Saturday, August 7 is Eco Day in Cornwall – an opportunity to learn from local organizations and explore the natural world in your neighbourhood.

Discover exciting displays across our community from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.:

1. Stop by the pop-up shops on Pitt Street to chat with City of Cornwall and Raisin Region Conservation Authority staff about water conservation, pollinators, and steps you can take at home to live a more sustainable lifestyle. Seeds are being given away while supplies last!
2. The Cornwall Public Library will feature environmental resources – stop in, and don’t forget your library card (or ask staff how to register for one)!
3. Not one, not two, but four booths will be set up at the River Institute at 2 St. Lawrence Drive. Learn about species in our river, reducing our use of paper, the remedial action plan, and contamination and bioaccumulation in the food chain.
4. Transition Cornwall + volunteers are providing mini tours of must-see locations:
   1. the Tiny Forest outside the Cornwall Public Library,
   2. the Edible Garden behind the Lions Club Bandshell in Lamoureux Park,
   3. the Arboretum in Lamoureux Park.
   4. Join the Environmental and Climate Change Committee at the clock tower for a map-mocracy event about important eco topics in our community.
   5. Wondering how you can easily swap out disposable household items for reusable ones? The Local Fill at 1515 Pitt Street can help!

The City of Cornwall and the Raisin Region Conservation Authority are partners in organizing this free event – everyone is welcome!

“Come discover how you can become a backyard conservationist,” said. Jessica Herrington, the RRCA’s Stewardship Specialist. “From nurturing native shrubs and wildflowers to practicing clever water conservation, there are many ways to become a responsible steward right at home.”  

Take your Eco Day adventure to the next level by biking or hopping on Cornwall Transit to get from one activity to the next.

“I am very excited that we will be raising environmental awareness in an all-ages event that follows along a portion of our award-winning bike paths,” said Angela Parker, the City of Cornwall’s Sustainable Projects Coordinator. “Climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing us and many different issues affect it and are affected by it. Learning how to adapt to climate change, how to become more resilient to extreme weather, and how to mitigate greenhouse gases is so important.”

Staff, volunteers, and participants will follow Eastern Ontario Health Unit guidelines. Please use the screening tool before leaving home, and be sure to wear your mask and keep your distance. Safety signage will be in place and booths will be sanitized regularly.

”Council has made it clear in their Strategic Plan that focusing on sustainability and the environment is crucial for the positive long-term vision of Cornwall,” added Katherine Wells, Strategic Planning Coordinator for the City of Cornwall. “Eco Day is just one way that the City, partner organizations and volunteers are working together, taking the lead and educating on these important topics.”