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Royal City Rag, March 20 – World Water Day, Healthy Landscapes And Pollination Guelph

March 21, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

Royal City Rag on March 20 had a distinctly environmental flavour.

We started off the show with a three song set featuring Daniel Lanois, Johnny Cash and James Gordon in honour of World Water Day, March 22. 

Wellington Waterwatchers have a very special event taking place that day in the EL Fox Auditorium at John F Ross Collegiate from 7-10 p.m. At the event, high school students from Wellington County will showcase art and science projects created as part of the group’s Message in the Bottle campaign.

The evening will also feature the Guelph premiere of  Tapped, an as yet unreleased documentary, by the producers of Who Killed The Electric Car, that takes a behind-the-scenes look into the unregulated bottled water industry.

Spokenword artist Evalyn Parry and local band and Royal City Rag favourites Dancehall Free for All will also perform.

There will also a chance to learn about  Blue W ( www.bluew.org ), a not-for-profit program dedicated to promoting municipal tap water as a healthy and waste-conscious alternative to bottled drinks.

Tickets are just $5 and available at The Bookshelf, at 10 Carden on Mondays and Wednesdays, and at the door. Students who have created a submission get in for free. The show starts at 7:00 pm and runs till 10:00 pm, but the doors will open at 6:00 pm to showcase submissions.

Celebrate World Water Day with Wellington Waterwatchers
Where: E.L. Fox Auditorium (J.F. Ross), 21 Meyer Dr. Guelph
When: March 22 from 7-10 p.m.
Tickets: $5, from The Bookshelf, at 10 Carden on Mondays and Wednesdays, and at the door.

 

Healthy Landscapes

Later in the first hour, we welcomed Karen McKeown back to the show to talk about Healthy Landscapes  the City of Guelph program to help people develop their own healthy, environmentally-sustainable garden at their home or place of business. 

Developing beautiful, healthy landscapes does not always mean hours of maintenance and ritualistic pesticide use. In fact, through some proper landscape planning, proactive maintenance, and proper plant selection, you will significantly reduce your requirements for weeding, watering, continued maintenance and eliminate the need for pesticides.

If you would like a free 30 minute on-site Landscape Assessment at your home or business address you can contact Karen McKeown at 519-822-1260 Ext. 2109 or healthylandscapes@guelph.ca.

Listen to Hour 1:




Trees

We started off the second hour of the show with a three song set about trees featuring Bruce Cockburn, Bluegrass Patriots and Kidzone. 

Guelph citizens have been waiting for a new stronger protective tree by-law for over 19 years. In the meantime we continue to lose mature trees and canopy. Guelph’s urban forest canopy sits at 25%, while the desired level  is 40%.

Local activist group, Guelph Urban Forest Friends (GUFF) are 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 would like to help GUFF improve the lot of our urban trees, they can be contacted at guffguelph@gmail.com.

 

Pollination Guelph

Later in the second hour we were joined by Karen Landman, Professor of Landscape Architecture at the University of Guelph to talk about Pollination Guelph.

Photo: City of Guelph

Pollination Guelph is a group dedicated to conserving and developing pollinator habitat. In partnership with the City of Guelph, they are developing Ontario’s first large-scale Pollinator Park on the site of the old East View landfill. Their annual symposium takes place on March 27 at the Orchard Park Centre at the Ignatius Centre, 5420 Hwy 6 North, Guelph. This year’s theme is “Pollinator Plantings, Great and Small” and will feature a number of speakers, a silent auction, pollination-related materials for sale and booths with information on pollination, pollinators, and other ecological topics. The cost is $30 for pre-registrants, or $35 at the door. Pre-registrations can be sent to pollinationguelph@gmail.com.

Download a copy of the symposium program

Download a copy of the plans for the Pollinator Park

Listen to Hour 2:

Music:
Daniel Lanois, Still Water from Acadie
Johnny Cash, Cool Water from American VI: Ain’t No Grave
James Gordon, Scam Of The Century from Just West Of Something Big
Bumblejums, Gardening from Meet The Bumblejums
Mo’ Kauffey, Dig It from Dig It
Bruce Cockburn, If A Tree Falls from Anything Anytime Anywhere
Bluegrass Patriots, Why Do You Weep Dear Willow? from Springtime In the Rockies
Kidzone, Plant A Tree from Reduce Reuse Recycle
Darren Archer, Pollination from Amnesia
Denim Dirt Farmers, Pollination Dance from Salad Days
Big Mama Thornton, Big Mama’s Bumblebee Blues from With The Muddy Waters Blues Band

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Coming Up On Royal City Rag – An Environmental Show, Healthy Landscapes And Pollination Guelph

March 19, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

Royal City Rag on March 20 will have a distinctly environmental flavour. As Spring is in the air, its time to think about how you will manage your garden this coming growing season.

In the first hour we’ll be talking about how you can develop your own healthy, environmentally-sustainable landscape at your home or place of business.

Developing beautiful, healthy landscapes does not always mean hours of maintenance and ritualistic pesticide use. In fact, through some proper landscape planning, proactive maintenance, and proper plant selection, you will significantly reduce your requirements for weeding, watering, continued maintenance and eliminate the need for pesticides.

We’ll be welcoming back to the show Karen McKeown, from the City of Guelph Healthy Landscapes  program to discuss why you should take advantage of a free Landscape Assessment this year.  She’ll also be updating us on some upcoming gardening events and lectures.

Pollinating Bee on a Dandelion (Photo courtesy: City of Guelph)

In the second hour of the show we will be joined by Councillor Vicki Beard from the City of Guelph and Landscape Architecture Professor at the University of Guelph Karen Landman to talk about the work of Pollination Guelph.

Pollination Guelph is a group dedicated to conserving and developing pollinator habitat. In partnership with the City of Guelph, they are developing Ontario’s first large-scale Pollinator Park on the site of the old East View landfill.  

Their annual Pollination Symposium takes place on March 27 at the Orchard ParkCentre at the Ignatius Centre, 5420 Hwy 6 North, Guelph. This year’s theme is “Pollinator Plantings, Great and Small” and will feature a number of speakers, a silent auction, pollination-related materials for sale and booths with information on pollination, pollinators, and other ecological topics.

The cost is $30 for pre-registrants, or $35 at the door. Pre-registrations can be sent to pollinationguelph@gmail.com.

Download a copy of the program

To top it all off, we’ll also be reminding you about Guelph Urban Forest Friends “Little Art for Big Trees” art show taking place at 10 Carden on March 2o from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Wellington Waterwatchers’ special event to “Celebrate World Water Day”taking place in the EL Fox Auditorium at John F Ross Collegiate on March 22 from 7-10 p.m.

As always there will be a lot of cool music thrown in for good measure. Sounds like a great show. You won’t want to miss it!

Royal City Rag, Saturdays 7-9 a.m. on CFRU93.3fm, Guelph’s Campus-Community Radio Station.

Remember if you don’t catch Royal City Rag live on CFRU93.3fm, you can pick it up later that day via the CFRU archive or here, on the blog, the next day.

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Royal City Rag March 13 – Transition Guelph, International Women’s Day And Guelph Go Go Grandmothers

March 13, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

We started off CFRU 93.3fm’s Royal City Rag on Saturday, March 13 with another beautiful song from Peter Gabriel’s fantastic new album of re-interpretations, Scratch My Back. This time we listened to his version of Lou Reed’s Power Of The Heart. Absolutely gorgeous and dedicated to lovers everywhere, especially those that get to snuggle in bed together on a Saturday morning! I hope you enjoyed it.

Later in the hour we chatted to Transition Guelph’s Chris Mills and Sally Ludwig who updated us on some of their current projects and some important upcoming events.

Transition Guelph are part of a worldwide grassroots intitiative, dedicated to helping communities cope with the potentially devastating threats of peak oil and climate change. 

The Transition Town initiative that started in the U.K, has now lead to the development of 14 different transition communities in Canada, as well as, this month, a national group, Transition Canada. The goal of the national group will be to help other Canadian towns and cities get started on the road to local resiliency.

After the debacle of Copenhagen and the laissez faire attitude of our national government it is now more clear than ever that we can’t afford to wait on governments to act – we need to act for ourselves.

Check out Transition Guelph’s amazingly informative website at www.transitionguelph.org if you haven’t already done so.

Transition Guelph will be celebrating the World Wildlife Fund’s Earth Hour “lights out” event with their second annual Earth Hour Potluck and Social on Saturday March 27 from 6-9 p.m. at the Unitarian Congregation, 122 Harris St.

Bring a friend or neighbour, some light food (finger food, snacks, dessert) and a plate or bowl, and join in. Bring a candle too (in a safe holder) or a lantern, or even a flashlight. There will be an open stage, so if you play an instrument or sing, or tell jokes, or recite poetry or spoken word. Its all about community. Have fun in fellowship while making a difference!

Listen to Hour 1:

In the second hour we celebrated International Women’s Day in music with a short set that started with Sandy Posey’s “Born A Woman” , and moved via Loretta Lynn’s “The Pill”, Arethra Franklin’s “Respect” ending with Martha Wainright’s updated version of Helen Reddy’s “I Am Woman”.

We wrapped it all up with a reading of the beautiful Sri Lankan International Women’s Day Song with lyrics by Pushpa Ramlani Dissanayake.

I hope you enjoyed the set as much as I enjoyed putting it together.

Later in the hour we were joined by Sya Van Geest and Rikki Durbin from Guelph Go Go Grandmothers. Locally known as the 4Gs, the group have been working hard for the Stephen Lewis Foundation’s Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign, that seeks to build solidarity, raise awareness and mobilize support in Canada for Africa’s grandmothers and the Turning The Tide campaign, the foundation’s innovative community-based response to HIV/AIDS in Africa.

There are well over 200 groups of Canadian grandmothers involved in the campaign in Canada . To date, they have raised nearly $8 million for African grandmothers and the children in their care. These funds are spent at a grassroots level in 15 sub-Saharan African countries providing grandmothers with much needed support, such as food, housing grants, school fees for their grandchildren and grief counselling.

The 4Gs are a group of over 120 women in Guelph. 30-40 are VERY active, meeting every third Tuesday each month at Dublin St United Church, 68 Suffolk St. Over the last three years the 4Gs have donated almost $87,000.00 to the Grandmother’s Campaign.

The 4Gs have a Steering Group which tries to keep up with the Achievers’ Group, dynamic women who either make things to sell or organize events. This year the 4Gs participated in the charity Tree Decoration contest at the River Run Centre. Members have also donated from their bridge clubs, bowling groups, musical events and plant sales. Their Spring 2010 activities will involve a Card Night and a Plant Sale over two weekends in May and hopefully a Stephen Lewis Foundation walk.

The 4Gs would love to encourage more Grandmothers and GrandOthers to join their group to enjoy their fellowship and help out with fundraising activities. They can be reached at 4ggggs@gmail.com or Rikki Durbin at 519-821-3509.

Listen to Hour 2:

Music:
Peter Gabriel, Power Of My Heart from Scratch My Back
James Gordon, Kelvinator from My Stars Your Eyes
Bruce Cockburn, Waiting For A Miracle from Anything Anytime Anywhere
Xavier Rudd, Messages from Food In The Belly
Sandy Posey, Born A Woman from Golden Old Juke Box Hits Vol 1
Loretta Lynn, The Pill from Blue Eyed Kentucky Girl
Arethra Franklin, Respect from The Very Best – The 60s
Martha Wainright, I Am Woman from Song Of America
Miriam Makeba, Pata Pata from World Hits
Oumou Sangare, Yala from Oumou
Angelique Kidjo (with Joss Stone), Gimme Shelter from Dijn Dijn

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Celebrate World Water Day – March 22

March 12, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

Wellington Waterwatchers will be celebrating World Water Day, Monday March 22, with a special event in the E.L. Fox Auditorium at J.F. Ross Collegiate, from 7-10 p.m.

This will be an opportunity to hear from our youth about what they think about water, something we all take far too much for granted.

High school students throughout Wellington County have been creating submissions through Wellington Waterwatchers Message in the Bottle campaign. They will be showcasing their work;  art pieces, performance pieces, and science projects. All are designed to express how valuable our water is to us, and why we need to protect and conserve this lifeline of ours.

The emcee for the event will be Derek Forgie, while spokenword artist Evalyn Parry will also perform.

The evening will also feature the Guelph premiere of  Tapped, the as yet unreleased documentary, by the producers of Who Killed The Electric Car, that takes a behind-the-scenes look into the unregulated bottled water industry.

There will also a chance to learn about  Blue W ( www.bluew.org ) a not-for-profit program dedicated to promoting municipal tap water as a healthy and waste-conscious alternative to bottled drinks.

Local band and Royal City Rag favourites Dancehall Free for All will ensure that the whole evening goes with a swing!

Tickets are just $5 and available at The Bookshelf, at 10 Carden on Mondays and Wednesdays, and at the door. Students who have created a submission get in for free. The show starts at 7:00 pm and runs till 10:00 pm, but the doors will open at 6:00 pm to showcase submissions.

Celebrate World Water Day on March 22 with Wellington Waterwatchers!

What: Celebrate World Water Day with Wellington Waterwatchers
Where: E.L. Fox Auditorium (J.F. Ross), 21 Meyer Dr. Guelph
When: March 22 from 7-10 p.m.
Tickets: $5, from The Bookshelf, at 10 Carden on Mondays and Wednesdays, and at the door. Students who have created a submission get in for free

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Coming Up On Royal City Rag… Transition Guelph And Guelph Go Go Grandmothers

March 12, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

On CFRU 93.3fm’s Royal City Rag, this Saturday, March 13, we’ll be enjoying another visit from Transition Guelph’s Chris Mills and Sally Ludwig. They will be updating us on their group’s current projects and  also highlighting some important upcoming events.

Transition Guelph are part of a worldwide grassroots intitiative, dedicated to helping communities cope with the potentially devastating threats of peak oil and climate change. 

The Transition Town initiative, that started in the U.K, has now lead to the development of 14 different transition communities in Canada, as well as, this month, a national group, Transition Canada. The goal of the national group will be to help other Canadian towns and cities get started on the road to local resiliency.

After the debacle of Copenhagen and the laissez faire attitude of our national government it is now more clear than ever that we can’t afford to wait on governments to act – we need to act for ourselves.

Check out Transition Guelph’s amazingly informative website at www.transitionguelph.org if you haven’t already done so.

We’ll also be sharing some cool music. Its always fun having Chris and Sally on the show. You won’t want to miss it.

Photo: www.internationalwomensday.com

In the second hour we’ll be celebrating International Women’s Day in music and welcoming into the studio, members of the Guelph Go Go Grandmothers.

Guelph Go Go Grandmothers, locally known as the 4Gs, have been working hard for the Stephen Lewis Foundation’s Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign. The campaign seeks to build solidarity, raise awareness and mobilize support in Canada for Africa’s grandmothers. The campaign was launched on March 7, 2006, on the eve of International Women’s Day. 

Since the launch, some 220 groups of Canadian grandmothers have taken up the call to action. To date, the campaign has raised more than $6 million for African grandmothers and the children in their care. SLF has directed these funds to community-level organizations in 15 sub-Saharan African countries that provide grandmothers with much needed support, such as food, housing grants, school fees for their grandchildren and grief counselling.

Royal City Rag, Saturdays 7-9 a.m. on CFRU93.3fm, Guelph’s Campus-Community Radio Station.

Remember if you don’t catch Royal City Rag live on CFRU93.3fm, you can pick it up later that day via the CFRU archive or here, on the blog, the next day.

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Weird Numbers Part 2: The Natural Heritage Strategy Tree Replacement Equation or ‘Two Tens for a Five Anybody?’

March 9, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

Bob Gordon

Weird Numbers Part 2: The Natural Heritage Strategy Tree Replacement Equation or ‘Two Tens for a Five Anybody?’
Bob Gordon, Freelance Journalist/Royal City Rag Contributor

The Draft Natural Heritage Strategy includes a tree replacement policy that contains two components. The first compenent establishes that any trees removed must be replaced and introduces an equation to calculate the replacement value of a given tree. The second, introduces the concept of cash in lieu of trees.

Unfortunately, the first component is nonsensical while the second is meaningless.

The current draft policies require that if a tree is removed trees totaling an equal diameter must replace it. The example below will demonstrate the absurdity of this mathematical reasoning.

Consider first the removal of a tree of 40 centimeters diameter at breast height. The current policy would permit this tree to be considered replaced if 8 saplings of 5 centimeters diameter at breast height were to be planted.

Briefly consider the area of the tree removed (40 centimeters diameter at breast height). Area = πr2 = 3.14 x (20×20) = 1256 square centimeters.
The area of the 5cm diameter saplings replacing it will be πr2 x 8 = 3.14 x (2.5×2.5) x 8 = 157 square centimeters.

Thus, removal of one tree of 40 centimeters diameter at breast height can be compensated with its replacement by 8 saplings (of 5cm diameter) but only 12.5% of its area.

Now consider replacement of the tree by 16 saplings of 2.5 centimeters diameter at breast height.

The area of these trees will be πr2 x 16 = 3.14 x (1.25×1.25) x 16 = 78.5 square centimeters.

Half Dead Oak Sapling - Now you see me, now you don't!

Thus, removal of one tree of 40 centimeters diameter at breast height can be compensated with its replacement by 16 saplings (of 2.5cm diameter) but only 6.25% of its area.

Clearly, the proposed policy is inadequate.

Comparison of the areas of the crowns of the trees would reveal an even greater imbalance. Leaf Area Index or Canopy Cover is a much more accurate measure. Using this type of measure would significantly increase the number of replacement trees required.

At the very least basal area (area at ground level) should be employed as the replacement standard.

The draft Natural Heritage states, “Where planting either on or off site is not feasible, cash-in-lieu will be required equal to the value of the replacement trees and shrubs and including the cost of planting and maintaining the trees for a period of two years.”

While this proposal may sound wonderfully ‘green’ and hard on developers it is not, nor is it hard on the city. It is hard, only on the urban forest.

Consider, the cash value of a tree will be calculated based on the value of replacement trees. However, in light of the above noted formula the developer is receiving a kiss. Consider that the removal of a single tree may create a whole new building lot at the cost of only a handful of saplings. That is a great deal for a developer but hard on the urban forest.

As far as the city is concerned a cut down tree is a bargain at any price. No where does the policy hold the city to any commitment to spend the cash-in-lieu received on trees. It can go to anything from snow clearing at city hall to trips for councilors or catered meals before meetings. There is simply no guarantee that the money received in lieu of trees will be used for trees and not simply disappear into general revenue.

That is good for the city but not the urban forest.

Bob Gordon
bob34g@gmail.com

Guelph Urban Forest Friends have 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.

Tell them to get the Strategic Urban Forestry Management Plan completed and a strong protective bylaw passed. Let them know that the protection and management of our urban forest will be an election issue this October.

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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Guelph’s Official Plan Update, Bye Bye Guelph – Hello Mississauga!

March 8, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

There is a rather important Open House at City Hall on March 10 and 11.

Wondering why you should be there?

Take a look at the following. It’s taken from p8 of the City of Guelph Official Plan Update.

Urban Woodlands and Trees

  • Encourages protection of plantations, hedgerows, and individual trees
  • Requires compensation plantings or cash-in-lieu
  • Highlights the need to protect Heritage Trees

Note that the plan will “encourage” protection of woodlands and individual trees.  There is also no mention of significant woodlands etc.  According to this update document,  the city will be able to give “cash in lieu” of tree protection which a very dangerous concept to introduce, especially at a time when the city is so strapped financially.

This update is also rather vague about how the city will protect the quality of life of existing residents when the massive infux of people from infill development occurs. Remember that under the provincial plan Places to Grow, Guelph is to grow from the current 105,000 to 165,000 people by 2031. A staggering increase in population.

This OP update appears designed to convince people that the city’s best interests are being taken care of.

A cynic would say that the way the document is written is to test the waters with respect to what will be allowable in the updated Official Plan -  a fishing expedition. They have thrown in concepts without fleshing them out so if people don’t attend the meetings the city can update the Official Plan to support as much growth as they can fit in.

Bye Bye Guelph – Hello Mississauga!

 
Guelph’s Official Plan Open Houses – March 10 and 11
6.30 – 9.30 p.m
City Hall, 1 Carden St.
Meeting room 112 

The City’s Official Plan provides direction for all types of development within the City; environmental and cultural heritage conservation, transportation planning, and other matters. The Plan incorporates the goals of the City’s Strategic Plan, Growth Management Strategy, Community Energy Plan, Natural Heritage Strategy and other policy documents that strive to create and maintain a beautiful, well-functioning and sustainable city. Community members are invited to one of two Open House events to review and discuss key directions for the City of Guelph’s Official Plan Update. Following a presentation, attendees are invited to ask questions and share comments.
Greg Atkinson, Policy Planner
519-837-5616 Ext. 2521
E greg.atkinson@guelph.ca

Can’t make the Open House? Don’t forget to make your voice heard. City Council needs to know we care about how much and how well our natural green space is protected.

Send your comments to greg.atkinson@guelph.ca. 

Download Guelph Official Plan Update March 2010 (pdf, 412 kb)

Download Draft Land Use Map (pdf, 3921 kb)

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

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Royal City Rag, March 6 – Put A Stop To SLAPP Suits!, Mo’Kauffey Live In The Studio

March 7, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

We started off CFRU 93.3fm’s Royal City Rag on March 6 with a beautiful set featuring Peter Gabriel’s version of David Bowie’s Heroes from his sublime album of re-interpretations Scratch My Back, UK based Alessi’s Ark with Hands In The Sink and Po’Girl with the title track from their album Deer In the Night.

Po’Girl are in Guelph on March 9 for a show at Dublin St United Church as part of their “No Shame” tour, highlighting the serious problem of child sexual abuse.

Po’Girl And The No Shame Tour To Combat Child Abuse
featuring Po’Girl (with special guest JT Nero) and Noise and the Ghost
When: March 9 at 7.30 p.m.
Where: Dublin St United Church, 68 Suffolk St W, Guelph
Tickets: $16/$20

Hanlon Creek Site Entrance (Photo: Bob Grodon)

We devoted most of the first hour to a lawsuit against the protestors who peacefully occupied the environmentally sensitive Hanlon Creek for 17 days last summer.

That the lawsuit in question is by the City of Guelph and their development partner, Belmont Equity Partners, and is for a whopping $5 million should be cause of concern for all Guelphites who believe in our democractic right to peaceful protest. That the lawsuit should occur in Guelph while we have a mayor who touts her environmental credentials at ever opportunity and a city council who have described themselves as the greenest in Guelph’s history should be cause for even more concern.

Although the plaintiffs claim that they are not seeking punitive damages it is clear from the $5 million figure that this is far more than just a desire to, quoting the city press release, ‘recover the actual cost of damages, including damages to the site, resulting from protestor activities, and costs relating to the loss of monitoring equipment’.

The plaintiffs would likely claim otherwise, but this is really just a good old SLAPP suit, a strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP) that according to Wikipedia, is “intended to censor, intimidate and silence critics by burdening them with the cost of a legal defense until they abandon their criticism or opposition.”

Cartoon by Khalil Bendib

To learn more about SLAPP suits, we talked to Rebecca McNeil from Environmental Defence , an organisation dedicated to protecting the environment and human health.

According to Environmental Defence, SLAPPs are a growing threat to meaningful participation in issues of public interest in Ontario and significantly affect the ability of communities to protest development in environmentally sensitive areas.

Although SLAPP suits are not uncommon in Ontario, 50 per cent of American States, and most recently Quebec have passed anti-SLAPP legislation.

Environmental Defence is working with partners Ecojustice and Canadian Environmental Law Association to finally put a stop to SLAPPs in Ontario.

As well as pushing for new legislation,  their campaign has encouraged more than 70 community groups to write to Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty requesting an end to SLAPP suits. They have also produced a petition to stop SLAPPs that you can sign HERE.

Interestingly, Environmental Defence have managed to get approximately 70 municipalities to pass a resolution asking the Province to pass anti-SLAPP legislation.

Sounds like its about time Guelph joined that group.

Contact your councillor and request that they ask the City of Guelph to withdraw the SLAPP suit against the Hanlon Creek protestors. Ask them to table a resolution supporting an end to SLAPPs in Ontario. Tell them that such anti-democratic bullying behaviour is unacceptable in Guelph. It will be an election issue.

Royal City Rag will not let this issue go until the City of Guelph do the right thing and drop this lawsuit.

Listen to Hour 1:

Mo Kauffey Bluesman

In the second hour, we changed our focus entirely and enjoyed some live music by Guelph-based musician Mo’Kauffey.

Mo’ Kauffey (Gary Wickizer) has been playing his country blues roots music for more than 30 years. Many influences have been blended to create his unique languid style; Greg Brown or Mark Knopfler are two that might come to mind. Mo’ loves to play a trusty old mid-30’s Gibson, that only cost him $25.

Playing over150 dates a year from coffeehouses to festivals, he is well known around the area but also further a field, especially his home state of Colorado.

Mo’ has released five independent CDs since 2000 with radio airplay across North America, through Europe, and as far away as Australia. His sixth album, “Dig It”  has just been released. You can  buy Dig It through Mo’s website www.mokauffey.com or his Facebook fanpage.

You can catch Mo’ on March 21 at Borealis Bar and Grille on Gordon St and on March 27 he will be playing the Boathouse in Kitchener with Duane Rutter and Mark McNeil. 3 writers, 3 players and 3 characters = one great show!

Listen to Hour 2:

Music:
Peter Gabriel, Heroes from Scratch My Back
Alessi’s Ark, Hands In The Sink from Communion  – The Compilation
Po’Girl, Deer In The Night from Deer In The Night
Dar Williams, What Do You Love More Than Love? from Green World
Keb’ Mo’,  Big Yellow Taxi from Big Wide Grin
Brooks Williams, Weeping Willow Blues from Blues And Ballads
Brooks Williams, Joyful from Joyful
Mo Kauffey, What’s So Funny About Peace Love And Understanding (Live In The Studio)
Mo Kauffey, Dig It (Live In The Studio)
Mo Kauffey, In The Snow (Live In The Studio)
Mo Kauffey, Scramble (Live In The Studio)
Mo Kauffey, Who’d A Thunk It (Live In The Studio)
Mo Kauffey, Cheshire Moon (Live In The Studio)
Mo Kauffey, What You Gonna Do? (Live In The Studio)
Mo Kauffey, Celebrate (Live In The Studio)

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Learn More About The City Of Guelph’s Plans for Growth – Lots Of It!

March 5, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

Coming Soon To a City You Know And Love!

Perusing plans and chatting with planners may seem like a rather dry way to spend an evening in Guelph but it is rather important.  Especially so, if you love the city you currently call home.

Few people in Guelph seem to understand how much growth the city is expected to absorb over the coming years.

By 2031, under the provincial growth plan, Places To Grow, Guelph’s population will grow from 105,000 to a staggering 165,000. All these people will need somewhere to live, never mind work.

Places to Grow mandates intensification within current limits which is why the downtown is targeted for growth however people elsewhere in the city should not think they will be spared development and intensification.

The city claims that this huge amount of growth will be sustainable. Unfortunately we will have to wait until the growth has taken place to know whether they were right or not.

Fortunately growth will be an election issue this fall. In the meantime we’ll be doing our best to delve into exactly what it all means.

Downtown Growth – March 9
6 – 8.30 p.m.
City Hall, 1 Carden St.
Meeting Room C

The City is planning for more homes, businesses and jobs downtown. Downtown Guelph has been designated as one of the Province’s Urban Growth Centres, and the City’s Downtown Secondary Plan will provide a long-term vision for future development; incorporating the goals of Ontario’s Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horsehoe, Guelph’s Community Energy Plan, and the other recent planning studies. Learn more at  www.guelph.ca/downtownplan. 

Guelph’s Official Plan Update – March 10 and 11
6.30 – 9.30 p.m
City Hall, 1 Carden St.
Meeting room 112 

The City’s Official Plan provides direction for all types of development within the City; environmental and cultural heritage conservation, transportation planning, and other matters. The Plan incorporates the goals of the City’s Strategic Plan, Growth Management Strategy, Community Energy Plan, Natural Heritage Strategy and other policy documents that strive to create and maintain a beautiful, well-functioning and sustainable city. Community members are invited to one of two Open House events to review and discuss key directions for the City of Guelph’s Official Plan Update. Following a presentation, attendees are invited to ask questions and share comments.
Greg Atkinson, Policy Planner
519-837-5616 Ext. 2521
E greg.atkinson@guelph.ca

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

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Coming Up On Royal City Rag – SLAPP Suits And Mo’ Kauffey

March 5, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

We’ll be diving into the world of SLAPP Suits on CFRU93.3fm’s Royal City Rag on March 6.

The City of Guelph and their co-developer Belmont Equity Partners Inc. are seeking up to $5 million in damages from the protestors who peacefully occupied the environmentally sensitive Hanlon Creek, site of the proposed new business park for 17 days last summer.

The City and Belmont Equity Partners claim that they are not seeking punitive damages as part of the claim. Yet $5 million is such a large figure it is clear that this is far more than just a desire to, quoting the city press release, ‘recover the actual cost of damages, including damages to the site, resulting from protestor activities, and costs relating to the loss of monitoring equipment’.

Although the plaintiffs would likely claim otherwise, this is really a good old SLAPP suit, a strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP) that according to Wikipedia, is “intended to censor, intimidate and silence critics by burdening them with the cost of a legal defense until they abandon their criticism or opposition.”

To learn more about SLAPP suits, we’ll be talking to Rebecca McNeil from Environmental Defence , an organisation dedicated to protecting the environment and human health.

According to Environmental Defence, SLAPPs are a growing threat to meaningful participation in issues of public interest in Ontario and significantly affect the ability of communities to protest development in environmentally sensitive areas. Environmental Defence is working with partners Ecojustice and Canadian Environmental Law Association to try and put a stop to SLAPPs in Ontario, primarily through new legislation.

Mo' Kauffey

In the second hour, we’ll be changing our focus entirely. Guelph-based musician Mo’Kauffey will be joining us in the studio for a relaxing hour of chat and live music.

Mo’ Kauffey has been playing his “Folk-n-Blues” roots style of music for more than 30 years. He’s well known in Guelph for his regular appearances about town, although he has toursed extensively. Dedicated to his art, and engaging folk with his unique style of country blues, he is just releasing his new album, his sixth since 2000.

Promises to be a great show. You won’t want to miss it.

Royal City Rag, Saturdays 7-9 a.m. on CFRU93.3fm, Guelph’s Campus-Community Radio Station.

Remember if you don’t catch Royal City Rag live on CFRU93.3fm, you can pick it up later that day via the CFRU archive or here, on the blog, the next day.

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Worthing Repeating: How Are The Trees In Your Neighbourhood Being Treated?

March 4, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

On January 25, CBC Radio 1’s Ontario Today’s Gardening Phone-in with Ed Lawrence focused on the management of urban trees and the need for stronger by-laws to protect them.

Guelph activist Diane Hurst was not only able to call in to talk to Ed, she also managed to get us a copy of the audio to put up on the website.

Well done, Diane! 

Listen to the segment:

Large Elm Tree

Guelph citizens have now been waiting for a new stronger protective tree by-law for over 19 years. In the meantime we continue to lose canopy. Guelph’s urban forest canopy sits at 25%, while the desired level  is 40%.

Guelph Urban Forest Friends have 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.

Tell them to get the Strategic Urban Forestry Management Plan completed and a strong protective bylaw passed. Let them know that the protection and management of our urban forest will be an election issue this October.

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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Haiti, In The News And Out Of It

March 3, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

Haiti Post Quake Neighbourhood (Photo courtesy: United Nations Development Programme)

Despite the size of the on-going tragedy, Haiti has had a hard time staying in the news with wall to wall Olympics coverage on TV, radio and in the newspapers.

That another earthquake, this time in Chile, was relegated to the last item of news by CBC radio early on Saturday morning, and after all the hullabaloo from Vancouver, says a lot about our priorities or lack of them. 

Its interesting that since the earthquake in Chile occurred, people in the media have been falling over themselves to try and explain the unexplainable – why only 800 people (so far) died in Chile with an 8.8 earthquake while 200,000 died in Haiti with a 7.0 quake.

There are so many differences between the two situations, it really escapes me that they would even consider trying to be so symplastic.  What we should be doing is whatever needs to done to support the people in each disaster zone, period.

Which brings me back to Haiti.

I received the following note from a 10-year veteran working in Haiti with Friends of Ile a Vache regarding the current situation there:

It is the typical Haitian struggle that has gone on for hundreds of years.
Many will survive and good flourishes but the news is not good.

The international community is rushing, working hard, doing their best.
A lot of people are NOT starving and some shelter has been given.
Great efforts of medical attention have been brought to bear.
Many valiant efforts have been instituted.
Not much more can be expected at this point – what can be done is being done.

Still the heat is building, the tent camps recently pounded by a tropical storm.
Rain filled tents, tents blew down, people evacuated to Churches etc.
That is if they had a building near them standing.
From all the dampness Malaria in areas is flourishing.
It is not normal to send money one day for the daughter’s malaria and then more the next for the parents.
The temperatures are rising – spring has sprung in Haiti.
June 1st is the beginning of hurricane season.
In 2008 Haiti got hit by 4 hurricanes.

For more on the Friends of Ile a Vache  you can visit their website at www.friendsofileavachehaiti.com.

Haiti needs to be in the news, pure and simple. There is a long way to go. However, perhaps before we get too far into the rebuilding phase, we should get to grips with Canada’s not so edifying recent involvement there.

There is an opportunity to see the documentary “Aristide and the Endless Revolution” at the Bookshelf Cinema, this Saturday March 6 at 1.00 p.m. It should be required viewing for anyone hoping to help Haiti get back on its feet again.

After the film, Kabir Joshi-Vijayan, an activist from the Toronto Haiti Action Committee will share his perspective on Haiti’s turbulent history. He will be followed by Jean Saint-Vil, a journalist and activist with AKASAN.org and Canada Haiti Action Network, who will participate via Skype (or recorded video). Kevin Skerrett, also active with Canada Haiti Action Network, will facilitate the discussion.

Haiti needs to stay in our minds and in the news

Aristide and The Endless Revolution
When: Saturday March 6 @ 1 p.m.
Where: The Bookshelf, Quebec St, Downtown Guelph
Admission: Free (donations gratefully accepted)

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Weird Numbers Part 1: Hanlon Creek Business Park Jobs

March 3, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

Weird Numbers Part 1: Hanlon Creek Business Park Jobs
Bob Gordon, Freelance Journalist/Royal City Rag Contributor

Bob Gordon

The proposed development on the site of the Hanlon Creek Wetland Complex is Guelph’s version of research in motion. Not because it has been wildly successful, developed quickly or proven innovative, but rather because everything is in motion.

No matter who you talk to at the city every answer varies with every source. And the same sources even have different answers if one compares their numbers today with their numbers yesterday.

During the summer of 2009, when defenders of the Wetland Complex were most vocal and the city was staggering from public relations blunder to public relations blunder the destruction of the Wetland Complex was deemed to be necessary because it offered between 12,000 and 15,000 jobs.

More recently, when those numbers were challenged, the city retreated to 10,000 jobs. That is the figure that was included in the city’s press release last week about the SLAPP suit they have leveled against all and sundry, including the ubiquitous Jane and John Doe.

While surprise, surprise folks but back in 2008 when the city put together its Powerpoint presentation entitled “Investing in Guelph’s Future” that figure was a mere 5,200 with full buildout in all developable lands. Strangely, as defense of the natural value of the wetlands grew the Hanlon Creek Wetland Complex’s destruction became more and more necessary in the eyes of the city.

The absurdity of this ‘research in motion’ becomes even more evident if the figures are looked at in terms of jobs per hectare. When the figure of 5,200 was presented proudly by Peter Cartwright employment was predicted at 35 jobs per hectare. When the total jobs almost tripled to as much as 15,000 employment per acre ballooned to 101.

What’s up with that?

Ask Peter Cartwright, Mayor Karen Farbridge or your councillor to produce any document for any development in southern Ontario that uses an employment per hectare figure of more than 100.

Even the city’s backtracking and claiming 10,000 jobs means employment per hectare has almost doubled from 35 to 67.

So, which number is accurate?

When were you lying, when were you misinformed and when were you telling the truth… last week, last summer or two years ago?

Bob Gordon
bob34g@gmail.com 

Unhappy about what’s been going on in the city? Unhappy about the level of growth that Guelph is supposed to endure?

Make your voice heard. Engage your friends in conversation or write letters to the Editor of the Mercury and Tribune. This is democracy, folks!

“Government of the people, by the people, for the people” – Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address

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Karen Farbridge, Backstabbing And Her Bid For Re-election

March 1, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

Jan Andrea Hall

Karen Farbridge, Backstabbing And Her Bid For Re-election
Jan Andrea Hall, Royal City Rag

Since Mayor Karen Farbridge announced her bid for re-election this past Thursday, February 24, one or two of her supporters have publicly alluded to the fact that the Mayor has been ”stabbed in the back” by erstwhile supporters during her current term.

They believe that, as many progressive Guelphites worked hard to get her re-elected in 2006, after a fairly dysfunctional term under Mayor Quarrie, we should not only be happy to have her back, but keep quiet and remain supportive, regardless of the decisions her council and administration choose to make.

Unfortunately not everyone can do that, and, for that reason, are shunted off into the “backstabbing” group of the disaffected.

I count myself in that category even though I am as progressive as they come.

As far as I’m concerned, Farbridge’s administration has been found wanting on all the ‘big decision items’ of the past three years… the upgrades to the Hanlon Expressway, the proposed Hanlon Creek Business Park and the Strategic Urban Forestry Master Plan (otherwise known as the urgent need for a much stronger protective by-law).

I call them the big decision items because they will have a huge effect on this city, for years to come. Progressive Guelphites choked over the previous council’s decision to support the Commercial Policy Review setting up four large shopping centre ‘nodes’ around the city. Yet, the Hanlon Expressway and Hanlon Creek Business Park decisions will have far more impact over the coming years.

Farbridge’s supporters may say that these are done deals; the Hanlon Expressway upgrades being ordained by the province through the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (colloquially known as the Ministry for Roads) and the Hanlon Creek Business Park (HCBP) by previous administrations.

But would it have hurt to question whether the right decisions were made or whether these proposed projects could have been improved upon, especially in the case of the HCBP, where the city is the primary developer?

Where was the leadership to resolve citizen environmental group concerns about Hanlon Creek?

Hanlon Creek Downstream In The Spring (Photo: Bob Gordon)

That Farbridge chose to remain silent at the Guelph Civic League convened public meeting in March about Hanlon Creek at Norfolk Street United Church suggests that she may not be cut out for high office in Guelph. Instead of offering a few words of welcome she instead chose to sit at the back with body language suggesting that she really wished she was somewhere else entirely.

The fact that council barely emitted a whimper with respect to the assumptions underlying the provincial growth plan Places To Grow, and the need for Guelph to grow from 105,000 to a whopping 165,000 people by 2031 raises questions about a serious deficit of leadership at City Hall.

The bullying tactics that have been employed to stifle opposition to the Hanlon Creek Business Park, including this week’s SLAPP suit, also raises questions about the direction the city is moving in. So much for community consultation.

We have now been waiting nineteen years for a new protective tree by-law. Farbridge talked about this as a priority in 2003 (more on this in a future commentary)yet we are still waiting. And in the meantime, we continue to lose our tree canopy.

Add to that, the fact that the City had a Transparency and Accountability Committee meet for two years to, amongst other things, discuss the important (but under the Municipal Act, currently discretionary) positions of Lobbyist Registrar, Auditor General, Ombudsmen and Integrity Commissioner only for the City’s Governance Committee to recommend against proceeding with these checks and balances until after the next election. This only raises further concerns about how truly accountable and transparent the current administration wants to be.

Is Mayor Farbridge the right Mayor for Guelph?

I went into the last municipal election in 2006 with high hopes that clearly haven’t been met. Farbridge is clearly strong on process (perhaps too strong?) but is she capable of taking the big decisions and making a stand.

I hope that if her re-election is successful she will turn back to her progressive roots and move in a truly sustainable direction. Enough of the spin and green-washing, please.

People need to consider what is best for Guelph for the next four years and beyond when they go to vote.

Mayor Farbridge may like the idea of being Guelph’s Hazel McCallion, but do we really have to look like Mississauga too?

Jan Andrea Hall
janhall@royalcityrag.ca

Royal City Rag will continue to focus on what is important for the common good as we move forward with the election. We will not shy from bringing forward issues. Expect many more commentaries on the record of the current council and hopes for the next council as we move towards the election.

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Royal City Rag, February 27 – Guelph MP Frank Valeriote And Alli Russell From Po’Girl

February 27, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

Frank Valeriote In Debate

It was our great pleasure to welcome Frank Valeriote, MP for Guelph, back to Royal City Rag on February 27.

During a wide ranging conversation in the first hour, we talked about the resumation of parliamentary activities in Ottawa on March 3 after Stephen Harper’s self-serving prorogation, the upcoming budget (to be tabled by the government on March 4) and Frank’s own committee work in the agriculture and food sectors.

Its also appropriate to mention that their will be another awareness event in Guelph on March 2 with respect to the inappropriate use of prorogation to stifle parliamentary debate. 

The Guelph chapters of the Council of Canadians and Canadians Against Proroguing Parliament and Guelph Participates are encouraging people to come out to Carden Street, in front of City Hall for the “Searchlight on Democracy Walk and Talk” at 7.00 p.m. for some short speeches, followed by a short candlelight procession to Norfolk St United Church for a discussion on how we can hold the government accountable for their actions and avoid such abuses in the future.

There was an excellent panel discussion on this issue on January 2. You can check out the audio from that event including Frank Valeriote’s speech here.

Searchlight on Democracy Walk and Talk
When: Tuesday, March 2 at 7.00 p.m.
Where: City Hall – Guelph (1 Carden St.) and then to Norfolk Street United Church for presentations and a group discussion

We also had a chance to discuss the burgeoning contorversy concerning Canada’s financial aid for earthquake stricken Haiti. It seems that the aid the government is providing may be coming out of funds already earmarked for Haiti prior to the earthquake and not new funding at all. This situation needs to be watched very closely.

The Canada Haiti Action Network are screening the documentary Aristide and the Endless Revolution at the Bookshelf Cinema on Saturday March 6 at 1.00 p.m. This is a free event. A discussion about the current situation in Haiti, including financial aid from the Government of Canada, will occur after the screening.

Aristide and The Endless Revolution
When: Saturday March 6 @ 1 p.m.
Where: The Bookshelf Cinema, Quebec St, Downtown Guelph
Admission: Free (donations gratefully accepted).

Frank Valeriote can be contacted via his Gueph office, 40 Cork Street East, Guelph, N1H 2W8, 519-837-8276, 519-837-8443  or by e-mail to Valeriote.F@parl.gc.ca. While in Ottawa he may also be reached at Room 713 Confederation Building, House of Commons, Ottawa, K1A 0A6, 613-996-4758, 613-996-9922 (fax).

Listen to Hour 1:

You can also follow the links here to check out Frank’s previous visits to Royal City Rag in April and June 2009. He’s a great interview.

We started the second hour of the show with a personal commentary regarding the upcoming municipal election scheduled for October 25.  Mayor Farbridge announced her bid for re-election this week. Other candidates for mayor and council are sure to follow in short order.

Royal City Rag will continue to follow the municipal scene closely, focusing on the community issues that we believe are important as we move towards the election. Expect to hear more commentaries on the record of the current council and our hopes for the next.

Listen to the Commentary:

Po'Girl

Later in the second hour we talked to Alli Russell from Po’Girl. Po’Girl are in Guelph on March 9 for a show at Dublin St United Church as part of their “No Shame” tour, highlighting the serious problem of child sexual abuse.

Russell is the survivor of ten years of sexual abuse at the hands of her stepfather.  She wrote the song “No Shame” in 2006 after her stepfather was released from prison . You can find it on their critically acclaimed album, Deer in the Night.

Proceeds from the tour will support Little Warriors in Canada and the National Children’s Alliance in the USA. Alli Russell will also be running the Athens, Ohio marathon, on April 11 to support these groups.

Hailing originally from Canada, Po’Girl weave a blend of musical influences, sweetness, grit & soul into a fresh and original sound. Their latest release, 2009’s Deer in the Night still includes many of the trappings of the trademark Po’ Girl sound – the echoes of speakeasy jazz, the western lament, the accordion-strapped ghosts of European folk – but it’s all delivered with a soulful clarity and depth only hinted at on previous records.

Po’Girl And The No Shame Tour To Combat Child Abuse
featuring Po’Girl (with special guest JT Nero) and Noise and the Ghost
When: March 9 at 7.30 p.m.
Where: Dublin St United Church, 68 Suffolk St W, Guelph
Tickets: $16/$20

Listen to Hour 2:

Music:
Johnny Cash, Redemption Day from American Recordings VI, Ain’t No Grave
Roseanne Cash, I’m Moving On from The List
Tony Bennett, Rags To Riches from Mob Life
Michael Buble, A Song For You from It’s time
Janis Ian, The Great Divide from Folk Is The New Black
Po’Girl, Bloom from Deer In The Night
Po’Girl, No Shame from Deer In The Night

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Coming Up On Royal City Rag… Guelph MP Frank Valeriote And Alli Russell from Po’Girl

February 26, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

Frank Valeriote In Debate

We’ll be starting off Royal City Rag on Saturday February 27 with another conversation with Frank Valeriote, MP for Guelph. He’s a great interview. You definitely won’t want to miss it.

Remember if you don’t catch Royal City Rag live on CFRU93.3fm, you can pick it up later that day via the CFRU archive or here, on the blog, a day or so later.

We’ll be following up on all the recent intrigue surrounding Stephen Harper’s decision to shut down parliament through prorogation, Haiti earthquake relief and the current state of the Canadian economy. Frank will also update us on his own committee work and provide an update on Guelph’s impact on the national scene.

This is Frank’s third appearance on Royal City Rag. Check out his previous visits to Royal City Rag in April and June 2009.

Alli Russell

Later in the show, we’ll be catching up with Alli Russell from Po’Girl in New York. Po’Girl visit Guelph on March 9 for a show at Dublin St United Church as part of their “No Shame” tour.

Proceeds from the tour will support Little Warriors in Canada and the National Children’s Alliance in the USA. Alli Russell will also be running the Athens, Ohio marathon, on April 11 to support these groups.

Russell is the survivor of ten years of sexual abuse at the hands of her stepfather.  She wrote the song “No Shame” in 2006 after her stepfather was released from prison . You can find it on their critically acclaimed album, Deer in the Night.

Hailing originally from Canada, Po’Girl weave a blend of musical influences, sweetness, grit & soul into a fresh and original sound. Their latest release, 2009’s Deer in the Night still includes many of the trappings of the trademark Po’ Girl sound – the echoes of speakeasy jazz, the western lament, the accordion-strapped ghosts of European folk – but it’s all delivered with a soulful clarity and depth only hinted at on previous records.

They recently released a live album, Po’ Girl Live that captures the energy and spirit of the live show. Po’Girl also spent part of January recording new album “Follow Your Bliss” in Chicago, IL. “Follow Your Bliss” will be released in Europe in May and in North America in June.

Po’Girl And The No Shame Tour To Combat Child Abuse
featuring Po’Girl (with special guest JT Nero) and Noise and the Ghost
When: March 9 at 7.30 p.m.
Where: Dublin St United Church, 68 Suffolk St W, Guelph
Tickets: $16/$20

As always, we’ll wrap it all up with some cool music…

Royal City Rag, Saturdays 7-9 a.m. on CFRU93.3fm, Guelph’s Campus Community Radio Station.

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Searchlight on Democracy Walk and Talk – March 2

February 26, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

The Canadian Parliament finally gets back to work on March 3 after their enforced vacation, that began on December 30, 2009, courtesy of Prime minister Stephen Harper’s prorogation.

To celebrate this auspicious occasion, the Guelph chapters of the Council of Canadians and Canadians Against Proroguing Parliament and Guelph Participates are holding “Searchlight on Democracy Walk and Talk” on March 2.

People are asked to gather at 7.00 p.m. in front of Guelph City Hall (1 Carden St) and are encouraged to bring flash lights or candles to the event.

Several speakers will address the group. Following that, the group will walk to Norfolk United church for presentations and discussions on how to hold government accountable for their actions and to consider changes in parliamentary procedure to avoid such abuses in the future.

People interested in attending the event can find more details at www.guelphparticipates.com.

Searchlight on Democracy Walk and Talk
When: Tuesday, March 2 at 7.00 p.m.
Where: City Hall – Guelph (1 Carden St.) and then to Norfolk Street United Church for presentations and a group discussion

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Po’Girl And The No Shame Tour To Combat Child Abuse – March 9

February 25, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

Po'Girl

Canadian Urban Roots Group Po’Girl visit Guelph on March 9 as part of their “No Shame” tour to help prevent child abuse. During the tour they will be raising money for Little Warriors in Canada and the National Children’s Alliance in the USA. Partial proceeds from all Po’Girl tour merchandise will also be donated to these organisations. 

Alli Russell will also be running the Athens, Ohio marathon at the end of the tour on April 11 to further support these groups.

Russell is the survivor of ten years of sexual abuse at the hands of her adopted father.  She wrote the song “No Shame” in 2006 when she found out that he had been released from prison. Po’Girl recorded “No Shame” on their critically acclaimed album Deer in the Night  in 2009.

“No Shame” was featured on CBC’s The Vinyl Cafe in May 2009. Host Stuart Mclean wrote a beautiful piece about the song and Alli’s history; the reception from listeners was overwhelming.

Says Russell,  “Stuart’s piece and the response to it, gave me the idea that perhaps I could be more actively using my past misfortune and our music to increase awareness and dialogue about the endemic issue of child abuse in North America. Whatever I can do to prevent what happened to me from happening to others, that’s what I have to do. It’s my responsibility as a survivor. Not everyone is so lucky.”

Hailing originally from Canada, Po’Girl weave a blend of musical influences, sweetness, grit & soul into their fresh and original sound. The interplay between (Alli Russell, Awna Teixeira, Benny Sidelinger, and Mikey “Lightning” August)is mesmerizing. Distinct voices with incredible harmonies; multiple instrumentalists who bring the perfect sound to each song and songwriters who pen poetic tunes you’ll find yourself humming.

Their latest release, Deer in the Night still includes many of the trappings of the trademark Po’ Girl sound – the echoes of speakeasy jazz, the western lament, the accordion-strapped ghosts of European folk – but it’s all delivered with a soulful clarity and depth only hinted at on previous records.

They recently released a live album, Po’ Girl Live that captures the energy and spirit of the live show, complete with special guests JT Nero and the Clouds. Po’Girl also spent part of January recording new album “Follow Your Bliss” in Chicago, IL. “Follow Your Bliss” will be released in Europe in May and in North America in June.

Po’Girl And The No Shame Tour To Combat Child Abuse
featuring Po’Girl (with special guest JT Nero) and Noise and the Ghost
When: March 9 at 7.30 p.m.
Where: Dublin St United Church, 68 Suffolk St W, Guelph
Tickets: $16/$20

Catch Alli Russell on Royal City Rag, February 27 at 8.15 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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Karen Farbridge, Guelph’s Iron Lady – Re-election And Punitive SLAPP Suits

February 24, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

Karen Farbridge, Guelph’s Iron Lady –  Re-election And Punitive SLAPP suits
Jan Andrea Hall, Royal City Rag

Jan Andrea Hall

Its interesting that Karen Farbridge, the current Mayor of Guelph, should decide to announce her bid for re-election on the same day that the City of Guelph legal department reaffirms its desire to seek damages from the individuals who occupied the Hanlon Creek Business Park last summer.

It seems that despite the efforts of the site occupants to peacefully protest the proposed development at the environmentally sensitive Hanlon Creek, the City of Guelph and their co-developer Belmont Equity are seeking up to $5 million in damages from the occupants.

One wonders at the timing of such a lawsuit? A coincidence or is this supposed to send a message to the business and development community that Farbridge is tough and that there will be no opposition of any kind to whatever they want to do in Guelph?

Its interesting that the City and Belmont Equity claim that they are not seeking punitive damages as part of the claim, yet use a $5 million dollar figure, which is outlandishly large if it is just to ‘recover the actual cost of damages, including damages to the site, resulting from protestor activities, and costs relating to the loss of monitoring equipment’.

They would likely claim otherwise, but it appears that this is a good old SLAPP suit.

To quote good old Wikipedia, “a SLAPP suit or a strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP) is a lawsuit that is intended to censor, intimidate and silence critics by burdening them with the cost of a legal defense until they abandon their criticism or opposition.”

“The plaintiff does not normally expect to win the lawsuit. The plaintiff’s goals are accomplished if the defendant succumbs to fear, intimidation, mounting legal costs or simple exhaustion and abandons the criticism. A SLAPP may also intimidate others from participating in the debate. A SLAPP is often preceded by a legal threat.”

Charming.

Am I the only one that finds it embarassing that Mayor Farbridge, who I presume okayed this lawsuit, is the same Karen Farbridge who was co-ordinator of the Guelph Ontario Public Interest Research Group (OPIRG) for over a decade and advocated for non-violent direct action and protest when it was required?

Perhaps we should all re-read Bob Gordon’s excellent Guelph Mercury article about Karen Farbridge’s time at OPIRG. Find it here.

It would seem that the real Karen Farbridge is now standing up.

Its going to be a very interesting municipal election campaign. Rest assured we’ll be following it all very closely.

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A Conversation With Frank Valeriote, February 27 – Any Questions?

February 24, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

Frank Valeriote

Guelph MP Frank Valeriote will be back on Royal City Rag this coming Saturday, February 27 between 7.15 – 8.00 a.m.

We’ll be catching up on all the goings on in Ottawa, including the recent intrigue around prorogation, Haiti earthquake relief and the current state of the Canadian economy. Frank will also update us on his own committee work as well as provide an update on Guelph’s impact on the national scene.

This is Frank’s third appearance on Royal City Rag. Check out his previous visits to Royal City Rag in April and June 2009.

If you have questions you’d like us to ask Frank, we’d love to hear from you.  Please send them to info@royalcityrag.ca.

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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Haiti, Aristide And The Endless Revolution – March 6

February 23, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

Photo: Marco Dormino/ The United Nations

Yesterday, CBC Radio reported that the money the Canadian government is using to match citizen donations for Haiti Earthquake relief may actually be coming from financial aid already committed to Haiti prior to the earthquake.

To say that I was stunned by this pronouncement would be an understatement. More smoke and mirrors as far as foreign aid is concerned then, while people struggle to survive, never mind rebuild their lives.

It is probably, therefore, a fitting time to revisit one of the more ignominious episodes in Canada’s recent history – the removal of the democratically elected president of Haiti, Jean Bertrand Aristide in 2004 by the US with Canadian support. A coup by any other name.

The Canada Haiti Action Network will be screening the documentary Aristide and the Endless Revolution at the Bookshelf on Saturday March 6. A discussion with speakers from the Canada Haiti Action Network will occur after the film screening.

A welcome time to remind ourselves of why the Haitians should be in charge of the rebuilding of their shattered nation.

Aristide and The Endless Revolution
When: Saturday March 6 @ 1 p.m.
Where: The Bookshelf, Quebec St, Downtown Guelph
Admission: Free (donations gratefully accepted).

Aristide and The Endless Revolution
Only an hour south of Miami, the elected president of the Western Hemisphere’s poorest nation, Jean Bertrand Aristide, has twice been forced from office with the complicity of the international community faciliated by the US and Canada. An intelligent and engrossing examination of the oft-suppressed story of the 2004 coup d’etat in Haiti, Rossier’s film investigates the events that led to the second violent expulsion of Aristide from Haiti, and reveals the tangled web of hope, deceit, and political violence of the involvement of the international community in the affairs of Haiti.

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Guelph Desert Island Discs, February 20 – Susan Wheeler, Writer, Educator And Advocate

February 22, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

Susan Wheeler

My good friend, Alden Hadwen has a radio show, Guelph Desert Island Discs, on CFRU93.3fm on Saturday mornings from 9-10 a.m. 

The show, styled after the iconic BBC Radio show Desert Island Discs, allows guests to pick the music that they would take with them to a desert island while chatting about their life and inspiration.

Alden’s guest on February 20 was Susan Wheeler, Writer, Educator and Advocate (and the former weather pixie on Royal City Rag).

Its my great pleasure to provide a link to the show here in case you missed it. I may be biased but she did pick some beautiful music.

Susan experiences her life with a progressive neuromuscular disease, and as a result is no stranger to coping with unexpected health and life challenges.

“Adaptability combined with determination has always served me well.”

As an advocate for people with disabilities and other vulnerable populations, Susan’s dedication has earned her many accolades and community awards, including the Women of Distinction Award in 2001, and the Women-on-the-Move Award, in 1995.

You can learn more about Susan Wheeler by visiting her website at www.susanwheeleronline.ca.

Listen to the show:

Music:
Ann Mortifee, Born To Live from Healing Journey
Housemartins, He Ain’t Heavy He’s My Brother from Now That’s What I Call Quite Good
Carl Strygg, Make Me Do Anything You Want from Carl Strygg Sings The Classics
LeAnn Rimes, Amazing Grace from You Light Up My Life
Barbara Streisand, I Believe / Never Walk Alone from Higher Ground
Proclaimers, King Of the Road from The Best Of the Proclaimers
Tannis Slimmon, Our Time Now from Lucky Blue
KD Lang, The Valley from Songs From The 49th Parallel
Martha Reeves, Dancing In the Street from 20th Century Masters – The Millennium Collection

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Royal City Rag, February 20 – Cancer Can’t Dance Like This, The Monster Show And Dancehall Free For All

February 21, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

Daniel Stolfi

It was another fun and fast-paced Royal City Rag on February 20. We started off the show with a three song set featuring a blues classic by Rita Chiarelli, and new songs from both Corb Lund and Meaghan Smith, all songs that never made it into last weekend’s fabulous Valentine’s Songshare.

Later in the first hour, Guelph-born actor and comedian, Daniel Stolfi joined us to chat about his one-man show based on his experience battling cancer, Cancer Can’t Dance Like This. Daniel brings the show to the Guelph Youth Music Centre on February 27 at 8.00 p.m.

It’s a tribute to Daniel, that, after struggling through two years of challenging chemotherapy for an aggressive form of cancer, he decided he should use his comedic talents to talk about his lost attributes - hair, appetite, strength and sex drive!

In Cancer Can’t Dance Like This, Daniel relies on a number of comedic monologues, musical numbers and character portrayals to tell his story, remaining determined that cancer will not outdance him! It promises to be an  inspirational and uplifting evening, and one, whose message should not be lost on anyone fortunate to be in the audience. Daniel deserves a sold out show for what promises to be an unforgettable experience.

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. All proceeds will go to support the the work of the Canadian Cancer Society.

Listen to Hour 1:

The Monster Show (Photo: The Monster Show)


In the second hour, it was our great pleasure to welcome into the studio Kerry Mullen from The Monster Show and Zack Leighton from Dancehall Free For All, for a fun discussion about their music and influences.

The Monster Show released their first full length album, And In Our Final Days As Archipelago in 2009. Dancehall Free For All are hard at work on their latest EP, Creatures of Habit, a follow up to 2008’s long player, 9 to 5 lives.

You can catch both bands at the E-Bar (above the Bookshelf), Quebec Street in Guelph on Thursday, February 25 at 10.00 p.m. It promises to be a great show.

Dancehall Free For All At Hillside 2009 (Photo: Dancehall Free For All)

 

Interested in new music from Dancehall Free For All?

Download two new songs, “Kelsey Tells Me” and “Shameless” at www.dancehallfreeforall.com.

Also, check out the Royal City Rag interview with Dancehall Free For All from October 2007.

 

 

 

Listen to Hour 2:

 

Music:
Rita Chiarelli,I Can Change For You from Uptown Goes Downtown
Corb Lund, Alberta Says Hello from Losing Lately Gambler
Meaghan Smith, Heartbroken from The Cricket Orchestra
James Gordon, My Stars Your Eyes from My Stars Your Eyes
Leo Sayer, You Make Me Feel Like Dancing from Best Of Leo Sayer
Marvin Gaye, Can I Get A Witness? from Best of Marvin Gaye
Barry White, O What A Night For Dancing from All Time Greatest Hits
Josh Ritter, Change Of Time from So Runs The World Away
Dancehall Free For All, Danny Knows from 9-5 Lives
Monster Show, Beer Caps, Friday from And In Our Final Days As Archipelago
Dancehall Free For All, Shameless from www.dancehallfreeforall.com
Monster Show, Church Bells And The Sad Girl from And In Our Final Days As Archipelago
Dancehall Free For All, Kelsey Tells Me from www.dancehallfreeforall.com
Monster Show, When The Sky Would Be Full And Dark from And In Our Final Days As Archipelago

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Natural Heritage Strategy – Why What Happens At Hanlon Creek Still Matters

February 20, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

Bob Gordon

Natural Heritage Strategy – Why What Happens At Hanlon Creek Still Matters
Bob Gordon, Freelance Journalist/Royal City Rag Contributor

As we approach spring, the civic administration continues to offer reassurances that the proposed Hanlon Creek Business Park is environmentally safe, even cutting-edge, and a model of green development for other municipalities to follow. While doing so, and apparently without realizing it they also undermine their own case as fast as they make it.

If the proposed business park is ‘green’ someone needs to put a muzzle on hydrogeologist and City of Guelph water supply program manager Dave Belanger. On February 4, 2010 he admitted to the Lake Erie Source Protection Committee, “The Hanlon Creek Business Park may represent future potential significant threats [to water quality].”

Come on Dave, get with the program, the plan is ‘green’. Didn’t you mean to say that the proposed Hanlon Creek Business Park may represent significant improvements to water quality. And if that isn’t what you meant to say couldn’t you at least take one for the team and keep quiet. After all you can retire and move away before the shit hits the fan anyway.

Hanlon Creek Downstream In The Spring (Photo: Bob Gordon)

The Draft Natural Heritage Strategy recently workshopped to the public also raises concerns about developments in and around the Provincially Significant Wetlands in the Hanlon Creek Wetland Complex.

Simply put, the draft Natural Heritage Strategy offer greater protection to Provincially Significant Wetlands than does the draft plan for the Hanlon Creek Wetland Complex.

The city’s legalistic argument is that the draft plan of subdivision for the land in and around the Provincially Significant Wetlands in the Hanlon Creek Wetland Complex has already been approved and that the proposed Natural Heritage Strategy is not applicable to it.

In a purely legal sense that claim is justified. It also entirely undermines the claim that the Hanlon Creek Business Plan is innovative or a model for other communities.

Implicitly, it is an argument that excuses the inadequacies of the protection for the land in and around the Provincially Significant Wetlands in the Hanlon Creek Wetland Complex. It is an argument predicated on the claim that the Hanlon Creek Business Park draft plan of subdivision is an old plan and cannot possibly be held to current standards.

Overall, that’s two strikes against the proposed Hanlon Creek Business Park.

It may represent future significant threats to water quality according to the city’s own hydrogeologist and it offers less protection to the Hanlon Creek Wetland complex than do the draft Natural Heritage Policies.

Bob Gordon
bob34g@gmail.com 

Missed Bob Gordon’s other articles on the Draft Natural Heritage Strategy? Follow the links below to get caught up.

Part 1: The Devil Is In The Details And The Big Bits Too

Part 2: Conflict Of Interest Unmasked

Part 3: Will The York District Lands Be Guelph’s Next Developmental Debacle?

Written comments on the Draft Natural Heritage Strategy should be submitted to michelle.mercier@guelph.ca by February 24, 2010 .

Don’t forget to make your voice heard. City Council needs to know we care about how much and how well our natural green space is protected.

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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Worth Repeating: Dancehall Free For All On Royal City Rag In October 2007

February 19, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

Dancehall Free For All have a show at the E-Bar with The Monster Show on February 25 at 10.00 p.m. They are a fabulous live band.

Dancehall Free For All came together in 2006, while they were all at high school. Their music features an infectious mix of ska, rock, pop dance and soul that practically forces you out on to the dancefloor.

They released their first full length album, 9 to 5 lives in the fall of 2008.

Dancehall Free For All are Michael Boyd, Zack Leighton, Sebastian Bevlander, Xandre Valli, Sean Hayes and Scott Fitzpatrick.

I had a chance to interview the 2007 incarnation of the band at the old Salsateria on McDonnell Street in October that year at a Guelph Civic League fundraiser.  

Listen to the interview:

You can catch both Zack Leighton from Dancehall Free For All and Kerry Mullen from The Monster Show on CFRU 93.3fm’s Royal City Rag  on February 20 at 8.00 a.m.

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James Gordon “My Stars Your Eyes” CD Release – February 26

February 19, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

James Gordon

James Gordon CD Release
Friday February 26 at 8.00 p.m.
Guelph Little Theatre, 176 Morris Street, Guelph
Tickets: $18- available at the door or at the Bookshelf

My Stars Your Eyes: “12 new locally grown, organic, fair trade songs”

James Gordon is never at a loss for a lyric. Famous for having written a thousand songs and as a “go-to guy” when a local organization or your national broadcaster needs topic-specific music, James is the one they count on to deliver the appropriate message.

In this special fundraising CD release concert, James will be joined onstage by Jeff Bird, Evan Gordon, Geordie Gordon and Jude Vadala

James is donating all proceeds from the concert to the Guelph Civic League in support of their upcoming ‘Vote Guelph!’ campaign for this year’s municipal election. If you’d like to join the Vote Guelph team, email info@guelphcivicleague.ca or phone 519-780-5030.

“My Stars Your Eyes” is available on Borealis Records

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Short Cuts Event Listing – Weekend February 20-21

February 19, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

Guelph Groove
February 20, 7.30 – 9.30 p.m.(Doors close at 8.00 p.m.)
Temple studios, 42 Quebec St, Guelph (Yellow door, Third floor).
$10 sliding scale
This month’s wave will be graced with heartfelt, soulful sounds from Nigel…a magical medicine journey ahead to be sure.  The groove is a scent, conversation, drug, alcohol and shoe free safe space.

 

Kent MacMillan in Concert
The Cornerstone, 1 Wyndham St. N, Guelph
Saturday, February 20 at 9.30 p.m.

 

Guelph Spoken Word
featuring poet Andrea Thompson
E-Bar, 41 Quebec Street
Saturday February 20 at 7.00 p.m.
Cover: $10 – Volunteers $5
More details, www.guelphspokenword.com

 

Cornerstone Campfire Sessions
“The Olympic Torch Ain’t Nothin’ Next To This!”
The Cornerstone Cafe, 1 Wyndham street N, Guelph
Sunday, February 21 at 9.00 p.m.
We set out a tray of tea candles (that’s the campfire) and then we sit around the fire and take turns belting out the tunes all night long! It’s all acoustic – no “stage”, no microphones, no P.A., no amplifiers. So bring along your guitars, banjos, accordions, mandolins, mandolas, dobros, fiddles, ukuleles, harmonicas, washboards, voices, ears… sing your own songs, traditional songs, covers…sing along or just come to listen!

 

SINGALONG with Sam Turton & Jane Lewis!
Sunday, February 21 from  8-11 p.m.
Woolwich Arms
176 Woolwich Street, Guelph
www.all-together-now.ca

HUNDREDS OF SONGS – SONGBOOKS PROVIDED
Over 100 great artists, including The Band, The Beatles, Chuck Berry, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Elvis, Bob Marley, Van Morrison, Dolly Parton, John Prine, The Police, Paul Simon, James Taylor, The Temptations, U2, Neil Young…

Over 200 classic songs, including Hey Jude & Twist And Shout; Amazing Grace & Danny Boy; Brown Eyed Girl & Bobby Mcgee; House Of The Rising Sun & Heart Of Gold; Like A Rolling Stone & Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door; Wade in the Water & Man Of Constant Sorrow; My Girl & Blue Suede Shoes; Fire & Rain & Bird On The Wire; Jambalaya & Folsom Prison…

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Coming Up On Royal City Rag… Daniel Stolfi, Dancehall Free For All And The Monster Show!

February 19, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

We’ve another fun and informative Royal City Rag planned for February 20.

In the first hour, Guelph-born actor and comedian Daniel Stolfi will be joining us to chat about his one-man show based on his personal experience battling cancer, Cancer Can’t Dance Like This.

Daniel is bringing the show to the Guelph Youth Music Centre on February 27 at 8.00 p.m.

In March of 2008, Daniel 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?

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. All proceeds will go to support the the work of the Canadian Cancer Society.

Dancehall Free For All

In the second hour, we will be welcoming Zack Leighton from Dancehall Free For All and Kerry Mullen from The Monster Show into the studio. We’ll be chatting about their music and influences. It promises to be lots of fun.

You can catch both Dancehall Free For All and The Monster Show in Guelph at the E-Bar on Thursday, February 25 at 10.00 p.m.

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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Seedy Saturday, Evergreen Seniors Centre – February 27

February 19, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

Guelph Enabling Garden

Guelph’s Third Annual Community Seed Exchange takes place at the Evergreen Seniors Centre on Saturday February 27  from 1.00 – 5.30 p.m.

A Pay What You Can event, the venue is fully accessible. Proceeds go to support great community gardening projects in our city!

The more people who attend (to trade, buy, and/or learn and teach about seeds) the richer our community will be.

Visit www.enablinggarden.org for more information.

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Royal City Rag, February 13 – The Valentine’s Weekend Edition

February 14, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

We had a very special 3-hour version of Royal City Rag on CFRU93.3fm on February 13 to celebrate St Valentine’s Day.

Garnet Rogers

We started out the show with a new single from Johnny Cash (really), “Ain’t No Grave”, the title song from American Recordings 6 to be released on February 23. I’m not sure how I feel about another posthumous Johnny Cash album. I’m a big fan, but he sounds very frail on this release. It will be interesting to see what the rest of the album sounds like. We followed that with Peter Gabriel and his version of Bon Iver’s Flume from the very interesting “Scratch My Back” covers album featuring songs by Radiohead, Randy Newman and Elbow alongside Bon Iver and others. A soon to be released companion album will have the ‘covered’ artists interpreting Gabriel’s work. You have to admit its a nice idea. The early reviews are very favourable so I guess I’ll be picking up this one too.

And finally, to round out the first set we listened to a gorgeous song by Garnet Rogers, “Summer Lightning” from the  live set, Get A Wtiness. Garnet is in Guelph on February 19 for a show at Dublin St United. Should be a great gig. All the details are here, if you need them.

Later in the hour, we dipped into the Valentine’s theme again, with one of my favourite love songs, Joan Armatrading’s “Willow” and followed that with the beautiful but sad “If love were the cure” from Guelph’s Detour. Detour are 16 year old Elivia Cazzola and her 14 year old sister, Anita. Detour were on last year’s yuletide Royal City Rag playing some traditional songs. We’re hoping to have them back on Royal City Rag fairly shortly, this time focusing on their own material. Stay tuned.

Guelph Symphony Orchestra

To wrap up the first hour Simon Irving, Artistic Director of the Guelph Symphony Orchestra joined us to chat about the GSO’s Valentine’s Day concert at the River Run Centre, Music Of Love and Romance. The performance features some of the most romantic music ever written including Mozart’s Elvira Madigan Concerto and the Warsaw Concerto, as well as favourite tunes from South Pacific, and songs by Sigmund Romberg. Interpretive dance to Prokoviev’s Romeo and Juliet featuring Clayton Scott makes this a concert not to be missed. Tickets are selling out fast, so if you still want to go, and, remember, it is Valentine’s… Call the River Run Box Office at 519-763-3000 or go Online to secure a Valentine’s Day to remember.

Listen to Hour 1:

In the second hour, we celebrated Valentine’s weekend in spokenword and music with storytellers Sya Van Geest and Brad Woods and singer-songwriter Sam Turton. We had planned to be on location in Niagara Falls, but after it turned out that, according to the Guelph Mercury, Guelph is the most romantic city in Ontario, we hastily recast our plans and headed down to the Farmers Market. Unfortunately no one told Brad so he ended up in Niagara Falls! Fortunately hs still managed to deliver his story. Good fun was had by all even if it was a bit on the chilly side in the Farmers market car park.

Listen to Hour 2:

And finally, to finish a bumper edition of Royal City Rag, we welcomed Sheila O’Reilly (host of CFRU’s A Dog’s Breakfast) and writer and educator Susan Wheeler into the studio for a Valentine’s Weekend song share. An opportunity to hear some great tunes, we very democratically shared some of our favourite love songs, some sad, some happy and some I’d not thought of playing to celebrate the holiday.

We finished up the hour with the Korgis (Stackridge’s Andy Davis and James Warren) beautiful “Everybody’s Got To Learn Sometime” followed by George Adams and Don Pullen’s “God Has Smiled At Me”.

A gorgeous way to finish the show, and, well worth listening to… just for that! I hope you enjoy it.

Listen to Hour 3:

All in all, a great show… and almost too much to have to tell you about! I’d suggest that you just take a listen yourselves. You’ll not be disappointed.

Music:
Johnny Cash, Ain’t No Grave from American 6: Ain’t No Grave
Peter Gabriel, Flume from Scratch My Back
Garnet Rogers, Summer Lightning from Get A Witness
Joan Armatrading, Willow from Gold
Detour, If Love Were The Cure from Detour E.P. (Demo)
Sam Turton, What’s So Funny About Peace, Love And Understanding (Live)
Sam Turton, I’d Rather Be With You (Live)
Sam Turton, Right Here (Live)
Sam Turton, Without Love (Live)
Sam Turton, I’ve Just Seen a Face (Live)
Sam Turton, Oh Susanna (Live)
Rosanne Cash, Long Black Veil from The List
KD Lang, Hallelujah from Recollection
Tomas McEoin & The Waterboys, Down By The Sally Gardens from Room To Roam (Collectors Edition)
Corries, Peggy Gordon from Traditions
Eddi Reader, The Shepherd’s Song from Peacetime
Ralph McTell, Streets Of London from Streets Of London And Other Stories
Beau Dommage, La complainte du phoque en Alaska from Beau Dommage (30 Anniversary Edition)
Martha Wainright, Dis quand reviendras tu? from I Will Internalize EP
Korgis. Everybody’s Got To Learn Sometime from Don’t Look Back, The Best Of The Korgis
Don Pullen and George Adams, God Has Smiled On Me from Melodic Excursions

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Happy Valentine’s Day From Royal City Rag!

February 13, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

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Natural Heritage Strategy – Will The York District Lands Be Guelph’s Next Developmental Debacle?

February 13, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

Bob Gordon

Natural Heritage Strategy, Part 3: Will The York District Lands Be Guelph’s Next Developmental Debacle?
Bob Gordon, Freelance Journalist/Royal City Rag Contributor

The York District Lands will be the litmus test for the City of Guelph’s Natural Heritage Strategy. The 1000 acre plus property in the eastern edge of the municipality is larger than the disputed land in the Hanlon Creek Wetland Complex in the southwest corner of Guelph. Formerly home to a provincial penal institution it is a haven for cultural and achitectural heritage as well as natural heritage.

The property extends south from York Road to the city limits south of Stone Road and east from Victoria Road South. The eastern boundary of the property is formed by Watson Parkway South. This slightly irregular block of land roughly two kilometers by two kilometers encompasses the dialectic of development.

The Eramosa River enters the property 400 meters south of York Road and 750 meters into the property turns right 90 degrees and flows southeast through the heart of the property.

According to the Draft Natural Heritage Strategy approximately half of the York Development Lands are Significant Natural Areas (absolutely and irrevocably saved), slated for restoration or ecological linkages.

The largest portion of this protected land is located along the Eramosa River, widest at the north and south boundaries of the property. In the centre ofthe block the protected area declines to a width of approximately 300 meters. To the east, the land along Watson Parkway South is slated for protection or restoration with the exception of a small portion at he corner of York Rd and Watson Parkway South.

Additionally, all of these lands should (according to the Draft Natural Heritage Strategy) be protected by adequate buffers and undisturbed, vacant adjacent lands. It is this category of land that is swamped with ‘unless-es’ in the current draft document. The interpretation of the “unless-es” will ultimately determine the value of the Natural Heritage Strategy and the York Development Lands will present a significant case study.

Citizen groups involved in the protection of the Hanlon Creek Wetland Complex have been frequently faulted for entering the debate too late and neglecting to utilize ‘proper’ channels and avenues for citizen input.

Action on the York Development Lands now, will prevent that label being applied to those who support protection of the Eramosa River as it flows through these lands. The effectiveness of intervention at this time may also be greater than at a later date.

The questions of appearance of conflict of interest will only be answered as the various consultants and professionals are hired to justify the ‘unless-es’. They will only be answered when city hall addresses the issue of the permeable membrane between city hall and consultants.

Most importantly, the ‘precautionary principle’ must be applied, applied rigorously throughout the entire process. Any exceptions to the Natural Heritage Policy can only be justified if their safety can be categorically proven, exceptions must ‘prove their innocence’, as the precautionary principle holds applicants for exceptions to the highest standard of proof.

The city, enforcing the Natural Heritage Strategy, does not have to prove that an exception will be harmful, rather the applicant for the exception must prove that their request will not be harmful. The burden of proof lies with the applicants for exceptions.

Only if the utilization of the York Development Lands procedes in this manner will the Natural Heritage Strategy be of any value. Only if the integration of the York Development Lands into the community procedes in this manner will the natural value and cultural heritage of this site be preserved.

Bob Gordon
bob34g@gmail.com 

Missed Bob Gordon’s other articles on the Draft Natural Heritage Strategy? Follow the links below to get caught up.

Part 1: The Devil Is In The Details And The Big Bits Too

Part 2: Conflict Of Interest Unmasked

Part 3: Will The York District Lands Be Guelph’s Next Developmental Debacle?

Written comments on the Draft Natural Heritage Strategy should be submitted to michelle.mercier@guelph.ca by February 24, 2010 .

Don’t forget to make your voice heard. City Council needs to know we care about how much and how well our natural green space is protected.

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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Coming Up On Royal City Rag… A Bumper Valentine’s Weekend Edition!

February 12, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

We have a ‘bumper’ edition of Royal City Rag planned for February 13.

In the first hour (7-8 a.m.) we’ll talk to Simon Irving, Artistic Director of the Guelph Symphony Orchestra about their Valentine’s Day concert at the River Run Centre, Music Of Love and Romance, featuring 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. 

Clayton Scott

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)

In the second hour (8-9 a.m.), we’ll be celebrating Valentine’s weekend in spokenword and music with our good friends, storytellers Sya Van Geest and Brad Woods and singer-songwriter Sam Turton. It promises to be great fun. You won’t want to miss it!

And finally, in this week’s extra hour (9-10 a.m.), while I’m filling in for my good friend Alden Hadwen, I will be joined by Sheila O’Reilly (host of CFRU’s A Dog’s Breakfast) and Susan Wheeler (former Royal City Rag Weather Pixie) for a song share with a distinct Valentine’s focus, but also a few twists. Tune it to hear some of the great songs we’ve chosen and, why!  It should be interesting…

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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Little Art For Big Trees, 10 Carden on March 20 – Call For Submissions

February 12, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

Little Art... For A Big Elm Tree

Guelph Urban Forest Friends Art Show and Sale takes places at 10 Carden, Carden St., Guelph on March 20 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The art show showcases original art, photos or poetry celebrating big tree(s).

  • All submissions must be backed or framed for hanging
  • Maximum size for each work 10” excluding framing
  • Limit of 2 pieces of work/artist
  • Cost of entry $5.00 per work
  • 25% of sale price to be retained by GUFF

Download an entry form here or pick one up at The Big Umbrella Community Information Table ( at the Farmer’s Market) on Saturday mornings.

Registration forms will be accepted at The Big Umbrella until March 19.

Please deliver art work to 10 Carden on March 19 between 7-9.30 p.m. for show on March 20.

Download the entry form

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Garnet Rogers, Dublin St United – February 19

February 11, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

Hamilton born singer-songwriter and guitarist Garnet Rogers will be making a stop in Guelph on February 19.

The Guelph concert is one of only two stops in Southern Ontario on Garnet’s current tour.

Garnet is widely considered, by fans and critics alike, to be one of the finest singers anywhere.  His music, like the man himself, has been called literate, passionate, highly sensitive and deeply purposeful. 

Hailed by the Boston Globe as a ” … charismatic performer and singer – one of the major talents of our time.

The Boston Globe also called his latest live album, Get A Witness, one of the best Folk CDs of 2007…

“On a long awaited concert album, even his torch songs feel like tours de force, sung in a glorious bass that shimmers with danger and grace..”

 

Audience members are asked to bring donations of non-perishable food and useful personal care items such as shampoo and toothpase to support the Guelph food bank.

The Details:
Garnet Rogers
Friday, February 19, 2010
Dublin Street United Church
68 Suffolk St West, Guelph
8.00 p.m. show (7.30 p.m. door)
Tickets $20 from Ground Floor Music (13 Quebec St). Out of town tickets (519)763-7628 or milanovichlil@hotmail.com

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Help Haiti – A Big Thank You To Everyone Concerned

February 11, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

Photo: Marco Dormino/ The United Nations

The Help Haiti concert at the River Run Centre on February 7 was a great success, raising close to$22,000 for the Canadian Red Cross and their Haiti Earthquake relief efforts.

“The community of Guelph responded to the community of Haiti by doing what we do best—working together, singing together, and giving together.” (Sam Turton)

“In coming together as a Community, Guelph demonstrated what it means to be fully human – to reach out with compassion and care to others” (Rev. Paul Clarkson)

“We offer our sincere and heartfelt thanks to all the performers who gifted us with their amazing artistry, to everyone who donated time or services, and to all those who came out to the event to participate in a powerful expression of our community at its best. I continue to be deeply touched by the ability of art and music to create resources for hope. (Ajay Heble)

The benefit concert itself was an amazing success featuring an array of Guelph talent that will be hard to match for any future event. There were so many highlights that it would be a disservice to single out any one artist. That said, Kevin Breit with Ted Warren on drums, Andrew Craig on piano, Jeff Bird on harmonica, Larry Kramer on trumpet and the inestimable Jane Bunnett on soprano sax really brought the house down. The University of Guelph choirs were also tremendously impressive.

All services were donated in order to make this extraordinary humanitarian event possible, including the River Run Centre facilities which were donated by the City of Guelph.

The initial fundraising goal of $20,000 was exceeded, with $21,455.21 raised from ticket sales, individual donations, donated bar receipts, and, donated artist CD sales – which alone totaled $1,150.00! 100% of the proceeds have been donated to the Canadian Red Cross and organizers Rev. Paul Clarkson, Dr. Ajay Heble, and Sam Turton expect that these funds will be matched by the federal government.

A big thank you is due to all residents of the Guelph community and beyond who came together to make this event surpass all expectations.

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Natural Heritage Strategy – Conflict Of Interest Unmasked

February 10, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

Bob Gordon

Natural Heritage Strategy, Part 2: Conflict Of Interest Unmasked
Bob Gordon, Freelance Journalist/Royal City Rag Contributor 

The Draft Natural Heritage Strategy (NHS), the City of Guelph presented for discussion on February 4 raises the potential for a serious conflict of interest. 

In significant areas, exceptions to the NHS policy are determined by city staff and council based on documents produced by the consultants employed by landowners and developers to buttress their case. 

One wonders what happens when the city is both the landowner as well as the regulating agency? 

Do they rely on the documents produced by their own consultants to make their decision? 

Also, what happens when a city staffer moves to an environmental consulting firm, or a consulting firm employee joins the city administration? 

Former city staff are known to act as consultants and staff have joined the city from consulting firms. 

One wonders whether this potential conflict has arisen in the past or if, indeed, it could exist at the current time? 

Shouldn’t there be a cooling off period before an employee can make the switch to the city, or vice-versa? 

Or, perhaps, they should recuse themselves from working on development projects that involve their former company? 

Imagine a former employee of ABC Environmental Consulting moving to the city and finding themselves immediately assessing an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) prepared by their former colleagues at ABC Environmental Consulting. 

Unfortunately, potential conflicts of interest are something the Draft Natural Heritage Policy neglects to consider. 

The Draft Natural Heritage Policy also never mentions the precautionary principle, a fundamental tenet of environmental law, embedded in international law and accepted by the Supreme Court of Canada. 

The precautionary principle holds that in environmental disputes, where there is the potential for damage to habitat or species, the concerned parties should always err on the side of caution. 

However there is no emphasis on the importance of protecting the natural environment when the scientific data is incomplete or inconclusive. 

More than one of the participants in last week’s public meeting noted that when nature’s rights confront owners’ and developers’ rights the latter’s rights triumph more often than not. 

This imbalance in power and inherent bias violates the precautionary principle. 

Unfortunately the Draft Natural Heritage Strategy is inadequate policy. It is far too weak to be really protective… and there are too many exceptions that can be ‘unless-ed’ with an EIS.  

The fact that conflict of interest is blithely overlooked and the precautionary principle ignored only makes things a whole lot worse. 

Regrettably, it is policy without princple. 

In the final part of this review of the Draft Natural Heritage Strategy we will discuss the glaring absence of the basic principles of environmental law in Canada. 

Bob Gordon
bob34g@gmail.com 

Missed Bob Gordon’s other articles on the Draft Natural Heritage Strategy? Follow the links below to get caught up.

Part 1: The Devil Is In The Details And The Big Bits Too

Part 2: Conflict Of Interest Unmasked

Part 3 – Will The York District Lands Be Guelph’s Next Developmental Debacle?

Written comments on the Draft Natural Heritage Strategy should be submitted to michelle.mercier@guelph.ca by February 24, 2010 .

Don’t forget to make your voice heard. City Council needs to know we care about how much and how well our natural green space is protected.

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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Finding Hope: Spiritual Resources In Environmental Crisis – February 10

February 10, 2010 by Jan Andrea Hall

Finding Hope: Spiritual Resources In Environmental Crisis

The second in the series, February 10 at 7.30 p.m at The Fat Duck (Corner of Kortright and Edinburgh, Guelph)

Relaxed conversations on spirituality and the environment taking place in one of Guelph’s best eateries, The Fat Duck Pub!

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

Join the discussion with people that care deeply about the fate of our planet.

Following Mike Nagy’s presentation on Wednesday, January 27 why not spend an evening with Father Jim Profit from the Ignatius Jesuit Centre on Wednesday, February 10?

All welcome.

Sponsored by the Anglican and United Churches

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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

Missed Bob Gordon’s other articles on the Draft Natural Heritage Strategy? Follow the links below to get caught up.

Part 1: The Devil Is In The Details And The Big Bits Too

Part 2: Conflict Of Interest Unmasked

Part 3: Will The York District Lands Be Guelph’s Next Developmental Debacle?

Written comments on the Draft Natural Heritage Strategy should be submitted to michelle.mercier@guelph.ca by February 24, 2010 .

Don’t forget to make your voice heard. City Council needs to know we care about how much and how well our natural green space is protected.

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.

Posted in Commentary | Tagged , , | 1 Comment »

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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