It's "Open Season" for Boulevard Gardening in Vancouver

This is our boulevard garden. We didn't ask for permission when we planted it because the city doesn't require it.

Most people don't know this, but anyone can plant a boulevard garden in Vancouver, as long as you follow the city's guidelines.

As an apartment-dweller, I went out of my way to find a piece of boulevard not adjacent to someone else's house, and found this empty strip right behind my apartment building and adjacent to a parking lot.

Common Sense

The city's guidelines include language about not encouraging vegetable gardening because of possible contaminants from the road, but you just need to use common sense. We've got a raised bed, well back from the road, with fresh soil we bought at a hardware store - always bring in your own soil to avoid contaminants like lead paint from older buildings. We should be more concerned about vegetables grown with pesticides in Mexico or China (where they also have serious air pollution problems), than lettuce and radishes grown on a quiet street in Vancouver.

Unconventional Harvest

Since we've planted out garden, we've generated tonnes of community interest (more on that in a future post) and there are now plans to turn the surrounding area into a more friendly public space (benches, flower beds, public art), and possibly a community garden.

Gardening also brings you a little closer to nature and the seasons, builds community and is a great way to relax after work.

It's Never Too Late

If you think it's too late in the season to start a boulevard garden, think again! We're just about to plant a second round of radishes and lettuce and we're already hatching plans for our winter garden (stuff grows year round in Vancouver, especially hardier winter vegetables like kale and chard).

It's open season for boulevard gardening in Vancouver - spread the word!

Plastic, Mount Rushmore and the Korean DMZ

I was reading an interesting chapter from "The World Without Us" by Alan Weisman last night. The book is based on a thought experiment examining how man-made infrastructure (e.g. cities, dams, petrochemical refineries) and ecological impacts and interventions (e.g. modern agriculture, plastic pollution and nature preserves) would hold-up if humans were taken out of the equation (aliens abduct us or the rapture comes down and we've all been really good).

One of the key takeaways from the book is that most things don't get beyond 10 or 20 years before degrading significantly, often collapsing and subsequently being colonized by various forms of life (bacteria do the dirtiest work, eventually evolving to eat things like petrochemicals). Some of our seemingly most invincible industrial sites are some of the most fragile.

The things that will be around the longest? Plastic and Mount Rushmore. The chapter on plastic has inspired our household to forgo as much plastic as possible in our daily lives (more on that effort in another post). Plastic does not biodegrade - literally every scrap that has ever been produced in history lives-on somewhere in some form, either as buried plastic bags in landfills or as tiny particles of plastic bobbing in the ocean, working their way up the food chain. It's a legacy that suddenly makes a plastic wrapped sandwich or plastic take-out fork look a lot less appealing. As for Mount Rushmore, the ancient granite carved with the faces of presidents erodes one inch every 10,000 years, which means remnants of the sculpture should be around for seven million years or so.

The subject of the chapter I was reading was the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea. The zone is 250km long and 4km wide. In addition to being closely guarded on both sides by hundreds of thousands of soldiers armed to the teeth, the area is strewn with landmines, ironically making it one the safest and most "natural" places in Asia for endangered species like the red-crowned crane (pictured above). One third of the remaining 2500 cranes depend on the DMZ and nearby Civilian Controlled Zone (CCZ) as their only sanctuary on the Korean peninsula. Because the zone has been free of human intervention since the early 1950's, it's in a relatively pristine state, with some hoping that a few of the world's all-but-extinct Siberian tigers might still call it home. Like other nature preserves, Weisman sees the DMZ as an ark of sorts, a place where if conditions were right, biological diversity would spring forth and begin colonizing the rest of the peninsula if human influence was removed or reduced.

Despite the landmines and more than a half-century of hatred and military incidents on both sides, many think that Korea will one day be reunited and that the DMZ could be up for grabs, easing housing pressure in cities like Seoul and making real-estate developers' dreams come true. Others think the DMZ should be left as is (with some of the landmines removed) and transformed into a peace and nature park - a legacy salvaged from the bitter Cold War battle of a nation divided against itself.

The DMZ provides an interesting example of inadvertent human preservation of natural ecosystems that are rapidly disappearing in otherwise "peaceful" parts of the world (it should be noted however that the DMZ is still too small to support genetically healthy wildlife populations over the long-term).

Alberta's latest oil sands conservation plan violates First Nations' treaty rights - Gets failing grade from ecology experts.

Almost no First Nations input or ecological analysis has been included in the latest draft of the Lower Athabasca Regional Plan (LARP). "This attempt (the draft plan) is not even worthy of a passing grade in a university course," said Dr. David Schindler, a world-renowned ecology professor at the University of Alberta.

"Aboriginal groups say a government plan that will dictate the future of Alberta's oilsands region heavily favours industrial development over environmental preservation, and they are prepared to sue if that doesn't change."

First Nations pan Athabasca land-use plan CBC News Edmonton June 7, 2011 http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/story/2011/06/07/edmonton-lower-athabasca-plan.html Crisis looming over lack of plan for conservation, aboriginal groups say Karen Kleiss Edmonton Journal June 7, 2011 http://www.edmontonjournal.com/technology/Crisis+looming+over+lack+plan+conservation+aboriginal+groups/4904066/story.html

Chiefs threaten legal action over Athabasca plan - Consultation process flawed: First Nations Darcy Henton Calgary Herald June 7, 2011 http://www.calgaryherald.com/business/Chiefs+threaten+legal+action+over+Athabasca+plan/4903915/story.html

First Nations ready to fight LARP in court Carol Christian Fort McMurray Today June 7, 2011 http://www.fortmcmurraytoday.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=3159027 Aboriginal groups threaten legal action Edmonton iNews880.com June 7, 2011 http://www.inews880.com/Channels/Reg/LocalNews/story.aspx?ID=1436893 Legal threats undermine hoped-for peace on oilsands land use as comment closes Bob Weber The Canadian Press June 6, 2011 http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/life/greenpage/123255843.html

Chiefs tell Alberta Government: "Fix Lower Athabasca Regional Plan"

EDMONTON, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - June 6, 2011) -Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation and Mikisew Cree First Nation -

Violations of Rights Creates Risk for Oil Sands Development

Chief Roxanne Marcel of the Mikisew Cree First Nation (MCFN) and Chief Allan Adam of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nations (ACFN) met with Alberta Government Ministers today, and told them they need to fix the draft Lower Athabasca Regional Plan.

The Alberta Government has been under criticism over oil sands development in the Lower Athabasca region. Since 2005, both ACFN and MCFN have made numerous submissions on how to improve land use planning where it affects their traditional territory. They have consistently put forward recommendations for policies and protected areas while offering to work with Government to undertake traditional resource use planning that would help set meaningful safeguards and thresholds for ecological disturbance such as for land, air and water - and help ensure Treaty and Aboriginal rights are protected for current and future generations. Unfortunately, the input of the First Nations has been ignored time and time again.

A legal analysis that addresses LARP will be published in June by the Canadian Institute of Resources Law (CIRL) at the University of Calgary. Monique Passelac-Ross, co-author, said "Protection of aboriginal land uses or treaty rights is not included in any of the outcomes, objectives, strategies or management framework of the draft LARP. It reflects almost none of the input provided by the affected First Nations."

"There is no legal impediment to the Government of Alberta to involving First Nations more meaningfully in land use planning," said Bob Freedman, legal counsel to the First Nations. "They just don't seem to be willing to do so."

"LARP is a smoke screen to make it seem like the Alberta government has a plan to protect the region. The reality is that LARP will allow for massive expansion of oil sands development that already violates our rights, and is causing environmental and health problems," said Chief Marcel. "Alberta cannot afford to have this Government push through a land use plan that prioritizes the interests of one industry and essentially ignores the health and sustainability of local ecosystems and cultures."

Even some oil companies recognize the need for the Alberta Government to do to more to uphold and honour its constitutional obligations. Leo Piciacchia, Vice President of Total E&P Canada – a major oil sands firm – said, "Total supports the First Nations' request for more thorough consultation on the draft LARP that considers the rights of the First Nations."

Of particular concern to MCFN and ACFN is the fact that under LARP, the development of key frameworks, like the biodiversity plan and the land disturbance plan, are not required to be developed until 2013, after far more oil sands and other development is approved. As Chief Marcel noted, "This is putting the cart before the horse and it is clear that Alberta is planning for a huge increase in oil sands development without taking our constitutional rights into consideration."

Violating First Nation rights can open oil sands development to litigation risk, corporate reputation risk, market risk and other investor risks. "We have come to say enough is enough," Chief Adam said. "We have constitutionally protected rights under Treaty 8. If the Alberta government doesn't do what is needed to protect our land, air and water and our rights, then we will oppose further industrial development in the region, and oppose the draft LARP using every legal avenue available to us."

Contact:

Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation Chief Allan Adam 780-713-1220

Mikisew Cree First Nation Chief Roxanne Marcel 780-881-7099

Canadian Institute of Resource Law Monique Passelac-Ross 403-220-3973

Legal Counsel to ACFN and MCFN Bob Freedman 250-818-3719

Media Advisory: First Nation Chiefs Confront Alberta Government on Lower Athabasca Regional Plan

Chiefs to hold press conference with Dr. David Schindler, water scientist.

EDMONTON, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - June 3, 2011) - Chief Roxanne Marcel of the Mikisew Cree First Nation and Chief Allan Adam of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation will meet with Alberta Government Ministers, and then host a press conference in Edmonton.

With concerns over tar sands development and environmental and health problems in the area, the Government of Alberta is under an international spotlight to address the problems. Violations of Constitutionally-protected Treaty rights pose a serious concern that can result in litigation, intervention from the Federal government, and investor insecurity.

Pointing out Treaty and Constitutional rights, the Chiefs have repeatedly communicated concerns with earlier versions of the draft Lower Athabasca Regional Plan (LARP), while putting forward constructive solutions on how to move forward. June 6, 2011 is the closing day for public consultation on the draft LARP.

Local community members and Elders will be joined by Dr. David Schindler, water scientist.

Who:	Chief Allan Adam – Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation
	Chief Roxanne Marcel – Mikisew Cree First Nation
	Dr. David Schindler - water scientist
What:	Press Conference regarding the Lower Athabasca Land Use Plan, and the Chiefs' meeting with Government. Coffee and tea will be served.
When:	Monday June 6, 2011 at 3:00pm
Where: Contact:	Prism Room - Matrix Hotel (10640 100 Avenue NW Edmonton) David Thompson 780-910-4161

The Oil Sands' Strange Bedfellows: Chinese Capitalists and Albertan Communists

Has anyone noticed the irony in the latest line of pro-pipeline rhetoric from oil sands boosters in Alberta? Apparently China is willing to invest between $10 and $20 billion dollars in the oil sands, but only if Canada fast-tracks construction of the proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline and tanker project (regulatory due process be damned, and forget the fact that 80% of British Columbians are against oil tanker traffic off the north coast of B.C.).

Forcing resource projects against the will of citizens is business as usual in China, but it's ironic to hear Alberta's oil sands boosters arguing for the same practices here in Canada (as reported earlier this week by Chris Varcoe at the Calgary Herald):

Ian Wild, executive vice-president of ATB Corporate Financial Services, said he heard from Beijing oil executives this week that they are growing frustrated by delays in Canadian pipeline development and future investment is clearly at risk.

“I know they’re saying to me that their patience has run out,” he said. “They told me specifically that there’s at least $10 to $20 billion in jeopardy here for the province.”

God forbid the Chinese run out of patience with our more democratic (though still leaving much to be desired) process for review of proposed pipelines, or the legal precedents that require governments to consult with individual First Nations along the proposed pipeline route. Things would be so much easier if the oil sands were in Tibet.

One of the more disconcerting elements of the reports coming out of Alberta's recent trade mission to China is the way boosters seem to marvel at Beijing's insatiable appetite for oil sands crude (at a time when the world's greenhouse gas emissions have never been higher, pushing us closer towards runaway climate change):

As for promises that larger investments are coming, Schulz [Professor in the Haskayne School of Business at the University of Calgary] said no one should be shocked given the scale of recent moves.

“The amount of money is not a surprise,” said the director of petroleum land management with the university. “This is just an incremental bite and they’re ready for the next one. And each bite will be bigger.”

The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us

First Nation and Environmental Leaders in Washington to Discuss New Reality of Canadian Majority Government with U.S. Tar Sands Decision-Makers

Delegation to discuss concerns with Obama administration and Congress; continue to urge rejection of Keystone XL pipeline WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 26, 2011) - A delegation of environmental groups and First Nation Chiefs are in Washington today to meet with the Obama administration and Congress to discuss the new political reality of Canada’s majority government days before the new government begins sitting.

“The Mikisew Cree First Nation have serious concerns related to development of the oil sands including contamination of our waters, our land, and repeated infringements to our constitutionally protected Treaty Rights,” said Chief Roxanne Marcel of the Mikisew Cree First Nation. “We are not opposed to development of the oil sands, what we are opposed to is the irresponsible management and unsustainable development of the oil sands, and this has been the record of the Alberta and Canadian governments in managing the rapid pace of development that is occurring in Alberta.”

“The tar sands are now a global concern, and the pressure will keep building for the new majority government in Canada,” said Gillian McEachern of Environmental Defence. “Political leaders in the U.S. and elsewhere will be watching closely to see if tar sands impacts continue to be glossed over or if real changes are made.”

The delegation is in D.C. to urge the Obama administration to reject the Keystone XL pipeline from Canada’s tar sands because it will lead to tar sands expansion which would bring increased toxic waste, carbon pollution and destruction of land that would impact First Nations and the environment in Canada. The U.S. government is currently considering a revised Environmental Impact Statement for the pipeline, but it does not include the impacts of expanded tar sands production in Canada.

“The Canadian and Alberta governments have not yet determined key air, land, water and climate thresholds when it comes to the tar sands, and the anticipated pace and scale of growth there is just going to add pressure. We think that these upstream impacts must be addressed for any additional tar sands pipeline capacity to be added,” said Ed Whittingham of the Pembina Institute.

“We are here to ensure the Obama administration and U.S. officials fully understand the views and concerns of First Nations regarding the proposed Keystone XL pipeline project and other major projects,” stated Regional Chief Erasmus. “First Nations are often the first to feel the impacts of projects in our territories and we have a right to be heard and involved in the planning of any such projects. There are First Nations along all points of the proposed pipeline and Dene people and communities downstream of the Mackenzie River Basin who will be affected by any pipeline problems that occur upstream of the Basin. We are calling on the Canadian and U.S. governments to respect the standard of free, prior and informed consent of First Nations in any projects, consistent with standards established in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.”

Canadian Environment Minister Peter Kent recently said that regulations will be developed this year to deal with greenhouse gas emissions from the tar sands, however that an “accommodation period” will apply. Two senior Cabinet ministers in the new government have been tasked with promoting oil sands abroad.

“Oil companies are in the driver’s seat when it comes to Canadian federal energy policy, and as a result Canada is trailing other industrialized countries when it comes to taking action on climate change,” says Graham Saul of Climate Action Network Canada. “Prime Minister Harper has made it clear that he will go to great lengths to ensure no door is closed to the Alberta tar sands, including lobby efforts to insulate them from more stringent regulations imposed by other countries.”

For more information, or to arrange an interview, contact: Danielle Droitsch, Pembina Institute, 202.615.3770 Gillian McEachern, Environmental Defence, 613.292.4416

Media Advisory - U.S. Tar Sands Decision-Makers to Meet with Canadian First Nation and Environmental Leaders in Washington

Media briefing to follow meetings with Congress and the Obama administration; Leaders plan to discuss new reality of Canadian majority government. WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - May 25, 2011) - Two Canadian First Nation Chiefs and Canadian environmental leaders will provide a media briefing, sponsored by Congressman Steve Cohen, to discuss the U.S. proposal for the Keystone XL pipeline and the new reality of Canada's majority government. The briefing will follow meetings with senior officials in the Obama administration and comes just two days after a House subcommittee hearing on a controversial Republican bill that would force the administration to make an early decision on permitting the proposed Keystone XL pipeline.

Who:	Chief Roxanne Marcel, Mikisew Cree First Nation
	Chief Bill Erasmus, Assembly of First Nations
	George Poitras, Mikisew Cree First Nation
	Ed Whittingham, Executive Director, The Pembina Institute
	Graham Saul, Executive Director, Climate Action Network Canada
	Gillian McEachern, Program Manager, Environmental Defence Canada
When:	May 26, 2011 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. EST
Where:	Rayburn House Office Building, Washington DC, Room B339
Contact:	Pembina Institute Danielle Droitsch 202.615.3770 Environmental Defence Canada Gillian McEachern 613.292.4416

"My level of confidence [in the project] has gone down quite a bit..."

That's a quote from Robert Johnson in reference to the proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline. Mr. Johnson is part of the senior management of Eurasia Group, which bills itself as the "world's leading global political risk research consulting firm."

Read more about the growing perceived risk of Enbridge's oil sands pipeline project in this handy summary of recent media coverage by the Tyee.