This Week: Club Forum

Smoke is in the air

Northern Ontario's vast forests are among Canada's greatest natural treasures, but in recent years they have also become the setting for increasingly destructive wildfire seasons. Communities have faced repeated evacuations, homes and businesses have been lost, and smoke has affected air quality across Ontario and far beyond. While wildfires are a natural part of the boreal forest ecosystem, scientists agree that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of the conditions that allow fires to ignite and spread. Warmer temperatures, prolonged drought, earlier snowmelt, and more frequent lightning storms have lengthened the wildfire season and created landscapes that burn more readily.

The impact extends well beyond the forests themselves. Families are displaced, Indigenous and northern communities face repeated disruptions, wildlife habitat is damaged, and poor air quality affects the health of millions of Canadians. The 2026 wildfire season has once again demonstrated the vulnerability of northern Ontario, with hundreds of active fires across Canada and significant evacuations in affected regions.

For Rotarians, these challenges present opportunities to put "Service Above Self" into action. Last week we witnessed Rotarians, both in Wellington and throughout District 7070, step up to help citizens in need with the donation and delivery of essential items. Clubs can also organize fundraising campaigns for wildfire relief, assemble emergency supply kits, and partner with local agencies supporting evacuees. Rotary's global grant program can help strengthen community resilience through projects focused on environmental stewardship, emergency preparedness, and public education. Tree-planting initiatives, watershed restoration, and youth environmental programs can also contribute to healthier, more resilient ecosystems.

Equally important is Rotary's ability to bring people together. By fostering collaboration among municipalities, Indigenous communities, environmental organizations, and government agencies, Rotarians can help build lasting partnerships that prepare communities for future challenges.

Climate change is one of the defining issues of our time, but it is also an opportunity for leadership. Through compassion, practical service, and collective action, Rotary can help northern Ontario recover today while building a stronger, more resilient tomorrow.

Quote of the week:

You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice. Bob Marley

Bad dad joke of the week:

I got a job at the Wellington Bakery because I kneaded dough.

Notes from Rotary Meeting on July 21, 2026

President Chris opened the meeting at 7:07 with 33 members present and one guest.

Guest Speaker:

David M introduced our guest speaker, Shelley Ackers, from Quinte Transit. Shelly has been with Quinte Access (now Quinte Transit) since 2006 and is currently the Executive Director. She has been instrumental in the growth of Quinte Transit, working to increase ridership, implement specialized service in PEC, Public Transit in Trenton and transit connections from Frankford and Brighton to Trenton. Most recently she led the implementation of a new Ride on Demand app allowing co-mingling services for anyone in the service areas to connect with fixed route stops.

Shelley said Quinte Transit operates based on need, with four service models: Specialized Service, Fixed Route, On Demand and Flex Route, and all services are fully accessible. They recently received a grant from the Rural Transit Solution Fund which has allowed them to order a new 18-passenger bus and 2 new 8-passenger buses. They currently have 25 vehicles and 40 staff (drivers and admin.) Recent service enhancements include mobile and online apps for booking on-demand and specialized rides (“My Ride”), online booking through the Quinte Transit website, and installation of security cameras in all vehicles to enhance rider and driver safety. Upcoming enhancements include smart fare boxes and tap payment systems for fixed routes. In the Q&A, Shelley said fare revenue accounts for a small portion of their operating funds. Most comes from the municipalities and grants. Fares are based on distance travelled, with a base price of $3.50 per adult ride under 5 km. Shelley was thanked by Lana.

Club Business:

Peter reported that all memberships are paid up.

Liz thanked members for their response to the call for donations for the Northern Ontario Wildfire Relief effort - the front to the room was overflowing with boxes and bags of donated clothing, hygiene products and toys. Shelley (our guest speaker) offered to help Liz transport the donations.

Mike offered an addition to the list of upcoming events. The County Marathon is on October 4 and volunteers/helpers will get t-shirts.

Anniversaries: Ken and Luanne celebrate 48 years on July 22

50/50 Draw: Christine’s ticket was drawn and she pulled a spade, but alas it was the 2.

Chris closed the meeting at 8:25 with the Four-Way Test.

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