A Message From Mike Balkwill, VP Campaigns
March 22 is World Water Day, a day to celebrate this essential, precious resource that so often gets taken for granted. For the past 10 years, my professional life has centred largely around water justice. I have been lucky to work with incredible people fighting to protect water sources and for the fundamental right of clean and accessible water for all.
Arlene Slocombe co-founded Water Watchers and has served as Executive Director since 2009. During that time, she has made an incalculable difference to both the organization and water stewardship in Wellington County and beyond. Arlene is departing on a well-deserved sabbatical and we at Small Change Fund would like to wish her all the best. We remain partners with Water Watchers on several projects: Water for Life, Agency for Water and Safeguarding Our Health and Great Lakes.
We also work with The Council of Canadians on Blue Community Schools to teach Canadian students about water protection and the human right to safe drinking water. Check out these resources for teachers, youth and parents and keep reading below for more about the annual Water Drop Initiative.
I also want to recognize the many projects Small Change Fund works with under the Reform Gravel Mining Coalition umbrella. All of these campaigns, many of which are run by local community volunteers, have a significant emphasis on protecting water. I have had the privilege of working closely with these groups for several years and I know just how tirelessly they work for their communities and local environment.
While World Water Day has officially passed, those of us fighting for water justice know it’s a daily battle. Thank you to everyone who supports this critical work – you are helping us change the face of water protection and security.
– Mike
HRM Pass or Fail?
More than 30,000 students across the Halifax Regional Municipality currently have access to free transit passes that are game changing – many even say life changing. But steep budget cuts recently proposed by the province of Nova Scotia have put this program at risk. Without the province’s portion of funding for this municipal/provincial partnership, it is unlikely the program will continue.
Students don’t just use these passes to get to school. They use them to reach part-time jobs, extracurriculars and community programs – and to participate in their community as volunteers, employees, consumers and more.
Beyond the clear benefits for youth and families, these passes represent climate action at the simplest level. When a youth decides to trade a car ride for the bus, their journey produces less emissions, less congestion and less road wear.
Please consider writing to Premier Houston to urge him not to cut funding to the Halifax Student Transit Pass program. If you are local to Halifax, you can also write to your MLA. Check out our Take Action HRM page on the Get on the Bus website for more.
Protecting Naturalized Gardens
In a victory for nature nationwide, the court recently struck down a Mississauga, ON municipal by-law that it determined violated the rights of natural gardeners. But in spite of this precedent, the City of Burlington is continuing to prosecute Karen Barnes for her own natural garden – seeking a $15,000 – $300,000 fine. If the City is successful, similar anti-naturalization by-laws could crop up across Canada. Please consider donating to help cover the costs of Karen’s trial on March 30 and 31 as she stands up for nature in her backyard and nationwide.
Youth Raising Their Voices: The Water Drop Initiative
Across the country, students are taking action to demand clean water for First Nations. Through The Council of Canadians’ Water Drop Initiative, young people have sent heartfelt, handwritten messages to the Prime Minister, urging the federal government to finally resolve the drinking water crisis in First Nations communities. The Water Drop Initiative is part of our Blue Community Schools project which provides resources for teachers and students to learn about water justice.
We Are All In
Our work in Nova Scotia to promote the responsible development of offshore wind is full steam (or propeller?) ahead! Earlier this month, we were delighted to support a Collaborative Communications Workshop in Halifax, hosted by the Atlantic Offshore Wind Coalition. The session began with a highly informative review of social acceptance research by Louise Comeau, recently released by Re.Climate, and continued with a highly energized and hopeful discussion on the future of renewable energy. This “meeting of the minds” was incredibly fruitful and we’re looking forward to continuing to support this work.
Protecting Natural and Agricultural Heritage
We are working with Save Lemoine Point Farm Inc. to permanently protect the fields, forest, shoreline and agricultural heritage of the 82-acre Lemoine Point Farm. In February 2026, the Ontario Superior Court approved a negotiated settlement and the City of Kingston is moving forward with purchasing the property from the estate. Thanks to the voices, dedication and donations of supporters, the City is investing in one of the few remaining natural spaces within the Kingston urban boundary. While we celebrate this meaningful progress, there is still work to be done to secure permanent protection for the property.
Breaking Through the Climate Silence
Our partners at Seniors for Climate are not staying quiet about climate change – and they’re inviting you to join them. Sign the pledge to Break Through The Climate Silence and urge our federal government to acknowledge the climate emergency and take meaningful action to safeguard our futures.
Speaking of the future, you can register to join the April 8 webinar featuring Bill McKibben, globally recognized climate writer and organizer. Bill will speak about the clean energy revolution and how we can all help accelerate the transition to a green energy future.
New Projects
We are pleased to highlight two new projects:
- Advancing Intersectional Environmental Justice: In partnership with Shake Up the Establishment, we are creating meaningful opportunities for underserved and underrepresented groups to engage directly in climate action. With a focus on arts-based campaigns, this project fosters civic participation and youth leadership to drive systemic change and shift public narratives.
- Elevating Community-rooted Climate Justice in Canada: Alongside 350 Canada, we are equipping local climate organizers with the tools, resources and skills to engage the public, organize in their communities and demand strong climate action policies.
Small News Bites
- A shoutout to David Donnelly and our very own Mike Balkwill for their powerful opinion piece on the impacts of aggregate mining on Ontario communities. Help us demand a moratorium on aggregate mining in Ontario here.
- We’d also like to recognize this moving article featuring Susan Greer of the Natural Burial Association. Together, we are promoting natural burial grounds in Ontario.
- Applications for the Trellis Fund are now open. Students who self-identify as women and are studying to play a role in the clean energy transition in Canada are invited to apply for one of four annual $2,500 grants in support of their education.
- Action Alert for Georgian Bay! The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada is accepting comments on a proposed pumped storage hydropower project in the Niagara Escarpment region. Click here to learn more about the threats to Georgian Bay and the surrounding area from this project.
- Our partners at Climate Momentum are hosting their 5th annual Earth Day Street Party on April 25 in Stratford, ON. You won’t want to miss it!
Happy Spring! Are you participating in any upcoming environmental awareness days? If so, send us your stories and pictures – we’d love to feature them!
Warmly,
The Small Change Fund team
P.S. Your donation directly to Small Change Fund allows us to keep improving services and supports to help more grassroots projects succeed nationwide. Thank you for helping make change!
