September's Eco-Business

Sarnia Community Services Department

Sarnia Community Services Department is made up of services to the community including parks, horticulture, forestry, arena, recreation and adult centre operations. Over the past few years, the Department has undertaken a number of 'green' initiatives and environmentally sound practices.

2010 marks the first year for the recycling program that operates in Centennial Park and all arenas in the City. The recycling program was a partnership program with the Nestlé's Waters Canada. This program allowed for a number of products – newspapers, bottled water containers, recyclable waste to be diverted from the landfill site. This program was fully audited and the results demonstrated that residents of Sarnia have a strong commitment to protecting the environment.

All sections of the Community Service Department follow good environmental practices. Recently when ash trees, which were infested by the Emerald Ash Borer were removed in Sherwood Park these trees were given to a local craft person who will be making canoes and paddles from the tree trunks. The horticultural staff use integrated maintenance practice to ensure that bugs and infestations do not affect the beautiful gardens on the waterfront or in Germain Gardens. In the arenas, energy efficient equipment provides an excellent ice surface at the lowest cost to the user groups.

Another program of the Department is the community gardens. In keeping with the 100 kilometer program, plots are provided to residents to grow their own vegetables. This program is very popular and the Department is reviewing sites to expand the program and create community gardens in more neighborhoods of the City.

The Community Services Department works in the local environment and has a strong commitment to the local environment. Staff do their best to reduce their footprint and work with best practices in this endeavour. Sometimes for a variety of reason such as public safety, the Department is forced to trees (i.e. when 2,900 ash trees infected by the Emerald Ash Borer were removed). This is a difficult task for Forestry staff, who work their hardest to retain every tree. Each tree removed hurts the local environment and our staff.

Once again, thank for this recognition – it is appreciated and will redouble our efforts to continue to improve our green practices and positive environmental actions.

As the Greek Philosopher Aristole said – a few thousand years - If one way be better than another, that you may be sure is Nature's way.

Links Below To View Archived Eco-Business of the Month

July
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