I have just returned from AMO (Association of Municipalities of Ontario) annual convention. As I expected and hoped it was a good opportunity to meet others representing the interests of constituents to the best of their abilities and providing leadership for the development of their communities. What I had not anticipated was the exhibitors and the opportunity to learn.
Wellington County was there rightfully showcasing their Green Legacy Programme—the largest municipal tree planting programme in North America; in 2010 it was recognized by the United Nations under the Billion Tree Campaign for its significant environmental contribution. They have planted more than one million trees. And, the supply chain for their trees is vertically integrated back to the seeds! Seeds are planted in kindergarten to grade 3; grades 4-6 transplant in the nurseries; grades 7+ plant the trees. What an excellent initiative!
The Ontario Tire Stewardship program is making good headway in eliminating the eyesore of abandoned old tires in ditches and fields. And very importantly there is exciting progress on the rubber recycle market. I was intrigued with a new product offering an alternative to traditional mulch on trails. Its features include longevity and no leeching; it’s safe for animals whereas virgin rubber is not. Given the kms and kms of trails we are going to have once the new subdivisions are completed we need to conduct a pilot to understand the opportunities for reducing ongoing maintenance cost. It’s also important to do this as a robust markets for rubber is required if we are going to keep them out of landfills..and our ditches.
Like many I am very distressed about the proposed mega quarry in Melanchthon Township. So, I must admit that when I first saw the exhibition booth of the Ontario Stone, Sand & Gravel Association I wanted to scream and run; instead, I decided to find out what their point of view is. First, they were defensive and asked me whether I thought an additional quarry in the Escarpment was a better choice. Then we started a more productive discussion about why so much aggregate is demanded; specifically 14 tonnes/Ontarian/yr!! Nearly 60% is for roads. Surely this is another reason to challenge the propensity to solve traffic problems with new highways. And it is a reason for aggressively looking at innovations which use less aggregate. To increase your understanding of the demand side of the equation read here.
If you have tried to put styrofoam in your blue box you have learned that you can’t because of no recycle market. At AMO I learned about RePlay, a maintenance option for preserving asphalt; it is made from recycled styrofoam and soybean. As we want to reduce our contribution to landfill this could be an interesting product on two fronts: build a market for reused styrofoam and reduce oil use as the more traditional product is oil based. Are we using it in our maintenance program? To be followed up.
In summary, some good ideas as we work towards being sustainable.
Hi Debbie,
I read with interest some of the ideas you came across at the AMO exhibits.
What a wonderful program Wellington County has going with the Green Legacy Programme. Involving students at various ages is a great idea.
I question the use of “styrofoam” in a road treatment. I understand that small pieces of foam can last indefinitely in the environment and will not break down. To spread a product with foam on roads may distribute foam far and wide. I am open to learn more.
I’m also questioning the idea of spreading a product made from used rubber tires on trails. Are there not other materials used in tires? Perhaps there are toxic residues or these other materials may not break down over a long time. Again, I’m certainly open to learning more.
Thanks for looking into a variety of ideas that may be applicable to King and for keeping us posted.
All the best, Bruce Craig
Hi Bruce….I have similar questions as you have voiced about the alternative products I commented on. I think that the attitude of being open to investigate is the right one. Every product (including the current ones in use) have pluses and minuses..we need to find out which is “best.” I recognize that “best” is not absolute. But that shouldn’t stop us from checking it out.
I just love the tree program in Wellington County and kudos to you for not shying away from speaking to The Ontario Sand and Gravel Association.
Thanks for your report on AMO.
Especially impressed with the Wellington County tree program.
Also impressed that there may be a use for old rubber tires.
Its relatively easy for all of us to take “stuff” to recycle centres and depots and its really easy to put things into the blue boxes. I do believe we all need to participate in ensuring that there are viable markets for the recycling of it. There is a place for rubber wood chips!
Thanks for letting me know about the AMO and Its great to here that It was the largest municipal tree planting programme in North America … That article is a treat to read.
Its ironic that you would be commenting on a post about my experience at AMO (Association of Municipalities of Ontario) conference in 2011 as next week I am going to the 2015 conference. I am looking forward to it as I have found the sessions to be of relevance and informative other years. (In addition to 2011 I have attended in 2012 and 2013.)