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Saanich Environmental Awards 2008
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Saanich's Environmental Advisory Committee recognizes people and
organizations which made a positive contribution to the natural environment in Saanich each
year.
Winners 2008
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Individual Citizen - Judy Spearing
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Judy has volunteered on several ecological restoration projects and has since initiated
2 of her own in Mt. Douglas and Bow, Brodick and Feltham Parks. She educates volunteers,
students and neighbours about threats posed by invasive species and facilitates 1000's of
hours of volunteer stewardship to mitigate their negative impacts. In particular she has
championed a multi-year approach to rid Mt. Doug of a new invasive species - Garlic Mustard -
in order to protect native biodiversity in the region. Judy exemplifies education, action and
advocacy to preserve biodiversity in our municipality. In her spare time she researches,
attends workshops and events to educate herself. An outstanding community volunteer, she
deserves an award.
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Volunteer Organization - The Mt. Tolmie Conservancy
Association
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The Mt. Tolmie Conservancy Association was selected as deserving of a Saanich Environmental Award for the achievements of its members in protecting and restoring the Garry oak habitat in Mt. Tolmie Park. Two members in particular were singled out for nominations: Dave Lock (President of the MTCA) and Paul Gareau. Both of these men have been involved for years with the group, pulling broom and other invasive plants, leading work parties and teaching native plant identification. The MTCA as a whole deserves recognition for the positive contribution they have made to this special Saanich Park.
| Business/Commercial -
Carmanah Technologies Corporation |
Carmanah Technologies Corporation’s manufacturing facility is located on Enterprise Crescent in Saanich. Carmanah's innovative solar technology significantly reduces or eliminates on-grid energy use, incorporates clean, green renewable energy, and operates reliably year round in the most extreme conditions with little or no maintenance. Eight pairs of Carmanah's solar-powered crosswalk beacons were recently installed throughout the District of Saanich. Carmanah's solar technology includes a range of solar-powered roadway lighting applications from solar-power pedestrian crosswalk and 24-hour flashing beacons, to programmable solar school-zone flashers and stand-alone power sources for Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) equipment. With no trenching or cabling required, Carmanah's grid-independent solar-powered traffic equipment can be installed and operated with little or no environmental impact.
| Youth
Group/School -
Reynolds Green Group |
The Reynolds Green Group is a group of students at Reynolds Secondary School, and their leader Heather Coey, who have undertaken a variety of environmental initiatives at the school and with the student body. Some of these initiatives include: energy and water conservation, recycling, composting, garbage-free lunches, alternative transportation, ethical purchasing, and conservation. The group has arranged for Pacific Mobile Depot to bring its plastics recycling operation to the Reynolds parking lot every 4th Saturday of the month. In conjunction with Leadership Victoria and the University of Victoria’s Restoration of Natural Systems Program, the Reynolds Green Group has started the Reynolds Greenspaces Project to green the school grounds.
Recently, the RGG was awarded the BC Hydro POWER SMART Community Action Award for its GREEN initiatives. Congratulations to this hard-working youth group and to Heather Coey for guiding them.
| Biodiversity Conservation Award - Garry Oak Meadow Preservation Society |
The Garry Oak Meadow Preservation Society has been advocating for the protection of Garry oak habitat throughout Victoria, with an emphasis on Saanich, since 1992. The group provides review, planning input, scientific knowledge and expertise, as well as public education, outreach and support to related local causes and organizations. GOMPS has been lobbying for the protection of Garry oaks and their associated species longer than any other group in Canada and has been vital in increasing the recognition and understanding of the ecological values of GO habitat throughout the region. GOMPS took part in the establishment of Saanich’s own Garry Oak Restoration Project (GORP) and the Garry Oak Ecosystem Recovery Team (GOERT).
| Long Term Achievement - Pam Sinclair |
Pam has been a tireless volunteer in Saanich for over a decade. She originally approached Saanich Parks for permission to remove the invasive species in the natural Garry oak ecosystem in Playfair Park which she lives next to. Her work has transformed the area to the rich biodiversity it once was. Pam has made sure that her work is supported by the Municipality before she begins, she successfully recruits volunteers and she has always made herself available for many other restoration events. This wonderful volunteer deserves recognition for the valuable service she provides to the community and natural areas of Saanich.
| Sustainability -
Guy Dauncey |
Guy Dauncey is a speaker, author, and organizer who works to develop a positive vision of a sustainable future, and to translate that vision into action. He is author of the award-winning book Stormy Weather: 101 Solutions to Global Climate Change; Cancer: 101 Solutions to a Preventable Epidemic, and 9 other titles. He is President of the BC Sustainable Energy Association (www.bcsea.org), Co-chair of Prevent Cancer Now; Executive Director of The Solutions Project; and Publisher of EcoNews, a monthly newsletter that promotes the vision of a sustainable Vancouver Island.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
| Individual Citizen -
John Jungen |
John Jungen has volunteered in Saanich Parks for a number of years, working to remove alien invasive plant species. He is an active, regular participant on projects in Mt. Douglas Park and at multiple Garry Oak Restoration Project sites. He also worked on the clearing of Haro Woods of invasive English ivy until that project was completed. John volunteers many hours each year and produces great results. He is a steward of our natural areas and treads lightly wherever he goes.
Questions? Contact: Adriane.Pollard@saanich.ca
Phone: 475-5494 Local 3408, Environmental Planning Officer
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