A "how to" for clean air

In the March edition of Municipal World there is an article on a new online tool to help municipalities adopt clean air policies and practices. The Clean Air Kit was developed as a collaborative project among BC Transit, BC Ministry of the Environment, and Environment Canada. Essentially it is a step-by-step guide to assist local governments to start a clean air program and though it was developed in British Columbia it can be easily adapted to any municipality.

The kit contains sections on the issues around government jurisdictions, available funding, and transit-friendly planning. There is quite a large section on ways to reduce engine emissions including a great guide to creating a anti-idling campaign. There's even a section on how to 'green' your events and meeting through more environmental practices. It's a great package and well worth a look.

While municipalities in NL deal with long term viability issues it does not mean that we can ignore the responsibility to develop policies and practices that are environmentally friendly. We can be thankful that on some issues others who have the capacity have taken some of the first steps. It is our obligation to follow their lead and take advantage of every opportunity to ensure that the Newfoundland and Labrador of our grandchildren's generation is just a beautiful and pristine as it is in our generation. One way to work toward that goal is to check out The Clean Air Kit and implement clean air policies.

Great Success

The recent meeting of the Combined Councils of Labrador was so successful that it deserves a second posting! The LADR portion of the weekend was very well received even though there were issues with a lack of speakers due to the weather. Attendees were actively involved in discussions around building the economic development capacity of municipalities and how long term sustainability is the goal for all small towns. The initial plan for MNL staff was to head back to St. John's after the workshop was completed but as usual mother nature had different plans and some of us were destined to attend the entire CCL AGM. This was indeed a good news story for those of us who would have otherwise missed a great AGM.

Seeing first hand how a regionally focused Joint Council deals with truly regional issues was worth the trip. It is certainly an eye opener to hear some of the more remote communities talk about issues around transportation, fuel costs, mail delivery and the cost of everyday products. These on the ground issues are of vital importance for the people on the North Coast of Labrador. The CCL provides a common voice for all of Labrador and despite the fact that weather prevented both provincial and federal ministers from attending it was a great event. It is also worth noting that money was raised over the three days to help multiple causes in the Port Hope Simpson area.

Keep up the good work CCL!

CCL, LADR and CCRC

This weekend marks an interesting event: the annual Combined Councils of Labrador meeting. This year the event is being held in Port Hope Simpson and MNL is tagging on a LADR workshop for the attendees. As is becoming usual for these events the CCRC is hosting a panel on cooperation and economic development as one of the sessions.

Each LADR workshop is designed to address specific concerns of the region it is based in and the South coast of Labrador is no exception. There will be a session on small towns and gas tax funding, general economic development and cooperation options.

It is quite appropriate that the CCRC be presenting since the CCL is one of the oldest and geographically largest cooperative effort in the province. No doubt the LADR workshop and the CCL AGM will continue the development of communities throughout Labrador.