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!
- Adopt a Tree – Thank You!Thank you to everyone who applied to adopt one of our fruit trees/shrubs this year through Adopt a Tree. Please join us in congratulating: Heather who adopted Fergie the Fig Tree; Sarah who adopted Rakash the Almond tree; Marie who adopted Mirtilo the blueberry bush; and Ashley who adopted Betty the yellow birch! Congratulations to
- National Tree Day Coloring Contest Winner – Gagnant du concour de coloriage sur la Journée nationale de l’arbreMon arbre préféré c’est… Félicitations à Owen qui a gagné le panier-cadeau thème sur le thème de la rentrée scolaire valeur de 50$ de Métro pour sa participation dans le Concours de coloriage pour la Journée nationale de l’arbre. On a reçu 141 soumissions! J’aimerais remercier le personnel de Métro et leur gestionnaire Sara, pour le
- Blackburn Hamlet Tick TalkPublished in The BANAR, August 2023 On July 9, several community leaders and residents attended a focus group on ticks and Lyme Disease, the purpose of which was to: learn more about ticks and Lyme Disease, share experiences, learn ways to help mitigate risks in Blackburn Hamlet, and start developing a plan. A big thank
- National Tree Day Colouring ContestBlackburn Hamlet National Tree Day colouring contest open to residents of Blackburn Hamlet only. Colour in the entry form below with an image answering the question. One (1) random draw of one (1) back-to-school-themed gift basket by Metro with approximate retail value of $50. Chances of winning the prize depend on the total number of
- Ticks & Lyme Disease Focus GroupLooking for 10-12 individuals who live, work or play in Blackburn Hamlet to participate in a Focus Group with the University of Montreal. What: Blackburn Hamlet has been invited by the University of Montreal to participate in a focus group on Lyme disease. As part of this project, we are recruiting individuals (citizens, scientists, administrators,
- Spring Community Closet a success!Sarah Morgan-White BCA Environment Director We held our second Community Closet on April 15. It was again an overwhelming success. We had over 350 attendees at the community closet, and so many volunteers! This event would not have been possible without the help of Jenny, Angie and Robyn who were instrumental in organizing the event, washing