Week of Aug 10, 2026 - New Ford Scandal, Guelph Data Centre Protest, Very Concerning Provincial Interference In Caledon, Water Crisis Well Solutions, Ontario Tire Fiasco, Concerning Demolitions In Wilmot, And More!

In the latest Doug Ford scandal, the provincial Conservative Party is trying to justify sending someone to Jamaica to follow and spy on former provincial Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie while she was on vacation. The Provincial Government just overrode local planning and years of work by Caledon Council in a massive anti-democratic abuse of provincial power that destroys years of community efforts for environmental and public protections from aggregates. And on Thursday afternoon in Guelph Doug Ford announced a new provincial data centre ‘Playbook’ - despite very limited notice, kudos to the dozens of citizens who rallied outside the venue to greet the Premier and show opposition.

A massive Hespeler development is heading back to the Ontario Land Tribunal yet again. Concerns about the number of vacant seats for upcoming municipal elections mount as the last date for candidates to register is August 21st.

Concerns about the water capacity crisis, source water protection, Official Plans, the Countryside Line, CPPS (Community Planning Permit Systems), farmland, Conservation Authorities, appointed Regional Chairs and Strong Mayor Powers are just some of the issues to ask candidates about. It is critical that we ensure good candidates are elected - who have integrity, listen to constituents, do the work necessary to understand the issues, and be fully committed to the best public interest when making decisions.

In addition to the municipal elections on October 26th there are several provincial and federal by-elections coming up. Locally, Brantford-South Brant-Six Nations MP recently announced his resignation. We encourage you to consider running, or to support the campaigns of citizens stepping forward to serve their communities however you can.

Please make plans to join our next online meeting on Friday August 21, 2026 at 5:30pm.

Let’s dive in!

0) Breaking News! - Ford Government Makes Vague Data Centre Announcement In Guelph

Amazing efforts by Guelph citizens who with less than 3 hours notice organized dozens of people and signs outside the provincial data centre venue in a show of opposition.

As with most recent provincial announcements there are more questions than answers about this vague Ontario Data Centre Playbook and ERO posting. Check it out first hand at:

https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1007871/ontario-launches-data-centre-playbook

https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/026-0853

Media Coverage - Includes Doug Ford once again stating that he wouldn't force a data centre on an unwilling host:

The Waterloo Region Record - Ford Acts To Regulate Data Centres But Calls Opponents "Misinformed":

https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/data-centre-opponents-misinformed-ford-says/article_33fe29c1-56ca-5021-b8ee-284d2cba9d33.html

"Asked whether his government would force a centre on an unwilling host municipality, Ford said he’d meet with a mayor and council and consult with the community. “I don’t want to put in a data centre where there’s not a willing host … I just wouldn’t want to do that.”"

Yet, talk to the folks in Wilmot Township about the not being a willing host and having the province ignore them and blunder forward regardless with the mega-industrial site and other media is reporting that municipalities won't be able to vote against or turn down a data centre under the new provincial guidelines.

Guelph Today - 'Guys, get informed': Premier finds irony in municipalities not wanting AI data centres:

https://www.guelphtoday.com/local-news/guys-get-informed-premier-finds-irony-in-municipalities-not-wanting-ai-data-centres-12662056

CBC News - Ontario unveils new data centre framework amid calls for moratoriums:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/doug-ford-ai-data-centre-framework-ontario-moratorium-9.7306166

Videos of Ford’s comments:

CBC News - Ontario premier defends data centres:

https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/9.7306577

CityNews - Ford announces plans to attract AI data centres at Guelph conference:

https://kitchener.citynews.ca/2026/08/13/doug-ford-announces-data-centre-playbook-in-guelph-conference/

Global News - Ford says Ontarians ‘misinformed’ about data centres as province releases AI playbook:

https://globalnews.ca/news/12020000/ontario-releases-ai-data-centre-playbook/

Action Required: Speak up and submit comments to the ERO. The comment period is only 30 days and closes September 12th, 2026 so be sure to speak up and be part of the public record at: https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/026-0853.

1) Conservative Government Caught Spying On Opposition Leader

The premier was unapologetic when asked about his party’s decision to send someone to Jamaica to surveil Bonnie Crombie while she was on vacation.

The Trillium @thetrillium.bsky.social - "It’s Politics”: Doug Ford Justifies Party’s Surveillance Mission Targeting Political Opponent:

https://www.thetrillium.ca/news/politics/breaking-its-politics-doug-ford-justifies-partys-surveillance-mission-targeting-political-opponent-12661580

Doug Ford claims he never knew about the spy operation and that he doesn't approve of it, while emphasizing that he does not watch every dollar of party spending - despite the thousands of dollars billed to the Conservative Party for the operation. Opposition parties are raising concerns about the money and power Conservatives use to try to intimidate political opponents - apparently even on vacation in other countries.

Reporters continue to investigate this affair finding hidden charges from Jamaica buried in expense reports and party election filings as Doug Ford continues to try to normalize this outrageous breach of ethics and decency as normal politics.

The Trillium - Why did the PC Party spend $3,000 on all-inclusive Jamaican resorts?:

https://www.thetrillium.ca/news/politics/why-did-the-pc-party-spend-3000-on-all-inclusive-jamaican-resorts-12648202

The Trillium - Ontario PC Party’s spending on Jamaica resorts was to surveil Bonnie Crombie:

https://www.thetrillium.ca/news/politics/ontario-pc-partys-spending-on-jamaican-resorts-was-to-surveil-bonnie-crombie-sources-12659887

CBC News - ‘Stuff happens’: Ford says he was unaware party allegedly followed former Liberal leader to Jamaica:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/pc-party-jamaica-trip-expense-follow-spy-bonnie-crombie-ford-comments-9.7306104

The Hamilton Spectator @thespec1846.bsky.social - Doug Ford shrugs off PC spying mission that followed Bonnie Crombie to Jamaica: ‘Stuff happens’:

https://www.thespec.com/politics/provincial-politics/ford-shrugs-off-tory-surveillance-of-crombies-jamaica-trip-stuff-happens/article_2abcb48c-69d8-5868-8be7-4e8ebf237823.html

Action Required - Speak up and demand better from our provincial government.

2) Province Overrides Caledon Council In Draconian Move - Erasing Years of Essential Policy and Protections

The Ford government’s intervention in Caledon’s aggregate policy work represents one of the most extreme and anti‑democratic abuses of provincial power in recent Ontario history, and must be condemned in the strongest possible way. As documented by The Pointer, the Province erased four years of evidence‑based municipal planning, silenced extensive public consultation, and replaced a transparent, community‑driven process with unilateral directives crafted to satisfy the aggregate industry.

By stripping Caledon of its delegated planning authority, threatening further punitive action, and imposing 60 top‑down policy deletions that removed essential protections for air quality, groundwater, wetlands, and public health, the government has demonstrated a pattern of governance that is authoritarian in method and contemptuous of local democracy.

It is a chilling precedent, and one that should alarm anyone who believes in accountable government, environmental stewardship, or the basic right of communities to shape their own future and protect their quality of life.

The Pointer - Ontario’s Authoritarian Reality: Ford Government Erases Four Years Of Caledon's Critical Gravel Policy Work:

https://thepointer.com/article/2026-08-04/ontario-s-authoritarian-reality-ford-government-erases-four-years-of-caledon-s-critical-gravel-policy-work

Action Required - Speak up and call out the province for overriding local elected officials and "gold-standard" protections that now leave a community exposed to aggregate exploitation of groundwater, air quality, wetlands, and public health.

3) Wilmot Mega-Industrial Land Assembly - Region Demolishes Barns With No Notice, Heavy Security Guards Empty Fields

In an astonishing waste of taxpayer money, apparently determined to ensure that prime Wilmot farmland can never be used again for agriculture, the Region of Waterloo and Province quickly demolished historic barns and buildings with no public notice. Not only were buildings and materials wasted - little seems to have been reclaimed or recycled - tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars were wasted on 24 hour security guards posted 7 days per week at multiple farm laneways keeping watch over empty fields in an effort to hide who knows what.

Why are the Region of Waterloo and Provincial government so determined to destroy these farms? The community has made it clear that it isn't a willing host for a mega-industrial site. This development isn't part of the current Official Plan, nor is it part of the inadequate, minimal 30 year Official Plan just approved by Wilmot Township Council that makes it clear the municipality wishes to remain a small, rural, agriculturally focused community.

It is all such a waste of taxpayer money that has yet to have a single public meeting or follow any proper planning.

The Waterloo Region Record @therecord.com - Region Demolishes Buildings On 770-acre Mega-Site In Wilmot:

https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/region-demolishes-buildings-for-land-assembly-in-wilmot/article_f07b24d7-c11b-537c-8f0b-db209cd5ca51.html?

The Region of Waterloo strangely has also just taken ownership of Nafziger Road in front of the Wilmot Land Assembly in an very unusual move of taking the road from Township of Wilmot municipal control:

The Waterloo Region Record - Region Of Waterloo Taking Ownership Of Road At Wilmot Assembly Site:

https://www.therecord.com/news/council/region-taking-ownership-of-road-at-wilmot-land-assembly-site/article_b32565ec-d6fc-5d25-84e8-c38c4d690639.html

Action Required - We need to keep calling out, speaking up, and ensure that this is an election issue for the entire region. Continue to send the clear message to the Region and Province that Wilmot is not a willing host for a mega-industrial site. With elections pending, it's critical that only candidates promising to cancel this fiasco are elected.

4) Waterloo Water Crisis Well Interference Solutions - Finally!

This week the Region of Waterloo finally released plans for the new Well Interference Committee to generally positive feedback. It is great to see so many citizen concerns being addressed by a newly reconstituted and reformed committee modelled after other communities.

Changes include dramatically increased compensation for well issues, independent third party investigators, a proper appeal committee, and many other important improvements that will help to rebuild trust and credibility.

The Region will be holding an information session on the new committee and solutions:

Date/Time: August 20th from 4pm to 7pm

Location: Regional Headquarters, 160 Fredrick Street, Kitchener

Recent media coverage includes:

The Waterloo Region Record - We Need To Build Trust And Accountability: New Complaints Process Unveiled For Rural Well Owners:

https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/rural-well-owners-getting-new-deal/article_9aaa055b-642e-52ff-ac34-a48b94e33d12.html

CityNews - Well Owners, Councillors Get First Look At New Well Interference Policy:

https://kitchener.citynews.ca/2026/08/13/well-owners-councillors-get-first-look-at-new-well-interference-policy/?

Action Required - This water crisis is far from solved and we need to continue to demand better solutions. Continue to speak up for water security by writing Regional Councillors and area MPPs (contact information at end of update).

5) Hespeler Development Heads To Ontario Land Tribunal Yet Again

In a very concerning move, the huge developers behind a massive urban sprawl expansion and loss of farmland in Hespeler that isn't part of any Official Plan is heading again to the Ontario Land Tribunal as the developers continue their desperate attempts to force this development of thousands of homes onto our communities despite no demonstrated need for this housing for the next 30 years:

CambridgeToday.ca - Developers Apple To Tribunal Over City’s Refusal Of Northwest Hespeler Proposal

https://www.cambridgetoday.ca/local-news/developers-appeal-to-tribunal-over-citys-refusal-of-northwest-hespeler-proposal-12638872

The community groups fighting this development proposal have a petition that you can sign with one-click:

Change.org Petition - https://www.change.org/p/protect-prime-agricultural-land-in-north-west-hespeler

Action Required - Speak up and ensure that it is our citizens and elected officials deciding the future of our communities - not land speculators determined to destroy every farm that they can.

6) Recycling In Ontario Is A Mess

In an astonishing move while tens of thousands of tires pile up at dealerships across Ontario, and concerns mounting about how poorly provincial recycling programs are run, it appears that more than $30 million paid by consumers for tire recycling fees deemed "surplus" won't be returned to citizens or put toward environmental efforts - it will instead be distributed to tire companies:

The Hamilton Spectator @thespec1846.bsky.social - Ontarians paid millions in tire recycling fees. Now more than $30 million deemed ‘surplus’ will go to tire companies:

https://www.thespec.com/thestar/business/ontarians-paid-millions-in-tire-recycling-fees-now-more-than-30-million-deemed-surplus-will-go-to-tire-companies/article_2877c7d9-cd7f-5f8d-9475-a07c23154f0e.html

See also:

CBC News - Used tires are piling up around the city, and mechanics are paying the price:

https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.7281669

The Hamilton Spectator - Ontario is now sending used plastic containers to be incinerated - and environmentalists are concerned:

https://www.thespec.com/business/is-ontario-trading-plastic-recycling-for-incineration/article_788fd0f2-70cd-5eaa-9033-753d1c6a59e6.html

In related news, remember that under the new Ford government rules incinerated waste still counts towards Blue Box recycling targets.

7) Regional Chair Concerns Continue As Appointment Process Remains Unclear

The concerns continue about the loss of democracy and even the most basic processes that will be used to determine the new provincially appointed Regional Chairs rather than elected by citizens. It has been great to see all seven Waterloo Region Mayors confirm that they aren't interested, nor have they submitted applications to be appointed after it was revealed that Mayors could be appointed Regional Chair too - a huge conflict of interest.

Here's a great column by Luisa D'Amato reminding us of the loss of democracy and the huge long-term issues we could be facing in our communities by this horrible provincial overreach:

The Waterloo Region Record - Luisa D’Amato - Ford Is Stripping Waterloo Region’s Municipal Elections Of Democracy. This Is Why He Gets Away With It:

https://www.therecord.com/opinion/columnists/how-ford-gets-away-with-stripping-democracy/article_bbb892af-7fef-5008-a77e-283c70f00f35.html?

Kudos to Regional Councillor Doug Craig for once again speaking up for democracy and calling out concerns:

The Waterloo Region Record - Doug Craig Urges Waterloo Region Council To Reject Dual Role Of Mayor And Chair:

https://www.therecord.com/news/municipal-elections/doug-craig-motion-against-dual-mayor-regional-chair-role/article_85d31d3f-0baf-5c95-b689-e8f34e331edf.html

Here's other excellent media coverage:

The Waterloo Region Record - Affront To Democracy: Nothing Stopping Mayors From Being Appointed Regional Chair:

https://www.therecord.com/news/municipal-elections/nothing-stopping-mayors-from-appointment-as-regional-chair/article_a45f8a60-c1d9-5908-a475-bf413661b0cd.html

CTV News - Can One Person Be Mayor And Regional Chair At The Same Time?:

https://www.ctvnews.ca/kitchener/article/can-one-person-be-mayor-and-regional-chair-at-the-same-time/

Waterloo MPP Catherine Fife @waterloompp.bsky.social on Bluesky:

‘Waterloo NDP MPP Catherine Fife shares (Shadow Minister of Municipal Affairs) Jeff Burch's concerns & said the Ministry has not been transparent in the process of appointing regional chairs. "Ultimately, that will lead to a less accountable level of government," she said. #onpoli’

https://bsky.app/profile/waterloompp.bsky.social/post/3msvsq7qbnc2k

CBC News - Local officials weigh in on ideas of mayors holding the position of regional chair:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/region-of-waterloo-chair-position-local-mayors-reaction-9.7302827

CBC News - Elected mayors should not be allowed to serve as Region of Waterloo’s next chair: Coun. Doug Craig:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/doug-craig-motion-opposing-mayors-hold-regional-chair-position-9.7302102

Action Required - Speak up and demand the return of our democracy with a Region Chair elected to be our representative rather than anointed by the Premier to be their mouthpiece here.

8) Wildfires, Flooding Impacts & Lack Of Provincial Response

There are still 108 active wildfires in northwestern Ontario with entire communities burnt to the ground and others still evacuated. Calls continue for a public inquiry into the province's dismal response to the wildfires in northern Ontario:

CBC News - Here’s the latest on northwestern Ontario’s forest fires: Thursday, August 13

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/northwestern-ontario-wildfires-aug-10-9.7305249

CBC News - Members of Okanagan Indian Band mourn loss of forests and irreplaceable artefacts:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/members-of-okanagan-indian-band-mourn-loss-of-forests-and-irreplaceable-artifacts-in-wildfire-9.7305507

National Observer @nationalobserver.com - Ontario's wildfires are easing, but questions linger:

https://www.nationalobserver.com/2026/08/12/news/ontario-wildfires-record-hectares-burned

CBC News - How grape growers from Niagara-on-the-Lake are dealing with back-to-back rainstorms:

https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/9.7304931

CBC News - St. Catharines, Ont., mayor calls for long-term action plan to prevent other flooding crises:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/flooding-st-catharines-long-term-plan-weather-9.7302577

The Hamilton Spectator - ‘It opened my eyes’: St. Catharines flood victim slept in car for 2 weeks after shelter rejected her cats:

https://www.thespec.com/news/ontario/geneva-street-tenant-happy-to-be-home-after-living-in-car/article_b8f37c1d-d83f-5119-9310-b94a0ed79ecd.html

Action Required - Speak up and demand that province and country are better prepared for the future disasters that are only going to be increasing under global climate breakdown.

9) Recent Articles

Including a local MP announcing his resignation, construction of Ring of Fire road faces first legal challenge, financial burden grows for post secondary students as OSAP changes take effect, river research, outrageously over budget public transit construction, free trees, more Niagara Falls gambling because that is what Ontario citizens really want, and the provincial government wasted millions advertising an Ontario Place Spa that won't even open for years:

The Hamilton Spectator - Eighth federal byelection required by mid-April with Conservative MP’s upcoming exit

https://www.thespec.com/news/canada/eighth-federal-byelection-required-by-mid-april-with-conservative-mps-upcoming-exit/article_7bafc694-c69c-53ea-ad97-8aa2a42fcaaf.html

The Hamilton Spectator - Ontario Conservative MP Larry Brock announces his resignation

https://www.thespec.com/politics/federal/ontario-conservative-mp-larry-brock-announces-his-resignation/article_6c13521f-fada-5694-a2ba-48760a5073cc.html

APTN News - Friends of the Attawapiskat River file for judicial review over road to the Ring of Fire:

https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/friends-of-the-attawapiskat-river-file-for-judicial-review-over-road-to-the-ring-of-fire/

The Toronto Star - Toronto’s Ontario Line Now Costs $2 Billion Per Kilometre. Why Is Building Transit Here So Expensive?:

https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/doug-ford-said-the-ontario-line-would-cost-11b-years-later-the-price-tag-has-tripled/article_749ac9e1-c388-495c-9e6d-599c8e46f126.html

The Hamilton Spectator - Ontario Line cost has tripled from original 2019 projection: Metrolinx CEO:

https://www.thespec.com/news/ontario/ontario-line-cost-has-tripled-from-original-2019-projection-metrolinx-ceo/article_7483d14e-2b45-52a6-8ccd-6593d9b96846.html

Cost has surged to $34B from Ford government’s initial $10.9B estimate

CBC - What Lives In The Rivers Near You? Why Scientist Want You To Know:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/science/invisible-extinction-freshwater-species-9.7299405

Waterloo Journal - Ontario OSAP Changes for Fall 2026: Students Face More Debt as Ford Government Cuts Grant Support:

https://waterloojournal.ca/local-politics/ontario-osap-changes-fall-2026

Province of Ontario - Ontario Unlocking New Gaming Opportunities In Niagara Falls:

https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1007877/ontario-unlocking-new-gaming-opportunities-in-niagara

Toronto Today - Ford government spent over $2M on Ontario Place ads last year: records:

https://www.torontotoday.ca/local/politics-government/ford-government-2m-ontario-plac e-ads-last-year-records-12651718

The Tourism Ministry spent $9.38 million on advertising in 2025-26, bringing four ministries' total to more than $65 million

10) 2026 Municipal Elections

Nominations are open for candidates to seek public office. We need to ensure strong local governance and do everything possible to encourage people to run to serve their communities. However, there are still too many empty positions in municipalities across Ontario including Ward 2 in Woolwich, Ward 2 in Wilmot, Ward 1, 2 and 4 in Wellesley Township, and many others. Please consider serving your community and supporting those who are stepping forward.

It's great to see more people announcing their intention to run in North Dumfries Township this week:

The Waterloo Region Record - Ayr Resident Joins North Dumfries Mayoral Race To Offer Choice To Voters:

https://www.therecord.com/news/municipal-elections/mayoral-candidate-ayr-terry-knarr/article_89dab499-b8dc-5d05-9817-46adc6672184.html

There is a remarkable assortment of candidates on the mayoral ballot for Brantford. (The current mayor is not running for re-election):

The Hamilton Spectator - Wrestler for Mayor: Will Ontario voters pick ‘The Brantford Rattlesnake’?:

https://www.thespec.com/news/municipal-elections/wrestler-pretty-ricky-willdy-runs-for-mayor-of-brantford/article_cac58aa9-f7b7-5177-b15e-0df309b51b96.html

Willdy joins five other registered mayoral hopefuls so far — four sitting councillors, and a perennial candidate who served jail time for hate crimes.

The Waterloo Region Record - Declining Interest From Voters, Lack Of Candidates Threaten Upcoming Municipal Election:

https://www.therecord.com/opinion/columnists/mike-farwell-column-municipal-election-apathy/article_d1a047cf-8a96-511f-8f8a-2c91b7a20ec9.html

Candidate Nominations - Learn who the nominated candidates are for your municipal (& regional) council so far:

City of Guelph:

https://guelph.ca/city-government/mayor-and-council/municipal-elections/candidates-of-the-2026-municipal-and-school-board-election/

Wellington County:

https://www.centrewellington.ca/township-services/2026-municipal-election/

Waterloo Regional Council - Note: Regional Chair is no longer an elected position:

https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/government-and-council/elections/2026-municipal-election/#RegionalCouncillor-Waterloo

City of Waterloo:

https://www.waterloo.ca/council-and-committees/municipal-elections/find-election-candidates/

Kitchener:

https://app2.kitchener.ca/election/candidates.aspx

Cambridge:

https://www.cambridge.ca/mayor-city-council-government/elections/nominations-candidate-profiles/

Woolwich Township:

https://www.woolwich.ca/learn-about/election/list-of-candidates-financial-statements/

Wilmot Township:

https://www.wilmot.ca/township-office/elections/

Wellesley Township:

https://www.wellesley.ca/council-and-administration/election/

County of Brant:

https://www.brant.ca/council-and-county-administration/elections/certified-candidates/

Brantford:

https://brantfordvotes.brantford.ca/en/candidates/candidates.aspx

Haldimand County:

https://www.haldimandcounty.ca/government-administration/elections/2026-municipal-election/registered-candidates/

Norfolk County:

https://www.norfolkcounty.ca/vote/filed-candidate-nominations/

Caledon:

https://www.caledon.ca/en/government/election-landing-page.aspx

If your municipality is not listed above, visit the official municipal website and search “candidate list 2026”.
Also, if you are in Waterloo Region check out Bob Jonkman’s excellent detailed overview of candidates for Regional government and the seven municipalities:

https://poliblog.jonkman.ca/Poliblog-Elections/2026-10-26-Municipal-Election/

Be sure to check out the ALO Municipal Election Toolkit with 10 Actions Municipal Governments Can Take To Help Build Liveable Communities:

https://www.liveableontario.ca/alliance-resources/roadmap

Action Required - Get involved, step forward, and assist however you can to ensure that we get the representation we need for the greater public good in October.

11) Pipelines and Climate Action

The plan for constructing a BC-Alberta pipeline will cost tens of billions of dollars. What is the federal government doing to offset climate impact?

Canada's National Observer - Feds throw $34 million at climate change adaptation programs:

https://www.nationalobserver.com/2026/08/12/news/feds-34-million-climate-change-adaptation-programs

The Narwhal @thenarwhal.ca - (Almost) everybody in Canada wants a pipeline. Nobody wants to pay for it:

https://thenarwhal.ca/canadian-pipeline-cost-alberta-west-coast/

Perhaps the polling results would be different if the real costs were better understood.

The Tyee - Scientists Warn Carney’s Changes Will Bring ‘Wilful Extinction’

https://thetyee.ca/News/2026/08/12/Experts-Warn-Carney-Ports-Pipelines-Bring-Wilful-Extinction/

Take Action! - Sign this new petition from Greenpeace against taxpayer funded pipelines in Canada:

https://act.greenpeace.ca/en-ca/no-taxpayer-funded-pipelines?

Build the Future - Not Pipelines! - The Federal government has announced a public consultation process for the recently announced West Coast Pipeline. We have until September 18th to speak up, push back and tell the federal government our concerns. Environmental Defence has created a great one-click letter for you to send to Prime Minister Mark Carney and tell him to reject the proposed tax-payer funded West Coast pipeline and restore key environmental protections:

https://act.environmentaldefence.ca/page/194584/action/1

Action Required - Speak up for the sustainable energy and future we need - not more pipelines.

12) Connect the Dots with Climate

Demand that the CBC does better!

CBC has rightly documented the human and ecological devastation of wildfires, however too many articles and stories treat these events as isolated tragedies, rather than the predictable consequences of unchecked fossil fuel dependence.

Research from Simon Fraser University’s *Quiet Alarm* report confirms this gap: only a small fraction - just 9% - of CBC’s climate stories connect impacts to their underlying causes. This reflects a broader failure in journalism to treat climate change as the systemic crisis it is. Our national news service needs improvement. Consider participating in this campaign. Use this easy to use letter writing tool to send a message (easy to customize) to the CBC editor in chief to demand that news coverage connects forest fires with the root cause: fossil fuels.

https://win.newmode.net/connectthedots

Reference: Quiet Alarm report:

https://www.sfu.ca/ceri/publications1/Research-reports/quiet-alarm.html

13) Upcoming 2026 r 3.0 Conference

Are you passionate about the long term future of of the Grand River Watershed? Please join us in the Grand River Watershed Hub as we share that passion. Currently we are organizing a confluence - a group of people from our watershed - to participate together in this year’s r 3.0 Global Conference from Sept 8-10. We are working together in the Hub towards a vision for a flourishing watershed, and as part of this, we’re co-creating a local knowledge commons.

A big part of this involves weaving connections, developing relationships and learning about the good work people are already doing. Good work - regenerative work - includes restoring and protecting local rivers, groundwater, recharge areas and natural spaces, efforts towards food sovereignty, community gardens, regenerative farming, planting native trees & shrubs, permaculture design, invasive species mitigation, land trusts, pollinator and healing gardens, protecting wildlife habitat and improving biodiversity and much more.

Last year’s r3.0 conference was excellent - but the agenda was jam-packed. This year the conference schedule is simpler in order to allow for more time for confluence participants to reflect on the presentations, and to interact together. There will be opportunities to exchange ideas and learn about good work happening around the globe!

This year’s conference theme is Bioregional Regeneration as Collapse Resilience: Earth-centric Biocultural Kinship, Knowledge & Governance. To participate, you are warmly invited to join the Grand River Watershed Hub. Once you become a member, you’ll find all of the registration details in the Hub. Advance registration for the conference is required - before August 28th. There is no cost to join the Hub, and registration fees for the conference are waived when you register as a member of our Confluence. To learn more about the r3.0 Conference visit the conference website:

https://conference2026.r3-0.org/

To join the Grand River Watershed Hub and register for the conference, visit:

https://design-school-for-regenerating-earth.mn.co/plans/1904678?bundle_token=86deee24490dbafd1b3c2b0ab27bf7e8&utm_source=manual

14) Together For Nature Tour

We are lucky that the Grand River Watershed is one of the stop locations for the Together For Nature Tour by LAND, Ontario Nature, and others, which creates the opportunity to hear directly from Indigenous land protectors and youth leaders about the growing challenges facing lands, waters, and wildlife. Learn how communities across Ontario can work together to support nature and a healthier future for all. Details are as follows:

Date/Time: Thursday, September 17th from 7pm to 9:30pm

Location: St. Matthews Lutheran Church, 54 Benton Street Kitchener

Tickets are a great deal for the musical line up including Susan Aglukark, Okinawa, Here We Stand and Friends of The Attawapiskat River at $30 - https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/ontario-nature/events/together-for-nature-tour-kitchener/

15) Consultation On AI Transparency

Increased transparency can help Canadians understand when they are interacting with AI systems, help businesses make informed decisions about the AI products they adopt, and give governments and organizations the information they need to develop policies, and research that shape Canadians' experience with AI.

Action Required: Speak up! This Public Consultation closes Sept 23, 2026:

https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/ised/en/have-your-say-advancing-ai-transparency-canada

16) Climate Conversations - Lets Get Talking

The Climate Crisis has become impossible to ignore. We need to get people talking. Join Seniors For Climate and Dr. Katharine Hayhoe for a webinar on the importance of talking about the climate crisis.

Date/Time: Wednesday, September 9th at 6:30pm Eastern

Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_aZvI0aGJTlGyw_X37nkRaA

17) Bring Back 570 NewsRadio

There is a new one-click petition to bring back 570 NewsRadio to the Grand River watershed. Speak up at:

https://www.change.org/p/bring-back-570-newsradio-to-kitchener-waterloo

18) ClimateFest 2026 - Sunday, September 13th 1pm To 7pm

Join ClimateActionWR and dozens of community groups again this year at ClimateFest in downtown Kitchener. There will be lots of booths, workshops, cooking demonstrations, a climate supermarket, repair cafe and much more.

Date/Time: Sunday, September 13th from 1pm to 7pm

Location: Gaukel Block, Downtown Kitchener

19) Articles - Around The Globe

Include global ocean temperature concerns, drones transform warfare, tens of thousands sign petition to oust unpopular US ambassador, and if the USA takes over Greenland our own Baffin Island could be next:

Copernicus - Highest July global ocean surface temperatures as exceptionally hot, dry conditions fuel wildfires in Europe:

https://climate.copernicus.eu/copernicus-highest-july-global-ocean-surface-temperatures-exceptionally-hot-dry-conditions-fuel

BBC News - How AI-powered drones are transforming warfare:

https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p0n7sbpd/watch

Spectator - Tens of thousands sign a petition calling for US ambassador removal from Canada:

https://www.thespec.com/business/petition-signed-by-thousands-calls-for-us-ambassador-to-be-removed-from-canada/article_8b48dfa7-5d23-56bb-b5b2-0c8788531dd5.html

Petition: https://www.ourcommons.ca/petitions/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-7531

As of Thursday evening more than 140,000 have signed

The Waterloo Region Record - The USA Still Has Ambitions In Greenland. Baffin Island Could Be Next:

https://www.therecord.com/opinion/contributors/the-us-wont-leave-greenland-alone-everything-old-is-new-again/article_d1c4e400-74d7-57db-8216-838fec7f3126.html

"If the U.S. by whatever means gets effective control of Greenland, Baffin Island will be next. Then they will attempt to control the North West Passage. And it will all happen fast."

20) Next GREN Zoom Meeting

Please make plans to join our next meeting online on Friday August 21st at 5:30 pm. Enjoy some more time off between now and then.

Topic: Grand River Watershed Zoom Meeting
Time: Friday August 21, 2026 at 5:30pm EST.
Join Zoom Meeting:

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

Meeting ID: 826 4469 5701
Passcode: 713374

Thanks for all the great efforts so far - please share any questions or ideas.

Cheers,

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

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

A) Upcoming Events

Get out and get involved! And keep us posted on your events so we can share them.

Thursday, August 20th from 4pm to 7pm - Information Open House - Regional Well Interference Committee - Regional Headquarters, 160 Fredrick Street, Kitchener

Friday, August 21st at 5:30pm - Next GREN Update Zoom meeting -

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

Sunday, September 20th from 9am to 1pm - rare Trail Party, Riverbluffs Park, Cambridge

https://raceroster.com/events/2026/130591/2026-trail-party-walk-hike-or-run-for-rare

Sunday, September 30th from 1pm to 7pm - ClimateFest, Gaukel Bloc, Kitchener

B) Sustainable Cooking Classes - Sunday, Aug 16th:

C) Rare Trail Party - Sunday, September 20, 2026

Learn more and register: https://raceroster.com/events/2026/130591/2026-trail-party-walk-hike-or-run-for-rare

D) Some Humour - Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator

E) Contact Info: