People keep asking us, how can I help?
There is a lot going on. Here is a list of some things we are working on, but we know there is potential for so much more to be happening. Please get in touch with us and let us know if you’d like to be involved in any way. Please don’t let our list of projects turn you off if you don’t see something that especially inspires you, we are open to more than what is listed.
Our e mail is: hcbpoccupation@gmail.com
* Outreach and communication strategies, like creating our own media, being present at the farmers market and events around town, going door to door, and so on.
* Working on an informative booklet/zine about the issues around the HCBP that led to the occupation, and the many ensuing issues that resulted.
* Organizing a Great Lakes area speaking and networking tour, intended to introduce people in towns and cities small and large to what’s been going on in Guelph, to talk with others about why actions like this are necessary, and how we can work together regionally to collectively stop sprawl.
* Strategizing around the larger issues of the HCBP, like Places to Grow and other ‘growth strategies,’ the economics of the business park, the Guelph’s fall-2010 municipal election, and more.
* Networking and allying with as many people and organizations as possible, in Guelph and beyond. Since there are so many issues that converge in the HCBP – urban sprawl, Old Growth forest, wetlands, drinking water, the aggregate industry, threatened species, climate change, the Hanlon Expressway ‘upgrades,’ biotechnology, Native land claims, and more – there is much fertile ground for alliances, and building a stronger movement around this.
Hello.
I’m not sure if you are aware of this, but about a decade ago in London, a hospital proposed cutting down a portion of the Westminster Ponds conversation area woods to house a new facility. Neighbourhood residents with the help of the McIllwraith Field Naturalists launched a legal campaign to stop the development. As a result, the development plans were changed and instead the construction happened near the woods, but not no trees were cut down.
If they haven’t already been approached, it might be worth while to get in touch with the McIlwraith group and talk strategy.
http://www.mcilwraith.ca/
I hope this is of some help.
Gavin Bell