Kitchener Growth Management Strategy (KGMS) - My letter to council

Hello Council,
It's curious that a time for the meeting is not listed on the website. Regardless I cannot make it today.
I am writing to share with you my thoughts on the KGMS.
I don't have a lot of time to review your extensive document, but I have a rough idea.
I applaud city's efforts to build up in the core. If we are going to see population growth we want to accomodate people who work in the city, and not have people driving into the core from the suburbs.
As for the suburbs. Watch what you're doing, please. If you expect people to raise their children in this community, don't compromise our drinking water. Society has created an illusion that water comes from bottles. We know, however that water comes from rivers, lakes, streams, aquifers, and springs. If we continue working under the illusion that water comes from bottles, and that it is okay to build suburbs on aquifers, and watersheds, than we are in big trouble. I know it is easy to buy, but it is sustainable to care.
Speaking of sustainablility, and caring, is this plan addressing the nutritional needs of a growing Kitchener? In order to grow sustainably, without increasing our carbon footprint by a bazillion, we need to consider food systems and food security. Thanks to the 100 Mile Diet, I believe that Kitchener is becomming more of a conscious community. This means that they will be receptive to urban agriculture programs. We want to see green roofs, and an organic focus. No one wants to eat pesticide layden food, but that is what has been made affordable. If we want a healthy community than we need to look at what kinds of food we are providing them with, and how much we are polluting in the process.
One last thought about suburbs. Community gardens in the suburbs. I know we have them in the core, but the people on the edge of town need to eat too. The less they drive, the healthier we are. The more we grow diverse plant life, the healthier we are. Also, I urge city to look into alternative housing options. Structures made of cob, and straw bale are so affordable to build, and they last for years. Look at the history of cob, there are some structures still standing in Europe built hundreds of years ago. Revolutionizing the way we build is important if we want to be sustainable.
Change is necessary. The way things have been done for the past century is outdated. Trends are fading, and new ones are emerging. Lets ride the wave of change towards a more sustainable future.
Thank you for your consideration,
Lauren Stallard

To send your own, contact these folks, and check out these links.
http://www.kitchener.ca/city_hall/departments/devtech_services/planning/growth_management_strategy.html
http://www.kitchener.ca/city_hall/mayor_council/council.html

Cliterature KW

Wow,
What an event. I feel liberated, and empowered. These are women I would love to work with in the future. Saturday night was Cliterature, an evening of poetry, short stories, photography and burlesque at it's finest and funniest! It was so inspiring to see so many people get up to the microphone and share with us their liberation. The joy and laughter that spread through the audience made my heart dance. I am proud that the community in Kitchener is creating events such as this, and bringing in talent from as far away as Montreal!
Much love to everyone who put that show together.
Bravo!

Welcome to the world wide web

This blog space will get interesting.
For now it is enough to know that I have an account.
Now I need to make some menstrual pads, so that our organization can provide women with the alternative options that they deserve, and fund our projects to educate and empower women. We have a choice, though some may not know it yet.
For the love of Earth, educate.
http://www.scarleteen.com/article/body/on_the_rag_a_guide_to_menstruation
http://www.scarleteen.com/article/pink/eight_myths_about_washable_menstrual_pads_dispelled
http://www.mum.org/