Peace and Environment News * May 1991

Ecovision is One Year Old!

by Andrea Prazmowski

Ecovision was born April 21, 1990. This date marked the official beginning of a group which aimed to help bring some cohesiveness to the efforts of environmentalists in the Ottawa region and to strengthen our influence among the public and decision makers. Ecovision was launched unofficially at a public meeting in January 1990, which was held to discuss whether Ottawa needed a new environmental group. Almost 100 people attended that meeting. The answer was a resounding Yes!

Ecovision set out to support the activities of existing environmental groups through coalition building and to tackle issues within the region which were not already being addressed by other groups. The one-year mark is a time to look back and to look ahead. The first Annual General Meeting on June 4 will provide the chance to do just that. At this meeting, we will put in place the Board which will lead Ecovision through the next year.

In the words of Ecovision President Theodora Carroll-Foster, "We've had a good start, but the best is yet to be!" Here are some highlights of the past year:

• Individuals and groups working on preserving woodlands, wetlands and other natural areas are supporting a coordinated approach to these issues through the Greenspace Committee. Key areas of activity have included the Leitrim Wetlands, LeBreton Flats, Carson Grove and Nanny Goat Hill.
• The Education Committee has nearly completed a Directory of more than 60 local groups working on issues related to the environment. The Committee has held several events to raise awareness of local issues and to assist activists in their efforts.
• Individuals and groups concerned about water issues, including Ottawa River Watch, Rideau River Watch and Citizens for Clean Water, found a vehicle for cooperation through the Ecovision Water Quality Committee, also known as Aquavision.
• In preparation for a November election, the voting records of local politicians are being studied and documented by the Municipal Voting Records Committee.
• Numerous groups and individuals have received advice, endorsement and active support from Ecovision, including the group working to protect Carson Woods, People Against Addicted Lawns (PAAL), and those opposing the use of prime agricultural land in West Carleton for the construction of a hockey stadium.
• Several Ecovision members are active on the City of Ottawa's Environmental Advisory, Urban Forest, Bicycling and Waste Management Committees.
• Ecovision has reached the public through countless radio and newspaper interviews on local environmental matters, as well as through displays and workshops.
• Ecovision members have made official representation to local and provincial government bodies on such issues as the City of Ottawa's Draft Official Plan, the Environmental Assessment Program of Ontario, and the proposed LeBreton Flats development.

Interested groups and individuals are invited to learn more about Ecovision and to join in shaping its future by participating in the Annual General Meeting on June 4. The meeting will begin at 6:30 P.M. at the Ottawa Public Library, Metcalfe and Laurier Streets. This is also the opportunity to run for election to the Board of Directors. For more information on the meeting or on how to make nominations to the Board, please contact Andrea Prazmowski at 233-5647 or Theodora Carroll-Foster at 233-7731.

For more information on the meeting or on how to make nominations to the Board, please contact Andrea Prazmowski at 233-5647 or Theodora Carroll-Foster at 233-7731.

Converted October 20, 2001 - Lg

To follow up on this article, contact the author or the organizations/individuals mentioned; do not contact the Peace and Environment Resource Centre - we cannot provide follow up or contact information. This article is an archival copy of the printed one in the Peace and Environment News (PEN). Viewpoints expressed should not be taken to represent the opinions of the Peace and Environment Resource Centre, the PEN, or our supporters.

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