The Brampton Environmental Alliance hosted its annual member meeting this past Wednesday March 19th at Greenbrier Recreation Centre. Thirty-one people, listened to the keynote address by Dr. Franz Hartmann, coordinator with the Alliance for a Livable Ontario, (ALO).
Dr. Hartmann, who is the past Executive Director of the Toronto Environmental Alliance, and past Chair of the Ontario Greenbelt Alliance, spoke about the ALO’s “five-ways-home” strategy to address the Province’s housing affordability crisis, while protecting Greenbelt and other environmentally sensitive lands. Franz encouraged the audience to speak out about the need for affordable housing and livable communities through networks, social media and to elected leaders.
Dr. Hartmann’s presentation was followed by a 20-minute snacks and network session. After the break, BEA President, David Laing, started the formal meeting by introducing the current Board members and thanking them for their service. Rajbalinder Ghatoura, moved to accept the minutes of last year’s AGM, seconded by Steve Papagiannis. Motion carried.
David then recognized the attendance of Nikki Cedrone, who is the Case Manager in the Office of MPP Graham McGregor. MPP McGregor was recently appointed by Premier Ford to the position of Minister of Citizenship and Culture. David indicated that Minister McGregor has always been open to respectful discussion and debate, even where government policies appear to be at odds with environmental sustainability. Last year, Minister McGregor secured $2.5M in funding for the Loafer`s Lake wetland restoration project that extends up the Etobicoke Creek valley north to Mayfield. This will help mitigate flooding in downtown Brampton while creating habitat for pollinators, turtles and other animals.
David then spoke about some of the challenges the BEA and the environmental movement in general, have experienced over the past year. Despite setbacks at the local and Provincial level on environmental issues, David encouraged attendees to:
- be grateful for what we have, including a functioning democracy that conforms to the rule of law,
- have empathy for those people and animals who are suffering as a result of environmental issues like pollution, floods, fires and habitat loss,
- avoid hopelessness and complacency
- take action on those things that we can control, like who we vote for, what we buy, and who we buy from,
- donate our time and or money to organizations and causes that we are passionate about.
David then opened the floor to Board nominations. After nominations closed, Dayle Laing moved, seconded by Rajbalinder Ghatoura, to accept a slate of 12 Board members to a one-year term, two new and 10 as reappointments. Also, to accept up to three additional members from attendees who had self nominated conditional on receiving further details about board responsibilities. Motion carried. David then recognized Stacey Wilson, a founding member of the BEA, who is retiring after four years being a BEA Board member. The BEA made a $50 donation to the Nature Conservancy of Canada in Stacey’s honour.
David then presented the Treasurer’s Report on behalf of Harry Bridgemohan, who couldn’t attend due to illness. David explained that the BEA income of $8,648 came primarily from grants, particularly the Ontario Seniors’ Community Grant, with a small amount coming from donations and membership dues. Expenditures totaling $20,104 were primarily from expenses related to the Rooted in Hope Project plus a small amount for insurance premiums. Closing balance for the year is $9, 624.
The formal meeting was adjourned at 8:26pm, followed by a workshop on Environmental Citizenship run by Pauline Thornham and Stacey Wilson. A workshop summary with BEA 2025 priorities will be published soon. The meeting wrapped up at 9:10pm.
