Summit Questions and Answers

Summit Questions and Answers

Day 1: June 15, 2021

Wachay Mr. Turner and miigwech for your presentation. I am extremely fortunate to have canoed the North French River, from its headwaters near the Detour Mine Road all the way to Moosonee. It is truly a wonderful place worth protecting as an indigenous protected area. My question is, what can someone like me just a regular settler Canadian do to help?

Anna Baggio: "Stay tuned we'll have some web based tools to use in next couple months for you to show your support."

For the IPCA plans, how do you determine how much ecotourism will be allowed? How do you make sure the wilderness aspect of the island is protected?

Chris Burtch & Elder Marilyn Capreol: "We are currently in the early stages of exploring different spots on the island to use for "eco-tourism" that will not be detrimental to any of the cultural sites that we have identified through TEK interviews. There are also already some spots that are used during the summer months for camping, swimming ect.. so instead of adding new spots we will also look into enhancing established spots by providing portable washrooms, marked fire pits and so on. There are also some locations that have been identified that we will look to avoid such as critical wetlands and an old growth White Pine plantation as well as culturally significant locations that will also be avoided to not be used for "eco-tourism."

Is there a petition we can sign against Bill 197?

I would reach out to CELA Canadian Environmental Law Association or Ecojustice or Ontario Nature.

For Chief Donny Morris: What are some of the main challenges you have in protecting your land?

This question was answered live at The Peoples' Summit.  Click below to see Chief Donny Morris' answer to this question.

For Edward Sutherland: How do you deal with invasive species? Is there a solution other than eliminating them?

This question was answered live at The Peoples' Summit.  Click below to see Edward Sutherland's answer to this question.

For Chief Donny Morris: Will we eventually have to eat invasive species?

This question was answered live at The Peoples' Summit.  Click below to see Chief Donny Morris' answer to this question.

Day 1: June 15, 2021

Wachay Mr. Turner and miigwech for your presentation. I am extremely fortunate to have canoed the North French River, from its headwaters near the Detour Mine Road all the way to Moosonee. It is truly a wonderful place worth protecting as an indigenous protected area. My question is, what can someone like me just a regular settler Canadian do to help?

Anna Baggio: "Stay tuned we'll have some web based tools to use in next couple months for you to show your support."

For the IPCA plans, how do you determine how much ecotourism will be allowed? How do you make sure the wilderness aspect of the island is protected?

Chris Burtch & Elder Marilyn Capreol: "We are currently in the early stages of exploring different spots on the island to use for "eco-tourism" that will not be detrimental to any of the cultural sites that we have identified through TEK interviews. There are also already some spots that are used during the summer months for camping, swimming ect.. so instead of adding new spots we will also look into enhancing established spots by providing portable washrooms, marked fire pits and so on. There are also some locations that have been identified that we will look to avoid such as critical wetlands and an old growth White Pine plantation as well as culturally significant locations that will also be avoided to not be used for "eco-tourism."

Is there a petition we can sign against Bill 197?

I would reach out to CELA Canadian Environmental Law Association or Ecojustice or Ontario Nature.

For Chief Donny Morris: What are some of the main challenges you have in protecting your land?

This question was answered live at The Peoples' Summit.  Click here to see Chief Donny Morris' answer to this question.

For Edward Sutherland: How do you deal with invasive species? Is there a solution other than eliminating them?

This question was answered live at The Peoples' Summit.  Click here to see Edward Sutherland's answer to this question.

For Chief Donny Morris: Will we eventually have to eat invasive species?

This question was answered live at The Peoples' Summit.  Click here to see Chief Donny Morris' answer to this question.

Day 2: June 16, 2021

Our scientists are calling this exceptional groundwater a Canadian treasure, so should I write to Minister John Wilkinson?

Wildlands League: "I would write to the Minister of Environment provincially and the Minister of Environment Federally."

Anthony and Franco, this forest is absolutely amazing. Do you have hope that Minister Wilkinson can hear your plea and act accordingly?

Anthony Merante: "I can say that Protecting Wolf Lake will be put forth to both Wilkinson (ECCC) and Puccini (MECP). Being surrounded by provincially protected areas and already researched and primed by provincial agencies, the ideal would be provincial protections but we are not limited to requesting only provincial protection. We’re open to federal protection or an opportunity for the feds and Ontario to come together on a protection piece.


Franco Mariotti
: "I support what Anthony has said. Also, the Save Wolf Lake Coalition will continue to raise awareness across the province about the significance of Wolf Lake. We need to keep Wolf lake not only in the public’s eye but also keep the politicians aware of its existence. Now more than ever since the Federal Gov’t is pushing for 30% of the landbase protected by 2030. So it is a unique opportunity to acknowledge lands that have already been identified! Earthroots, Wildlands League and Ontario Nature are and will be promoting the area as a place to protect."

How recently was this video made and where is the lake it mentioned?

Anthony Merante/Franco Mariotti: "The film was completed in 2017/18 and is as relevant now as ever. Wolf Lake is within the city limits of Greater Sudbury, just northeast of Lake Wahnapitae."

Everyone acknowledged their traditional territories but how are you engaging in Land Back for Indigenous Nations with your restive organizations and properties?

This question was answered partly live during the summit. Wildlands League does not get involved in land purchasing.

What kind of sandspit did Brad say Rondeau was most famous for in a country, and what kind of sandspit is that?

Bradley Fauteaux: "Rondeau is a cuspate sandspit. Cuspate sandspits are usually where you have an area of beach/shoreline that is reoriented into an elongated shape by the dominant wave and wind action of a waterbody. This elongated shape (like a mini peninsula) will then often result in an enclosed or semi-enclosed lagoon on the other side. Imagine Sand and Gravel pushed by wave action over millions of years gradually stretching out the landform into Lake Erie. Important to keep in mind that because of the shallowness of Lake Erie and the preponderance of wind/waves because of the mostly flat surrounding terrain and lake bottom set strong conditions for the formation of a cuspate sandspit like Rondeau. Rondeau is an excellent example of this and one of the most significant freshwater examples in the world."

For Bob Barnett: For someone who is just starting to consider a land trust, what is the most important advice you would give and what is the biggest mistake to avoid?

This question was answered live at The Peoples' Summit.  Click below to see Bob Barnetts's answer to this question.

For Julee Boan: What does ‘sitting on the books mean’?

This question was answered live at The Peoples' Summit.  Click below to see Julee Boan's answer to this question.

For Cheryl Clavet: How can the public help expose this bad business plan?

This question was answered live at The Peoples' Summit.  Click below to see Cheryl Clavet's answer to this question.

What is the Federal Government doing to enforce protection of rare species or species at risk, i.e. if municipalities are not protecting natural spaces where these species live, what is the Federal Government doing to ensure compliance?

Aviva Patel: "Federal SARA legislation is specific in that it only applies on federal lands (except for aquatic species and migratory birds).

34 (1) With respect to individuals of a listed wildlife species that is not an aquatic species or a species of birds that are migratory birds protected by the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, sections 32 and 33 do not apply in lands in a province that are not federal lands unless an order is made under subsection (2) to provide that they apply.

Federal enforcement jurisdiction is delegated to different ministries depending on the species. So aquatic species (e.g. sea otter, abalone) are enforced by Dept Fisheries and Oceans, terrestrial species e.g. ginseng on federal lands are handled by MECP.

What does seem to occur though, is that once identified by COSEWIC as SAR, those species present in Ontario are then considered by COSSARO and may be assigned SAR status under the Species at Risk in Ontario SARO. SARO applies to all lands in Ontario. I believe that COSSARO could choose to consider other species than those flagged by COSEWIC although having status under SARA seems to be the main mover for getting things protected under species at risk legislation in Ontario. Essentially, most (but not all) species that are federally listed on Schedule 1 of SARA and have habitat on non-federal lands in Ontario receive habitat protection under the Endangered Species Act or ESA.

This link provides more information: http://cossaroagency.ca/species/

What is the interaction that all of you are having with the provincial government and what is the result of that? Are you being listened to?

Aviva Patel: "Our organization generally has a very good working relationship with biologists and other technical staff at MNRF and MECP – particularly those staff assigned to our jurisdiction. Regarding interactions relating to the CA Act, conservation authorities were glad to be included as part of the working group on the proposed regulations, and are heartened to note that the working group was able to include watershed management into the mandate of conservation authorities. We are providing comments on the ERO as individual agencies and through Conservation Ontario."

Mary Delaney: "As this is federal land, there is very little municipal involvement, aside from essential infrastructure (roads, hydro, telecommunications), so the question doesn't really apply here. Similarly, because the Lands are federal jurisdiction within a municipality and region, we have few dealings of any kind with the provincial government. Certainly over the years we have reached out to all area MPPs to inform and educate about the Lands, but for the most part (especially under the current government) the response has been that as these are Federal, they are staying out of it. We always remind them that they are still prime Ontario farmlands and important watersheds and that, should the airport designation be lifted, they would certainly be included in the Greenbelt. Beyond that we work with and support, both directly and indirectly, efforts by those groups working to fight the environmental assaults by the Ford government."

 

What organization could we donate to, to plant trees in Toronto’s ravines?

This question was answered live at The Peoples' Summit.  Click below to see Kim Statham's answer to this question.

Day 2: June 16, 2021

Our scientists are calling this exceptional groundwater a Canadian treasure, so should I write to Minister John Wilkinson?

Wildlands League: "I would write to the Minister of Environment provincially and the Minister of Environment Federally."

Anthony and Franco, this forest is absolutely amazing. Do you have hope that Minister Wilkinson can hear your plea and act accordingly?

Anthony Merante: "I can say that Protecting Wolf Lake will be put forth to both Wilkinson (ECCC) and Puccini (MECP). Being surrounded by provincially protected areas and already researched and primed by provincial agencies, the ideal would be provincial protections but we are not limited to requesting only provincial protection. We’re open to federal protection or an opportunity for the feds and Ontario to come together on a protection piece.


Franco Mariotti
: "I support what Anthony has said. Also, the Save Wolf Lake Coalition will continue to raise awareness across the province about the significance of Wolf Lake. We need to keep Wolf lake not only in the public’s eye but also keep the politicians aware of its existence. Now more than ever since the Federal Gov’t is pushing for 30% of the landbase protected by 2030. So it is a unique opportunity to acknowledge lands that have already been identified! Earthroots, Wildlands League and Ontario Nature are and will be promoting the area as a place to protect."

How recently was this video made and where is the lake it mentioned?

Anthony Merante/Franco Mariotti: "The film was completed in 2017/18 and is as relevant now as ever. Wolf Lake is within the city limits of Greater Sudbury, just northeast of Lake Wahnapitae."

Everyone acknowledged their traditional territories but how are you engaging in Land Back for Indigenous Nations with your restive organizations and properties?

This question was answered partly live during the summit. Wildlands League does not get involved in land purchasing.

What kind of sandspit did Brad say Rondeau was most famous for in a country, and what kind of sandspit is that?

Bradley Fauteaux: "Rondeau is a cuspate sandspit. Cuspate sandspits are usually where you have an area of beach/shoreline that is reoriented into an elongated shape by the dominant wave and wind action of a waterbody. This elongated shape (like a mini peninsula) will then often result in an enclosed or semi-enclosed lagoon on the other side. Imagine Sand and Gravel pushed by wave action over millions of years gradually stretching out the landform into Lake Erie. Important to keep in mind that because of the shallowness of Lake Erie and the preponderance of wind/waves because of the mostly flat surrounding terrain and lake bottom set strong conditions for the formation of a cuspate sandspit like Rondeau. Rondeau is an excellent example of this and one of the most significant freshwater examples in the world."

For Bob Barnett: For someone who is just starting to consider a land trust, what is the most important advice you would give and what is the biggest mistake to avoid?

This question was answered live at The Peoples' Summit.  Click here to see Bob Barnetts's answer to this question.

For Julee Boan: What does ‘sitting on the books mean’?

This question was answered live at The Peoples' Summit.  Click here to see Julee Boan's answer to this question.

For Cheryl Clavet: How can the public help expose this bad business plan?

This question was answered live at The Peoples' Summit.  Click here to see Cheryl Clavet's answer to this question.

What is the Federal Government doing to enforce protection of rare species or species at risk, i.e. if municipalities are not protecting natural spaces where these species live, what is the Federal Government doing to ensure compliance?

Aviva Patel: "Federal SARA legislation is specific in that it only applies on federal lands (except for aquatic species and migratory birds).

34 (1) With respect to individuals of a listed wildlife species that is not an aquatic species or a species of birds that are migratory birds protected by the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, sections 32 and 33 do not apply in lands in a province that are not federal lands unless an order is made under subsection (2) to provide that they apply.

Federal enforcement jurisdiction is delegated to different ministries depending on the species. So aquatic species (e.g. sea otter, abalone) are enforced by Dept Fisheries and Oceans, terrestrial species e.g. ginseng on federal lands are handled by MECP.

What does seem to occur though, is that once identified by COSEWIC as SAR, those species present in Ontario are then considered by COSSARO and may be assigned SAR status under the Species at Risk in Ontario SARO. SARO applies to all lands in Ontario. I believe that COSSARO could choose to consider other species than those flagged by COSEWIC although having status under SARA seems to be the main mover for getting things protected under species at risk legislation in Ontario. Essentially, most (but not all) species that are federally listed on Schedule 1 of SARA and have habitat on non-federal lands in Ontario receive habitat protection under the Endangered Species Act or ESA.

This link provides more information: http://cossaroagency.ca/species/

What is the interaction that all of you are having with the provincial government and what is the result of that? Are you being listened to?

Aviva Patel: "Our organization generally has a very good working relationship with biologists and other technical staff at MNRF and MECP – particularly those staff assigned to our jurisdiction. Regarding interactions relating to the CA Act, conservation authorities were glad to be included as part of the working group on the proposed regulations, and are heartened to note that the working group was able to include watershed management into the mandate of conservation authorities. We are providing comments on the ERO as individual agencies and through Conservation Ontario."

Mary Delaney: "As this is federal land, there is very little municipal involvement, aside from essential infrastructure (roads, hydro, telecommunications), so the question doesn't really apply here. Similarly, because the Lands are federal jurisdiction within a municipality and region, we have few dealings of any kind with the provincial government. Certainly over the years we have reached out to all area MPPs to inform and educate about the Lands, but for the most part (especially under the current government) the response has been that as these are Federal, they are staying out of it. We always remind them that they are still prime Ontario farmlands and important watersheds and that, should the airport designation be lifted, they would certainly be included in the Greenbelt. Beyond that we work with and support, both directly and indirectly, efforts by those groups working to fight the environmental assaults by the Ford government."

 

What organization could we donate to, to plant trees in Toronto’s ravines?

This question was answered live at The Peoples' Summit.  Click here to see Kim Statham's answer to this question.

Day 3: June 17, 2021

Do the Chippewas of the Thames consider their protected area an IPCA?

Annabelle Laurin: "It’s an interesting question but I’d say no, we don’t. While yes, it is a protected and conserved area and we are an Indigenous community, the lands which were protected are within our reserve lands. We would love the opportunity for collaboration with partners such as the Crown to implement IPCA’s within our Traditional Territory however we’re aware of the challenges this poses given we’re located in a heavily privatized landscape with minimal Crown land. We protected the lands in Chippewa because we know we have responsibility to the lands and waters within our territory and our reserve lands are where we can the most readily implement conservation and protection under our own terms. The community is supportive of environmental protection and for us, protecting the environment is part of our traditional ways of knowing. It’s something we’ve been doing since time immemorial and will continue to do in the future regardless of government support."

Does a withdrawl protect from clear cutting?

Chief Duncan Michano: "Those withdrawls are primarily to protect the waterways from logging and mining. So the answer is yes. No logging whatsoever." 

Wildlands League: "Thank you for the comment. We are sensitive to the use of Crown Land at Wildlands League and prefer to say shared lands. That being said, the province still uses the term widely. You raise a good point worthy of future discussion."

I loved hearing about the healing place! How does one visit the healing place? Or how does one contribtue to the project or future projects?

Chris Craig & Abraham Francis: "I hope this message finds you and all your loved ones in good health and spirits. I am so glad you enjoyed hearing about “The Healing Place”, and it was a pleasure to do the presentation in the Peoples Summit. The easiest way to find out more is to send us an email and we would gladly talk more to any one or group who would like to find out more about the Healing Place. We are hoping to get a dedicate web site for the Healing Place in the near future."

For Tamara Stomp: What do you think about making the NMCA bigger and perhaps include those important more in lands if possible?

Tamara Stomp: "I think making the NMCA bigger and including the “feeder” lands that drain into it is a great idea -- if possible. So I shall look into that. I mentioned that I had been able to listen in to the Mushkegwuk Nation presentation on the first day of the Summit and was fascinated to hear what they are doing and how they have connected the dots. They pointed out that keeping the waters of Hudson and James Bay clean starts at their headwaters which are inland. I think the same applies to the Western Lake Erie Basin. This is definitely something to pursue."

Has anyone recently studied the economic impact of eliminating logging in Algonquin?

This question was answered live at The Peoples' Summit.  Click below to see the answer to this question.

For Katie Krelove: Your comment on logging is exempt from ESA may be true but is it not true that all of the SFLs operating in the park FSC certified companies?

This question was answered live at The Peoples' Summit.  Click below to see Katie Krelove's answer to this question.

For Dr. Peter Quinby: In terms of the two areas you looked at (Algonquin and the Nipissing/Georgian Bay area) was there a difference in the topography / elevation / geological formation and was this considered when calculating the percent of roadless areas for both areas?

This question was answered live at The Peoples' Summit.  Click below to see Dr. Peter Quinby's answer to this question.

If there was a removal of road use, do you also propose to stop maintaining back country camping?

This question was answered live at The Peoples' Summit.  Click below to see the answer to this question.

How much of Algonquin is ‘old growth forest’?

This question was answered live at The Peoples' Summit.  Click below to see Dr. Peter Quinby's answer to this question.

For Candice Vetter: Who isn’t selling to you? (Re: Russel Quarry)

Candice Vetter: "Thank you. Last time I checked the property was owned by the Capital Region Resource Recovery Centre, due to a name change from 2122063 Ontario Inc. The numbered company and the CRRRC are a consortium created specifically for the Taggart Miller Landfill project that was originally proposed for that lake. The consortium is made up of some Taggart family companies (the Taggart Group), who are some of the largest developers in Ottawa, and the Miller Group, which is best known as Miller Waste in Markham. The person who has been contacted is Michelle Taggart and she has stated several times that the property is not for sale. She has been asked by SNC, Township of Russell, Kin Club of Russell, CPAWS-OV and by a neighbouring farmer, that we know of. Thanks very much for the question. Best to everyone and thanks for the conference."

In light of heavy development happening in the rural and lake districts, I understand that townships are requiring any new builds to be a minimum (large) square footage. Is there any way to change this so that people might build smaller homes/cottages?

This question was answered live at The Peoples' Summit.  Click below to see the answer to this question.

Day 3: June 17, 2021

Do the Chippewas of the Thames consider their protected area an IPCA?

Annabelle Laurin: "It’s an interesting question but I’d say no, we don’t. While yes, it is a protected and conserved area and we are an Indigenous community, the lands which were protected are within our reserve lands. We would love the opportunity for collaboration with partners such as the Crown to implement IPCA’s within our Traditional Territory however we’re aware of the challenges this poses given we’re located in a heavily privatized landscape with minimal Crown land. We protected the lands in Chippewa because we know we have responsibility to the lands and waters within our territory and our reserve lands are where we can the most readily implement conservation and protection under our own terms. The community is supportive of environmental protection and for us, protecting the environment is part of our traditional ways of knowing. It’s something we’ve been doing since time immemorial and will continue to do in the future regardless of government support."

Does a withdrawl protect from clear cutting?

Chief Duncan Michano: "Those withdrawls are primarily to protect the waterways from logging and mining. So the answer is yes. No logging whatsoever." 

Wildlands League: "Thank you for the comment. We are sensitive to the use of Crown Land at Wildlands League and prefer to say shared lands. That being said, the province still uses the term widely. You raise a good point worthy of future discussion."

I loved hearing about the healing place! How does one visit the healing place? Or how does one contribtue to the project or future projects?

Chris Craig & Abraham Francis: "I hope this message finds you and all your loved ones in good health and spirits. I am so glad you enjoyed hearing about “The Healing Place”, and it was a pleasure to do the presentation in the Peoples Summit. The easiest way to find out more is to send us an email and we would gladly talk more to any one or group who would like to find out more about the Healing Place. We are hoping to get a dedicate web site for the Healing Place in the near future."

For Tamara Stomp: What do you think about making the NMCA bigger and perhaps include those important more in lands if possible?

Tamara Stomp: "I think making the NMCA bigger and including the “feeder” lands that drain into it is a great idea -- if possible. So I shall look into that. I mentioned that I had been able to listen in to the Mushkegwuk Nation presentation on the first day of the Summit and was fascinated to hear what they are doing and how they have connected the dots. They pointed out that keeping the waters of Hudson and James Bay clean starts at their headwaters which are inland. I think the same applies to the Western Lake Erie Basin. This is definitely something to pursue."

Has anyone recently studied the economic impact of eliminating logging in Algonquin?

This question was answered live at The Peoples' Summit.  Click here to see the answer to this question.

For Katie Krelove: Your comment on logging is exempt from ESA may be true but is it not true that all of the SFLs operating in the park FSC certified companies?

This question was answered live at The Peoples' Summit.  Click here to see Katie Krelove's answer to this question.

For Dr. Peter Quinby: In terms of the two areas you looked at (Algonquin and the Nipissing/Georgian Bay area) was there a difference in the topography / elevation / geological formation and was this considered when calculating the percent of roadless areas for both areas?

This question was answered live at The Peoples' Summit.  Click here to see Dr. Peter Quinby's answer to this question.

If there was a removal of road use, do you also propose to stop maintaining back country camping?

This question was answered live at The Peoples' Summit.  Click here to see the answer to this question.

How much of Algonquin is ‘old growth forest’?

This question was answered live at The Peoples' Summit.  Click here to see Dr. Peter Quinby's answer to this question.

For Candice Vetter: Who isn’t selling to you? (Re: Russel Quarry)

Candice Vetter: "Thank you. Last time I checked the property was owned by the Capital Region Resource Recovery Centre, due to a name change from 2122063 Ontario Inc. The numbered company and the CRRRC are a consortium created specifically for the Taggart Miller Landfill project that was originally proposed for that lake. The consortium is made up of some Taggart family companies (the Taggart Group), who are some of the largest developers in Ottawa, and the Miller Group, which is best known as Miller Waste in Markham. The person who has been contacted is Michelle Taggart and she has stated several times that the property is not for sale. She has been asked by SNC, Township of Russell, Kin Club of Russell, CPAWS-OV and by a neighbouring farmer, that we know of. Thanks very much for the question. Best to everyone and thanks for the conference."

In light of heavy development happening in the rural and lake districts, I understand that townships are requiring any new builds to be a minimum (large) square footage. Is there any way to change this so that people might build smaller homes / cottages?

This question was answered live at The Peoples' Summit.  Click here to see the answer to this question.