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Natural Heritage Strategy – The Devil Is In The Details And The Big Bits Too!

February 9, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

Bob Gordon

Natural Heritage Strategy, Part 1: The Devil Is In The Details And The Big Bits Too
Bob Gordon, Freelance Journalist/Royal City Rag Contributor

There is good news and bad news contained in the Draft Natural Heritage Strategy, the City of Guelph presented for discussion on February 4.

First, the good news. The dark green areas on the Recommended Natural Heritage System Map (below) are all safe in perpetuity. The dark green areas will remain dark green, forever and ever, Amen.

The bad news is what’s green on the maps is not what’s green now. There is no map that shows you what is green now.

Try a nice big Google Earth image of Guelph, set the Recommended Natural Heritage System Map beside it and see the green turn white as you glance from Goggle Earth to Guelph.

Everything other than the dark green is fair game for development.

Unfortunately Buffers and Adjacent Lands are carefully delineated, but then casually dismissed.

The single most common phrase in the document is “unless it has been demonstrated through an Environmental Impact Study (EIS), Environmental Assessment (EA) or subwatershed study, there will be no negative impact.” (!)

Reassuringly, the glossary contains a long and detailed itemization of three types of negative impacts in impeccable ‘greenspeak’; associated with degradation to the quality and quantity of surface and groundwater, alteration, disruption or destruction of fish habitat and degradation that threatens the health and integrity of the natural features or ecological functions for which the area is identified. (!)

However, it then leaves their identification to consultants hired and paid for by the landowner to justify encroachment. Needles to say, this raises the potential for a serious conflict of interest.

In the second part of the series we’ll explore the devilish details, and in the final part, the glaring absence of basic principles of environmental law in Canada, the big bits, will be considered.

Bob Gordon
bob34g@gmail.com

Written comments on the Draft Natural Heritage Strategy should be submiited to michelle.mercier@guelph.ca by February 24, 2010 . Do not leave it to council to do the right thing. Make your voice heard!

Download Draft Natural Heritage Strategy Phase 3 (pdf, 831 kb)

Download Recommended Natural Heritage Systen Map Jan 2010 (pdf, 560 kb)

For more on this and other community issues, tune into Royal City Rag, Saturdays 7-9 a.m. on CFRU 93.3fm.

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Cancer Can’t Dance Like This!, Guelph Youth Music Centre – February 27

February 8, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

Guelph-born actor and comedian Daniel Stolfi brings his one-man show about his harrowing experience battling cancer, Cancer Can’t Dance Like This, to the Guelph Youth Music Centre on February 27.  This special presentation is a fundraiser for the Wellington County Unit of the Canadian Cancer Society.

In March of 2008, Daniel Stolfi was diagnosed with Acute Non – Hodgkin’s T -Lymphoblastic Lymphoma, an aggressive form of cancer that would need equally aggressive chemotherapy treatment over the following two years of his life. While battling cancer Daniel lost his hair, his appetite, his strength and his sex drive.

In Cancer Can’t Dance Like This, Daniel takes the audience through a number of comedic monologues, musical numbers and character portrayals of his lost attributes to the disease.The question: Can cancer out dance the dancing machine? Only time will tell.

Don’t miss the opportunity to see this inspirational performance.

Where: Guelph Youth Music Centre, Cardigan Street, Guelph
When: February 27 at 8.00 p.m. (Cocktail reception, courtesy of F&M Brewery and silent auction at 6.00 p.m.)

Tickets: $40 each or 2 for $70 and can be purchased at The Canadian Cancer Society office at 214 Speedvale Ave. West or call 519-824-4261 ext 3173.

The Canadian Cancer Society’s mission is the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of the quality of life of people living with cancer. For more information about the Canadian Cancer Society please visit www.cancer.ca

Catch Daniel Stolfi on Royal City Rag, February 20 at 7.20 a.m. Royal City Rag, Saturdays from 7-9 a.m. on CFRU 93.3 fm in Guelph. Listen live on CFRU 93.3fm, or, after the fact, via the website.

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Royal City Rag, February 6 – Help 4 Haiti, Unlucky in Love Eden Mills Writers Festival Fundraiser

February 6, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

Ajay Heble

In the first hour of Royal City Rag on February 6, Ajay Heble, Artistic Director of the Guelph Jazz Festival, joined us to chat about some of the great artists taking part in the Help Haiti benefit show at the River Run Centre on February 7 at 7.00 p.m.

The event features Kevin Breit, Scott Merritt, Jane Bunnett, Dionne Brand, the University of Guelph choirs and The Guelph music revue, an ensemble featuring some of Guelph’s renowned musicians and singer-songwriters.

Ajay selected some great music to complement the discussion. Check it out if you can, you’ll not be disappointed.

Tickets for the benefit are $30 and available from the River Run Box Office: 519-763-3000 or online. All proceeds go to the Canadian Red Cross.

All of those involved, including the River Run Centre facilities, are donating their services for the event.

Please consider attending, or, if you can’t make it, buy a ticket and give it to friend. It would be great to sellout for such a worthy cause.

Listen to Hour 1:

Leon Rooke

In the second hour, Jane Hastings, Executive Director of the Eden Mills Writer’s Festival joined us to chat about the upcoming Eden Mills Writers Festival Fundraiser, Unlucky in Love taking place at the E-Bar, appropriately enough, on February 13.

Unlucky in Love offers something for everyone, not just for the broken hearted!

The evening kicks off at 7 p.m. with woeful readings by Leon Rooke and Marianne Micros. Then the stunning Sarah Kramer takes the stage, her beautiful soprano voice accompanied by pianist Anna Ronai.

The fun continues with the always-unpredictable open-mic session emceed by Guelph Spokenword’s Beth-Anne Fischer at 8 p.m. An opportunity to tell some of your own stories and poems of lost or unrequited love.

Prizes will go to the audience-chosen top performers.

This year the featured poet at Unlucky in Love is Alexandra Oliver. We were fortunate to have Alexandra join us by by phone later in the hour to chat about her poetry.

Check out this video of Alexandra  in action, courtesy of  SlamNation.

This year’s Unlucky in Love is dedicated to the memory of Paul Quarrington, a giant in Canadian literature who left us all too soon. As a further tribute to Paul we played two great songs from his band, Porkbelly Futures’ eponymous first album.

Unlucky in Love takes place at the E-Bar (41 Quebec St.), downtown Guelph, at 7 p.m. (6pm for registration), Saturday February 13.

Tickets will be available for $13 at the door.

Listen to Hour 2:

Music:
Joan Baez, God Is God from Day After Tomorrow
Kris Kristofferson, From Here To Forever from Closer To The Bone
Eddie Vedder, End Of The Road from Into The Wild
Jane Bunnett/Don Pullen, Gratitude from New York Duets
Scott Merritt, Burning Train from Violet And Black
Scott Merritt, Bell to Bell from Violet And Black
Kevin Breit/Cyro Baptista, Love Is All Around from Supergenerous
Tannis Slimmon, Weathervane from Lucky Blue
Basia Bulat, Heart Of My Own from Heart Of My Own
Porkbelly Futures, Ain’t For Me To Say from Porkbelly Futures
Porkbelly Futures, I’m In Love from Porkbelly Futures
Ani Difranco, You Had Time from Canon
Bahamas, Lovely Bones from Pink Strat
Martin Sexton, Happy from Seeds

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Andrew “Lefty Singer” McPherson With Shannon Kingsbury – February 12

February 5, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

Like to spend a nice evening enjoying some folk-roots music in Guelph after enjoying a great meal?

Check out Andrew McPherson with his Lefty Singer band and Shannon Kingsbury at Carden Street Cafe on February 12 at 10.00 p.m. 

No less than 7 musicians playing harp, mandolin, tuba, harmonium, harp, guitar, bass and possibly the proverbial kitchen sink.

There will be two sets, featuring material from Shannon’s upcoming release and Andrew’s recent Lefty Singer release.

Promises to be quite a night.

Tickets are $8.

Reservations are highly recommended – especially if you’d like to enjoy some of the great food they have to offer too.

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Stephen Harper, The Man Who Would Be King

February 5, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

It seems that Stephen Harper can’t get a break… 

Reeling from heavy criticism over his decision to prorogue parliament to avoid difficult questions regarding Afghan detainees, he is now backpeddling and asking MPs to work through two scheduled breaks when they get back.

Does this guy really have a clue?

Mr. Harper’s decision to turn a customary recess into a prorogation meant that work in committee stopped and all the bills progressing through both houses were lost, no matter how close they were to approval.

Needless to say, his cynical ploy did not go unnoticed. 132 political scientists signed a letter condemning the proprogation and calling for electoral reform.

Even analysts and newspapers normally supportive of his Conservative government’s agenda called this a dangerous tactic, and one that puts our democracy at risk.

And now, he wants MPS to work through their breaks to correct his mistake?

Stephen Harper With Charles I, Birds Of A Feather?

I was talking to my mother in England about the prorogation issue this past week. Despite being in her eighties, she’s as feisty as ever as far as politics are concerned.

She couldn’t ever remember prorogation becoming an issue in the UK and was quite shocked to hear that Stephen Harper would shut down parliament before a session was due to end, while there was still legislation passing through committees and issues being debated in the house.

She reminded me that the English King Charles I also shut down parliament because he didn’t like some of the decisions they were making. Of course his need for control eventually lead to him having his head chopped off.

I wouldn’t wish that on Stephen, of course… but I strongly suspect that this issue will come back to bite him severely in the nether regions at the next election!

Stephen Harper’s desire to control the parliamentary agenda is reaching absurd levels.

One wonders what will be next… Stephen Harper, the first King of Canada?

Stephen Harper, the first King of Comedy more like. A man, like comedian Rupert Pupkin, whose ambition far exceeds his talent.

Canada deserves better.

Don’t forget that Ned Franks, Professor Emeritus at Queen’s University,will be in town next week for a lecture on “The State of Parliamentary Democracy in Canada”. The lecture takes place at the University of Guelph’s War Memorial Hall on Monday February 8 at 7.30 p.m.

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Yasus Afari At The E-Bar – February 8

February 5, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

Yasus Afari

 

Yasus Afari will be at the E-bar in Guelph on February 8 at 8.00 p.m. 

From Jamaica, Yasus Afari is a Philosopher, International Dub Poet and Author of the critically acclaimed book Overstanding Rastafari – Jamaica’s Gift to the World.  

Yasus was the  first ever Rastafarian to be invited to the Parliament of the World Religions which was held in Australia last month. 

This is Yasus Afari’s first ever visit to Canada after travelling the world and being crowned King in two countries in Africa as well as being honoured with the title of Ambassador in many other countries around the Globe. 

Yasus coined the term “Edutainment” to describe his form of performance in which he discusses the environment, wellness and nutrition, spirituality, anti-racism, politics and of course his Jamaican culture. 

Yasus Afari’s newest “Pomedy” (Comedy Poetry) CD entitled Kiss Mi Neck is receiving International accolades and both Overstanding Rastafari – Jamaica’s Gift to the World as well as Kiss Mi Neck will be available for sale with a personalized autograph. 

Yasus will be joined by Princess Anla, award-winning reggae, jazz and R&B songstress and Ras Bingi Catt, a musician whose heart is so big and his message so honest, you cannot miss him. 

Tickets are available at the door for $13 ($3 discount with a Student I.D.) 

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The State Of Parliamentary Democracy, Ned Franks – February 8

February 5, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

The need for reform of parliamentary procedures is still very much in the news.

Don’t forget that Ned Franks, Professor Emeritus at Queen’s University,will be in town next week for a lecture on “The State of Parliamentary Democracy in Canada”. The lecture takes place at the University of Guelph’s War Memorial Hall on Monday February 8 at 7.30 p.m.

Dr. Franks has been frequently quoted in recent editorials on the prorogation issue.

The lecture is co-sponsored by the Council of Canadians – Guelph Chapter, the Department of Political Science at the University of Guelph and the Central Students Association.

Also check out this clip of Ned Franks discussing Canada’s current minority government with Steve Paikin (from TVO’s The Agenda with Steve Paikin, September 25, 2009):

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Music Of Love and Romance, River Run, February 14 – Ticket Giveway!

February 5, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

‘Tis the season when a young man’s fancy, (or a young woman’s, for that matter) turns to love…

Why not spend this Valentine’s Day with the Guelph Symphony Orchestra?

Clayton Scott

This Valentine’s Day, the Guelph Symphony Orchestra will be celebrating some of the most romantic music ever written – Mozart’s Elvira Madigan Concerto, the Warsaw Concerto, both works featuring their own Amy Wark as piano soloist, as well as favourite tunes from South Pacific, and songs by Sigmund Romberg, performed by soprano Mary DuQuesnay.

The timeless story of Romeo and Juliet will also be presented and interpreted by the magnetic Clayton Scott, with thrilling and emotional music by Prokofiev. Guest conductor for Romeo and Juliet will be Judith Yan of the National Ballet. 

The Details:
Concert: Music of Love and Romance
When: Sunday February 14 at 3.00 p.m.
Where: River Run Centre, Guelph

Tickets: Online or at the River Run Box Office, 519-763-3000
Adult/Senior: $30.00
Student: $15.00
Child: $10.00 (12 and under)
eyeGO: $5.00 (High School Student – valid ID required)

Royal City Rag has a pair of tickets to give away to the first person who answers the following question correctly.

Question: When was the Guelph Symphony Orchestra founded?

Please send your answer to info@royalcityrag.ca with “GSO Valentine’s  Giveaway” in the subject line. Good luck!

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Coming Up On Royal City Rag… Help 4 Haiti And Eden Mills Writers Festival

February 5, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

We have another busy Royal City Rag planned for February 6.

In the first hour, the Artistic Director of the Guelph Jazz Festival, Ajay Heble, will be joining us to talk about some of the great artists taking part in the Help Haiti benefit show taking place in Guelph at the River Run Centre on February 7. The event features Kevin Breit, Scott Merritt, Jane Bunnett, Dionne Brand, the University of Guelph choirs and The Guelph music revue, an ensemble featuring some of Guelph’s renowned musicians and singer-songwriters.

Tickets are $30 and available from the River Run Box Office: 519-763-3000 or online. All proceeds go to the Canadian Red Cross. All of those involved, including the River Run Centre facilities, are donating their services for the event.

In the second hour, we’ll be focusing on the upcoming Eden Mills Writers Festival Fundraiser, Unlucky in Love taking place at the E-Bar on February 13.  Executive Director of the Eden Mills Writer’s Festival, Jane Hastings and Guelph Spokenword’s Beth-Anne Fischer will be joining us live in the studio.

Unlucky in Love offers something for everyone, not just for the broken hearted!

The evening kicks off at 7 p.m. with woeful readings by Leon Rooke and Marianne Micros. Then the stunning Sarah Kramer takes the stage, her beautiful soprano voice accompanied by pianist Anna Ronai. The fun continues with the always-unpredictable open-mic performances at 8 p.m., emceed by spoken-word poet Alexandra Oliver. Bring your own stories and poems of lost or unrequited love and share them with a supportive and enthusiastic crowd. Prizes will go to the audience-chosen top performers.

This year’s Unlucky in Love is dedicated to the memory of Paul Quarrington, a giant in Canadian literature who left us too soon.

Unlucky in Love takes place at the E-Bar (41 Quebec St.), downtown Guelph, at 7 p.m. (6pm for registration), Saturday February 13th. Tickets will be available for $13 at the door.

As usual, we’ll be wrapping the whole show up with some cool music. Don’t miss it!

Royal City Rag, Saturdays from 7-9 a.m. on CFRU 93.3 fm, Guelph’s Campus and Community Radio Station. Listen live on CFRU 93.3fm, or, after the fact, via the website. If it happens in Guelph you’ll hear about it on Royal City Rag!

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Tree Removal In Royal City Park – A Child’s View

January 31, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

A young mom was visiting Royal City Park with her son, where 52 mature trees deemed to be unsafe by the City of Guelph are being removed. 

She sent this sensitive account to Guelph Urban Forest Friends, who gave us permission to publish it on Royal City Rag.

My son thought that the signs on the trees were because people were saying that they were cool trees and this one (pictured) had a built-in fort (the big one that has 3 trunks all together.)

I read the sign to him, and said that the ribbons were there because these trees were going to be cut down.

He said, “Why are they going to cut them down?”

I responded, “Because they are old.”

And his profound kid response was, “Why don’t they just let them fall down?”

I smiled, at how amazing it was that a 6 year old could be so smart, and then was sad.

Sometimes the answers are so clear, but then the world puts it all upside down.

Guelph Urban Forest Friends have long been advocating for our urban trees, including a stronger protective tree bylaw and a separate urban forestry department with a certified forester to more effectively manage tree maintenance and coordinate public education on the value of our mature trees.

If you feel strongly about this issue, please contact Mayor and Council. Please help us try and stop the tree removal in Royal City Park from happening elsewhere in the city.

Contacting Guelph City Council

Mayor Farbridge: mayor@guelph.ca

Ward 1: Bob Bell bob.bell@guelph.ca, Kathleen Farrelly kathleen.farrelly@guelph.ca
Ward 2: Vicki Beard vicki.beard@guelph.ca, Ian Findlay ian.findlay@guelph.ca
Ward 3: Maggie Laidlaw maggie.laidlaw@guelph.ca, June Hofland june.hofland@guelph.ca
Ward 4: Gloria Kovach gloria.kovach@guelph.ca, Mike Salisbury mike.salisbury@guelph.ca
Ward 5: Lise Burcher lise.burcher@guelph.ca, Leanne Piper leanne.piper@guelph.ca
Ward 6: Christine Billings christine.billings@guelph.ca, Karl Wettstein karl.wettstein@guelph.ca

Don’t know your ward? Click here to see the map

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Hillside Inside, February 6 – Amazing Ticket Giveaway!

January 31, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

Royal City Rag has TWO pairs of tickets to give away for Hillside Inside.

The festival takes place in the Sleeman Centre on February 6 from 4-11 p.m. Tickets for the festival are $75 which makes this a $150 value! 

The following artists are appearing at this year’s festival: Ani Difranco, Hawksley Workman, Martin Sexton, Owen Pallett (Final Fantasy), Basia Bulat, Bahamas, Delhi 2 Dublin, Woodhands, Socalled, The Rural Alberta Advantage and Elisapie Isaac.

It promises to be a great day out.

For full details of all the artists on the bill and to purchase tickets visit the Hillside Festival website.

To win the tickets, please answer the following question:

In what year did the Arcade Fire first appear at the Hillside Festival?

Send your answer to info@royalcityrag.ca.

The first two correct answers win the tickets. Good luck!

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Royal City Rag, January 30 – Helping Haiti, Natural Heritage And Hillside

January 31, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

It was yet another hectic Royal City Rag on January 30. This week we focused on local efforts to Help Haiti, the City of Guelph Natural Heritage Strategy deliberations and Hillside Inside.

We started off the show with a three song set dedicated to my mother on her birthday. First up, it was Kate and Anna McGarrigle with Rufus Wainright, Emmylou Harris and Karen Masterson from the outstanding BBC Transatlantic Sessions and their version of Stephen C Foster’s gorgeous civil war song “Hard Times Come Around No More”.

Durham miners at the coalface in the 1940s

We followed that with Alex Glasgow, a singer-songwriter from the North-East of England, and “I Shall Cry Again”; a beautiful song about the decline of the British coal mining industry and the communities that they sustained. Alex Glasgow is probably most well known as the composer of the songs for the musical play Close The Coalhouse Door and the theme tune for the BBC TV North-East drama set between the wars, When The Boat Comes In. Alex passed away in 2001. He spent the last twenty years in Australia where he contined to be held in great affection. One of my (many) claims to fame is that Alex Glasgow while working for BBC Radio Newcastle came to my school when I was eight to interview several of us about things we’d done but never told our parents. Well, needless to say I didn’t have too much to say…

We finished the set with Joan Baez and her version of Steve Earle’s “I Am Wanderer” from her most recent and highly recommended album, Day After Tomorrow. Happy 28th birthday, Mum!

Later in the first hour we talked to Bruce Leeming from the The Friends of Ile a Vache about their on-going efforts to develop a sustainable community on the island of Ile La Vache on the south coast of the country. Friends of Ile a Vache have been operating in Haiti for more than a decade. They have been working to improve the island’s standard of living and economy ever since. Friends of Ile a Vache have developed a rainwater cistern collection plan and strategically placed 30 cisterns around the island. They have also started a sustainable fish farm with land donated by the local mayor. They hope that these projects will help break the continuous aid cycle. Once Ile a Vache is self-sustaining they aim to develop similar projects elsewhere in Haiti.

Bruce Leeming will be giving a presentation on the Ile a Vache projects at Guelph Place on February 4 at 7 p.m. and at the Guelph Legion on February 11 at 7.00 p.m. Every cent donated to the Friends of Ile a Vache makes it way to the Haitian population, not one cent goes to overhead. For more information on Friends of Ile a Vache visit their website at friendsofileavachehaiti.com.

Later in the hour we continued the Helping Haiti theme when we talked to local musician and activist Sam Turton about the Help Haiti benefit show taking place in Guelph at the River Run Centre on February 7. The event features Kevin Breit, Scott Merritt, Jane Bunnett, Dionne Brand, the University of Guelph choirs and The Guelph Music Revue, an ensemble featuring some of Guelph’s renowned musicians and singer-songwriters.

Tickets are $30 and available from the River Run Box Office: 519-763-3000 or online. All proceeds go to the Canadian Red Cross. All of those involved, including the River Run Centre facilities, are donating their services for the event.

Listen to Hour 1:

In the second hour, Judy Martin from the Sierra Club Canada joined us to talk about the City of Guelph’s Natural Heritage Strategy. The Natural Heritage Strategy aims to identify Guelph’s significant natural areas to ensure their long-term protection and enhancement. Guelph is expected to grow dramatically over the next 25 years.  The unprecedented growth will put great pressure on our natural areas within the city. These areas may simply be swallowed up by development if they are not adequately protected.

A public forum to view the current draft for the Natural Heritage Strategy takes place on February 4 from 6.30 – 9.30 p.m. at City Hall in meeting room C. Please consider attending and making your voice heard.

Martin Sexton

Finally, to wrap up the show, Royal City Rag’s culture vulture, Marie Zimmerman,  the executive director of the Hillside Festival, joined us to talk about some of the artists at this year’s Hillside Inside taking place on February 6 at the Sleeman Centre. Tickets for the festival which runs from 4-11 p.m. are $75. For details of all the artists on the bill and to purchase tickets visit the Hillside Festival website.

Listen to Hour 2:

Music:
Kate And Anna McGarrigle, Karen Masterson, Mary Black and Rufus Wainright, Hard Times Come Around No More from The Transatlantic Sessions (Youtube)
Alex Glasgow, And I Shall Cry Again from Now And Then
Joan Baez, I Am A Wanderer from Day After Tomorrow
Eddie Vedder, My City Of Ruins (single) Benefiting Artists For Peace And Justice Haiti Relief
Hawksley Workman, The Ground We Stand On from Meat
Basia Bulat, The Shore from Heart Of My Own
Owen Pallett, Lewis Takes Action from Heartland
Bahamas, Whole Wide World from Pink Strat
Martin Sexton, Wild Angels from Seeds

 

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More On Prorogation – Overwhelming Majority Of Zoomers Disapprove Of Stephen Harper’s Action

January 29, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

It seems that Stephen Harper’s decision to prorogue parliament is resonating right across the age spectrum, never mind the political spectrum. This may well be a political game changer.

The Canadian organisation for seniors, CARP has conducted an online poll through their ActionOnline semi-monthly e-newsletter which is sent to 85,000 opt-in subscribers. The e-poll normally receives 3,000 to 5,000 responses. Nearly all the respondents are 55+ and more than half live in the political battleground province of Ontario.

CARP ActionOnline readers overwhelmingly disapproved of the current proroguing of Parliament, which they think occurred because the government wanted to avoid an Afghan detainee enquiry and they will vote for a Liberal government if an election were held tomorrow.

Over 5,600 subscribers reacted almost instantly to the poll which was issued late Friday, January 15, 2010.

When asked what they thought of the Prime Minister proroguing Parliament, fully three quarters disapprove (73%), and the wide majority “strongly disapprove” (57%).

When asked what they thought was the real reason Parliament was prorogued, the majority say it was to avoid the Afghan detainee enquiry, at least wholly or in part (62%), rather than solely due to the government’s stated reason of recalibrating their agenda (20%)

It is clear CARP members do not oppose prorogation per se, as fully one half (54%) approve of routinely proroguing a Parliament when its agenda is completed. Yet, a full three quarters (76%) believe the current prorogation was unjustified.

Despite some government spokesmen trying to blame the media for whipping up opposition to prorogation, more than half (58%) of the respondents  believe the current uproar over prorogation reflects true public opinion rather than being a creation of the media (30%).

And regardless what people might think about the effectiveness of our parliamentarians, almost three quarters believe it is more important for Parliament to stay in session and pass bills (74%) than to be prorogued so the government can reset its agenda (16%).

“CARP members are well read and very politically engaged. They support our parliamentary institutions as a proper check and balance against executive power. Governments, even those they historically support, will pay the price at the polls if they get too high handed. Our surveys and electoral polling have demonstrated time and again that this is a bellwether group. And at the moment, they’d be prepared to vote the government out of office over prorogation”, said Susan Eng, VP Advocacy for CARP.

Members were asked how proroguing Parliament has affected their likelihood of voting for the government in the next election. To put this in context, many previous polls have demonstrated CARP ActionOnline readers have a distinct small “c” and large “C” conservative bias. Despite this, the majority of respondents say they are now less likely to vote for the government (59%).

As recently as late September of last year, fully two thirds of the respondents to CARP ActionOnline polls supported the Conservative party (62%), compared to just one quarter who supported the Liberals (26%). While the Afghan detainee enquiry had the effect of depressing government support somewhat in mid-December of last year (to 54%), Liberal support did not rise (27%).

Once the government prorogued Parliament just before New Years, however, Conservative support among our members plummeted (to 38%), and the Liberals now have a comfortable lead (at 41%). The NDP and the Green party have also been beneficiaries of the decline in Conservative support since before prorogation.

View the full poll report.

View the survey results.

CARP is a national, non-partisan, non-profit organization committed to advocating for a New Vision of Aging for Canada, social change that will bring financial security, equitable access to health care and freedom from discrimination. CARP seeks to ensure that the marketplace serves the needs and expectations of our generation and provides value-added benefits, products and services to our members. Through our network of chapters across Canada, CARP is dedicated to building a sense of community and shared values among our members in support of CARP’s mission.

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Coming Up On Royal City Rag… Help 4 Haiti, Protecting Our Natural Heritage And How To Hillside Inside!

January 29, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

Royal City Rag on January 30 will focus on local efforts to Help Haiti, the City of Guelph Natural Heritage Strategy deliberations and Hillside Inside.

KaKoch Beach, Ile a Vache

In the first hour we’ll talk to Bruce Leeming from the The Friends of Ile a Vache about their on-going efforts to develop a sustainable community on the island of Ile La Vache on the south coast of the country.

Friends of Ile a Vache have been operating in Haiti for more than a decade. The organisation was originally formed by a group of friends searching for the wreck of the celebrated Canadian racing schooner, Bluenose that foundered off the coast of Ile La Vache in 1946. They fell in love with the island and its population and have been working to improve the island’s standard of living and economy ever since.

Finding and maintaining sources of clean water is a common problem in Haiti. Friends of Ile a Vache have developed a rainwater cistern collection plan and strategically placed 30 cisterns around the island. They have also started a sustainable fish farm with land donated by the local mayor. They hope that these projects will help break the continuous aid cycle. Once Ile a Vache is self-sustaining they aim to develop similar projects elsewhere in Haiti.

Bruce Leeming will be giving a presentation on the Ile a Vache projects at Guelph Place on February 4 at 7 p.m. and at the Guelph Legion on February 11 at 7.00 p.m.

Every cent donated to the Friends of Ile a Vache makes it way to the Haitian population, not one cent goes to overhead. For more information on Friends of Ile a Vache visit their website at friendsofileavachehaiti.com.

Later in the hour we’ll continue the Helping Haiti theme when we talk to local musician and activist Sam Turton about the Help Haiti benefit show taking place in Guelph at the River Run Centre on February 7. The event features Kevin Breit, Scott Merritt, Jane Bunnett, Dionne Brand, the University of Guelph choirs and The Guelph music revue, an ensemble featuring some of Guelph’s renowned musicians and singer-songwriters.

Tickets are $30 and available from the River Run Box Office: 519-763-3000 or online. All proceeds go to the Canadian Red Cross. All of those involved, including the River Run Centre facilities, are donating their services for the event.

In the second hour, Judy Martin from the Sierra Club Canada will join us to talk about the City of Guelph’s Natural Heritage Strategy. The Natural Heritage Strategy aims to identify Guelph’s significant natural areas to ensure their long-term protection and enhancement.

Gueph is expected to grow dramatically over the next 25 years.  As Guelph’s city limits are (in theory) fixed, the unprecedented growth will put great pressure on our natural areas including parks and green spaces. These areas may simply be swallowed up by development if they are not adequately protected.

There is a public forum on the Natural Heritage Strategy at City Hall on February 4 from 6.30 – 9.30 p.m. in meeting room C.

Finally, to wrap up the show, Royal City Rag’s culture vulture, Marie Zimmerman (who is also currently the executive director of the Hillside Festival) will join us to discuss some of the highlights of this year’s Hillside Inside taking place on February 6 at the Sleeman Centre.

Phew! Sounds like a fun show. Don’t miss it!

Royal City Rag, Saturdays from 7-9 a.m. on CFRU 93.3 fm, Guelph’s Campus and Community Radio Station. Listen live on CFRU 93.3fm, or, after the fact, via the website. If it happens in Guelph you’ll hear about it on Royal City Rag!

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Coming Soon… Unlucky In Love – February 13

January 28, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

We are all planning to be Unlucky in Love at the Eden Mills Writers Festival Fundraiser at the E-Bar on February 13 at 7.00 p.m. Great entertainment and shenanigans are promised. Don’t miss it!

We’ll also be ‘Unlucky In Love’, live on CFRU 93.3fm’s Royal City Rag, with a cast of thousands (well, a few anyway!), on February 6 between 8-9 a.m. Promises to be lots of fun. Don’t miss it!

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Worth Repeating: Perogies Not Proroguing, Rally And Panel Discussion

January 27, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

Saturday’s Perogies not Proroguing rally in Guelph on Saturday January 23 was a huge success.

More than 350 Guelphites attended the event organised by the Guelph Chapter of the Council of Canadians, the Guelph Chapter of Canadians Against Proroguing Parliament and the Canadian Union of Public Employees. Far more than the 200 people the organisers had expected to turn up.

The rally was not only an opportunity to register opposition to Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s decision to shut down parliament but also allowed those present  to educate themselves on the fragile state of our democracy.

Stephen Harper’s cynical decision to stifle debate is far more than just a storm in a teacup on the internet. There are a great many Canadians who are deeply troubled about an excessive concentration of arbitrarily-exercised power in the office of Prime Minister. 

Even analysts who normally support the actions of Canada’s right wing government believe that Stephen Harper has seriously miscalculated the mood of the nation. Quite clearly, Canadians really do care about this issue.

As Tom Flanagan, former chief of staff to Prime Minister Stephen Harper, said on January 12 in a panel interview on CBC Television’s ‘Power & Politics’ with Evan Solomon, “Everybody knows that Parliament was prorogued in order to shut down the Afghan inquiry, and the trouble is that the government doesn’t want to explain why that was necessary,” adding “instead of having an adult defence of it, the government comes up with these childish talking points. So then you try and backfill with other stuff that doesn’t make much sense either. So it’s a self-created problem.”

Left to Right: Jim Profit, Phil Allt and Byron Sheldrick

Many of those present attended the, standing room only, panel discussion at Knox Church featuring Guelph MP Frank Valeriote, Accessibility Advocate/Writer Susan Wheeler, University of Guelph Political Science Professor Byron Sheldrick, History professor/former NDP candidate Phil Allt and Father Jim Profit from the Ignatius Jesuit Centre. The panel discussion was moderated by Rev. John Lawson.

Susan Wheeler with Frank Valeriote MP

Frank Valeriote gave an excellent speech on parliamentary democracy while the panelists provided a lot of food for thought. There was also an excellent question and answer session.

It really was a wonderful session and a great primer on the problems currently afflicting our parliamentary democracy. Definitely worth a listen if you missed it.

Listen to Frank Valeriote’s Speech:


Listen to the Panelists Comments:


Listen to the Question & Answer Session:

The urgent need for parliamentary procedure reform will be discussed in a lecture on February 8 featuring Dr. Ned Franks, Professor Emeritus at Queen’s University. Professor Franks, who has been frequently quoted in recent editorials on the prorogation issue, will present a lecture on “The State of Parliamentary Democracy in Canada”.

The lecture is co-sponsored by the Council of Canadians – Guelph Chapter, the Department of Political Science at the University of Guelph and the Central Students Association. The lecture will be held at the University of Guelph’s War Memorial Hall at 7.30 p.m.

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The State of Parliamentary Democracy in Canada – February 8

January 26, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

The Guelph Chapter of the Council of Canadians is organizing a second event related to restoring democracy in Canada! This follows the success of the Perogies not Prorogation rally that took place  in Guelph on Saturday, January 23.

The need for reform of parliamentary procedures will be discussed on February 8 when Dr. Ned Franks, Professor Emeritus at Queen’s University, will present a lecture on “The State of Parliamentary Democracy in Canada”.

Dr. Franks has been frequently quoted in recent editorials on the prorogation issue.

The lecture is co-sponsored by the Council of Canadians – Guelph Chapter, the Department of Political Science at the University of Guelph and the Central Students Association and will be held at the University of Guelph’s War Memorial Hall at 7.30 p.m. on Monday February 8.

Here is a clip of Ned Franks discussing Canada’s current minority government with Steve Paikin (from TVO’s The Agenda with Steve Paikin, September 25, 2009):

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Help Haiti: A Guelph Benefit For Earthquake Relief – February 7

January 26, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

A Guelph benefit for the people of Haiti takes place on February 7 at the River Run Centre. The event features Kevin Breit, Scott Merritt, Jane Burnett, Dionne Brand, the University of Guelph choirs and The Guelph music revue, an ensemble featuring some of Guelph’s renowned musicians and singer-songwriters.

  • Kevin Breit is one of Canada’s most in-demand guitarists (Norah Jones, Rosanne Cash, k. d. Lang, Bill Frisell). He will be performing with Guelph’s Ted Warren, one of Canada’s most accomplished drummers.
  • Scott Merritt is an MCA recording artist and an award-winning singer-songwriter and producer with an always growing and fiercely dedicated following.
  • Jane Bunnett is an internationally acclaimed Canadian jazz icon with Juno awards, Grammy nominations, and an appointment to the Order of Canada.
  • Dionne Brand is a renowned poet, novelist, essayist, and film-maker born in Trinidad and living in Toronto.
  • The University of Guelph Choirs, directed by Dr. Marta McCarthy are a powerful amalgamation of both the University Chamber Choir and the University Women’s Choir.
  • The Guelph Music Revue is a stellar gathering of Guelph’s award-winning musicians, band leaders, and singer-songwriters featuring Andrew Craig, Nick Craine, Craig Norris, Shane Philips, Tannis Slimmon, Sue Smith, Sam Turton, Jeff Bird, Adam Bowman, Vish Khanna, Jane Lewis, Brenda McMorrow, Ambre McLean, Harri Palm, Stu Peterson, Jesse Turton, Brenda Lewis, Jude Vadala, The Season Singers - and more to come!

Help Haiti: A Guelph Benefit for Earthquake Relief

Sunday, February 7 at 7.00 p.m.
The River Run Centre
35 Woolwich St., Guelph, ON
Tickets $30 (reserved) available from the River Run Box Office: 519-763-3000 or online

All proceeds to Canadian Red Cross – All services are being donated including the River Run Centre facilities.

Additional donations will be accepted at the event

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Royal City Rag, January 23 – Organic Food, Hillside Inside And Tributes To Kate And Paul

January 24, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

Royal City Rag on January 23 had everything – great music, informative interviews and lots of technical knob-twiddling to keep me on my toes… even if I was a little short of sleep after a late night attending Tannis Slimmon’s fabulous show at the River Run!

Kate McGarrigle

We started off the show with a short musical tribute to Kate McGarrigle who passed away this week.

Following up on the appreciation that appeared on the Royal City Rag blog we played two songs, “Heart Like A Wheel” from the album Kate and Anna McGarrigle followed by “Walking Song” from Dancer With Bruised Knees. A tremendous loss.

Check out both these albums if you don’t have them. I’m sure Ground Floor Music will order them in if required. You’ll not be disappointed.

Organic Conference Trade Show

Later in the hour we talked to Mike Driscoll, media co-ordinator with the 29th Organic Conference.

The conference takes place at the University of Guelph from  January 28-31.

With workshops for novices and producers, as well as a great trade show and food fair in the University Centre there is something for everyone.

Listen to Hour 1:

Paul Quarrington

We started off the second hour with a musical tribute to Toronto writer and musician Paul Quarrington, another sad loss this week.

Paul, a stalwart of the Eden Mills Writers Festival, is best known as the writer of “Whale Music” a novel about a burned-out rock star, brought to life, so memorably on screen, by Maury Chaykin.

An inspiration to us all, Paul continued working right up to the end, leaving behind a legacy of music and writings to be released posthumously.

In a fitting tribute to a man that lived life with such passion, we played the song “Bon Vivant” from Paul’s own blues boogie band, Porkbelly Futures. We followed that with an absolutely a gorgeous song by Buddy and Julie Miller, “Don’t Say Goodbye” (featuring Patti Griffin on backing vocals) from the album Written In Chalk. Paul Quarrington, another great Canadian who will be sorely missed.

Later in the hour we continued the organic food theme with Shannon Lee Stirling and Kristi Mahy.

Shannon (formerly with Backyard Bounty, and now at Foodshare) has a workshop about urban agriculture taking place on Sunday, January 31 from 9.30 – 11.30 a.m. Kristi has a workshop about growing your own fresh greens during the winter months on January 26 at the Guelph Youth Music Centre at 7.00 p.m.

British songer-songwriter and activist Martyn Joseph is a special favourite of Royal City Rag. We played another beautiful song from Martyn, “All This Time” from Don’t Talk About Love. Martin is currently on tour in Canada. Unfortunately he won’t be coming to Guelph though he does have three dates in southern Ontario:

  • February 11, Hugh`s Room, 2261 Dundas St West, Toronto, 416-531-6604
  • February 12, Grafton Town Hall, 10836 Hwy 2, Grafton, 905-349-3715
  • February 13, Market Hall Theatre, 340 George St N, Peterborough, 705-743-3372

We’re hoping to have Martyn on Royal City Rag for an interview while he’s in Canada. Stay tuned for that.

Later in the show we talked to Paula Perri from the Hillside Festival about Hillside Inside, the archetypal summer festival’s younger cousin taking place on February 6 in the Sleeman Centre. We’ll be following up on this interview with a live appearance by Marie Zimmerman (Royal city Rag’s Culture Vulture Marie) on next weeks show (January 30). Marie is currently the executive director of the Hillside Festival, and, probably one of the busiest people on the planet at the moment. It will be great to have her back.

Another busy but fun show. I hope you enjoyed it.

Listen to Hour 2:

Music:
Kate And Anne McGarrigle, Heart Like A Wheel from Kate And Anne McGarrigle
Kate And Anne McGarrigle, Walking Song from Dancer With Bruised Knees
Martyn Joseph, All This Time from Don’t Talk About Love
Kris Kristofferson, Dear John from Closer To The Bone
Monsters Of Folk, The Right Place from Monsters Of Folk
Pork Belly Futures, Bon Vivant from Porkbelly Futures
Buddy And Judy Miller, Don’t Say Goodbye from Written In Chalk
Hawksley Workman, All The Trees Are Hers from Between The Beautifuls
Kate And Anne McGarrigle, Kiss And Say Goodbye from Kate And Anne McGarrigle

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Out On The Shelf’s 2nd Annual Knit-a-thon – January 30

January 22, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

Like to knit?  Then, why not take part in Guelph’s Queeer Resource Centre, Out On The Shelf’s (OOTS) 2nd Annual Knit-a-thon?

The event takes place on Saturday January 30 from 10 a.m. till 4.00 p.m.

Because they raised over $3000 this event is now a major fundraiser for OOTS. It’s also a great opportunity for community members to come and visit the library, while supporting an important community resource.

Any group of four people can stop by the library to pick up their Knit Kit. The kit includes information and pledge forms. Each team raises a minimum of $100, all of which directly benefits the library/resource centre.

While the centre is run by a dedicated group of volunteers, the organization must still raise funds for its operating expenses, such as rent and utilities. OOTS is funded exclusively by fees for library memberships, private donations, and fundraisers like the Knit-A-Thon.

Out On The Shelf (OOTS) is a library and resource centre for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, twospirited, intersex, queer and questioning communities and their allies in Guelph and the surrounding areas.

Opened in 2005 after two years of planning, OOTS serves the local community by providing queer-focused materials from its lending library, and providing a safe space for groups to gather.

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Public Forum: Natural Health Strategy, City Hall – February 4

January 22, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

There is a very important public forum taking place on the Natural Heritage Strategy at City Hall on February 4 from 6.30 – 9.30 p.m.

Guelph will be hit by a huge wave of growth over the next 25 years under the provincial plan Places to Grow.

Unfortunately the city seems powerless to do anything about this “planned” (!) growth.

Guelph is expected to grow by 75,000 people.

Some (myself included) would say that is an absurd amount of growth bearing in mind we will also be dealing with the twin threats of climate change and peak oil as well as uncertain economic times.

All these new people coming to Guelph will need somewhere to live and places to work.

As Guelph’s city limits are “in theory” fixed, the unprecedented growth will put great pressure on our green infrastructure… trees, parks and green spaces. Areas that we now know as green space may simply be swallowed up if they are not adequately protected.

Please make an effort to  review the draft document and provide feedback where appropriate.

Our children and grandchildren will thank us for it.

Public Forum: Natural Heritage Strategy

You are invited to participate in a public forum to provide input into Guelph’s draft Natural Heritage policies.

Thursday, February 4
6:30–9:30 p.m.
City Hall, 1 Carden St, Meeting Room C

Draft policies will be presented at 6:30 p.m. followed by an opportunity for public input. Please RSVP to michelle.mercier@guelph.ca

About the Natural Heritage Strategy
The Natural Heritage mapping and policies aim to identify Guelph’s significant natural areas to ensure their long-term protection and enhancement.

Following the input from Phase Two, the City is moving into the third and final phase of the Natural Heritage Strategy where the Natural Heritage policies will be integrated into the current Official Plan Update.

As of January 27, the draft Natural Heritage policies will be available at guelph.ca, or can be viewed at City Hall, Community Design and Development Services, third floor.

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Guelph Remastered Open House, City Hall – February 2

January 22, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

The following press release from the City really smacks of arrogance…

To quote: “If Michelangelo were on this project it would take four years.”

I’d never really thought there was too much similarity between municipal construction and the Sistine Chapel ceiling!

There has already been criticism of the amount being spent on a P.R. campaign and advertising ($324K) for these projects on the Guelph Mercury’s 59 Carden St blog.

However, we probably should withhold judgement on whether this was money well-spent until after the open house on February 2.

I certainly hope the P.R. firm didn’t come up with the Michelangelo line!

Your tax dollars at work.

From the City of Guelph:

Open House: Guelph Remastered

If Michelangelo were on this project it would take four years.

This year, we’re working on our inner beauty with 25 construction projects on city roads and buildings.

Join us as we launch Guelph Remastered; an infrastructure renewal program of unprecedented size and scope, and the City’s plan to help you get around Guelph.

Tuesday, February 2
Drop in between 6 and 9 p.m.
City Hall, 1 Carden St

About Guelph Remastered
Thanks to $44.4 million in federal and provincial Infrastructure Stimulus funds, $3.6 million in recreational infrastructure funding, and $24 million furnished by our City, Guelph will benefit from 25 major projects that will renew our aging infrastructure and create a more beautiful, better functioning and sustainable city.

To take advantage of this government funding – and reduce the burden on Guelph taxpayers – we must complete these projects before March 2011. Essentially, that means we will be completing five years worth of work in one year.

Not only will these projects create 800 local jobs, they’ll enrich our quality of life and prepare us for the demands of our growing population.

For more information visit www.guelph.ca.

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Reminder: Perogies Not Proroguing, Downtown Guelph, January 23

January 22, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

Don’t forget to attend the big Perogies not Proroguing rally in St George’s Square on Saturday January 23.

This is your opportunity to express your dissatisfaction with Stephen Harper’s self-serving decision to shut down parliament on December 30. Let’s send the Prime Minister a strong message – get our MPs back to work!

The rally is being put on by the Guelph Chapter of the Council of Canadians, the Guelph Chapter of Canadians Against Proroguing Parliament and the Canadian Union of Public Employees.

The rally starts in St George’s Square at 1.00 p.m. before moving to Knox Church where perogies and hot drinks will be served. There will then be an opportunity to share concerns about the prorogation during a panel discussion moderated by Rev. John Lawson.

1.00 p.m.   Rally in St George’s Square and parade to Knox Church
1.30 p.m.   Perogies / hot drinks will be served at Knox Church
2.00 p.m.   MP FrankValeriote and panel discussion/Q&A

Canadians Against Proroguing Parliament is a national grassroots group started on Facebook about two weeks ago. The group now has a wopping 210,000 members and is growing daily!

There will be anti-proroguation events all over Canada this weekend. Please come out to St George’s Square and make your voice heard.

If you haven’t yet joined Canadians Against Proroguing Parliament, visit them on the web now.

Also, check out the website www.noprorogue.ca.

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Finding Hope When The Heat Is On – January 27 and February 10

January 22, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

Finding Hope: Spiritual Resources In Environmental Crisis

January 27 & February 10 at 7.30 p.m at The Fat Duck (Corner of Kortright and Edinburgh, Guelph)

Relaxed conversations on spirituality and the environment.

Where can you find hope in the face of the environmental crisis that threatens the planet?

And, its all taking place in one of Guelph’s best eateries, The Fat Duck Pub!

Join the discussion with two presenters that care deeply about the fate of our planet:

  • Mike Nagy on Wednesday, January 27
  • Jim Profit on Wednesday, February 10

All welcome.

Sponsored by the Anglican and United Churches

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Coming Up On Royal City Rag – Organic Food, Growing Your Own And Hillside Inside

January 22, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

We have another hectic Royal City Rag planned for January 23. This week we’ll be focusing on the 29th Organic Conference, and their theme, Our Canadian Identity. The conference takes place at the University of Guelph from  January 28-31.

We’ll be talking to Mike Driscoll from the organising committee about the conference and following that with an interview with Shannon Lee Stirling (formerly with Backyard Bounty, and now at Foodshare) about urban agriculture.

Kristi Mahy will also be popping by to talk about how you can grow your own fresh food during the winter months. Kristi has a workshop on January 26 at the Guelph Youth Music Centre at 7.00 p.m.

Later in the show we’ll be talking to Paula Perri from the Hillside Festival about Hillside Inside, the archetypal summer festival’s younger cousin taking place on February 6 in the Sleeman Centre.

As usual, we’ll be mixing it all up with some cool music and event listings.

Sounds like another fun show. Hope you can join us!

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Friends Of Ile A Vache, Economic Development Project Presentation – February 4

January 21, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

Canadian Group Raising Funds For Haitian Economic Development Projects

Friends of Ile a Vache, a non-profit dedicated to sustainable economic development, is reaching out to the public to raise funds for its development projects. Their projects are currently under operation on the Haitian island of Ile a Vache, a small island off the south coast of Haiti.

The focus of all efforts is to demonstrate what can be done and to break the continuous aid cycle. Everything developed on the island then can be copied to anywhere on Haiti. Two of their most important drives are finding sustainable ways to provide food and clean water. Friends of Ile a Vache started a sustainable fish farm with land donated by the local mayor. Finding sources of clean water is another problem for all of Haiti. To help alleviate this problem, Friends of Ile a Vache developed a rainwater cistern collection plan and strategically placed 30 cisterns around the island. These were installed by Haitians the company educated about tool usage and construction techniques.

Every cent donated to the Friends of Ile a Vache makes it way to the Haitian population. Not one cent goes to overhead. Your donation will provide food, clean water and employment to the Haitians living on the island.

The group is currently holding fundraising events throughout the world. Over the next few weeks, there will be events held in Guelph Ontario, Nova Scotia, Florida and Germany.

Bruce Leeming, director of the organization, will be giving a presentation on the Ile a Vache project at Guelph Place on February 4 at 7 p.m. Another Guelph event is also planned (details to be confirmed).

Leeming said, “We need your help to be able to help in Haiti. Money is only one tool that is needed but it is vital. If you have none of this then send your prayers for all of people who are suffering.”

He added that, “We will be working in Haiti after the news switches to the next big event. Long term is key. Over 11 years we have made a difference and saved lives.”

The Friends of Ile a Vache has been operating in Haiti for more than a decade. It was formed by a group of friends that were searching for the original BLUENOSE that sank of the coast of Ile a Vache. They fell in love with the population and have been working to develop the islands standard of living and economy ever since.

For more information on Friends of Ile a Vache:  friendsofileavache@gmail.com.

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Café Scientifique: Ecotourism, More Harm Than Good – February 9

January 21, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

Now this sounds interesting.

I’ve always felt a little conflicted about ecotourism.

Do you enjoy traveling to exotic destinations?

Do you care about the environment?

Prof. Noella Gray will be speaking on “Ecotourism: More harm than good?” at the Diana Downtown on Tuesday, February 9 at 7 p.m.

The second in the series “Human Dimensions of the Environment”.

Free. Light snacks provided.

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Kate McGarrigle… Thank You For The Music

January 20, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

I grew up with the music of Kate and Anna McGarrigle.

I picked up a copy of their second album, Dancer With Bruised Knees, out of a bargain bin in my local record store, when I was just 16 and living in a sleepy seaside town in south-east England.

It was the first time I’d stepped away from the mainstream as far as my interest in music was concerned, at a time when my taste was more towards Genesis, The Who and Mike Oldfield than anything as folky as Kate and Anna.

I hadn’t heard much from the album at all, except the title track which entranced me with the weirdness of its title and the gorgeous deep baritone spokenword introduction, “When I knew her she was a dancer with bruised knees”.

I was hooked. I loved their voices.  I loved their harmonies. I loved the fact that they sang in French as well as English (I didn’t yet know anything about Canada, or the bilingual nature of Montreal). I also loved the fact that they wrote about interesting subjects… first born sons, biscuits and walking…

Walking Song, written by Kate was my favorite song on the album. I loved it. I originally bought the cassette version of the album and I didn’t appreciate the full depth of its beautiful lyrics for many years until I finally replaced the worn out tape with the CD version.

It was a while before I picked up the eponymous first album, Kate and Anne McGarrigle, that is probably their masterpiece. I love that album too, but  probably not as much as Dancer with Bruised Knees. That album, and those songs will be with me for the rest of my life as they were part of the soundtrack of my youth.

Thank you for the music, Kate. I always wanted to be that dancer.

I couldn’t find a video on Youtube for Walking Song, so instead I have included its beautiful lyrics here. A fabulous song from a gorgeous album. I plan to play it, along with several others on Royal City Rag this coming Saturday morning. I hope you’ll join me. In the meantime I’ll leave you with another beautiful Kate song, Talk to Me Of Mendocino from the album “Kate and Anna McGarrigle”.

Jan Hall

Walking Song (Kate McGarrigle) from Dancer With Bruised Knees

Wouldn’t it be nice to walk together
Baring our souls while wearing out the leather
We could talk shop, harmonize a song
Wouldn’t it be nice to walk along

I’ll show you houses of architectural renown
Some are still standing, some have fallen down
Farm houses buried under Canada’s snow
Spanish villas on the Boulevards of Mexico

And I’ll learn to tell the ash from the oak
And if you don’t know I won’t make no joke
We’ll climb to the top to view the world from above
Or carve our initials in the trunk like teenagers in love

And when we get hungry we’ll stop to eat
Gotta think of our stomachs and rest our feet
If we get thirsty we’ll have a drink or two
In a mountain top bar with a mountain top view

And when we get tired we’ll stop to rest
And if you still want to talk you can bare your breast
If it’s winter and cold we’ll take a rooming-house room
If it’s summer and warm we’ll sleep under the moon

And we’ll talk about the sports we played
‘Bout the time you got busted or the time I got laid
We’ll talk blood and how we were bred
Talk about the folks both living and dead

This song like this walk I find hard to end
Be my lover or be my friend
In sneakers or boots or regulation shoes
Walking beside you I’ll never get the walking blues.

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Royal City Rag, January 16 – Transition Guelph And Tannis Slimmon With Lewis Melville Live In The Studio

January 17, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

Susan (former weather pixie)

We were back on CFRU93.3fm with another fun show on January 16.

I even had a co-host, former weather pixie Susan joining us again. It seems that she doesn’t like to do the weather!

We started off with a really beautiful song from one of my long-time favourite bands, Stackridge, (Waiting For You And) England To Return from their wonderful 2009 reunion album “A Victory For Common Sense”.

Stackridge are very much an English institution although they may be best known in North America as the band that gave us “The Korgis”, who had a hit with Everyone’s Got To Learn Sometime in the late 70s. Its great to have them back. It would be even better if they would tour over here.

We also gave a repeat airing to the fabulous interview we recorded with Sarah Harmer recorded at last year’s Environmental Science Symposium. She really is inspiring.

Listen to the interview with Sarah Harmer:

Transition Guelph's Chris Mills and Sally Ludwig

Later in the hour, Sally Ludwig and Chris Mills from Transition Guelph joined us with an update on the group’s activities.

Transition Guelph are a group of people committed to transitioning our city from oil dependency to local resiliency, while weathering the impact of climate change. After the debacle of Copenhagen its now more clear than ever that we can’t afford to wait on governments at act on climate change – we need to act for ourselves.

Check out their amazingly informative website at www.transitionguelph.org if you haven’t already done so. Their next meeting is January 19 at 7.00 p.m. in 10 Carden.

Listen to Hour 1:

Tannis Slimmon and Lewis Melville live in the studio

In the second hour of the show, we were pleased to welcome Tannis Slimmon and Lewis Melville back to Royal City Rag. Tannis has a solo show at the River Run Centre on January 22, as part of the Borealis Music Series, sponsored by the Borealis Grille & Bar. Joining Tannis will be Lewis and Jude Vadala. It promises to be a fabulous night.

Tannis Slimmon in Concert
Friday, January 22 at 8.00 p.m.
Co-operators Hall, River Run Centre
Woolwich Street, Guelph

Tickets:
$25.00 Adult
$23.00 Student and Senior
$20.00 uGO: (University or College Student – valid ID required)

Contact the River Run Box Office at 519-763-3000 for more information.

Listen to Hour 2:

Music:
Stackridge, (Waiting For You And) England To Return from A Victory For Common Sense
Sarah Harmer, Escarpment Blues (Live) from At The Barricades Vol 1
Sadies, Never Again from New Seasons
Tannis Slimmon, What’s So Funny About Peace, Love And Understanding? (Live In The Studio)
Tannis Slimmon, Ernest, Charlie And Allan from Lucky Blue (Live In The Studio)
Tannis Slimmon, Our Time Now from Lucky Blue (Live In The Studio)
Tannis Slimmon, Around Him from Lucky Blue (Live In The Studio)
Tannis Slimmon, Noah’s Work (Live In The Studio)
Tannis Slimmon, There’s A Lift from Oak Lake (Live In The Studio)

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Perogies Not Proroguing, January 23: Larger Venue Needed Due to Growing Interest

January 16, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

It seems that the Perogies not Proroguing event planned for January 23 is creating quite a stir in Guelph. Stephen Harper’s decision to close down parliament is clearly more than just a storm in a teacup on Facebook.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees have now joined the Guelph Chapter of the Council of Canadians and the Guelph Chapter of Canadians Against Proroguing Parliament in setting up a rally downtown in Guelph.

The rally will now start in St George’s Square at 1.00 p.m. before moving to Knox Church where perogies and hot drinks will be served. There will then be an opportunity to share concerns about the prorogation during a panel discussion moderated by Rev. John Lawson.

The rally will be a clear demonstration of concern over the Prime Minister’s recent prorogation of Parliament, the deepening crisis in Parliamentary democracy, and the broader implications of this crisis.  Over 200 citizens are now expected to attend.

Almost 50 cities across the country are having rallies, forums and protests, including St. John’s, Halifax, Fredericton, Charlottetown, Québec City, Montréal, Ottawa, Toronto, Kitchener-Waterloo, Hamilton, London, Windsor, Sudbury, Winnipeg, Regina, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, Victoria, Yellowknife and Whitehorse. There are even rallies being planned in the US and the UK!

Perogies Not Proroguing
1.00 p.m.   Rally in St George’s Square and parade to Knox Church (note new venue!)
1.30 p.m.   Perogies / hot drinks will be served at Knox Church
2.00 p.m.   MP FrankValeriote and panel discussion/Q&A

Canadians Against Proroguing Parliament is a national grassroots group started on Facebook about two weeks ago. The group now has an incredible 195,000 members and is growing daily.

If you haven’t yet joined the group, visit them on the web here.

Also, check out the website www.noprorogue.ca.

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Sadies With Ladies Of The Canyon, Dublin St United – January 22

January 15, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

The Sadies

Toronto’s cosmic country rockers The Sadies are in town on January 22 for a show at Dublin Street United Church with Ladies of The Canyon.

Their most recent album is New Seasons (2007) produced with the Jawhawks’ Gary Louris. They also recently recorded a fun set of country covers featuring vocals by LA punk legend John Doe, Country Club by John Doe and the Sadies (2009).

The Sadies are currently back in the studio with Gary Louris working on a follow-up to New Seasons. Their blistering live shows live long in the memory. You won’t want to miss them.

Opening the show are Montreal’s Ladies of The Canyon whose sound is as polymorphic, true and passionate as its members. Ladies of the Canyon are candy sweet folk pop one minute and heart-wrenching soulful the next.

The Sadies with Ladies of the Canyon
Friday, January 22, 2010
Dublin Street United Church 68 Suffolk St West, Guelph
$20 ($18 for U of G students)
On sale at Ground Floor Music (13 Quebec Street)
Show 8.00 p.m. (Doors open at 7.30 p.m.)

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Transition Guelph – January 19

January 15, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

From Chris and Sally at Transition Guelph:

Our next general meeting is this coming Tuesday, January 19, at 10 Carden, starting at 7 p.m..

On the agenda we have opportunities to learn, participate in on-the-ground projects, and plan for a resilient future: 

  • A short Transition Orientation (as it looks like there will be several new attendees)
  • Local happenings in green business or sustainability projects
  • Lea will present the Seeds of Diversity “seed library” and discuss the opportunity to work together to save and share garden seeds
  • Ben will share plans for upcoming Permaculture workshops
  • Martin will tell about the Sharing Backyards program starting this year
  • Other working groups will report on discussions they are having and activities being planned
  • Timeline for transition – “backcasting” from the desired outcome, Resilient Guelph 2030, to identify some of the steps needed to get there
  • Refreshments and time to connect.

Looks like it’ll be a good one! We look forward to getting together again, and hope to see you there…
 
Cheers,
 
Chris & Sally

Catch Sally Ludwig from Transition Guelph on Royal City Rag, January 16 between 7-8 a.m.
 

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Coming Soon…Hillside Inside – February 6

January 15, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

Catch Hillside Festival’s Paula Perri on CFRU93.3fm’s Royal City Rag on January 23 and Marie Zimmerman on January 30. If it happens in Guelph you’ll hear about it on Royal City Rag!

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Coming Up On Royal City Rag… Transition Guelph, Tannis Slimmon With Lewis Melville

January 14, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

We have another hectic show planned for January 16. Its great to feel like I have energy again! Seems like its a good start to the new year. Long may it continue.

Anyway, back to the show… Sally Ludwig from Transition Guelph will join us again in the first hour on Saturday with an update on the group’s activities.

Transition Guelph are a group of people committed to transitioning our city from oil dependency to local resiliency, while weathering the impact of climate change. After the debacle of Copenhagen its now more clear than ever that we can’t afford to wait on governments at act on climate change – we need to act for ourselves.

Check out their amazingly informative website at www.transitionguelph.org if you haven’t already done so. You can also visit their booth at Saturday’s 16th Annual Environmental Sciences Symposium in Rozanski Hall at the University of Guelph.

Tannis Slimmon

In the second hour of the show, we are pleased to welcome Tannis Slimmon and Lewis Melville back to Royal City Rag. 

Tannis has a solo show in the Co-operators Hall at the River Run Centre on January 22, as part of the Borealis Music Series, sponsored by the Borealis Grille & Bar. Joining Tannis will be Lewis Melville and Jude Vadala. It promises to be a fabulous night.

Wth musical roots firmly planted in the soil of the Canadian Prairies, Tannis has been singing, songwriting, recording and touring locally, nationally and internationally for close to 30 years. After working with numerous bands including the critically acclaimed female trio The Bird Sisters, her solo career was launched in 2001 with the release of ‘Oak Lake’, followed up recently by ‘Lucky Blue’, a rich offering of songs and artwork influenced by recent travels to Mali, West Africa and Cuba. You will find Tannis’ name on over 70 albums, contributing songs or singing harmonies for others including Willie P. Bennett, Valdy and James Gordon.

Tannis Slimmon in Concert
Friday, January 22 at 8.00 p.m.
Co-operators Hall, River Run Centre
Woolwich Street, GuelphTickets:
$25.00 Adult
$23.00 Student and Senior
$20.00 uGO: (University or College Student – valid ID required)

Contact the River Run Box Office at 519-763-3000 for more information.

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Guelph Community Singers Debut Concert – January 23

January 14, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

Guelph Community Singers will be giving their first ever concert performance on Saturday, January 23 at 7.30 p.m. in the wonderfully ambient surroundings of St. George’s Anglican Church, 99 Woolwich Street, Guelph.

An evening of song and musical surprises is assured.

Admission:$5 or pay what you can. All proceeds will benefit St. George’s music programs and other music related charitable endeavours in Guelph.

Guelph Community Singers was founded to allow people to share the power and beauty of creating and exploring music with each other and the wider community.  They believe all people are singers and welcome new new members to join them.

If you would like information about joining Guelph Community Singers, please contact Jennifer at 519-837-0322 or jenerick@golden.net.

The next session starts on January 27. The choir meets every Wednesday night from  from 7.30 to 9.00 p.m. in Room 108 at the Guelph Youth Music Centre, 75 Cardigan St.

There are 3 fee tiers to choose from: $40, $65, or $90 per 17 week session.  You decide which level you can afford to pay. First night is free. Meet Heidi Bates, their fabulous and fearless director, and her talented accompanist Ian Bates.  This gives you a chance to get a feel for the choir before committing your time and money.

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Carlos Del Junco’s Cool Harmonica In Eden Mills – January 22

January 14, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

The next concert in the Eden Mills Concert Series is Carlos Del Junco on Friday, January 22, 2010.

Carlos is the 7 time winner, (out of the 12 year history) of the Canadian Maple Blues Harmonica Player of the year Award.  He has been nominated for a Juno, and played with music greats Bruce Cockburn, Norah Jones, Oliver Schroer, Kevin Breit and Hoc Walsh of the Downchild Blues Band.

Check out Carlos at www.carlosdeljunco.com

Date: Friday, January 22, 2010
Place: Eden Mills Community Hall, Main Street, Eden Mills
Cost: $20.00
Time: 8.00 pm  (Doors open at 7.30)

For tickets or more details contact Kit at kitbresnahan1@gmail.com or 519-856-1188.
Tickets are also available at The Bookshelf, 41 Quebec St., Guelph

This concert is a fundraiser for the Eden Mills Millpond Conservation Association.

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New Home For Community Singalong On The East Side Of Guelph – January 16

January 13, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

Sam Turton and Jane Lewis are bringing their community singalong to Guelph east side restaurant, Ashuré’s, on a monthly basis from now on. They kick off a new year of community singing  on January 16 from 8.00 till 10.00 p.m. The evening will feature a feast of well-known songs and to celebrate their new home, a selection of prizes including CDs, and gift certificates.

The unique singalong, created by Turton and Lewis, offers lyric books so that everyone can join in on their favourite songs, a rare opportunity these days. “Unfortunately modern music performance has created a division between artist and audience,” says Turton, “and by providing the lyrics to hundreds of well-known tunes, that division dissolves—and the entire room can burst into song.”

As well as monthly singalongs, Ashuré’s also offer other forms of live music on the weekend.  Norman Liota, Mo’ Kauffey, Max Bent, Corduroy Road and Rodney Jewel are all scheduled to appear over the coming weeks.

Ashuré’s wants to become a community-friendly destination that supports the arts and home-made food. For dinner on the night of the singalong, call 519-515-0522 for reservations.

Sam Turton and Jane Lewis Community Singalong Prize Night—a free, all-ages event, from 8 -10 p.m. Saturday, January 16, at Ashuré’s, 259 Grange Road, Unit 6, in Guelph (at Victoria & Grange).

Sam and Jane will also be having a singalong at The Woolwich Arms on Sunday, January 24 at 8.00 p.m.

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Why Not Grow Your Own Food This Winter?, Workshop – January 26

January 11, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

Keen on eating local, sustainable foods?  Having trouble finding them this winter?

My good friend, Kristi Mahy will be presenting a workshop on January 26 on how to grow or source good locally grown food during the winter months.

The workshop will inspire you to turn your home into a mini winter garden. Sprouts, microgreens, salad mix, herbs, indoor composting and more will be discussed. We will also cover winter sources for local foods grown by others.

There will be time for Q & A during the workshop.

The workshop takes place at the Guelph Youth Music Centre on January 26 at 7.00 p.m.

Cost: $10 or pay what you can.

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The Platform, Guelph’s New Arts Collective, Official Launch At 10 Carden – January 12

January 11, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

This nearly slipped by. Oops!

Tomorrow evening, January 12 is the official launch of The Platform, a collective of local artists exploring the opportunity to establishing a centre for performing arts where artists can develop new work, practice, collaborate and  perform.

The group will be officially incorporating early in 2010, but an active steering committee has been in place for a year now, researching and planning.

The meeting takes place January 12 at  7 p.m. at 10 Carden Street.

Vision
The Platform believes that the arts contribute significantly to quality of life, cultural identity, community sustainability, education, and prosperity.

They are committed to creating a community environment where:

  • The lives, careers, and work of artists of all genres flourish
  • Local artists offer their knowledge and skills in educational and other formats
  • Arts organizations are strong, creative, and able to collaborate freely
  • The creativity, diversity, and spirit of Guelph’s artists and arts organizations are recognized locally and nationally

Mission
To create and foster affordable, versatile, collaborative and accessible space for local artists and arts organizations of all genres, cultures, and economic circumstances.

The Platform has engaged the services of prominent Guelph Real Estate Broker and Arts Patron Ned Coates to help in the search for a home for our group. There are already a number of interesting possibilities. As well, the City of Guelph has been involved in considering city owned spaces.

Their intention is to provide an environment where artists and community can come together to learn, participate and enjoy the results of their creative interaction.

For more information or to get involved, contact the Chair of the Steering Committee, Kathleen Vanessa Hyland at vhyland@rogers.com

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Guelph Poetry Slam, Guelph Googenheim – January 16

January 10, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

The second Guelph Poetry Slam of the season takes place on January 16 at the Guelph Googenheim, Woolwich Street, Guelph. 

Poets competing over the coming months may qualify for the Guelph Poetry Slam team to travel to Ottawa in October to compete in Canada’s National Poetry Slam.

The slam starts at 9.00 p.m. (doors at 8.00 p.m.) with dancing into the wee small hours. Admission $10 at the door.

What is a Poetry Slam?
A poetry slam is a competition for spoken word poetry. Poets have three minutes to rock the mic and impress the audience and five randomly selected judges. Poets cannot use any props or musical instruments. Judges score each poem from 0.0 to 10, the high score and the low score are dropped and the poet is scored out of 30 total. The top 4 poets move on to the second round to compete for the prize of $100! If you’re not feeling competitive, we also have an open mic where you can share your poems without any rules at all!

This Month’s Featured Performer
Former University of Waterloo student, Brendan McLeod has been Vancouver’s SLAM poetry Champion, the Canadian SLAM poetry champion, and finished second at the 2005 World SLAM championships, held in Holland. As a novelist, he beat out over 500 original entries to win the 2006 International 3 Day Novel Contest for his book, “The Convictions of Leonard McKinley”. He has performed all over the world, at over 200 poetry readings, and is a touring member of The Fugitives spoken word and music troupe. He has an MA in Philosophy from the University of Waterloo.

For more information on Guelph Spokenword visit www.guelphspokenword.com

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