Caledon to distribute $62,000 in Climate Action Fund grants

11 recipients to get money for environmental projects

By ZACHARY ROMAN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Local schools, non-profits and community groups looking to better the environment will be receiving a boost from the Town of Caledon.

Caledon Council approved disbursement of $62,085.85 in Town of Caledon Climate Action Fund grants, to be split among 11 recipients, at its March 5 General Committee meeting.

The Climate Action Fund provides grants to eligible applicants who want to undertake environmental projects in Caledon that align with Caledon's “Resilient Caledon Community Climate Change Action Plan”.

Of the 11 approved projects that will be receiving funding, four will be receiving full funding (up to a maximum of $8,000) as they met all of the Town's requirements for full funding. The seven other projects will receive 75 per cent of their project costs, as they met the Town's requirements for partial funding.

Ontario Streams will be receiving $8,000 for restoration and enhancement of stream habitats in Caledon. It will do this by planting native trees and shrubs, cleaning up litter, removing invasive species, and coordinating Atlantic Salmon releases. The non-profit plans to engage community groups and schools in their work.

The Credit Valley Conservation Foundation will receive $8,000 to lead a bus tour for residents to showcase three Caledon properties where stewardship projects have been completed and demonstrate climate resilience.

Services and Housing in the Province will be the recipient of $8,000 for the purposes of establishing a pollinator garden at Peace Ranch, a transitional housing complex in Caledon dedicated to mental health recovery for individuals with schizophrenia. The garden will be incorporated into Peace Ranch's programming to provide educational opportunities for its clients and community members.

St. Michael Secondary School will also be the recipient of $6,964 and it will establish a community garden. Its goals with the garden are to have students contribute to environmental stewardship through education on sustainable farming practices, regenerative agriculture, composting, and practices that reduce ecological footprints.

Mayfield Secondary School will receive $6,000 to undertake a number of green initiatives. The school will install solar and wind energy systems to reduce energy usage and associated greenhouse gas emissions. It will also be installing new gardens and a greenhouse to bolster curriculum and future green initiatives. 

The Albion Hills Community Farm will receive $6,000 in funding to develop educational programming for students about climate change through a food and agriculture lens. There will be virtual and in-person workshops held by the Albion Hills Community Farm team.

James Grieve Public School will be getting $2480.25 to expand on its existing pollinator garden and add trees to its outdoor learning space. The school will use its outdoor learning spaces to educate students on climate resilience and adaptation.

St. John Paul II School will be the recipient of $1,190.74 for a project that involves using terracycle bins. The bins will allow for the recycling of hard-to-process materials like plastics, e-waste and textiles. It said the program will divert waste from landfills and act as an educational opportunity for students, staff and the community at large.

James Bolton Public School will create a pollinator garden and plant propagation garden. It will be receiving $3,976.81 for this project. The propagation garden will teach students to propagate vegetables from food scraps to reduce food waste. The money will also help the school install an indoor space with a succulent wall and hydroponic and aqua-sprout garden.

Next on the list of schools receiving funding is Alloa Public School, which will be getting $6,000 for the expansion of its community garden with raised garden beds. It plans to donate a portion of its harvest to community food programs to help students understand social responsibility and the importance of caring for communities. The permanent outdoor classroom the school is planning for will be able to be used year-round.

Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy will receive $5,471.25 to bolster the health of a 52-acre forest in the Simmons Nature Preserve by removing invasive species and replacing them with native trees and shrubs. It will also be implementing trail maps and signage to raise awareness on the importance of conservation.