October 2010 - The Bulletin Magazine

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Circles... Transition Towns by Vicki Pinkerton Transition Towns are coming to our area. This spring I interviewed Sue McKee and Chris Oliver (pictured on the front cover), two members of Transition York Region. They are trying to build change into not only our community, but also to make an impact on the world we inhabit. Transition Towns are created when a group of people get together in response to the idea of peak oil and climate change. They are looking for person sized ways for their areas to address some of the issues that will be confronting communities in the not too distant future. Peak oil, is a term that is used to mark the peak of global oil production. It is a moment in time when the world reaches its maximum oil production capacity, and begins to have less and less affordable oil. There doesn't seem to be any scientific dispute about the fact that peak oil will happen, the only question seems to be when. Some experts say it is already here and others see it coming within two to twenty years. Transition Towns are grass root initiatives all over the world looking at ways that ordinary people can move from oil dependence to local resilience. This shift in thinking will ease us into a new world. Both Sue and Chris spoke enthusiastically about things that people can do in their lives to help lessen the impact of extremely expensive oil. Driving less, by walking, biking and taking transit is one idea. Sue was trying to walk or bike to any destinations that were under 5 km. "That takes planning," she said, "because even though 5k will only take a few minutes in the car, I have to think about it and plan for extra time if I am on the bike." Chris and his brothers have formed a company that employs cutting edge alternatives to warm and power homes. He said that all new structures can be built to maximize the energy used. Both Chris and Sue advocate many other strategies including, having or sharing gardens and eating local food where ever possible. Transition Towns ask people to go back to their roots, rediscovering community the way it once was and yet in a new way. They invite literally everyone to roll up their sleeves and get moving; children and teens with their energy and uncapped imaginations, elders with their memories of how their parents made due in times of scarcity and everyone else with an interest in moving forward. Politicians are asked to imagine a place where people live, work, shop and grow things within walking or biking distance. In a transition group, participants look at their own skills and strengths, spearheading projects that interest them. The projects are as diverse as the people who join. What do you think might happen if oil became unaffordable to most people in community? What things could you imagine might need to be tackled? There are groups investigating everything from arts and education to ways to make a living in our communities, and strengthening local economies. There are also people looking into ways to share and recycle so that we can use less of the earth's resources. Working together can solve any problem. Sometimes the problems of the global community seem overwhelming. Sometimes it is easy to look the other way. Governments and corporations tell us that they are doing everything possible. Are they? Margaret Mead said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." Both Sue and Chris talked about the people they meet who are inspired by the transition community They spoke about the energy and excitement generated by those who know that each small thing they do is causing far-reaching ripples in our communal pond. In their enthusiasm, I sensed reclamation of the power people working together create. Transition York Region is a new community forming inside of our community. There are still relatively few Transition Towns in Canada but there are more every month. This small group started in Holland Landing is reaching out to East Gwillimbury and gathering momentum. It has been embraced by citizens across the Region and now and has 26 The Bulletin | October 2010 www.thebulletinmagazine.com
formed relationships with the York Region Environmental Alliance and Earth Rangers. People are going to the meetings and finding groups of energetic people who are having fun and making a difference. Is this a crazy dream or a necessary reality? I don’t know, but to me it sounds like a return to a way thinking that will strengthen the bonds between us and rejuvenate the places we live. For more information or to get involved: www.transitionyorkregion.org Vicki Pinkerton lives on a small farm just outside of Mount Albert. She is a practicing life coach, a writer and adventurer who wonders about many things. www.questacrosscanada.com Send your ideas or suggestions for people or groups who promote or create community to info@thebulletinmagazine.com and put the word Circles in the subject line. For all your decorating needs... Smith Farm • 20375 McCowan Road, Mount Albert Pumpkins, Indian corn, Gourds, Cornstalks and more! Check out our unique decorations… hand-made. D D www.thebulletinmagazine.com October 2010 | The Bulletin 27
Page 1 and 2: www.TheBulletinMagazine.com THE Bul
Page 3 and 4: CONTENTS IN EACH ISSUE 6 WHAT’S O
Page 5 and 6: www.thebulletinmagazine.com October
Page 7 and 8: Saturday, October 23 & November 20
Page 9 and 10: Happy Thanksgiving Free Gardening A
Page 11 and 12: (removal of spent blooms) required.
Page 13 and 14: IN THE KITCHEN with Moira Sanders I
Page 15 and 16: is required at town hall. Initially
Page 17 and 18: Each community deserves a voice and
Page 19 and 20: MARLENE JOHNSTON: seeking position
Page 21 and 22: KATHARINE PARSONS: seeking position
Page 23 and 24: less-populated areas with fewer vot
Page 25: Tax Tips Death and Taxes by Ian Haw
Page 29 and 30: MOTORCYCLE, ATV & SLED SALES & SERV
Page 31 and 32: efore THERE ARE 4 PARTS TO MY PHILO
Page 33 and 34: Chief for a Day Thomas Hill (pictur
Page 35 and 36: WHY WARDS? submitted by James Sulli
Page 37 and 38: Homework Connection General Contrac

October 2010 - The Bulletin Magazine

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