Conservative wind moratorium blocks local decision making

Conservative Lisa Thompson’s proposal for a moratorium on wind undermines local decision making by denying communities the choice of supporting wind energy.

The GPO calls on MPPs to support local decision making by opposing this bill.

“Conservatives are talking out of both sides of their mouths with their efforts to kill green energy,” says Mike Schreiner, leader of the GPO. “A moratorium on wind denies communities the opportunity to support wind energy in ways that benefit the local economy. A moratorium that takes away choice from communities flies in the face of Conservative rhetoric around local decision making.”

The GPO rejects the false choice between the Conservative’s efforts to kill green energy and the Liberal approach of imposing corporate wind on communities without local participation. Unlike the old parties, the Green Party’s energy plan invests in Ontario communities first. The GPO supports a community-based energy policy that requires local ownership, local decision and local benefits.

“The Conservatives short sighted, politically expedient efforts to kill green energy will hurt our economy and set Ontario back a generation,” says Schreiner. “Ontario needs a long term energy plan that includes wind and other renewables, and prioritizes opportunities for local participation and benefits.”

Ontario Government Energy Survey

The Ministry of Energy is "seeking input from Ontarians" as it updates the electricity-plan-that-never-was. Tell 'em what you think! Phase out nuclear - Shut down coal - Conservation is the biggest and best "new" supply of electricity followed by renewables - We must move swiftly to 100% renewable grid!

Link to the questions is at http://www.mei.gov.on.ca/en/energy/

The Beer Store LOVES Cyclists

This is a follow up to the post "Does The Beer Store Hate Cyclists?". I received this email today from Mario DiPaolo of The Beer Store and am thrilled that The Beer Store has proven itself in my book to be a truly 'Green' business. I will continue to buy my beer there, and will post a picture of the new bike rack when it arrives. Here is the letter from Mr. DiPaolo:

Dear Mr Daye,

Thanks for your feedback regarding the need for a bike rack
for the Beer Store on Church St. I think it is a great idea. I will follow up and
order a bike rack asap and have it installed at the store. Thanks also for your
kind words on our environmental leadership. Once again, thanks for taking the
time to write to us and look for the bike rack soon at the store.

Regards, Mario
Di PaoloDistrict Manager, The Beer StoreRetail Operations-GTA East

Does The Beer Store Hate Cyclists?

I went to The Beer Store today on Church Street in Toronto. They have a HUGE parking lot in a downtown urban location where many customers walk or bike. I couldn't believe it! What I couldn't believe even more was the lack of a bike rack!!!!?

This is an organization that promotes their 98% packaging recycling rate, and it's wonderful, but lets see how 'GREEN' they really want to be.

Please contact The Beer Store and tell them you want them to install a bike rack and promote cycling in Toronto!

The following is the letter I sent to The Beer Store today:

I was at your store on Church Street today, just north of Wellesley St. in Toronto. Why is there no bike rack at a store serving an inner-city urban market? I notice you have about half an acre of parking for cars. Including myself there were four other customers at the store with bikes today. They were all chained to fence posts, etc. I will be talking about this on my blog as well if you are interested: http://wwwthedaye.blogspot.com/

I would think that a consortium which promotes their wonderful 98% packaging recycling rate would want to continue in this responsible direction and encourage your customers to arrive at your stores by means other than automobile. I hope The Beer Store will become a force in the movement to promote safe cycling, develop bike lanes, educate cyclists, drivers and pedestrians on safe cycling and help to develop cycling infrastructure in the city of Toronto.

UPDATE: The Beer Store is going to install a bike rack!

Welo Bike