The Environment Committee champions issues affecting our greenspace and community. It supports the BCA in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities on environmental matters by providing a local perspective and leading initiatives on:
- Health, protection, and a safe enjoyment of the natural environment;
- Beautification of our community;
- Prosperity and proliferation of trees and the tree canopy;
- Management of invasive species;
- Awareness around air quality;
- Local actions that focus on climate change and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions; and
- Promotion of environmental awareness and providing opportunities for community participation in environmentally-related activities.
The Environment Committee leads initiatives related to the beautification of our wonderful community with the goal to enhance the liveability of our neighbourhood. Initiatives include the Community Clean-Up, information sharing on environment-related topics, Garage Sale and Recycling events, and the implementation of volunteer gardens. Two sub-committees work closely with the Environment Committee – the Tree Team and the Climate Change Team.
The BCA Tree Team does important work maintaining and enhancing the tree canopy in Blackburn Hamlet. The Tree Team welcomes everyone and is a place that brings together individuals committed to protecting Blackburn Hamlet’s natural environment, and increasing tree canopy and greenspace. The team is happy to collaborate with the CAFES Neighbourhood Canopy Regeneration Project in conjunction with Ecology Ottawa. Visit our Tree Team Page for more information and if you are interested in volunteering with the Tree Team contact treeteam@blackburnhamlet.ca.
Visit our LDD (Spongy Moth page if you are concerned about infestations in Blackburn Hamlet.
The Climate Change Team’s goal is to information, bring people together, and facilitate community initiatives related to air quality and climate change mitigation and adaptation. Anyone interested in or with ideas about air quality and climate change (for instance, low-carbon resilient buildings) is encouraged to get in touch at climate@blackburnhamlet.ca.
If you are interested in planning an environment related initiative, please contact enviro@blackburnhamlet.ca and be part of our environment team! We would love to hear your ideas!
- Another successful Community Closet
Published in The BANAR November 2024 On October 19, about 170 kids and adults dropped into the Blackburn Community Hall for our Kids & Costumes Community Closet pop-up event! There were hundreds of items of clothes, from the tiniest baby onesies to costumes and outerwear for teenagers – all kindly donated by members of our - Community Closet Pop-Up: kids and costumes event!
Published in The BANAR September 2024 Our next Community Closet event will provide FREE access to donations of children’s clothing and Halloween costumes. Date: October 19, 2024 10 to 11 am: BCA members 11 am to 3 pm: everyone Early admission will be given to those with active BCA memberships. Do you have clothing or - Big Backyard BioBlitz
Calling all Blackburn Hamlet residents! Join us in the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s 4th annual Big Backyard BioBlitz from August 1-5. Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or a curious beginner, this is your chance to explore and document the amazing biodiversity right in our own community. With just a smartphone, tablet, or digital camera, you - Community Closet Pop-Up Postponed
Please note that the Community Closet Pop-up for Childrens Clothing has been postponed until OCTOBER 19, 2024. Updates will be posted on the BCA website and our Facebook group when they are available. - Neighbourwoods Seeking Volunteers
The Blackburn Neighbourwoods Program is launching its 3rd season. Volunteers will be trained to take inventory of the trees on private property in Blackburn Hamlet. Our next training session with Dr. Andrew Kenny will be May 25 and 26 at the Blackburn Community Centre from 9am to 4pm. Everyone is welcome, even if you can - Annual Spring Cleanup
The annual Spring Cleanup is almost here! Each year as the weather warms up, we gather as a community to clean up our public spaces and ready them for another enjoyable season of outdoor activities. Join us as a volunteer for this year’s Cleanup! Upon arrival at the Community Hall each volunteer will be given