Summer summits, courses and songs of the month

Summer is the time for folks to get together. Picnic, bbqs and patios.
In August, Toronto will host it’s very first Urban Agriculture summit. This is for everyone. Developers, educators, community groups, you name it, who want new tools to new tools to advance urban agriculture in their own communities.

-If you are abroad and cannot make it to Toronto, check out a
permaculture course in Poland during the same week.

-In British Columbia a religious group is working with young urban farmers to make almost three acres of land productive again.

-And we're halfway through April, I had better get these songs of the month up before the month is up. Let's choose some slower songs, so we get a chance to slow down and enjoy the month!

Amalia Rodrigues - Abril en Portugal
Rufus Wainwright w/ Martha Wainwright - April Fools
Billie Holiday - April in Paris
Cal Tjader - I remember April

Toronto's planning & growth management committee reconvenes April 19 to discuss green roofs

One week until the big green roof showdown.

Naturally if you're reading this blog you are a fan of green infrastructure. If you want to dazzle your friends with your vast knowledge on all things green, late last month Green Infrastructure Ontario, a consortium of diverse stakeholders across Ontario, the "We Don't Have a Nickname province, jointly released this report.

For the green infrastructure mega fans, there's one week left to reach out to your favorite city councillor on the planning & growth management committee to make your voices heard. I'm sure one or all of the committee members would love to hear from you, you true citizen you.

City of Toronto Planning and Growth Committee debates green roof bylaw tomorrow!

Late word that tomorrow, Thursday March 22, Toronto’s City Council will be discussingwhether or not to allow Public and Catholic Schools in Toronto to be exempted from the Green Roof Bylaw.

Some quick background. The Bylaw requires the building of green roofs on new buildings and has a cash-in-lieu provision which requires funds to be made available to the City’s Eco-Roof Program to help finance green roofs on existing buildings when green roofs are not included.
The Catholic School Board, in the midst expansion and the erection of several new buildings, wants white roofs instead of green roofs. Apparently, earlier this year, the industrial sector lobbied for this exemption and got it...that was news to me, I thought the decision was just delayed. The Chief Planner is all for a similar exemption for institutional buildings. We’ll see what happens. Critics say that the green roof bylaw is too expensive. Advocates say it has too many benefits to ignore and that it makes no sense to weaken the law.

For those interested, head to Committee Room #1 at City Hall tomorrow at 9:30 am. For those who cannot attend, I’ll be your fly on the wall...er, floor. I’ll do my best to be impartial, but, heck, I love green roofs. Let’s see how I do at playing journalist.

Stay tuned...

Pick the top Public Spaces in the US and Canada by October 21

-Planetizen and Project for Public Spaces want to know the best public spaces in the US and Canada. Let them know what you think! Of course, the High Line has to be up there on the list. (Get the green roof pun? Don't groan.) Another green roof, perhaps a dark horse candidate, is this one at Fletcher Allen Health Care. A late, but very deserving candidate is Sherbourne Commons. Toronto's latest attraction, if you haven't been yet get going.

-And in honor of today, the 21st day of September, a little music!

A community cannery guidebook

Slowly, but surely the numbers of folks reading the blog is increasing. Is it the writing or the weather? Either way, it sounds good to me.

-Toronto's West End Food Co-op released a community cannery guidebook, Canada's first and when I get my hands on it, I'll let you know if it's the best as well.

-Also out last week was a report which illuminates the canyon between rules and reality for farm workers in the USA. That children as young as 12 are legally allowed to farm, although it's one of the most dangerous occupations!

A quick continental farming roundup...if you're in Buffalo 2 hours a week gets you free vegetables at Coldspringfarm. In Vancouver you'll need to join a waiting list, unless a garden comes with your condo unit. In Toronto I've been made aware that shares are available at a newish CSA called Plowshare Farm. Those in Guelph and Orangeville can join in the fun!

First project of the year, not a green roof, green wall but...

This space could look radically different very soon.



Ahh..cliffhangers. How can you not love them? As many of you know if there's an opportunity to green verticiel is up for it in any capacity, be it green roofs, green walls or permaculture inspired gardens. It looks like the first project which we're involved in this year will be with Seneca College in Toronto as students turn underutilized space on the campus into a school garden where folks can get grubby and grow some grub.

If you're a Seneca student at the Newnham Campus (or any Seneca student for that matter) and are interested in learning more, give us a call pronto! Stay tuned for further details about the project!

Green roofs - the blooper file

It's never good when something goes wrong in the living architecture field. In an industry still on the rise, any green roofs or green walls problems can affect everyone in the industry.

So I was a bit dismayed to read two potentially damaging articles in one day.

-In Toronto the auditor general reports that several city grants, including one for green roofs, has lacked oversight...big time. One project which received $135,000 went without a report for almost a year. Aye folks!!!

-In Chicago a portion of a green roof just flat out collapsed, luckily there are no reports of injury. Some people are blaming the collapse on ice and/or snow, but people remember headlines no matter how many experts say this was probably not linked to the green roof. Hopefully there will be some details on what actually happened soon to assuage any concerns.

-And one piece of permaculture news. From March 12- March 20, 2011 there's a permaculture design course at the
WOOLMAN/SIERRA FRIENDS CENTER in Nevada City, CA.

New Jersey next on the green roof leg. list? + Wikileaks clears up peak oil picture

More on the LEED AP lawsuit.

-Score one for those who say that oil reserves are overstated, Wikileaks confirms that and leaves me wondering what else is in those wikileaks. Oh yeah, and, what else is in those cables?

-Food czars, responsible for addressing obesity, hunger and food deserts, can now be found in five American cities. Am I the only one uncomfortable with the word "czar"?

The latest Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development will be out soon. "This issue’s papers offer a smorgasbord of views on food production in a wide range of urban environments" including features on cities including Detroit, Flint, Toronto, Vancouver, Havana and Lima!

-Meanwhile in Brazil, we've got kids leading the way in developing green technologies, including green roofs and rainwater harvesting.

-Last but not least, New Jersey's assembly Environment committee approved green and blue roof legislation. It has not yet been introduced in the Senate yet, but tap of the cap goes to NJ.

John McCain, come pick up your drawing and Toronto delays green roofs on industrial buildings

When Toronto became the first North American city to embrace a green roof bylaw, it was big, big news. Hundreds of media outlets went gaga over Mayor David Miller's big green steps. But Toronto took a step back last week when city staff recommended delaying the requirement that industrial buildings incorporate vegetated roofs (aka green roofs, living roofs or ecoroofs) until April 30, 2012, instead of January 31, 2011.
The reason, further consultation is needed. Admittedly, this phrase "further consultation" may rankle me a bit because John McCain uses it more than the word "maverick". When he says "consultation", it's to delay the inevitable, hoping that which he detests will be delayed until the end of the time. Toronto had already made incredible concessions when consulting with developers a few years back....all that was required on industrial buildings was to green 10% of their roof.
I really, really hope Toronto's developers are not following McCain's lead, we need developers to step up and say "Hey, we've had 2 years to work on this and here are some alternatives which we like better and may be better for us all in the long run. We're committed to Toronto and are up for doing our part to help the environment." Besides, folks, I can show you how to save...maybe even MAKE money, from installing a green roof. Call me, we can talk.

A colleague of mine said "how many buildings does this really effect anyway?" I get her point. Not too many industrial buildings sprouting up in Toronto these days or anytime in the near future. Is this City Hall's way of placating developers, throwing them something inconsequential or the first step in industry's attempt to roll back the bylaw?
Stay tuned...

A few more things and it's time for bed.

-If you're in the UK and looking for to join the permaculture movement lickety-split, you're in luck.

-Urban Omnibus has a word, or ten thousand with Nevin Cohen about Five Borough Farm.

-Will 2011 be the year for deconstruction?

-And lastly if you're looking for a job in sustainable food, Sustainable Food Jobs' blog is the way to go.

[By the way, John McCain, if you're reading this, no hard feelings. If you ever return to being that bipartisan maverick so many Americans loved, swing by and I'll pull some strings to get you this!]

Living Architecture wish list for 2010

There are a few things I hope:

-That Detroit officials, make like Seattle, and seize the opportunities that have been handed them.

-Speaking of Seattle, it was great that 2010 was the year of urban agriculture. C'mon Seattle, make this the DECADE of Urban Agriculture!

-The new mayor of Toronto, Rob Ford, wears green with pride this holiday season, in 2011 and beyond. This includes, first and foremost, keeping the Green Roof Bylaw, a truly progressive and groundbreaking piece of legislation on the books. Some developers have threatened going elsewhere because of the bylaw, but really, how many of them will not cash in on the condo craze in Toronto and, in the worst case scenario, choose the cash-in-lieu of option. Some protested that the bylaw was too weak, now with a change in administration it looks like it could be viewed as good politics. I believe that Toronto is unique in it's collective commitment to the environment and the bylaw and other incentives definitely helps Toronto differentiate itself from other municipalities in North America.

Job alert: Consultant Health Promotion for the City of Toronto

Toronto is Canada's largest city with a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. It is Canada's economic engine and one of the greenest and most creative cities in North America. Toronto's government is dedicated to prosperity, opportunity and liveability. Join the award winning Toronto Public Service as a Consultant Health Promotion.

Consultant Health Promotion
File Reference #: X10CSA20318

Major Responsibilities:
Reporting to the Acting Manager of the Toronto Food Strategy, the Consultant Health Promotion works closely with the co-chairs of the Toronto Food Policy Council. The Consultant Health Promotion supports the day-to-day work of the Council and contributes to the development and implementation of the Toronto Food Strategy. The Consultant Health Promotion also identifies food system issues and trends, analyzes food policy and identifies opportunities for Toronto Food Policy Council involvement, policy research and action. Identifies and facilitates collaboration and dialogue with food system stakeholders including farmers, food industry, environmental and public health practitioner and researchers, charitable foundations and policy-makers. Contributes to relevant Toronto Public Health programs, service planning and overall strategic directions.
Provides expert advice and consultation to Toronto Public Health staff, the Board of Health, external groups and the general public on food system and health issues
Assesses community needs and analyzes information with respect to the interface between the Toronto Food Policy Council, Toronto Public Health and City Government regarding food systems issues
Develops, plans, implements and evaluates community-based initiatives by applying health promotion strategies such as community mobilization, advocacy, healthy public policy, social determinants of health and health education
Facilitates the work of the Council by applying community development strategies to resolve complex and sometimes competing priorities, develops collaborative working relationships, engages new audiences, builds on the Council’s strategic planning process, and supports the Council’s ongoing operations and governance at and between meetings
Collaborates with Public Health and other city staff in planning for food-related policies, programs and issues
Analyzes information and provides advice to staff in the review and analysis of programs, projects and new priorities in setting goals and objectives. Drafts and revises related program plans, policies and procedures
Promotes the implementation of municipal, provincial and federal legislation and strategies
Develops public health issues-related policy recommendations for consideration at the municipal, provincial and federal levels
Writes and speaks effectively and represents the Council to the public, community, media, and academia.
Liaises with external groups and stakeholders. Responds to requests from the media and community
Plans, develops, implements, coordinates and evaluates programs and services as directed, e.g. community forum workshops, press conferences, in-house newsletters, media campaigns, annual reports, Board of Health reports, press releases
Researches and writes position papers, reports and correspondence
Collaborates on applied public health research and field study
Attends workshops, conferences, seminars to advance food systems work
Key Qualifications:
Master’s degree preparation in Health, Social Sciences or Environmental Sciences or related area or equivalent combination of a baccalaureate degree with experience.
Demonstrated experience with food policy, food security and food system issues.
Extensive experience in community development and capacity building, public education and advocacy, including the ability to engage a wide variety of stakeholders including farmers, food activists, food industry, diverse communities and politicians.
Experience in facilitation of complex community groups, team building and conflict management.
Experience in project management, policy research and analysis, planning and advocacy.
Strong communication skills, written and verbal
Ability to work at a leadership level with city divisions and external organizations dealing with food system issues.
Ability to work with food experts and others to design innovative food policies, programs, training and education.
Ability to work flexible hours, which may include overtime, shift work, evenings and weekends.
Ability to attend meetings in all areas of Toronto and occasionally outside the GTA.
Proficiency with MS Office, including Word and PowerPoint.
Knowledge and ability to apply the determinants of health, access and equity principles.
Ability to work cooperatively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Ability to work effectively within a municipal government context.

This opportunity is intended for external applicants only. Employees must apply through the Internal Job Posting Board on the City's Intranet within the internal job posting closing date.
To apply for this position, please visit our website at www.toronto.ca/employment and apply directly on line.

Applications must be received by September 13, 2010.
Salary: $40.46 - $44.33 per hour

Please note that applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

Committed to employment equity, the City of Toronto encourages applications from Aboriginal peoples, people with disabilities, members of visible minority groups and women.

Accommodation will be provided in all parts of the hiring process as required under the City of Toronto's Employment Accommodation policy. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance.

We thank all applicants and advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The City's Corporate Access & Privacy Office advises that sending personal information by fax may not be a secure means of transmission.
© Copyright 2010 City of Toronto