Radioactivity on the Great Lakes and a concert in the dark

Journalist Greg McMillan of TheGreenHub.ca scours the internet daily for up-to-the-minute green stories that are important to you. His compilation of news items from around The Green Hub plus quirky tidbits and trends makes sure you are in the loop …. without doing the time-consuming legwork.

A CAUTIONARY warning about moving radioactive steam generators through the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway: Is this a wise move? The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission thinks so, and recently issued a transport licence and certificate to Bruce Power for the transport of 16 decommissioned steam generators to Sweden. The licence is valid for a period of one year, ending on February 3, 2012. Are the majority of Canadians aware of this? Are they concerned? The point is made that the Great Lakes ecosystem is home to 20 per cent of the world’s fresh water. Is this a responsible action taken by the CNSC?

…. Any way you look at it, 300 residents overflowing the community hall in Fisherville is a big deal. Why were they there? Could it have anything to do with a fight to stop wind turbines slated for Haldimand County?

…. In Brantford, another blow for developers, another encouraging sign for environmentalists – specifically those concerned about the waterfront along the Grand River. City councillors created a new zoning designation called Grand River Heritage Waterfront Zone, and lawyers for developers affected say they are ready for a fight. This issue should continue to heat up, as more objections will be heard during the next two weeks. The historic move could get council’s final stamp of approval in another two weeks.

…. It was surely tempting to Norfolk councillors – walk away from the $1-million repairs needed for the Misner Dam in Port Dover. They had the perfect opportunity during budget talks, but guess what? They took the high road. And this came as welcome news to a group known as Friends of Silver Lake.

Last but not least: A unique musical event, tying in with the upcoming Earth Hour initiative, will be showcased in Brantford this weekend. Frank Horvat, a pianist, composer, and teacher from Toronto, will be bringing his Green Keys Tour to First Baptist Church at 70 West Street on Sunday, February 27 and the highlight of the concert will be a performance of his composition entitled Earth Hour – a continuous one-hour piano piece presented entirely in the dark. The concert starts at 6 p.m. and admission is free. The show is billed as family-friendly and is part of a year-long Canadian tour promoting eco-sustainability.