Greening Sudbury, all of it, from the environment to the economy, is the focus of EarthCare Sudbury?s Local Action Plan, released last Wednesday morning at Science North. But the Greening of Sudbury involves two strategies. The first is cementing partnerships between the major players in the public, private and community sector. These partners include the City of Greater Sudbury, Laurentian University, Science North, the mining companies and related firms, Canada Trust, as well as non-profit organizations such as EcoAction Sudbury and the Sudbury Horticultural Society.
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Bill Bradley |
The second is to involve the public. That?s you. On Wednesday, May 28, the public is invited to provide input to the action plan at the Inco Cavern at Science North.
Already there are success stories from the co-operation between major players. Science North?s Climate Change Action Show starring comedian Rick Mercer is a direct result of co-operation between the city, Science North and Suncor among others.
?The city contributed $25,000 and their contribution came about as the result of the federal government?s Climate Change Action Fund which was $300,000,? said Alan Nursall, science director of Science North. The private sector, Campbell Scientific and Suncor also contributed cash.
?Without the cash, that investment initiated by the city through EarthCare Sudbury, we wouldn?t have done it...With it we were able to leverage other money,? said Nursall.
According to Nursall the show is one of the best object theatre projects ever attempted by Science North. ?We?re extremely proud of it. It has generated awareness in political and scientific circles across the country and it has become a business product for export.?
In fact, Nursall said the funding generated in the development of the show and expectations of future revenue from sales of the show are helping to continue funding staff positions at Science North and helping to continue buying services from local businesses.
According to Barb McDougall-Murdoch, co-ordinator of EarthCare Sudbury Initiatives with the City of Greater Sudbury, because community partners were engaged early in the process, this plan is unique to Canada.
?Other communities are at similar stages in developing local action plans to deal with climate change but Sudbury is unique in working with community partners and engaging these partners and stakeholders in the community.?
She noted other communities developing action plans started with garnering public support. In
Sudbury, now that community partnerships are in place, the next step is seeking public input.
For more information, phone 671-2489 ext. 4690.
Bill Bradley writes about environmental issues for Northern Life.
