LO delegation approaches city over water ban,
while website helps consumers deal with issue
A delegation from Landscape Ontario has met with the City of Ottawa to discuss ways to mitigate damage caused by the water ban, while a special website to help consumers deal with the issue of no outside water supply is available at Ottawa water ban.
In approaching the city council, the LO group wanted to communicate the potential impact concerning jobs, economy and environmental perspective, and to express a willingness to develop ideas to overcome the problems created by the ban. The delegation asked for an exemption for new plantings; support regarding the use of water trucks and the distribution of collapsible rain barrels. The city said it couldn’t exempt new plantings or introduce limited water use programs, the entire water capacity will be down to 10 per cent during the construction period.
“The fear is that the present capacity would be overwhelmed and there would be no water for drinking, cooking, washing and fire protection,” explained LO executive director Tony DiGiovanni. The bottom line is that water for landscaping purposes must come from water trucks or collected rainwater. The city did agree to supply a $50 rebate on rain barrels or rain bags sold to customers.
One LO member has agreed to discount the rain bags. The website may be accessed at rain bags.
Along with the website geared to consumers, Landscape Ontario will host two or three “Gardening through a Water Ban” workshops, using well-known garden communicators. The dates and speakers fo0llow:
Educational events
• Gardening with Drought in Mind: Xeriscape Principles & Water-wise Gardening Tips
May 17, – 7 p.m.
Speaker: gardening expert Phil Reilly
Manotick Arena, upstairs hall. Sponsored by Councillor Scott Moffatt and the Manotick Horticultural Society, with the support of Councillors Jan Harder and Steve Desroches.
• How to keep your garden thriving through a water ban
May 19, – 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Speakers: An overview of the trend towards water conservation, Denis Flanagan, Landscape Ontario
Rain Harvesting, Nicholas Bott, The Pond Clinic
Gardening Through a Water Ban, Ed Lawrence
Q & A Panel Discussion
Stonebridge Golf & Country Club, 68 Hawktree Ridge, Ottawa
• How to keep your garden thriving through a water ban
May 25, 7 to 9 p.m.
Speakers: An overview of the trend towards water conservation, Denis Flanagan, Landscape Ontario
Rain Harvesting, Nicholas Bott, The Pond Clinic
Gardening Through a Water Ban, Ed Lawrence
Q&A Panel Discussion
Rideau Valley Conservation Authority
• Gardening during a Water Shortage: Solutions
June 13 – 7 p.m.
Speaker: Edythe Falconer, Master Gardener
Ruth E. Dickinson Branch, Ottawa Public Library, 100 Malvern, Barrhaven
• More Gardening with Less Water: Long Term Approaches
June 25 – 2 p.m.
Speaker: Edythe Falconer, Master Gardener
Ruth E. Dickinson Branch, Ottawa Public Library, 100 Malvern, Barrhaven
