Good Day!

While good outcomes continue from the recent US elections, issues continue to mount in our local communities. Doug Ford continued his destruction of democracy by appointing Regional Chairs in numerous Ontario communities while others were free to elect their desired leaders - for now. Many newly-elected mayors and the appointed regional chairs across the province will have strong powers - whether they choose to use them or not, this is another significant blow to democracy. Kitchener Councillor Scott Davey was appointed to be Chair of Waterloo Region - replacing Karen Redman - while also being expected to fulfill his City Councillor role. Conflict of interest and many other concerns are being raised.

The horrors of Bill 140 are becoming more apparent as experts and groups across Ontario express alarm at the loss of rights for notification, investigation, reviews, and appeal, erasing environmental regulations, and replacing the Environmental Registry of Ontario with the Ontario Regulatory Registry. We need to send strong messages opposing the changes in the next week demanding the provincial government withdraw this very concerning bill. There are lots of ways for you to write, call, and show concerns outlined below. Federally, Bill C-39 is raising similar concerns.

Thankfully there have been two big wins. In Wasaga Beach the Federal government found imminent danger to rare Piping Plovers requiring intervention and protections. And in Sebringville, the determination and persistence of grassroots groups have finally seen an absurd massive urban subdivision proposal rejected for this small rural community. Well done!

Here's the latest:

1) Ford Government Announces Strong Regional Chair/Warden Appointments

Municipal politics is meant to be non-partisan and democratic, but this is being openly eroded with this week’s announcement of the list of people with strong ties to the PCs who have been appointed by the Ford government as Regional Chairs or County Wardens.

There are also concerns with conflicts of interest as some of the people selected as chairs will be simultaneously serving as mayors and councillors including Kitchener Ward 1 Councillor Scott Davey who has been appointed as the new Waterloo Regional Chair, replacing Karen Redman.

There is a movement gaining momentum to encourage Scott Davey not to be sworn in as Ward 1 Councillor, but instead vacate the seat, then appoint a new Councillor to replace him through a by-election, an application process, or appointment of a runner up from the recent election. Possible candidates to replace Davey include Elizabeth Bate (Ward 1 resident and runner up), Simon Guthrie (Ward 1 resident, runner-up #5 (of four) at Regional Council, and 2022 Ward 1 candidate), or Stephanie Stretch (previous Ward 1 resident and Ward 10 Councillor who lost, but still received more votes than 6 other just-elected Kitchener Councillors, and was also a 2018 Ward 1 candidate).

There is a Change.org petition rapidly gaining signatures to encourage Scott Davey to resign from Kitchener City Council:

Additional Serious Concerns - Luisa D'Amato has an excellent article in the newspaper today calling out Scott Davey for signing off on principles to get the endorsement of the Waterloo Region Labour Council which included advocating for an elected Regional Chair, when he knew he had already applied to be the appointed Regional Chair. "He committed to priorities knowing he was seeking the position":

The Waterloo Region Record - Many Questions Raised By The Appointment Of Incoming Regional Chair Scott Davey:

Great Op-Eds and Letters! -

The Waterloo Region Record - Davey's Appointment Creates Ethical Problems:

The Waterloo Region Record - Other Elected Officials Should Not Be Congratulating Davey:

Additional Recent Media Articles:

CBC - It's An Impossible Job: Decision To Appoint Kitchener Councillor As Regional Chair Sparks Controversy:

CBC News - Ontario appoints 8 new regional chairs after controversial rule change lets minister hand-pick appointees:

The Trillium - Ford government appoints mayors of Vaughan, Pickering to new strong-chair roles:

The Waterloo Region Record - Scott Davey Picked To Be Next Regional Chair:

CityNews - Newly Appointed Regional Chair Is “Honoured” To Be Selected For The Role:

Global News - Ontario appoints regional council chairs, including outgoing Conservative MP:

Global News - Critics slam Ford government appointment of York region chair as ‘conflict of interest’:

Action Required - Speak up to express concerns about this serious loss of democracy with the Ford government appointing the most powerful politician in our communities, and demand elected/appointed municipal officials hold only one office at a time.

2) Bill 140: Gutting the Environmental Bill of Rights and Your Rights

Urgent and Time Sensitive

On October 27th the Ford Government introduced the omnibus bill: Building Ontario Faster Act, 2026, also known as Bill 140, that includes proposals for drastic changes that could seriously undermine our ability to protect our communities. 

The timing of this bill is troubling: Bill 140 was introduced when the legislature resumed - the day after the municipal elections. The comment period while the bill is before committee - the time when municipalities usually submit comments - ends November 17th at 6pm, which coincides with the period of time when new councils are just being sworn in. This timing interferes with the ability of municipal councils to consider Bill 140 and submit comments. This timing appears to be intentional.

Caledon Councillor Keri Parfitt posted an excellent summary of this issue in her recent reel (Instagram):

Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA) shared a summary of the concerning proposed changes that would undermine the Environmental Bill of Rights, they issued an urgent Action Alert, and hosted a webinar this week to help us understand the harmful changes proposed under Bill 140, and how to take action to oppose it:

Bill 140 would:

• Eliminate your right to request investigations into suspected violations of environmental laws;

• Eliminate your right to request reviews of outdated environmental laws and regulations;

• Eliminate your right to seek permission to appeal certain government decisions that could cause significant environmental harm;

• Restrict your right to be notified and comment on certain proposed environmental laws, regulations and policies.

CELA Action Alert: Your Right to Protect Your Community is Under Threat

New! Environmental Defence - Show up at Queen's Park Standing Committee Hearing to Oppose Bill 140

On Tuesday, November 17, the Standing Committee on the Interior will meet to consider Ontario’s Bill 140, the proposed Building Ontario Faster Act, 2026. Environmental Defence is inviting you to join them at Queens Park to fill the committee room  to show Premier Ford and his Cabinet that Ontarians are opposed to Bill 140. 

If you are able to participate, please register using the google form to confirm your attendance. They also ask you to share the invite with people in your network or community who also oppose Bill 140. They will be in touch with details with those who have registered on where to meet and what to bring for an effective push back presence at Queen’s Park. 

Registration form:

Environmental Defense raised concerns earlier about Bill 140 in their media release:

Bill 140 Would Open the Door to Corruption by Gutting Environmental Bill of Rights:

Another section of Bill 140 includes proposals for rapid expansion and creation of new landfills and increased waste incineration - without the need for municipal consent.  There are  several important articles covering the concerns about Bill 140.

Information About Bill 140:

We encourage you to use the resources below to learn more about the harm this proposed Bill would do, write letters, and submit comments. Time is very limited.

Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA)

Ecojustice - Ecojustice calls on Ontario government to retract Bill 140:

Ontario Nature - Bill 140 Undermines Environmental Rights:

Petition and Letter Writing Tool re: Bill 140

David Suzuki Foundation - Tell Ford To Stop His Environmental Power Grab - Bill 140

Media Articles: ICYM/Background Articles

The Narwhal - How the Ford government’s new omnibus bill could affect Ontarians’ say in environmental decisions:

The Pointer - Ford’s Bill 140 ‘eviscerates’ Ontario’s bedrock environmental laws, hands developers what they want:

The Pointer - Brampton didn't want to become the waste-burning capital of Canada.  Bill 140 could force other municipalities to follow:

Action Required - Learn about the proposed changes with Bill 140, share this with others, and speak up to protect our communities. Sign petitions, submit comments to the Standing Committee on the Interior by November 17th at 6 pm. Email: sci@ola.org and submit comments to the ERO by 11:59pm on November 26th.

  • https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/026-1109

  • You can send the same letter to both the Committee and the ERO, or send different letters.

  • Original letters are weighed more heavily in consideration of matters than form/mass letters. You can sign petitions and use automated mailers and send your own letters/submit comments, if you have the capacity. The more letters the better!

  • Be sure your letters cc the following people:

  • What to include in your letter (suggestions): Tell the government to withdraw Bill 140. State that the Environmental Bill of Rights is not red tape. The Environmental Registry (ERO) is not the same as the Regulatory Registry - the Regulatory Registry is not an adequate replacement for the ERO. Pushing forward with legislation, policy, planning, regulatory changes and approvals without the checks and balances provided by the Environmental Bill of Rights creates a situation where there is no transparency or accountability and it is likely to lead to significant impacts on the environment, communities and people.

3) Federal Bill C-39 Concerns

Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives has done a razor-sharp analysis of the secretive and highly-dangerous Bill C-39 including investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) provisions tucked into dozens of trade agreements, all to enable transnational corporations to sue governments with the result: taxpayers are on the hook to pay for lost profits if mining or other extractive projects get cancelled for environmental or other reasons:

Bill C-39 could lead to massive investor lawsuits against Canada (CCPA):

Here are good resources covering the ISDS dangers.  For example, the summary at the start of this Sierra Club Report also nails these dangers very clearly:

Inside Climate News (ICN) sums up the profit motive behind lawsuits brought to ISDS tribunals.  Apparently, there is no limit to greed on Wall Street, and hyperavaricious private-equity firms like Burford Capital that specialize in litigation financing.

How to Buy a Piece of a Lawsuit and Impoverish a Country:

More heartbreaking stories from ICN on how ISDS enables big corporations to prey on taxpayers and the natural environment:

From Wildlands League:

Legal experts warn this Bill with over 240 pages, if passed, would “implement the single worst weakening of Canada’s environmental law safety net in Canadian history”.

The Government of Canada states it is proposing changes…“to simplify processes, reduce duplication, and give investors greater certainty to deploy capital and build projects, while maintaining strong environmental protections and respecting Indigenous rights”. 

Wildlands is deeply concerned with Part 1 of Bill C-39 given our expertise and long experience in environmental assessment and nature protection. 

If passed, the Bill would weaken safeguards for nature, erode public and Indigenous participation in federal environmental decision-making, and undermine governmental accountability. Below are just some of its troubling aspects. The Bill: 

  • enables vast sacrifice zones, regions of national interest, in which all projects could be pre-approved and exempted from federal laws 

  • allows construction to begin before assessments are completed, which undermines impact assessment efficacy and could effectively take a “no” decision off the table even for projects that could destroy entire ecosystems 

  • compresses decision-making timelines to a maximum of one year, a period far too short to ensure project effects are accurately understood before they are approved 

  • allows technical, economic and practical feasibility considerations to overrule the need for environmental protection 

We could find ourselves in a nightmare situation in Ontario where Premier Ford declares a special economic zone in the Ring of Fire and then Canada layers on top its own regional of national interest sacrifice zone putting at risk peatlands, freshwater, habitat and relationships with Indigenous peoples. To make matters worse, the PM recently announced $1 Billion for risky Ring of Fire roads.

Speak Up and Express Concerns:

Federal Petition e-7877 (Environment)

Ecojustice - Take A Stand Against The Bulldoze Nature Bill:

350.org Canada

David Suzuki Foundation

Environmental Defence 

Stand Earth

 Legal Advocates for Nature's Defence (LAND)

Media Coverage - has been very limited:
The Waterloo Region Record - It’s Mark Carney’s Most Consequential Gambit And It’s Radical.  His Justification For Ramming It Through Just Changed:

CBC News - 56 top Canadian scientists push for changes to Carney's new major projects bill:

Action Required - Speak up and help to ensure that if/when Bill C-39 becomes law, that it is in the best public interest.

4) A Win In Sebringville

Kudos to the determined and persistent citizens of Sebringville who fought a grassroots campaign against a large urban subdivision - totally out of context - being forced on their small rural community. This past week County Council denied the Official Plan Amendment sought by developers! Never give up - nothing is ever a done deal...

StratfordToday.ca - County Council Denies Official Plan Amendment Request In Proposed Sebringville Subdivision:

5) A Huge Win For Wasaga Beach Piping Plovers

Also in another win for the greater public good, the federal government has found imminent danger requiring immediate action to better protect the highly endangered Piping Plover. Kudos to all the citizens who have spoke up and fought against the secretive plans and absurd provincial actions to sell off such incredible and unique provincial park lands for development.
Environmental Defence, Ontario Nature, Ecojustice Joint Release - Federal environment ministry finds imminent threat to endangered Piping Plover:

Action Required - Keep speaking up to ensure the best possible long-term outcomes.

6) Woolwich Official Plan Missing The Countryside Line

Kudo's to the amazing grassroots groups fighting the developers trying to force amendments to the Woolwich Official Plan to see farmland along the southern boundary of the Woolwich Township changed to industrial lands. Citizens have been relentless in raising concerns including the loss of the Regional Countryside Line concept in the latest draft of the otherwise excellent proposed Woolwich 2026 to 2051 Official Plan.

It was fantastic to see the huge front page coverage on Thursday about this loss of the Countryside Line and the potential implications. Hopefully, community groups will be able to work with municipal staff in both Woolwich and the City of Waterloo to ensure the Countryside Line is an integral part of both new Official Plans that reigns in urban sprawl, protects farmland, protects water, and helps to ensure a sustainable future.

Waterloo Region Record - Countryside Line Removed From Woolwich Official Plan:

Action Required - Keep reaching out to Staff and Elected Officials to ensure the needed protections and sustainable future plans.

7) Waterloo Region Water Crisis

It's great to see the fantastic Letter To The Editor from long-time GREN member and water expert Bob Burtt expressing concerns about the Regional Water Crisis Report to be released soon, instead calling for a full provincial inquiry into the Waterloo Region Water Crisis that stalled hundreds of millions of dollars of development for almost a year, and will cost taxpayers at least $180 million to address:

The Waterloo Region Record - A Full Provincial Inquiry Is Needed Into The Water Crisis:

And it is also great to see GREN Executive member and Record columnist Susan Koswan with another excellent article showing how we need better water and energy management for a truly sustainable future:

The Waterloo Region Record - Susan Koswan - Energy And Water Need Better Management For A Sustainable Future:

8) Tracking Environmental Deregulation Under PM Carney

Bill C-5 and Bill C-39 are part of a growing list and a concerning pattern of change as the Federal government focuses on economic development at the cost of our environment and climate:

Ecojustice - Tracking the Carney government's environmental deregulation:

Related articles:

CBC Radio - Canada should not end its Arctic drilling ban, warns former environment minister:

The Trillium - Pembina Pipeline, Trans Mountain, large banks put staff on secondment with the Major Projects Office:

Critics warn of ‘government capture’ by industry, conflicts of interest

CBC News - More than a dozen private companies lend workers to Major Projects Office: document:

"participating companies will cover 100 per cent of their employees' salaries and benefits" while they're working with the MPO.

CBC News - Carney government spent over $19B on external consultants in its first year:

despite a promise to cut back on its use of outside contractors

9) Sale of Stellantis Plant in Brampton

A rapidly developing story...Stellantis announced a purchase agreement with Roshel, a smart armoured/defence vehicle manufacturer (a Canadian company). The plant has sat dormant since 2023 when Chrysler vehicle manufacturing was shifted from their Brampton plant to the US, with ~2,000 employees on paid layoff. PM Carney was very critical of the decision to sell by Stellantis. Then news broke that the federal government was involved with talks with the company that led up to the sale. The most recent news is the federal government has ended talks with Stellantis.

CBC News - Industry minister terminates resolution talks with Stellantis over Brampton auto plant sale - Feds say Stellantis owes 'hundreds of millions' in subsidies, company offers $24M:

CBC News - Stellantis auto plant sale draws optimism, hurt in Brampton, Ont., after 2,000 jobs lost:

CBC News - Stellantis auto plant closure in Brampton a 'betrayal' to all Canadians, Carney says:

CBC News - Did Stellantis violate its deals with the feds? Funding contract provided exceptions around Brampton:

CTV News - Carney government actively involved in talks leading to Stellantis plant sale: sources:

CTV News - Lobby records show high-level meetings with government officials and Stellantis, Roshel ahead of sale announcement:

Tangent - Doug Ford tried to wade in:

CTV News - Ford letter to PM: Chinese EV kits must not be assembled at Brampton plant:

10) OPG announces Darlington Nuclear Project Delayed and Over Budget

Doug Ford's government is spending billions of dollars on unproven nuclear reactor technology that will take years, possibly more than a decade to build out - at a time when they admit Ontario urgently needs more electricity generating capacity and clean renewable solar and wind power generation are cheaper, simpler and much faster to get up and running. The first project is happening at Darlington. Surprise! It is not going well.

On Wednesday, Ontario Power Generation (OPG) announced the project to build the world's first Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) was already late and over budget - and won't be opening in 2030 as promised by Doug Ford.

Speak Up ! - The amazing folks at the Ontario Clean Air Alliance have a one-click letter you can send to the Premier and others telling them to scrap the risky, high-cost Darlington SMRs and invest in safe, low cost, rapidly deployable renewable energy instead:

Recent Media includes:

Decouple - OPG acknowledges West's First SMR is behind schedule:

Immature reactor engineering and stretched Hitachi resources threaten Darlington's cost and schedule...
The admission exposes a troubling Canadian vulnerability. Having committed billions to pioneering an American reactor design, Ontario now depends on a foreign vendor whose scarce engineering resources are being pulled in competing directions.

Nicole Butcher, OPG President and CEO Ontario Power Generation (OPG) statement (Nov 11, 2026):

Based on the assessment completed to date, Unit 1 is no longer expected to meet the previously disclosed October 2030 commercial-operation target or be completely within the previously disclosed budget.

An updated assessment is needed to establish completion date and updated budget - this assessment is underway, but will not be completed until mid-2027.

Full statement posted on LinkedIn:

As an indicator of the urgent need for increased capacity in the grid, recall the recent deal announced for Ontario to buy electricity from NY state.

CBC News - Ontario to import U.S. electricity this winter, months after Ford threatened to cut power exports:

Action Required - As renewable energy generation and storage costs continue to plummet, tell Doug Ford to abandon this costly boondoggle and install the efficient, economical, renewable wind and solar energy the rest of the world is building.

11) Is The Leak at Cambridge Data Centre Related to Contamination in Stormwater Management Pond?

Information about the spill at the Data Centre was not released to the public initially; it was obtained through Freedom of Information (FOI) requests. Months later it remains unclear - despite company denials - whether the spill is connected to the milky bacterial bloom in the pond.

Regional Record - Chemical spill confirmed at Cambridge data centre weeks before ‘bacteria bloom’ was traced back to property:

CBC News - Company that owns Cambridge data centre says 5K litre glycol spill was not related to bacterial bloom in pond:

Action Required: Speak up to oppose Bill 140 (see section 2) above. Bill 140 will gut the Environmental Bill of Rights. If passed, this legislation will make it more difficult to obtain information about proposed industrial projects, to oppose them, and to investigate and take legal action when there are problems like this spill.

12) Recent Articles

Doug Ford’s spring adventure in Texas was expensive, and he displayed appalling behaviour towards post-secondary students protesting OSAP changes that put their future at risk; Ford government finally plans to introduce legislation to address concerns over OSAP abuse - years after they were made aware of problems; Some consequences after years of the province underfunding post-secondary institutions; Ontario’s failed efforts to solve the family physician shortage are also expensive; possible privatization of Toronto Hydro and other local hydro utilities; Honda announces investment to expand hybrid production at its Alliston facility; GO Trains for Cambridge?; Mike Marcolongo and Sharon Sommerville highlight a forest ecosystem at risk of being lost due to Highway 413.

The Trillium - Premier Ford’s chartered flights for spring Texas trip cost over $105,000:

The Trillium - Give Your Head A Shake Kids: Premier Ford Dismisses OSAP Protestors:

CBC News - Ford calls students protesting OSAP changes 'naive,' says they should be 'thanking the government':

Global News - Ontario to cap OSAP growth at career colleges following massive increases:

The Pointer - Ontario’s underfunded post-secondary system turned international students into a financial lifeline; Peel is now facing the consequences [along with other areas]:

The Hamilton Spectator - Despite Spending Billions, Ontario Is Failing To Solve Family Doctor Shortage:

Toronto Star - New Ontario Law A Stealth Privatization Of Toronto Hydro, Other Local Power Utilities:

https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/new-ontario-law-a-stealth-privatization-of-toronto-hydro-other-local-power-utilities-critics-warn/article_ac31bc9c-872b-41a9-8872-0df93bd8717f.html

CTV News - Honda pumps $166M to expand hybrid production, strengthen Canadian manufacturing in Alliston, Ont.:

TriTAG - GO Trains For Cambridge:

The Pointer - ‘It’s an ecosystem’: Inside the Caledon woodlot teeming with life set to be cleared for Highway 413:

13) Help Save Devil's Creek In Cambridge

Kudos to the citizens speaking up to protect Devil's Creek in Cambridge from development by Hallman. This area is important habitat for Jefferson Salamanders and other endangered species. Help them raise awareness by sharing and supporting their great social media posts:

14) New Municipal Council - Now What?

With new municipal councils being sworn in, it is important to know how to work effectively to help ensure the decisions councils make will be in best interests of the public for the next four years. 

The folks at Ontario Farmland Trust have announced a webinar "New Municipal Council - Now What?" that will explore tools and actions citizens can take in their community to continue post-election advocacy.  Learn how to educate new Councils and effectively use tools such as policy briefs, petitions, letter-writing templates and draft municipal resolutions.  Details are as follows:

Date/Time: Tuesday, November 17th from 12pm to 1pm

Learn More & Register: 

15) David Suzuki Foundation Renewable Energy Campaign

The David Suzuki Foundation has launched a new campaign to tell the federal government to invest in renewable energy not fossil fuels in the upcoming federal 2027 budget.  Send a letter to your Member of Parliament with one click:

Action Required - Speak up for the Renewable Energy we need.

16) Guelph Film Event

Please join for the screening of the Nuxalk film CEREMONY directed by Banchi Hanuse, at the Guelph Film Festival this coming Saturday. 

When: Sat, Nov 14, 2:30 PM

Where: Guelph Civic Museum, 52 Norfolk St

🎟️ Tickets: https://www.guelphfilmfestival.ca/schedule/ceremony

🪶 When the Nuxalk trace their vanished ooligan run alongside a land claim filed the day smallpox arrived, their radio station becomes courtroom, confessional and conjuring ground, where an older law insists: the fish and the people return together or not at all.

Watch trailer + more info: https://linktr.ee/CeremonyFilm

17) Incineration and Myths About Burning Waste Webinar

The recording of the recent webinar hosted by Environmental Defence is well worth your time to watch.

Environmental Defence - Playing with Fire: Facts and myths about burning waste

Resources:
Letters to sign and share:
• Tell the Province you Want Waste Reduction not Waste Burning
• Tell the Ontario Government to Expand Deposit Return to All Beverage Containers
Blog: The Ontario Government is Playing with Fire When it Comes to Waste and Recycling
Additional Resources:
• GAIA’s Burn Book
• Brampton Environmental Alliance

Action Required - Speak up and stay tuned for more ways to take action against the expansion of incineration in Brampton and Ontario-wide.

18) Stratford - Powering Through Turbulent Times

Upcoming Climate Talk by John Watson of Bluewater Energy in Stratford.

Date/Time: Wednesday, December at 7:00 PM
Location: Avondale United Church, Stratford

Climate Justice Team partnering with Climate Momentum and the Stratford Kiwanis, are hosting this event. At a time of uncertainty around climate and shifting energy policy "Powering Through Turbulent Times" will focus on what's actually happening in electrification and what you can actually do.
You can register on Eventbrite or by emailing aleah.avondaleuc@wightman.ca.  

The event is free, but your registration helps with planning. 

19) Good News - Is There Such Thing As A Good Data Centre?

Perhaps several small towns in Sweden have developed a sustainable, low carbon, renewable energy data centre that we can all celebrate:

The Guardian - Has Sweden Made A Datacentre We Can All Love?

Some Fun - And for some fun here's Alex Huot's latest brilliant animated video:

Where The Sun Don't Shine - Trump, MidTerms and Lake America

20) Next GREN Zoom Meeting

Please make plans to join our next meeting online Friday, November 20th at 5:30 pm. 

Topic: Grand River Watershed Zoom Meeting
Time: Friday, November 20th, 2026 at 5:30pm EST. 
Join Zoom Meeting:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82644695701?pwd=bnRsUGtWSUcrRnFWR21uYVBISG9jZz09

Meeting ID: 826 4469 5701
Passcode: 713374

We welcome your questions and ideas.

Thank you for reading, and for all the great efforts so far. 

Kevin Thomason @kthomason.bsky.social , Mike Marcolongo @mikemarcolongo.bsky.social

and Joan Faux  @joantelferfaux.bsky.social on behalf of all our community groups.

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Appendix A) Upcoming Events

Tuesday, November 17th from 12pm to 1pm - Bill 140 Standing Committee Presentations At Queens Park - Attend to Show Your Concern/Opposition - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfdm_pWwbLFVVkSGVV-gso3UOHpLw7ZZybTRQJEx75C8LV82A/viewform?usp=send_form

Tuesday, November 17th from 12pm to 1pm - Webinar - New Municipal Council - Now What? (organized by Ontario Farmland Trust). Learn more and register:

https://ontariofarmlandtrust.ca/2026/09/29/november-webinar-new-municipal-council-now-what/

Thursday, November 19th from 7:00pm to 9:00pm - Public Lecture by Theresa McClenaghan

(See details and poster in Appendix C below) . Learn more and register: 

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/brant-land-trust-public-lecture-theresa-mcclenaghan-tickets-1994883579487

Friday, November 20th at 5:30pm - Grand River Environmental Network (GREN) Meeting (Online)

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82644695701?pwd=bnRsUGtWSUcrRnFWR21uYVBISG9jZz09

Saturday, November 28th from 9:30am to 12:00pm - Nith Valley EcoBoosters Repair Café, Zion United Church, 215 Peel St., New Hamburg - see details and poster in Appendix F) below.

Saturday, November 28th - Fight Ford Protests - Province wide - see Appendix G) below for details.

Appendix B) Bill 140 And The Destruction of The Ontario Environmental Bill of Rights

The EBR is under attack by the Ford government through Bill 140. Perhaps a better name is the Bulldozing Ontario Faster Act. 

   

Appendix C) Theresa McClenaghan Public Lecture

Date/Time: Thursday November 19, 2026 at 7:00PM

Location: Research and Academic Centre East, Room RCE 004, 150 Dalhousie St., Brantford

The lecture will be presented in-person and online. Admission is free. Registration is required. In person seating is first-come, first-seated. To register, scan the QR code in the poster below or visit: 

This is the first lecture of the 2026/27 Series Natural Resource Awareness and Protection in the Grand River Watershed, sponsored by Brant Land Trust in partnership with Laurier Institute for Water Science and Wilfrid Laurier University

Appendix D) Alex Huot Video - Where The Sun Don't Shine - Trump, MidTerms and Lake America

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNiJaBhIZag

Appendix E) Privatization Concerns

Appendix F) Repair Café

Skilled volunteer fixers will be waiting to help you repair your broken item(s) at the Nith Valley EcoBoosters Repair Café.

Saturday, November 28th from 9:30am to 12pm

Zion United Church, 215 Peel St., New Hamburg

Bring clothing that needs mending, including knitted and crocheted items, plus jewellery and books that need repairs.  One of our fixers will also be able to do repairs on broken household items and simple mechanical or woodworking and chair repairs. We can also do electronic troubleshooting for small appliances and audio & video equipment.

Most materials, tools and safety items will be provided.  However, if you know that your item requires specialized materials or tools, please bring them along.

 This in-person community event is intended to reduce waste, pass on valuable skills, and foster community. There will also be refreshments and resources on repairs and sustainability. This is a free event, and registration is encouraged, but not mandatory.

Questions? Contact: nvebrepaircafe@gmail.com 

Appendix G) Fight Ford Protests 

The next protest will be Saturday, November 28th. This is a great way to connect with like-minded people. Locations and times will be available soon. 

Make a sign and plan to join in one of the many rallies taking place across Ontario on the last Saturday of the month!  These events are organized locally.

Learn more:

Facebook - Fight Ford Protests:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/999677935818616

Instagram - Fight Ford Ontario Protests:

https://www.instagram.com/ontarioprotest?igsh=eHgwNnl2azRsYXB5

Website - Protest Doug Ford:

https://protestdougford.com/

Appendix H) Contact Info:

Speak Up and Ensure Your Voice is Heard

We are in the process of updating contact information after the recent elections.

Please find the latest information on reaching out to elected officials at:

https://gren.leaflet.pub/resources

Kevin Thomason
Vice-Chair, Grand River Environmental Network

www.gren.ca
Phone: (519) 888-0519

Mobile Phone/WhatsApp: (519) 240-1648
Mastodon: @kthomason@mstdn.ca
E-mail: kevinthomason@mac.com