The Grand River Watershed Regional Update has been a weekly project that began in the fall of 2022 when the omnibus Bill 23 - the More Homes Built Faster Act was introduced, then swiftly passed - and the infamous Greenbelt Scandal began. While this newsletter was initially contemplated as an undertaking that might last a few weeks, it's been going for nearly 4 years. We are doing our best to manage as the readership grows, however with a growing readership of over 500 subscribers, a shift to a new way of managing the updates is needed.
We are keenly aware - there is a myriad of complexities and concerns, not the least of which is #ElbowsUp - and the vast array of choices available for managing newsletters. However, a significant factor is we are volunteers with a budget of about $0. Leaflet is a relatively new platform that is part of Atmosphere - it uses ATProtocol (similar to Bluesky which you may already be familiar with). Joan would like to express appreciation for the complimentary one year subscription that she was offered for the Leaflet Pro (there is a free version, but Leaflet Pro offers more features). So with all that said we're getting started on this platform transition.
Before we sign off, this would not be a Grand River Watershed Regional Update without a least a sample of some recent articles.
Ricochet -
https://ricochet.media/climate/david-suzuki-refuses-to-give-young-people-hopium-about-the-future/
On In Bed with the Elephant, David Suzuki reflects on why #climate catastrophe can no longer be avoided, and explains why preparing our communities for the worst is now far more urgent than promising people hope. New from Desiree Nikfardjam: ricochet.media/climate/davi... @caradrianh.bsky.social
and
Global News - Government says naming ministers whose vehicles sped would reveal 'travel habits'
https://globalnews.ca/news/11959981/ontario-speeding-cabinet-minister-vehicles-disclosure-questions/
John Michal McGrath - links and summaries for his recent articles and links to a few other articles about what's going on. Topics: Mark Carney's climate policy, Bike Share Toronto, data centres
"Good lord."
https://johnmcgrath.substack.com/p/links-for-july-12th-2026
Links for July 12th, 2026: johnmcgrath.substack.com/p/links-for-...
CTV News -
Canada paid for $6.4-billion Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Windsor and Detroit planning to recoup costs from tolls, after which proceeds would be shared with Michigan. After Trump threatened to block opening, Canada now sharing 50% proceeds www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic...
On a lighter note: Click to watch the video!
As always, we welcome your ideas, suggestions and feedback.
Cheers!
Kevin ( ), Mike ( ) and Joan ( )