There were 34 members in attendance to hear Brian Hart and Mike Shannon brief us on the Home and Farm Initiative at Kate’s Rest.

Brian said that the initiative includes affordable housing and an employment initiative. Kate’s Rest was founded in 2006 on Big Island and incorporated as a charity in 2020 to address these purposes. Rotary members have volunteered in its development through the years. The initiative that has been developed is aquaponic farming employing the efficient use of water to grow plants and fish. Growing lettuce, for example, can be harvested 18 crops a year. This could be scaled up and replace huge amounts of imported lettuce from the United States.

Early on there was a pilot growing of trees for CAFB Trenton, case studied by the University of Western Ontario. Then the pilot aquaponic growing was studied by Queens University was concluded favourably about the effect on the participants - social cohesion, less substance abuse, improved psychological well being.

In April 2022, our Rotary club was involved in the aquaponics project that has developed to the point that plans are being made to build an expanded installation plus affordable housing, a $10 million project. A letter of support has been received from the County and a search for suitable land is underway. The impetus for this expansion includes the climate deterioration that will negatively affect food production, declining availability of fertilizer and Canada is not prepared for the potential shortfall. To assist in developing this project, many organizations are involved, including Prince Edward Learning Centre, First Nations Technical Group, Waterfarmers.ca, Adrian affordable housing consultants, Huff Family Foundation, Meal-A-Day and the Rotary Club of Wellington.

Mike Shannon then commented on some technical aspects of the project. Firstly, he praised Rotary for its admirable dedication to the project. He said the project started with providing a home for those who had been on the street with the aim now to have something that could be replicated across Ontario and Canada. The technical aspects had to be nailed down to make the outcomes risk-free so other groups would adopt the process. There is urgency to develop the system because in a few years many people around the world will be migrating due to climate causes.

The technical challenges that are being addressed are getting clean water and clean air. The former is to remediate water so it can be recirculated and used minimally. The latter is to treat air to be as clean as a hospital room to reduce fungal infection.

In summary, we want to build a new aquaponic/hydroponic installation with the assistance of the federal government, social impact organizations, St. Lawrence College, agriculture grants and others. We have had interest in putting it in Ottawa but we are looking for closer to home in the County. The small farm business owners would have a rent-to-own house on Kate’s Rest land. 

Club Business

Peter advised that the two Christmas hampers on display are being raffled off for the benefit of the Legion.

Lana pointed out that the display of gifts were the presents that were bought for the Foodbank Christmas stockings. She was pleased that they were able to buy everything in County stores.

Ken announced the field of candidates for next year’s Board and asked three times if there were any other nominations. Failing to hear none, he announced that nominations were closed and Trudy moved and Mike seconded the slate of officers as:

• President:  Roger Tessier
• Past President: Lyn McGowan
• Treasurer:  Bill Pennell
• Secretary:  Chris Compeau
• Membership: Peter Campbell
• Literacy:  Norm Dodgson
• Governance: Ken Robertson
• Communications:  Vacant

The motion carried.

Ken stated that there are 61 people signed up for the Christmas party on the 15th. Christine is arranging music for listening and dancing.

Yvonne repeated that we are expecting the decision for nurse practitioners on December 20. The Committee is aiming to make PECounty a BlueZone community (Google for description) for the healthy benefit of residents.

Investigation of an award for Linda Downey has resulted in a recommendation to try to get a June Caldwell Award. Christine is preparing the application for the December 15 deadline.

Chris’ number was drawn for the 50:50, but he did not draw the ace of spades.

Wellington Rotary Donates Toys for Christmas Stockings for the Foodbank

   50/50 Draw - $385