuditoriumThe community auditorium here is Thunder Bayshowcases a variety of performing arts includinglive music, Broadway and family shows.(807) 684-4444www.tbca.com

Looking for inspiration? Peruse the recreation section for some great trails that willinspire even the shyest creative spirit!

Don’t miss a beat…Thunder Bay’s musicscene is alive and well.Venues and stagesacross the city offerintimate and concertperformances of localand internationalmusicians any day of theweek. For moreinformation check the‘What to Do’ column inthe Entertainmentsection of The ChronicleJournal, or thecommunity bulletinboards in restaurants,coffeehouses and barsacross the city. ThunderBay’s own radio stationspromote local musiciansand shows, listen live toLU Radio at 102.7 to stayconnected!

Adam Bowhey

Adam Bowhey

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Home

I’ve heard about renewable energy, but what,exactly, is it, and how does it work?I’ve got some very basic answers for you, morefor the benefit of those who have no idea howthese things work than for those of you who aretechnically and scientifically oriented.Solar power: Visible light can be changed directlyinto electricity through the technology of thephotovoltaic cell, which is made of silicon (one ofthe earth’s most common materials). Two thinlayers of silicon with different electrical propertiesare placed close together, and between them arewires for electrons to travel across. As the sunhits the cell, the electrons spring to action andstart to circulate, generating electricity. This, ofcourse, happens on a tiny scale, which meansthat you need several of these cells attachedtogether (a photovoltaic array) to generate powerfor anything larger than a calculator. A battery isalso involved in this set-up to save power fornighttime or a rainy, sunless day.

Maier Hardware (866) 345-1492 and Frank’sAlternate Energy (807) 964-2050 orwww.sunwindwater.com/whoweare.htmare certified dealers of solar power products in theThunder Bay area.

Did you know a new grass crop called switchgrass is being grown and burned withcoal in steam generators to produce power?

Renewable andAlternative EnergyRenewable energy is allaround us. It’s in thesun that warms us andmakes our gardensgrow, it’s in the waterwe swim and play in, inthe trees that shelter usand the wind thatmakes their leavesrustle. Unlike otherenergy sources we use– coal, oil, propane,nuclear power – theserenewable sources canbe replenished naturallyand in a short amount oftime. You can use thema little at a time (dryingyour clothes on theclothesline instead of inthe dryer, for example)or you can take yourhome or cabin right offthe grid and run it offany one or acombination ofsun/wind/water/biomasspower (and never worryabout downed powerlines again).

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HomeWind power: Wind is really just another form ofsolar power. The sun beats down on the earthand heats the air on its surface in the process. Asthe air heats up, it rises, leaving space for coolerair to rush in and balance out the atmosphere.This wind functions to turn the blades on windmills(strategically located in areas where wind isconsistent and at least 13 km/h), which convertwind into electricity as the blades activate turbineswhich activate a generator with their motion.

Again, you can contact Frank’s Alternate Energy(see above) or Canadian Tire (Canadian TireAdvance Green Smart Energy Solutions atwww.advancegreen.ca) for information aboutwindmill models and systems that will work here inThunder Bay.

Biomass energy: This is the energy stored innon-fossil organic materials. When you burnwood, vegetable oil, peat, dung, etc., gases arereleased in the breakdown of fuels. Some ofthese are more renewable than others. Biogas(swamp or landfill gas) and alcohol (ethanol andmethanol, usually) are also examples of biomassenergy: they can be burned to generateheat/light/power.

You can buy woodburning stoves or furnaces atthe following locations: Bob’s Woodburners andFireplaces, Ltd. (807) 345-3453, G & A OutdoorWood Furnaces (807) 935-2236, H&H Importersand Sales, Inc. (807) 939-1152, InnotechDevelopments International (807) 475-3004, LCREstates Ltd (807) 935-2667, Prestige HomeComfort (807) 346-4353 and Thunder BayFireplaces (807) 345-2817.

That’s right, folks.Renewable energy isthe way to go. Not onlywill it make your heartlight with the knowledgethat you are treadinggently on our planet, butit will keep your bankaccount beefier,too.

Did you know that idleelectronics – TVs,VCRs, DVD and CDplayers, cordlessphones, microwaves –use energy even whenswitched off to keepdisplay docks lit andmemory chips andremote controlsworking? In the UnitedStates, these energy“vampires” use fivepercent of domesticenergy and costconsumers more thanthree billion dollarsannually.

Decomposing cow manure produces methane, which can be turned into energy(with the help of a turbine and a machine called a “digester”)

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Home Water power: Falling water is a powerful thingand, for now, still a constant in our wet Canadianworld. At a hydroelectric dam, water is allowed tofall through giant pipes that house water-driventurbines. These turbines are connected togenerators which make electricity as they cycle,and this can be transported hundreds orthousands of kilometers away. This can also bedone on a very small scale with a water wheel (amicro-hydro turbine), often used in mountainousareas where the gravity-fed, rerouted path of alittle bit of water from a stream is sufficient topower all kinds of equipment with just one turbine.

If you are interested in more information abouthow you can use these things to power yourhome, or if you are interested in alternativebuilding/living strategies (like straw baleconstructions, sustainable design, etc.), theSuperior Renewable Energy Cooperative (SREC)was locally developed in 2003 to promote thesevery things in Thunder Bay. They have an annualRenewable Energy House tour that will take youto people’s ecofriendly homes and business aswell as having a library of resources forbuilding/living information www.srecwind.ca.

Did you know… In 200 B.C., people in China and the Middle East used windmillsto pump water and grind grain?

Did you know that:•Before there waselectricity, biogas wasdrawn from theunderground sewers inLondon and used toburn the “gaslights” thatilluminated the streets.• 61% of Canada’selectricity comes fromthe water.•energy of falling Thelargest wind turbine inthe world, located inHawaii, stands twentystories tall and hasblades the length of afootball field• Enough sunlight fallson the earth’s surfaceevery hour to meet theworld energy demandfor one year?

Some useful energy websites:www.re-energy.cahome.clara.net/darvill/altenerg/solar.htmwww.powerhousekids.comwww.advancegreen.cawww.solarenergy.orgwww.energyhog.orgwww.thunderbay.cawww.ecoenergy-ecoenergie.gc.ca

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Home

How to Lighten the LoadCan’t afford to build a windmill? No solar panelsin sight? Never fear: there are all kinds of stepsyou can take to use less electricity and water inyour home.

Start by doing an eco-audit on yourself andfiguring out your ecological footprint looks like.Eco-superior’s “Kill-a-Watt” campaign is also anoption: you can sign out a power-meter from their212 May St. location www.ecosuperior.com and,for the low cost of a $20 refundable deposit, youhave a week to plug your appliances into it to seehow efficient they really are.

The EnerGuide Appliance Directory (2005) isavailable online at the website for the Office ofEnergy Efficiency (oee.nrcan.gc.ca). If you findthat you’ve got an energy beast of a stove, makesure the next one you purchase has the EnergyStar symbol. Appliances that have beenapproved for this rating use less energy and lesswater than regular ones; for the most part, theyexceed the minimum energy efficiency standardset by the Government of Canada by twentypercent.

See www.ecosuperior.com for information about subsidized rain barrels for thoseliving in the city limits of Thunder Bay.

Tips on ways to saveenergy, water andmoney:• Turn off everythingnot in use• Turn down yourthermostat• Take short showersinstead of baths• Only heat and cool therooms you use – leavethe doors to the rest ofthem closed.• Use fans instead of airconditioning• Change your lightbulbs: use compactfluorescent bulbsinstead of regular ones.• Put plastic sheeting onyour windows• Don’t let the taps runwhile you brush yourteeth• Only use thedishwasher or washingmachine with a full load• If it’s yellow, let itmellow…• Buy a rain barrel foryour back yard so therain can water yourgarden or wash your car

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HomeThe One Tonne ChallengeHow many of you haven’t seen An Inconvenient Truth? So you know howimportant it is for us to actively participate in cutting down carbon dioxideemissions. As of right now, the average Canadian produces five tonnes ofgreenhouse gas annually. If we can each take steps to lower that to one or less,we’ll do wonders for our environment and maybe spare ourselves tropicalThunder Bay winters (among other things). Here are some easy steps you cantake to do your part:• Turn off the lights when you leave a room• Carpool, bike or walk• Eat meat-free meals every other day (less energy is required to produce fruitand vegetable crops than meaty ones)• Wash clothes in cold water• Switch to more energy efficient light bulbs• Reduce, reuse, recycle

See www.seedsfoundation.ca, www.eartheasy.com or www.onelesstonne.ca formore information. www.climatechange.gc.ca has an online greenhouse gasemissions calculator that can help you figure out what kind of damage you are(or are not) doing.

Did you know…the average Canadian produces 5 tonnes of greenhouse gasannually?

RecyclingThunder Bay has curbside recycling collection service operated by ReCool.You should receive a schedule by mail if you are new to an area, but can alsoget one from the town website www.thunderbay.ca. Available on this site is alist of what can and cannot be recycled. If, by chance, you miss the pick up orif you live outside of municipal collection boundaries, you can bring yourrecycling yourself to one of the following three locations:• Mountdale Avenue at Walsh St. (across from Westgate)• Front St. between MacIntyre and Van Horne•John Street Landfill, John Street Road (turn right immediately after you comethrough the gates, before crossing the scales)

Other local recycling services, depending on what you’re trying to get rid of,include ReCool (807) 577-0411, www.recool.ca, Enviro West (807) 939-1717,Harbour Metals (807) 577-0873, Lakehead Scrap Metal (807) 623-4559 andDutchak Recycling (807) 623-3979.

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Home

Toilet PossibilitiesForty percent of household water use comes fromflushing the toilet. If the throne in your bathroomis a throwback to the seventies, pale pink or mintgreen (white ones, too!), you may be eligible forthe Toilet Rebate Programwww.ecosuperior.com/water_toilet.html. Prior to1985, every flush of the toilet guzzled 18-22 litresof water. Post 1985, this improved to aboutthirteen litres per flush, but it is now possible toget toilets with ultra-low water use, using only sixlitres per flush. The incentive behind this programis to equip dated facilities with more eco-friendlyoptions, so take advantage of funding to improveyour bathroom.

Other options include a dual-flush toilet, whichallows you to decide the volume of waternecessary for each flush or, depending on yourlocation, living situation and commitment tomaking your footprint smaller, a composting toilet.Technology for these has come a long way, andthey are no longer just for cabins or remotelocations. They generate compost from all kindsof human waste and can decrease water use in ahousehold by sixty percent. Check outwww.compostingtoilet.org for many toilet-relatedsites and specifics about how one might work foryou.

The Habitat for Humanity ReStore on Squier Street will take used building andhome improvement supplies and limited furniture/furnishings (like tables, cabinets,light fixtures, toilets, drawers, sinks, etc.). They offer a pick-up service but it is alsopossible to drop off items yourself. Call and check with them to make sure theyneed what you have (807) 346-4884.

It is also entirelypossible to recycle yourclothes and householdgoods. Contact theCanadian DiabetesAssociation ClotheslineProgram (800) 5055525 or (807) 345-3232for free pick-up ofelements of yourwardrobe that no longerwork for you or yourfamily. Value Village(807) 345-3232 and theSalvation Army (807)767-7768 are bothlocated at 915 MemorialAvenue and will takeclothing as well assome furniture andother household items.There is a secondSalvation Army at 870Red River Road (807)343-0411. Call andinquire if you are unsureabout what you’d like todonate, or invite all ofyour friends over for apotluck and clothingexchange andredistribute clothing thatway.

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Do-It-Yourself

It can be very difficult these days to be greenwithout spending more money. However, in thisconsumptive and expert-based society, we tend tospend a lot of money on things that with a littleextra effort, we can do ourselves. DIY connectsus to the products of our lifestyle. With thisawareness it is possible to feel more responsiblefor our actions and conscientious of the necessity(or driving desire) for each action. This may leadto a lessened consumption rate and almostalways saves on money.

Learning to do things yourself is not only eye-opening, but also empowering. We often feelpowerless and insufficient in areas beyond ourdaily habits or career. While some things arebetter left to someone with years of experience,there are many small steps that can be taken tochallenge ourselves and increase our own level ofexperience in new areas.

This section is a starters’ guide to DIY. There area million + opportunities to DIY and only a tinyportion are listed here. This section provides youwith some actual instructions, resources for DIYand other ideas worth exploring.

AppliancesBelieve it or not there isan appliance repair guywho offers online help!It costs $5 but it couldpotentially save you alot of money if it turnsout you are able torepair your appliancesyourself. Visit thefollowing link for moreinformation and accessto this certified autorepair dude:www.doit101.com/Applicance/repairguy.html

FREE APPLIANCES? You heard me. Our beautiful earth does a great job ofproviding the functions of various appliances for free! Here are some examples:• Hang your clothes outside to dry and let the sun and wind do all the work• Dehydrate herbs by placing herbs between two sheets of paper towel• A solar cooker can be an outdoor oven used to cook, bake, and dehydrate!• Never forget the freezing power of a good Thunder Bay winter!

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Do-It-YourselfAutomotiveSometimes your car needs to see the doctor (ormechanic) and sometimes there are homeremedies that you can provide. Unfortunately, it isnot always easy to know the difference, and thereusually are not too many unbiased people that wecan ask.

First things first, it is essential to feel CAPABLE.This means getting to know your car, learning howto perform some basic tasks, and believing thatyou too can be an auto-savvy car owner. Hereare some resources for making these thingshappen:

Owner’s Manual – if you’ve read it once, read itagain! There is a lot of information that allows youto understand the importance of repairing certainoccurrences (e.g. strange sounds, leaks, andflashing lights). Often, the advice will be to takeyour car into the dealership for repair. This is notalways necessary.

Chilton Manuals – these manuals are model andyear specific and offer step-by-step instructionsfor making manageable repairs. These Manualscan be found at your local Canadian Tire. Otherpotentially useful books are Kelly Blue Book andAuto Repairs for Dummies.

Zenda's� Homemade Soap www.greensense.com/ZENDA.htm

BicyclesBikes are a great way toget around town inThunder Bay. Thereare a lot of privatelyowned shops andservices in both PortArthur and Fort Williamand it is a lot easier tobike around than tokeep trying to find aparking spot. However,bicycles get sicksometimes too and youneed to know how tomend ‘er up! See thesection ontransportation for someof these tips.

CookingAnishnawbe Mushkiki (807)343-4843 offers weekly orbi-weekly communitykitchens. There is also aspecific community kitchenfor aboriginal youth (aged12-17).There are also variouscooking websites, includingcampfire cookbooks! Forexamples, CampfireCookbook by GraceAndersonhome.earthlink.net/~bnsganderson

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Do-It-YourselfPersonal ProductsIt is important to know what you are putting intothe environment and of course this includes whatyou are putting on your own body! There aremany recipes out there for:• Soap• Shampoo (for oily or dry hair)• Conditioner• Moisturizer• Hairspray and hair gel• Aromatherapeutic bath oils• FacialsThe list goes on and on! The important thing toconsider is the actual ingredients when makingthese products. Just because you are making ityourself, doesn’t mean that it is not harmful to youor the environment. You are not advised to usean ingredient that you are unfamiliar with.However, you are encouraged to avoid animalproducts (such as lard) and instead use non-toxic,and vegetable-based ingredients when possible.

Household ProductRecipesMany householdproducts containharmful chemicals, andthose that do not can bequite costly. Thefollowing recipes allowyou to make effectiveproducts yourself andthis way, you knowexactly what is in them.

Glass Cleaner – 1 partvinegar, 2 or 3 partswater. Use in an oldspray bottle.

Drain De-clogger – Trypouring boiling waterdown the drain. Orsuck it up and get yourfingers in there! Haha.

MORE IDEAS!• Pre-arranged do-it-yourself kits are fun and usually save you money! (E.g.desks, bikes, baskets…)• Throw a garage sale or put up community postings to provide localcommunity members with affordable used options.• Teach others how to empower themselves with a DIY skill! Offer a workshop!• Throw a community DIY sharing session.• Learn from each other!

Self DefenseLearning self-defense can be a very empowering investment. The Leading EdgeGym offers a women’s self-defense course for $20.(807) 476-0389 www.lifewater.ca

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Do-It-YourselfPolitical ActionThere are many ways that you can initiate andcontribute to political action on your own. Hereare some examples:Write a letter to a company commenting on theirattention (or lack thereof) to environmental issuesand policiesStart a petition asking your local MP to expressthe need for a certain environmental or socialpolicyTake old or used t-shirts and give them a politicalstatement. You can use fabric markers or a DIYsilkscreennomediakings.org/doityourself/howto_silkscreen_posters_and_shirts.htmlMake your own political stickers out of stickerpaper and permanent markersMake your own political bumper stickerswww.thebumperbanner.com/diy.phpStay informed! “The Thunderbay IMC is a non-commercial, democratic collective of Thunder Bayarea independent media makers, and serves asthe local organizing unit of the global Indymedianetwork.” thunderbay.indymedia.org

Did you know… Home Hardware often has DIY workshops that will help you learndomestic self-sufficiency! Check out the one near you for postings.

Stick’n ScrapNotebooksInstructions:• Cut scrap paper intosmaller pieces (nowaste if you cut inhalves or quarters)• (Optional) cut onepiece of cardboard alittle bit bigger than yourscrap paper. This isused as your backing• (Optional) cut onepiece of thicker papersame size as backing.This is your front cover• Break stick to beroughly the size of yournotebook’s width (mustreach beyond whereyou want your holes tobe)• Using a single holepunch, make two holesthrough all of thematerial 2-4 cm fromeach side edge and 2-3cm from the top edge• Stick a pencil or penthrough one set ofholes, to make a clearpassage.• Pinch one end of anelastic and feed itthrough the hole, fromthe back of thenotebook.

• Put one end of your stick through• Pull elastic tight and feed the other end throughthe second hole (you may need to line up theholes with a pencil again)• Wrap elastic around other end of stick• The elastic should be fairly tight. To tightenelastic, wrap the loops of the elastic around eachend of the stick. Repeat until elastic is tight andholds onto the stick firmly.• Decorate your cover!!! Crayons, markers, glueleaves on.... be creative!

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Do-It-YourselfHeritage Crafts

If you have any extra money, consider learning tomake your own heritage crafts at Fort William.Lake Superior Visits offers 3 day programs whereyou can learn to make your own drum, birch barkbasket, and a tin lantern. For more informationvisit www.superiorvisits.com

There is often a variety of workshops taking placeat Fort William and it is worth checking outperiodically. Check the historical park website:www.fwhp.ca/artisanworkshops.html or phone(807) 473-2344

Women’s Products

It is always worth checking the LakeheadUniversity services. There are many student-runorganizations that are looking to teach others tobecome more self-sufficient. Often they are freeto students! For example,

Cloth Pad WorkshopLocation: Gender Issues Centre, LakeheadUniversity

Great Websites toHelp You Do-It-Yourself!!!www.doit101.comwww.doityourself.comwww.greensense.comwww.thegreenguide.org

Books to check-outThe Twin Cities GreenGuide (2001)Do It Yourself! By PaulFargisDo-It-YourselfWorkshop by JohnMcGowan

Children’s DIY BooksCooking Without Heatby Jan Morrow ;illustrated by LynnBreeze.Making things withoutneedles by Jan Morrow;illustrated by LynnBreeze.

Did you know… you can make just about anything your heart desires… getcreative and do a search on the internet!

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Gardening

BasicsBefore getting into gardening there are somebasic things to consider, such as the soil you haveto work with and what plants are hardy enough tosurvive in Thunder Bay’s climate. To identify aplant’s ability to survive in a particular region,Canada has been classified into various planthardiness zones, and Thunder Bay is actuallysituated on the boundary between two of thesezones –3a to the south and 2b to the north. So,when purchasing plants make sure they aresuitable to either of these zones.

The ideal soil consists of 50% solids and 50%porous spaces. You can improve the texture andnutrients in your soil by adding a variety oforganics, such as peat, mulch, manure, orcompost, and using a bit of elbow grease. If youfind yourself wanting to start all over in yourgarden consider ‘lasagna gardening’ – a layeringmethod where old growth is choked out usingnewspapers and cardboard and new plant bedsare constructed using peat, compost, and mulch.Detailed instructions are available from theThunder Bay District Master Gardenerswww.tbmastergardeners.homestead.com.

Did you know 30 minutes of gardening each day can improve your physical fitnessand that it also has psychological benefits?

Gardening is relaxing,inspiring, andrejuvenating, but it alsoprovides opportunitiesfor good exercise,exploring the greatoutdoors and getting toknow your neighbours.Depending on your age,interest and ability thereare a lot of differentgardening types tochoose from – fruit andvegetable gardens,flower gardens orplanters, window boxes,and indoor herbgardens.

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GardeningBackyard HabitatsWould you like to attract animals such asbutterflies and birds to your backyard, so youand your family can watch them and perhapslearn more about them? The CanadianWildlife Federation www.cwf-fcf.org has beenencouraging Canadians to welcome wildlifeinto their backyards for years. They sell agarden planner, called ‘Creating Habitat forWildlife’, for $9 including shipping andhandling. Moreover, the CWF offers a freecertification program for any yard thatdemonstrates the following three criteria:• meeting the four needs of wildlife (food,water, shelter, and space);

• avoiding the use of chemical pesticides (bothinsecticides and herbicides); and

• using regionally native plants (those thathave grown wild in the area for centuries).

Did you know Thunder Bay residents can buy a composter for $20 and rainbarrels for $35 at EcoSuperior?

Indoor GardeningIf you are living in anapartment or do not have thetime or energy for gardeningon a big scale, why not plantsome herbs, tomatoes, orflowers in pots or boxes thatyou can easily move from anindoor location to an outdoorbalcony or just from windowto window? Given ThunderBay’s relatively shortgrowing season, this type ofgardening may just be anecessity for some.Generally speaking, the onlylimit for growing plantsindoors is the amount ofavailable light.

Luke Nicol

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GardeningCompostSeeing how important good soil andnutrients are for growing plants, you areprobably wondering if you can make yourown black gold by composting. Eventhough Thunder Bay is situated in a coolerclimate composting is possible. Theinformation readily available on theinternet, such as the fact sheet fromEnvironment Canadawww.ns.ec.gc.ca/udo/paydirt.html, stillapplies with one major difference; it willtake longer for your organics to compost.

Household composters are available toThunder Bay residents at a reduced ratefrom EcoSuperior www.ecosuperior.com.If you would rather build your owncomposter there are several plansavailable on the Composting Council ofCanada website www.compost.org.

Did you know the Thunder Bay Vermicomposting Network supplies free redwigglers to local residents?

If you don’t have space for abig composting bin, or youlive on your own and don’tgenerate enough organicwastes, considervermicomposting – indoorcomposting using worms.Detailed information aboutgetting started andmaintaining avermicomposter areavailable from the ThunderBay VermicompostingNetworkwww.tbyn.lakeheadu.ca,which will also supply thenecessary redworms or redwigglers for free to localresidents.

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Gardening

Did you know a lawn mower produces more pollution than a car? Consider tradingin your gas mower for an electric or a push reel mower.

Yard and Lawn CareChances are, if you live in a subdivision in Thunder Bay your front andbackyard are predominantly covered with grass. There are some time savingtricks to keeping that turf green and lush, which do not necessarily involvehelp from a professional landscaping company or chemical supplier.

Consider adding a rain barrel to your yard to collect soft, chlorine-free waterfrom your eaves for watering your plants. EcoSuperior sells screen-coveredplastic barrels to Thunder Bay residents for $35. In 2002, EcoSuperior alsopublished an 18-page guide to maintaining pesticide-free and chemicalfertilizer-free lawns and gardens.

At present Thunder Bay does not have any by-laws restricting the use ofpesticides, however, more people are reducing or eliminating their use ofpesticides and chemical fertilizers of their own accord for the safety of theirchildren and pets. Visit the Toronto Environmental Alliance’s websitewww.torontoenvironment.org/healthylawn/ to learn more about getting yourlawn off chemicals. The same website also hosts a suggested lawnmaintenance calendar, which includes mulching grass clippings, raising andsharpening the blade on your lawn mower, aerating and top seeding yourlawn, and watering less frequently to allow roots to grow deeper therebystrengthening the grass.

Are you tired of mowing your lawn? Perhaps you want to switch to a manualmower, but have too much grass to make the switch efficiently. If you areready to replace all or some of your lawn with an alternative groundcover, theToronto Environmental Alliance has a fact sheet with several native species tochoose from for Ontario.

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GardeningNative PlantsHave you ever considered going wild? What would your neighbours think?Chances are they might be envious of your yard and how it seems to take careof itself, requiring less water and weeding. Native plants are also the bestchoice for a wildlife-friendly garden for several reasons:

• Native plants are adapted to local conditions, so they will thrive withoutpesticides and fertilizers.

• They are better suited to meet the needs of wildlife, e.g. nutrition, shelter,

• Some wildlife species are entirely dependent on certain native plants.

Again the Canadian Wildlife Federation offers information about gardening withnative species and what nurseries might sell native plants or seedswww.wildaboutgardening.org. Unfortunately, at present no nurseries fornorthern Ontario are on the list, however, if enough people inquire about nativespecies the local suppliers will surely oblige.

If you wish to learn more about native plant species consider visiting the‘Central Natural Environment Garden’ on Central Avenue near the Thunder Baypolice station. The garden is maintained by volunteers and includes aninterpretive garden for residents to learn more. As well, if you are unsure whattrees, shrubs or herbaceous plants might be native to the Thunder Bay region,there is a 12-page chart available from EcoSuperior, which also provides usefulgardening information on each species. Furthermore, EcoSuperior offersorganic herb and vegetable, as well as ground cover, flower and grass seedsfor sale at their store.

Go for Green www.goforgreen.ca/gardening/fact_sheets.htm is anotherinteresting resource, including ten gardening fact sheets about native plants forvarious ecosystems, water conservation, companion planting and more.

If you are interested in plants with a bit of history attend a heritage seedexchanges or sales. Events are listed by Seeds of Diversity www.seeds.ca,which also offers publications, a membership seed exchange directory and aheritage plant database.

Did you know Thunder Bay has hosted heritage seed exchanges or sales in thepast?

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Food

Food is essential for life. Over time the quality ofour food has diminished. Large supermarketsoffer a wide variety of foods, however much ofwhat happens to food in the growing or raisingpractice is not necessarily disclosed to theconsumer. Most of us have heard of terms likegenetic engineering, chemical pesticides,additives, preservatives, etc., and are currentlyaware that food has changed from beingwholesome, to being void of nutrients,contaminated or altered in some way. As a result,greater awareness of locally produced, fairlytraded, preservative-free or organic food andgoods has increased. There has never been amore important time than now to be proactive inchoosing our foods and maintaining a local foodsystem that is secure and functional.

Did you know that as much as 70% of all packaged food contains geneticallyengineered ingredients?

Did you know…That up to “70% of allthe packaged food onthe shelves containsgenetically engineeredingredients in the formof corn and soybean”and that “most of thecoffee and chocolatethat is available to us isproduced by slavelabor. In the case ofchocolate, up to 40% ofthe chocolate we eatmay be tainted byslavery. The use of childslaves is commonplace,particularly in the IvoryCoast, the world'slargest producer ofcocoa beans forchocolate products”.~ Minnesota GreenGuide

“Every other animal is within walking, flying orswimming distance of its food. The average poundof North American food travels over 2,000 km.That does not make sense."

~ Environment Hamilton EatLocal! Project

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FoodHere are just a few good reasons to eat local, buy local, buy fresh!

1. Taste the difference.At farmer’s markets, most local produce has been picked within a day or two, soit comes to you ripe, fresh, flavourful and packed with nutrients, unlikesupermarket food that may have been picked weeks or months before,processed and packaged. Local foods are tastier because they remain longeron the vine, in the soil, on the branches and are not exposed to the abuse ofshipping or industrial harvesting.2. Know what you’re eating.What pesticides were used? Is that corn genetically modified? Was that chickenfree range or did it grow up in a box? Get these answers from your local farmer.3. Meet your neighbours and create memories.Local eating is social. Go to the market with a friend. Spend time together,browse and check out the new vendors, products, etc. Have a fair-trade coffeeor sample some good eats.4. Get in touch with the seasons.Eating locally means eating seasonally. You’ll remember that cherries are thetaste of summer, and squash soup the taste of winter. It makes more sensethan eating flavourless cherries in winter, coming from the other side of theworld. Some foods keep well in cold storage, (apples, pears, potatoes,cabbage, onion, garlic) and some farmers grow cucumbers, tomatoes, andgreens in greenhouses through the winter.5. Discover new flavours.Ever tried kohlrabi, garlic scapes, or Saskatoon berries?? Farmers marketsoffer a variety of foods you may have never even heard of! Try something new!!6. Save the world.Locally-sourced meals mean fewer “food miles”, less burning of fossil fuels fortransport, which affects global climate, pollution levels, resources, and so on,and uses less packing which means less garbage in the landfill….www.100milediet.org.7. Support small farms and give back to the local economy.Buying from local farms helps build strong local markets; plus you know what’sin your food. Shop locally and help keep money in the local economy, createjobs and support farmers.

Did you know a regional diet can consume as much as 17 times less oil and gasthan a typical diet based on food shipped across country?

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Food

Did you know you can learn to cook from scratch at a community kitchen?

Ways to Address Food Security in Thunder BayApart from going to your local farmers market or area farm, consider a few of thefollowing options to create and maintain a solid, working, food security system.

• Buy a Good Food Box. In Thunder Bay the Good Food Box, which provides abox of fresh fruits and vegetables is available once a month from $12 (single) to$24 (family). Call the Good Food Box: (807) 345-7819 or visit the website atwww.tbdhu.com/HealthyLiving/HealthyEating/FoodSecurity/GoodfFoodBox.htm

• Cook from scratch whenever possible. If you don't know how, take a classon the basics through a community kitchen or public health nutrition class. Yourgrocery money will stretch a lot further. In Thunder Bay there are communitykitchens that run cooking programs, providing low-cost meals for families, onceor twice a month. Contact the Thunder Bay Food Action Network for details andlocation of a kitchen near you at (807) 625-5965 or the Thunder Bay DistrictHealth Unit at (807) 636-9626.

• Save your seeds! Thunder Bay is home to the ‘The 2B Seed Savers Group’,a small group of gardeners in the Northern climatic zones of 2B, are interested insaving seeds, especially heritage seeds and their stories from this area. Theyhost ‘Seedy Saturday’ events that bring people together to exchange seeds andgrowing information. Contact them by e-mail at: 2bseedsavers@yahoo.com. Orfor more information visit www.seeds.ca, an organization and registry of seedsavers who aim to preserve the genetic identity and diversity of heritage andopen pollinated plants.

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Food

More Ways to Address Food Security in Thunder Bay

• Volunteer. Connect with community organizations (church or communitycentres) to offer cooking classes. Volunteer to take low-income families to localfarms to harvest crops that would otherwise be plowed under with theGleaning projectwww.tbdhu.com/HealthyLiving/HealthyEating/FoodSecurity/Gleaning.htmDonate your time at one of the Food Banks throughout Thunder Baywww.tbdhu.com/HealthyLiving/HealthyEating/FoodSecurity/FoodAccess.htm.A complete listing of food programs and food banks is available at:www.tbdhu.com/NR/rdonlyres/C2B5D2D2-B57D-4811-B8D491DEB69971D2/0/N137WheretoGetFoodInThunderBay2006.pdf

• Freeze or preserve foods when they are available in season. It might not befresh from the tree, but there's nothing like warm peach cobbler (made fromfrozen local fruit) when the snow is blowing outside. Plus the nutrient value is stillmaintained!

• Plant-a-row Grow-a-Row. The grow-a-row program invites all gardeners togrow an extra row of vegetables and donate the harvest to the local food bank.Visit www.tbdhu.com/NR/rdonlyres/B5F03914-1E22-407D-B6B8-EE978E5D9A08/0/N148PlantarowGrowarow.pdf for your Grow-A-Row Pamphlet.

• Money talks. Tell the produce manager at your neighbourhood grocery storeyou'll continue to shop there if the store stocks local produce.

• Speak Up! Talk to your local city councilor about food security issues, or havinga community garden in your neighbourhood.

Did you know low income families can catch a bus to some local farms to pick theirown fresh produce – for free?

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FoodBelow is a comprehensive list of farmersmarkets, farms, local food producers, andproviders of organic and fairly-traded goodsavailable in Thunder Bay. Check out what’savailable in your community and get to knowyour local food system! And enjoy!

Farmers Markets in Thunder Bay

The Thunder Bay Country Market

About the MarketThe Thunder Bay Country Market wasestablished in 1997 by 14 like-mindedpartners. Now the Market is the largestproducer-based market in NorthwesternOntario with over 70 seasonal, local vendorsthat grow, make and bake for you. You’ll findjewelry, crafts, personal care products,cheese, meats, fish, honey, ethnic foods,preserves and condiments. Come to see andtaste the difference!

Hours: Open every Saturday, 8 am to 1pm,from mid-February to December. Location:The market is located at the CLE, DoveBuilding, just off Memorial Avenue at thecorner of May St. & Northern Ave. (next toSilverCity Movie Theatre) in Thunder Bay.Administered by: Thunder Bay CountryMarket Not-For-Profit Corporation

For more information contact:(807) 939-1099 or (807) 622-1406

Visit the Country Market website at www.thunderbaycountrymarket.com for the listof vendors, contact information and profiles.

Thunder Bay FarmersMarketsAnother Farmers Marketoperates at variouslocations throughout theCity of Thunder Bay, usuallyfrom Tuesday to Saturday,(indoor/outdoor), from Mayto December, including:

• Victoriaville

• Wilson St. Park

• Northwood Plaza

• Lakehead Labour Centre

• Westminster Church

Time of OperationFor a copy of the preciseschedule, call FarmersMarkets Ontario at(800) 387-3276.

Open: May to December,(July & August at MarinaPark)

Contact the VendorsAssociation and the City ofThunder Bay.

Phone: (807) 964-2042

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FoodFarms and Pick Your Own

Thunder Oak Cheese Farm “Ontario’s Only Gouda Cheese Farm”This creamy Dutch cheese has long been a favourite and has been made at theThunder Oak Cheese Farm since 1995. Thunder Oak Gouda is a naturalproduct made with fresh milk from the farm's own Holstein cows with nopreservatives or colouring added. The farm store offers Gouda in anyquantity - large or small, and in eight different flavours. Come and see howcheese is made! A family fun experience!!!Store Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 5 pmPhone: (807) 628-0175 or (866) 273-3329Website: www.cheesefarm.caE-mail: info@cheesefarm.caDirections: Follow Highway 61 south past the Thunder Bay airport for 20 km.Turn right on Boundary Drive. The cheese farm is 2 km on your left.

Did you know Thunder Oak Cheese Farm is Ontario’s only Gouda cheese farm?

Belluz FarmsFresh picked and pick-your-own strawberries (late June to late July),raspberries (mid July & August), Saskatoon & gooseberries (early July &August), peas (mid July & August), sweet corn (August & September),pumpkins & squash (September & October), yellow & green beans,cucumbers & melons (August), and peppers (late August).Their Harvest Café features freshly baked cookies, pies, cakes and muffins,strawberry shortcake in the summer and pumpkin soup, pie, and apple cider inthe fall. Spring and fall school tours are available. Lots of fun family activities inthe fall. Growing since 1946.Contact: Don, Claire, Kevin, Jodi & Lily BelluzAddress: RR6 - 75 Candy Mountain Drive, Thunder Bay, Ontario P7C 5N5Phone: (807) 475-5181 (farm) or (866) 200-1011 (greenhouse ph/fax)E-mail: info@belluzfarms.on.ca

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Food

Gammondale FarmsOpen year-round the farm offers a variety ofseasonal activities from old fashion sleigh rides topumpkin festivals and corn mazes, out in the SlateRiver Valley and provides an excellent venue forschool groups and tours, office parties, familyreunions, church outings and conference socials.Website: www.gammondalefarm.comContact: Gerry & Sue GammondAddress: RR#3, 426 McCluskey Drive, ThunderBay, Ontario P7C 4V2Directions: Take Hwy 61 south, about 15 kmfrom the airport, turn right onto McCluskey Drive.Then follow the Gammondale signs straight aheadfor 4 km. Gammondale Farm is on the right-handside.

Mountain Fresh FarmDirections: Candy Mountain Drive (Thunder Bay)Phone: (807) 475-9575 call ahead to see what’savailable

Green Valley GardensStrawberries and honey.Directions: East on Highway 17/11 to Pearl toRoad #5 South (Pass Lake)Phone: (807) 977-1090 please call ahead

Did you know Gammondale Farms provides tours for school groups?

The Gleaning Project

The Thunder BayDistrict HealthUnit hosts a GleaningProject in which BelluzFarms participateswhenever possible.  Abus load of adults,children, friends andfamilies take a beautifulcountry drive to the farmto harvest any surpluscrops we may have.The food is thenbrought back to homesthat might not otherwisehave the opportunity toenjoy fresh, localproduce. It's a greatway for local residentsto get out of the city andparticipate in a farmsetting!

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FoodLocal Food Producers of Thunder Bay & area:

HONEY, JAMS, SYRUPSParadis ApiariesBees, natural wildflower honey, homemade jams,jellies and syrupsPhone: (807) 473-8202

Green Valley GardensProducers of delicious honey in the Pass Lakearea. Certified organic by OC/PRO Canada andavailable at the Thunder Bay Country Market.Contact: Nicole WojtalikPhone: (807) 977-1090E-mail: greenvalleygardens@sympatico.ca

Boreal Birch SyrupBoreal Birch Syrup is one of only a handful ofbirch syrup producers in Canada, committed tocreating great tasting syrup while using the borealforest in a sustainable way. Available at theThunder Bay Country Market.Contact: Dave ChallenPhone: (807) 768-7958E-mail: borealbirchsyrup@hotmail.com

FISHThe Fish ShopLiisa Karkkainen is carrying on the Finnishtradition of smoking, salting and pickling fish fromLake Superior. She also has fresh local fishavailable in season. Smoked whitefish is thespecialty of the shop and is incredible. Visit TheFish Shop on Highway 11/17 at Crystal Beach orlook forward to seeing Liisa as a vendor at theThunder Bay Country Market.Phone: (807) 983-2214

Did you know birch syrup is a sweet, sustainable product of the boreal forest?

ELKRainy River ElkCompanyBill Darby and DebCornell raise CanadianElk naturally in theRainy River Area. Theyparticipate in theThunder Bay CountryMarket the firstSaturday of eachmonth. They offer Elksummer sausage andElk jerky. Other itemsavailable as freezerpacks include: sirloin tiproasts, rump roasts,tenderloins, ribeyesteaks, striploins, sirloinsteaks, kabobs, groundElk, Elk burger patties,stew meat, ElkBratwurst and more.Bulk purchases are alsoavailable and can bedelivered to the TBCMon request. Cured andsmoked meats can bemailed.Phone: (807) 486-3409

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FoodFREE-RANGE CHICKENS, TURKEYS &EGGSSmall scale producers of free-range chickeneggs, chicken, and turkeys.Contact: Janis and Brian CoxPhone: (807) 939-2386

BEEFRaising cattle for 30 years in the Thunder Bayarea; Charolais and Charolais-Angus crossesthat are grass fed then local grain finished.Contact: Bruce and Valve ForrestPhone: (807) 473-9609

ORGANIC GREENS, MEATS & EGGSJ&J’s Funny FarmPork, eggs (including green Arucana eggs),garden producePhone: (807) 577-7193

Mile Hill FarmsMile Hill Farms is an organic and specialtyproducts farm selling organic greens andculinary herbs, rabbit meat, beef, and farm fresheggs. They sell from the farm gate, and at theCountry Market most Saturday mornings. MileHill Farms is located in Gillies, outside ofThunder Bay. Their market gardens and fieldsare certified organic through OCPP Canada andtheir animals eat organic hay and green feed,although they are not certified organic at thistime. All of the meat is inspected, andprocessed according to Canadian regulations.Volunteers are welcome.E-mail: milehillfarms@tbaytel.netPhone: (807) 939-7514

Did you know… shopping at your local market helps the local economy?

NATURAL HERBALMEDICINERenate Nitsche is theowner of "Nature's ChoiceMedicinal Herbs". Shegrows and wildcraftsmedicinal herbs, whichare then made into teas,salves, lotions and oils.She also grows organicvegetables, sells herherbal products, as wellas home-baked goodsusing mainly organicingredients and her ownhome-grown vegetablesat the local CountryMarket.Contact: Renate NitschePhone: (807) 577-2310

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Food

ORGANIC (O), FAIR TRADE (FT) COFFEE &TEA SHOPS

The Great Northwest Coffee Company Inc.Roasters of the World's Finest Organic, Estate &Fair Trade Coffees.Website:www.abeautifuldifference.com/webdoc5.htmlPhone: (807) 344-5764 or (888) 309-8333

Calico’s Coffee Shop (FT, O-BrewedCaffeinated, Decaf and by-the-pound)316 Bay Street, Thunder Bay, ONPhone: (807) 766-9087

Grinders Coffee Lounge205 Algoma Street South, Thunder Bay, ONPhone: (807) 344-5577

Lakehead UniversityThe Study Coffee House (FT, O)University Centre, above the bookstoreEducation Student Lounge (FT, O)Bora Laskin Education Building, 2nd Floor955 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay, ONPhone: (807) 343-8110

Bean Me Up Café (FT, O-Brewed)Canada Games Complex420 Winnipeg Ave., Thunder Bay ONPhone: (807) 684-3311

Did you know when you bring your own cup, some coffee shops will give you adiscount?

BAKED GOODSBoth Hands BreadBread from organic floursbaked in a wood-fired brickoven.Phone: (807) 473-4599

SHEEP & LAMBBlue Moon RanchAlthough no longer raisingbeef, Marianne and Gregnow sell lamb. Hopefullythey will soon be makingsheep’s milk cheese.Chicken eggs are alsoavailable.Phone: (807) 622-7169

Thunder Bay MeatProcessingLocally producedgovernment inspectedmeats. Custom slaughter,cut and wrap includinggame.Phone: (807) 628-0175

FRESH PRODUCEDeBruin’s GreenhousesHydroponic greenhousesfeaturing tomatoes, herbs,greens and bedding plants.May to November.Website:www.debruinsgreenhouses.comPhone: (807) 475-7545

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FoodThe Seattle Coffee House (FT, O-Brewed, and by the pound)1100B Memorial Ave. - Phone: (807) 622-3003588 West Arthur St. - Phone: (807) 577-3355820 Red River Rd. - Phone: (807) 767-4004190 N. Cumberland St. - Phone: (807) 768-7007

Steeper’s122 North May St. and 89 North Cumberland St.Colleen and Jason, the Tea People, are passionate and knowledgeable abouttheir product. Join them for a cup or purchase tea for home enjoyment.Website: www.steeperstea.comPhone: (807) 476-0698E-mail: steepers@tbaytel.net

Cronos Café (FT, O-Brewed and sometimes by the pound)433 S. Syndicate Ave.Phone: (807) 622-9700

Starbucks Café (in Chapters Bookstore) (FT,O)797 Memorial Ave.Phone: (807) 346-9545

Superior SlowFood Movement

An Overview of the Slow Food MovementFounded by Carlo Petrini in Italy in 1986, Slow Food is an internationalassociation that promotes food and wine culture, but also defends food andagricultural biodiversity worldwide. Currently there are approximately 83,000members worldwide. They host forums, exhibitions and tastings that promotethose individuals who seek to grow, raise, catch, create, distribute andpromote food in ways that respect the environment, defend human dignity andprotect the health of consumers.

For information on Superior SlowFood, visit www.slowfoodsuperior.ca.The Superior SlowFood website also provides recipes and tips to learn moreabout good quality meats.

Did you know… that eating seasonally and locally is possible throughout the wholeyear?

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FoodSeptember

· Apples

· Beets

· Broccoli

· Brussels Sprouts

· Cabbage

· Carrots

· Cauliflower

· Celery

· Corn

· Cucumbers

· Garlic

· Gourds

· Herbs

· Kale

· Kohlrabi

· Leeks

· Lettuce

· Onions

· Parsnips

· Peppers

· Potatoes

· Pumpkins

· Rutabagas

· Salad Greens

· Summer Squash

· Sweet Corn

· Tomatoes

· Winter Squash

· Zucchini

August

· Beans

· Beets

· Broad Beans

· Broccoli

· Cabbage

· Carrots

· Cauliflower

· Cucumbers

· Garlic

· Herbs

· Kale

· Kohlrabi

· Leeks

· Lettuce

· Onions

· Parsnips

· Potatoes

· Peas

· Peppers

· Rutabagas

· Squash

· Sweet Corn

· Tomatoes

· Zucchini

July

· Beans

· Beets

· Blueberries

· Broad Beans

· Carrots

· Cucumbers

· Herbs

· Kohlrabi

· Lettuce

· Leeks

· Potatoes

· Peas

· Raspberries

· Strawberries

· Swiss Chard

· Zucchini

June

· Beets

· Carrots

· Herbs

· Onions

· Peas

· Rhubarb

· Salad Greens

· Spinach

· Strawberries

· Swiss Chard June

· Beets

· Carrots

· Herbs

· Onions

· Peas

· Rhubarb

· Salad Greens

· Spinach

· Strawberries

· Swiss Chard

May

· Cucumbers

· Greenhouse Tomatoes

· Herbs

· Lettuce

· Onions

· Rhubarb

· Salad Greens May

· Cucumbers

· Greenhouse Tomatoes

· Herbs

· Lettuce

· Onions

· Rhubarb

· Salad Greens

~ Thunder Bay Harvest Calendar ~

Not all produce may be available as indicated due to availability and weather.

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Family

Activities for the Whole Family In the City

Cycling: Cycling is a great way to stay fit and have fun. Whether you areenjoying summer vacation from school or taking advantage of one of the manycycling trails in and around Thunder Bay, cycling is a great activity to enjoy byon your own or with friends and family. A bicycle is also a great gift idea. Eachyear the Thunder Bay Police have an auction for unclaimed bicycles at theBalmoral Street Police Station. This auction is usually held in June andSeptember of each year. Cycling is a great recreational activity and it’s anenvironmentally friendly form of transportation as well. For more information,please contact (807) 684-1200. Please visit the Thunder Bay Cycling Club’swebsite for a complete list of bike routes in the city at www.tbaycc.ca/tourist.htm

The Thunder Bay Museum: The Thunder Bay Museum is an excellent place tolearn about the natural and cultural history of Thunder Bay and NorthwesternOntario. There are a number of interesting displays and exhibits that areconstantly changing. It is a great place to spend a rainy weekend afternoonwith the family. The museum has a full time educational director whocoordinates activities for kids on PD days, so if want a great way for your childto spend a PD day, contact the museum at (807) 623-0801, to find out whatprograms are being offered, or visit their website atwww.thunderbaymuseum.com/index.htm.Every October the Museum looks for volunteers to help put on the ‘HauntedHalls’, which is a haunted house that uses the Museum and its artifacts tocreate an extra creepy experience. Volunteers take part in creating the setswhich provides them an opportunity to apply and show their artistic abilities andlocal actors of all ages can get involved in a community project where they canshowcase their talents.

Did you know that the Thunder Bay Museum used to be a jail?

Family Fun in Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay offers residents a chance to explore the various activities andorganizations offered in an urban centre. Thunder Bay’s unique locationoffers endless possibilities of exploring some of Northern Ontario’s mostbeautiful landscapes and trails. We have compiled a list of different activitiesand services for people interested in exploring what this city has to offer withan emphasis on both community and “green” living activities.

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Family

The Thunder Bay Art Gallery: The Thunder BayArt Gallery offers a number of various programsfor children of all ages. They offer a March breakart program where kids can explore their variousartistic talents. One program offered over thebreak is titled Art for the Outdoors andemphasizes the use of materials found in theenvironment to create art for both indoor andoutdoor settings. On Sunday April 22 from 1pm-4pm the Gallery will be hosting a family fun dropin day where admission is only $1.00 a personand the theme is Earth Day. For more informationabout any of the Gallery’s exhibits or programsplease contact (807) 577-6427 or visit theirwebsite at tbag.ca/aboutus.htm

The Boys and Girls Club: “Boys and Girls Clubsof Thunder Bay is a non-profit agency whichprovides recreational, educational, social andenvironmental programs to children and youth 4-18.” The club offers a number of programsincluding a nutritional breakfast program whichruns all year round and is available to allmembers. The club also offers after schoolprograms for kids in junior kindergarten to grade8. For more information about membership andprograms please call the club at (807) 623-0354.You can also visit their website atwww.tbayboysandgirlsclub.org

Did you know the library is a great place to find out about community activities?

ReadingReading is a pastime forall ages and can beenjoyed both inside andout. Thunder Bay’sPublic Libraries offer anumber of programsand services fromstorytelling for kids tointroducing seniors tothe internet. The libraryoffers a number ofprograms centred onthe community andhosts citizens meetingson various subjectsincluding theenvironment. Forexample, on February7th 2007 the WaverlyLibrary had a meetingtitled CitizensConcerned aboutPesticides. To seewhat meetings orprograms are comingup, visit the ThunderBay Public Library’swebsite for a calendarof events atwww.tbpl.thunder-bay.on.ca

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Family

Used books whether you are looking to purchasea new book or get rid of an old one, usedbookstores can be a great place to find hiddentreasures at great prices. Friends of the LibraryUsed Bookstore is located in VictoriavilleShopping Centre and is always looking for newdonations of books to recycle to a new audience.Books start at $.50 and all proceeds go to theThunder Bay Public Library. For more informationabout how to donate or purchase a book pleasecall (807) 623-2409 or visit their website atwww.tbpl.ca/internal.asp?id=235&cid=244

Recycle Old CrayonsIf you have kids then you probably have crayonssomewhere in your house. Why not try a neatactivity that recycles old crayons that are too smallto use into new crayons and new colours.1. All you have to do is peel the paper off of thecrayon and place the crayons into a saucepanover the stove.2. Melt the same colours together or mix them upto create new ones.3. Once the wax has melted you will need to placecookie cutters on a flat surface, for example abaking sheet and pour the melted wax into themold.4. Let cool in the fridge or outside.5. Now you’re ready to name your new crayoncolour and start colouring!For more information please contactwww.kidsdomain.com/craft/crayon.html

Did you know that a great way to get books is to borrow from your friends?

The City of ThunderBay - CommunityPrograms Directory-THE KEYThe city of Thunder Bayoffers a number ofprograms and servicesfor people of all ages.For more informationplease visit the City ofThunder Bay website atwww.thunderbay.ca/docs/thekey/799.pdf

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FamilyActivities for the Whole Family in the GreatOutdoors

Walking & Hiking Trails: The City of ThunderBay offers many walking and hiking trails andparks that people can enjoy, both in the city andjust outside. Walking and hiking are bothexcellent ways to get fit and stay in shape andoffers kids a chance to explore the many differentareas of the city. Try a walking tour of downtownPort Arthur or Fort William. Get to know yourneighbourhood and the community memberswithin it. Often times we discover so much moreabout an area when we take the time to walkaround.

Hiking trails are abundant in this area of Canada.The Thunder Bay Conservation Authority offerenvironmentally based children’s programs andactivities throughout the year, from the annualchildren’s water festival to tree planting events.There are also many areas that provide greatfamily friendly recreational activities likeswimming, fishing, camping, snow-shoeing andcross-country skiing. Thunder Bay offers a varietyof outdoor activities for the whole family to enjoy!Visit www.lakeheadca.com/consarea.htm for acomplete list of conservation areas and activities.

Did you know… there are 95 city maintained outdoor skating rinks… free of charge!

PicnicsWhy not spend the dayoutside! Picnics are agreat excuse to spendthe day outside eatinggreat food (but don’tforget to use yourreusable containers andcutlery). Your day canbe filled with lots of funactivities or perhaps anice relaxing day lyingon a blanket under atree. One of the mostbeautiful times of yearto go on a picnic is inthe fall when all thetrees are starting tochange colour. For alist of provincial parkswithin NorthwesternOntario please visitwww.ontarioparks.com

Bird WatchingBird watching is a pastime that anyone can enjoy. To get started, visit aused bookstore to get a book of birds that are indigenous to the area andseason. Being able to identify birds while you are walking along a trail orperhaps just down the street allows you to feel more connected to nature.Why not make a game of it and see how many different birds you canidentify on a trail. For more information please visit the Ontario BirdingHome Page at www.web-nat.com/bic/ont/index.html

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FamilySnow ArtAnyone who lives in Northwestern Ontario knowsall about living with snow. Why not explore thedifferent possibilities snow has to offer? Snow artcan be a great way for people to gather in a parkor even in your backyard to create art out of thecold white substance. The possibilities areendless. Don’t forget the hot chocolate!

Good Food Made EasyWhether you are purchasing food for an entirefamily or just yourself it can be difficult topurchase affordable healthy food when on abudget. However, Thunder Bay offers residencea healthy and environmentally friendly alternativewith the Good Food Box. The price for a familybox is $24.00 and an individual box is $12.00.The box contains fresh seasonal produce grownlocally. This means that not only is it a cheaperalternative to purchasing at a grocery store butthat you are helping local growers and minimizingthe amount of pollution generated fromtransporting the food to you. To find out moreabout this program please contact (807) 345-7819or (807) 625-8816 or visit the Lakehead SocialPlanning Council’s website for more information atlspc.ca/content.asp?pg=lspc-goodfoodbox

Did you know that snow art is a fun and creative winter activity?

Visit A Farm

Both Belluz andGammondale Farms offerseasonal family funactivities! Gammondalefarms is open year round,while Belluz is closed duringthe winter. For a completelist of seasonal activitiesfrom corn mazes andpumpkins festivals to sleighrides and berry picking,please visitwww.gammondalefarm.comand www.belluzfarms.on.ca.Don’t forget the ThunderOak Cheese farm, wherekids can learn about howcheese is made. Visitwww.cheesefarm.ca

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Did you know that volunteering is a great way to meet new people?

Volunteer PositionsWhether you are a high school student looking to complete your volunteer hoursor are just looking to be active in the community, volunteering is an excellentway to get involved. Here are some ideas to help you get started on yoursearch for a volunteer position that is right for you.

The Thunder Bay Art Gallerytbag.ca/voluntrs.htm

The Thunder Bay Museumwww.thunderbaymuseum.com

Friends of the Library Used Bookstorewww.tbpl.ca/internal.asp?id=235&cid=244

The Thunder Bay Good Food Box Programlspc.ca/content.asp?pg=lspc-goodfoodbox

The Boys and Girls Clubwww.tbayboysandgirlsclub.org

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GovernmentGet Dirty!Here’s your chance to help researchers monitorbiodiversity and local ecosystem health! Check outthe following websites for more information aboutcitizen participation biomonitoring programs:

Ice Watch:www.naturewatch.ca/english/icewatch

Frog Watch:www.naturewatch.ca/english/frogwatch/on/intro.html

Plant Watch:www.naturewatch.ca/english/plantwatch

Worm Watch:www.naturewatch.ca/english/wormwatch

Severe Weather Watchers:www.msc-smc.ec.gc.ca/severe_weather

Other Citizen Science Opportunities:www.ec.gc.ca/science/sandenov99/relate6_e.html

Great Lakes Sustainability Fund:sustainabilityfund.gc.ca/Home-WS8EF2CCF9-11_En.htmEnvironment Canada’s Eco Action Program: www.ec.gc.ca/ecoaction

Citizen Action! As acitizen of Thunder Bay,there are definitelyopportunities to getinvolved in projectswhich aim to make ourcity a better place!From mucking aroundin swamps countingfrogs, to picking up apen and writing a letterabout something youcare about…there aremany simpleopportunities to jumpin and show the earthyou care!

Get Funded!As members of the community of Thunder Bay, you’re eligible for governmentgrants which can help you make a difference in the community. Check out thesewebsites for information on how to apply for funding to implement your project!

Environmental Damages FundGLSF provides technical and financial support to projects (up to one-third of thetotal cost) that implement remedial actions to complete the clean up andrestoration in three key priority areas:  fish and wildlife habitat rehabilitation andstewardship; contaminated sediment assessment and remediation; and innovativeapproaches to improve municipal wastewater effluent quality.www.ec.gc.ca/edf-fde/default.asp?lang=En&n=C5BAD261-1

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GovernmentWrite Letters!How to write a letter to a politician:www.literacy.ca/govrel/write.htmTips for writing letters to the editor:

Try to link your letter to the date and title of a storypreviously appearing in the paper.Deal with one topic and have one major message.Put the main point at the beginning andprogressively less important details towards the end.Be brief (350 words max) and specific.Use a straightforward, factual approach - notsarcasm.Include your name, address and day phone number- staff may call if they're interested.Try to submit within 48 hours (for dailies) of thearticle you're responding to.Get your mother (or anyone who cares about yourreputation) to check the letter.(source: www.davidsuzuki.org/Take_Action)

Places to send your ideas/thoughts/concerns:Member of Provincial ParliamentMICHAEL GRAVELLE, MPPOLP Room 369Main Legislative BuildingQueen's ParkToronto, Ontario  M7A 1A4Tel: (416) 325-1559Fax: (416) 325-1564mgravelle.mpp@liberal.ola.orgConstituency Office:215 Van Norman Street, Suite 101Thunder Bay, Ontario P7A 4B6Tel: (807) 345-3647       (888) 516-5555Fax: (807) 345-2922mgravelle.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org

Did you know…a typed or handwritten action letter carries the most weight withany recipient?

FederalRepresentative:

Thunder Bay --Superior North,OntarioCOMUZZI, Joseph R.(Liberal)ParliamentaryAddressHouse of CommonsOttawa, OntarioK1A 0A6Tel: (613) 996-4792Fax: (613) 996-9785E-Mail:Comuzzi.J@parl.gc.caConstituency Address4-215 Van Norman St.Thunder Bay, OntarioP7A 4B6Tel: (807) 345-4305Fax: (807) 345-4752E-Mail:comuzj1@parl.gc.ca

Municipalgovernment:

Thunder Bay City Hall500 Donald Street EastP.O. Box 800Thunder Bay, OntarioP7C 5K4Tel: (807) 625-2110

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Other Ways to Get Involved!

Check out these great resources to find out howyou can make a difference and become involvedin changing our world for the better!

David Suzuki’s Nature Challenge:www.davidsuzuki.org/NatureChallenge

Little Things You Can Do to Help theEnvironment:www.everydayactivist.com

Did you know…the Sierra Club’s “The Green Life” blog provides regular news andlifestyle tips focused on greening our world?

Newspapers:

The Globe and Mail:letters@GlobeAndMail.ca

National Post:letters@nationalpost.com

Thunder Bay ChronicleJournal: submit online atwww.tricubemedia.net/tbayemail/letters.php

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References:1 www.hydroquebec.com/sustainable-development/documentation/pdf/transport_en_2006.pdf2 www.onelesstonne.ca/sourcescalcs.pdf3 www.tc.gc.ca/programs/environment/atvvpgm/tec03.htm#ethanol