July Podcast – Perspective on Public Engagement with John Jackson
Listen to the interview with John Jackson (ensure your computer audio is turned on, volume up)
In the July, 2015 edition of Infosuperior’s podcast series, John Jackson provides perspective about efforts to increase Great Lakes public engagement. John is a resident of Kitchener, Ontario. He has a wide range of knowledge and depth of experience in Great Lakes environmental issues. John’s activities range from grass roots community efforts through to the highest levels of Great Lakes environmental governance. John is very familiar with Lake Superior and people in communities around the lake. He has visited many Lake Superior communities, in both Canada and USA, often on multiple occasions.
“Beach Advisory” Issued for Boulevard Lake
The Thunder Bay District Health Unit has issued an advisory for those interested in swimming at Thunder Bay’s Boulevard Lake. Swimming advisories, or “beach advisories,” are issued to advise swimmers of water quality conditions which may adversely affect a swimmers health. Read the advisory from the Thunder Bay District Health Unit here…
*UPDATE: July 10th – The Thunder Bay District Health Unit discontinues “beach advisory” for Boulevard Lake.
For information about Thunder Bay and area beach advisories click here.
July 8th Webinar: Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement & Public Outreach
A binational webinar focusing on Annex 2 of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, “Lakewide Management,” was held on Wednesday, July 8th from 1:00-3:00 CT (2:00-4:00 ET). Slides from the webinar can be found here. The webinar is intended to:
· provide a brief overview of the Agreement, focusing on Annex 2;
· provide an update of progress under Annex 2 thus far; and
· hold an open discussion on the subject of public outreach and engagement under Annex 2.
In early 2013, a revised and updated Canada-U.S. Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement entered into force. The revised Agreement covers issues such as Areas of Concern, lakewide management, and nutrients, but also covers new issues like invasive species and climate change. Annex 2 of the agreement is intended to assess the status of each Great Lake and address environmental stressors on a lakewide scale through an ecosystem approach.
Public engagement is a key principle of the Agreement, which describes such engagement as incorporating public opinion and advice, as appropriate, and providing information and opportunities for the public to participate in activities that contribute to the achievement of the objectives of this Agreement. The webinar is intended to encompass an open discussion on the topic of outreach and engagement, including proven practices and suggestions for innovation.
All Great Lakes stakeholders (NGOs, citizens, academics, etc.) are welcome to participate in the July 8th webinar.
Nipigon Stormwater Management Plan – Open House (July 9)
The Town of Nipigon will be hosting an open house and presentation of the draft stormwater management plan for the town. A central focus of the draft plan will be Clearwater Creek.
JULY 9TH FROM 5 to 7 P.M.
NIPIGON COMMUNITY CENTRE (138 Wadsworth Dr.)
The open house will include:
- Recap of progress to date
- Schedule to completion of the plan
- Detailed dialog on the identification and quantification of issues and threats
- Discussion of vetted restoration practices
Project partners for the stormwater management plan include the Town of Nipigon, Lakehead University, and RAP Agencies. The project funding partners include Environment Canada and the Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change.