Labour Day Thoughts.

This August was likely one of the busiest I've had for a long time. My son went off to camp (Kilcoo) up in Haliburton. The place is amazing, and promotes a very environmental attitude and lifestyle. There is no water ski program, but simply a good solid paddling, canoeing, rock climbing, and tripping camp. They don't even allow any iPods or other electronic toys. As parents we aren't allowed to send up food, and therefore the young men have to live life with a limited amount of sugary drinks and candies. I have to say they do a great job of instilling well earned confidence in the campers. 

Aside from Jake heading off to camp, I travelled to LA on an emergency trip to look after my grandmother. Thankfully she is doing better. While there I had an opportunity to head into Santa Monica, where I met with a number green minded individuals. If any town is green, it is definitively Santa Monica. I'll fill you in on some of the details in a short while, but felt it was important to get some down for the month. 

Have a great Labour Day.

Torrential Rains, Coffee and Jazz

Was at CJ’s again for a quick lunch with Laura before heading off to do my usual Sunday Open House. As per usual CJ was in fine form and the cafe was filled to capacity with an incredible duo playing the strings. CJ explained that the duo wasn’t even supposed to play, but filled in at the last minute since the previous act had cancelled. Only CJ could orchestrate a couple of talented musicians on a few minutes notice. For more information on CJ's cafe in Bronte: www.cjscafeinbronte.com

 

The teaming rain and thunderstorms of Saturday caused the canceling Saturday’s Jazz Festival in Downtown Oakville.  I’m not sure if this has ever happened before, but my heart goes out to the organizers who worked so tirelessly.  Friday night was incredible with a cool crisp breeze, blue sky, great food and jamming musicians. I noted today's festivities went forward, and the crowds were armed with Umbrellas. For more information on the Downtown Oakville Jazz Festival: www.oakvillejazz.com.

Now as I finished up this entry the sun has come out, and I can hear the great tunes drifting up from the Jazz Festival.

Ecohouse Hamilton

One of the frequently asked questions I get asked is can a historical or older home be environmentally friendly. "Yes!" I can think of nothing more environmentally friendly then an older home which has been retrofitted with eco-smart technology, and it doesn't have to change anything about visual impact of the home. 

A friend and I went to Ecohouse in Hamilton yesterday, to see what a non-profit group of young people can do with a limited amount of resources and a tremendous amount of heart and dedication. The group is Green Venture headed up by Pete Wobschall, who is a fountain of very useful information. My feeling is that he's going to be a wonderful resource for years to come. 

Ecohouse is located on the Veever Estate comprised of a couple of acres and a stone home dating back 150 years. It isn't unlike many of the magnificent homes on Hamilton mountain, or hugging Lake Ontario in Oakville, with its large principle rooms on a majestic setting. You enter the property through large wrought iron gates by the garage and head up the stone stairs to the side entrance of the house, where the tour guides are found. We had an Engineering student from UofT be our very knowledgeable guide. 

First we were led through the house with its various features and demonstrations from the extremely low voltage use of LED spot lighting to EnergyStar rated appliances, and low-flow water demonstrations. This is not a designer home, but a work at its infancy of restoration and rejuvenation.  Then we were taken on the garden tour where first we were shown the photovoltaic solar system and wind turbine. It supplies the majority of their electricity and should there be excess it is sold back to the grid. There are rain barrels (which they sell) to collect as much of the roof run off as possible that supplies most of the ample garden with water.  At the lowest point in the garden, there is a garden reservoir which filters any excess surface water before it leaves the property. 

At the back of the property their is a little green roofed gazebo, and from their we were taken to the community garden, which supplies most of the vegetables for the volunteers and staff. There are no pesticides used, but rather they have companion planting where one plants fights off pests they may attack another. This where our tour ended, and left me invigorated.  I would like to congratulate all staff and volunteers at Ecohouse for the great work they are doing.

If you would like to find out more about Ecohouse the website is:

http://www.greenventure.ca

or call: (905) 540-8787