NDG SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT TABLE
The sustainable development table was restarted in 2022 with the goal of bringing together the residents and organisations working towards making NDG environmentally conscious and sustainable.
The NDG Sustainable Development Table envisions a greener and more sustainable future for our community. By fostering collaboration among residents and organizations, we strive to create environmentally conscious initiatives that will positively impact NDG's ecological and social well-being. Together, we aim to build a thriving and resilient neighborhood that prioritizes sustainability and preserves the beauty of our surroundings for generations to come.
ACTIVITIES - PROJECTS - EVENTS
NDG Climate Cafe
The Climate Café is a project of the NDG Community Council, NDG Sustainable Development Table & Resilience NDG.
A monthly gathering for residents interested in learning about and discussing various climate change topics. Coordinated by Kara Johnston from Resilience NDG and Kathy Aitken, the event takes place on the third Tuesday evening of each month. Each session features a facilitator who presents a topic followed by a group discussion. Themes have included Active Hope, Emergency Preparedness in the Face of Climate Change, Activism, and Nurturing Biodiversity in our Neighbourhoods.
Coordination: Kara Johnston from Resilience NDG and Kathy Aitken along with the Council staff Michelle Caron-Pawloski and Aris Kalofoutis
Facilitators and Partners: Montreal 350, STORYTIME(Brenda Keesal), Jane Barr,Anne Williams, Jordi Vilanova(PhD candidate in environmental policy), Lynn McLauchlin, Elizabeth Robinson,Jessey Bernstein, Danica Meredith, Wrenna Robertson, Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics & Occupational Health at McGill University (Dr. Jill Baumgartner), Rebekah Hart.
A monthly gathering for residents interested in learning about and discussing various climate change topics, the project has been a big success , each meeting has a guest presenter with a consistent turnout of more than 20 attendees weekly. Starting in April, the meeting moved from chalet of parc NDG to the NDG Sport Center , still looking for a more permanent location.
The climate Cafe has also acted as a pole of mobilisation for local residents since at the beginning or end of each cafe there is some time allocated to environmental projects happening in NDG. These include academic participatory research, pilot projects for recycling, and feedback for green spaces in NDG by the city. January saw the launch of Resilience and Reconnection, consisting of 4 online, monthly sessions (Jan -April) using The Work that Reconnects (WTR), a group process developed by activist, author and ecologist Joanna Macy. The sessions were facilitated by Judith Gulko. In the same month, the cafe climat’s instagram page was launched to appeal to a younger audience.
Climate Café #3 -April 16, 2024: Activism. Facilitated by Montreal-based climate activism group 350 Montreal.(23 participants)
Climate Café #4, May 21, 2024: Nurturing biodiversity in the city. Facilitated by biology professor Emma Despland. ( 20 participants)
Climate Café #5, June 18, 2024: Psychological resilience in these times. Facilitated by psychologist Judith Gulko, Ph.D.(18 participants)
Climate Café #6, July 16, 2024: How to talk with others about Climate Change. Facilitated by Kara Johnston of Resilience NDG. (19 participants)
Climate Café #7, September 17th, 2024: STORYTIME Into the Wild: Stories About Being in Nature. Facilitated by local artist and storyteller Brenda Keesal.
Climate Café #8, 15 October 2024: Truth Mandela of the Work that Reconnects, facilitated by Judith Gulko (12 participants)
Climate Café #9, November 19, 2024: Gifting Gardens as a Response to Climate Change? – Incredible Edibles NDG!Facilitated by Jane Barr, Anne Williams, and Kathy Aitken (29 participants)
Climate Café #10, December 17 2024: Merry Low Carbon Holidays! Facilitated by Kara Johnston of Resilience NDG (32 participants)
Climate Café #11, January 21 2025: Understanding COP29, Facilitated by Jordi Vilanova, doctoral student in Biology at Concordia University and head of the Concordia delegation to COP29 (30 participants)
Climate Café #12,18 March2025. It’s Time to Rethink Economic Growth, facilitated by three members of 350 Montreal (31 participants)
Climate Café #13, April 15 2025: Resilient Communities Start with Connection: How to Organize and Have Fun Doing It! (22 participants)
Partners
- NDG YMCA
- Resilience NDG
- Kathy Aitken
- Maureen Lafrenière
- 350 Montreal
- Emma Despland
- NDG Community Council
Green Fair NDG 2023
Residents and organizations gathered to promote environmental consciousness, sustainability, and food security in NDG. The event featured information kiosks, creative and environmental workshops, a children's play presented by Meute Monde, and music by the local music collective NDG Electronik. The fair was held in front of the chalet at NDG Park from 12 PM to 4 PM on June 3rd.
LAST YEAR STATISTIC
After the impact of COVID-19, in 2021, our outreach team focused on bringing the community back together through different kiosks and outdoor festive events such as neighborhood barbecue, the wheel game and community gardening.
Wheel game: Having spent all of last summer surveying residents the team felt that general outreach needed some new tools. We created the wheel game as a result!
In total 303 residents were surveyed
we had approximately 35 winners of gift cards or electronic Tablets
Vision for future outreach in NDG
Partnership with other organizations
Partnership is a critical component of successful outreach efforts in the NDG neighborhood. The NDG Community Council actively seeks partnerships with other community organizations to maximize outreach opportunities and better serve the needs of residents. For instance, the council provides kiosks during other organizations' events, and community workers from other organizations can join together for outreach initiatives. By working collaboratively, the Council can promote resources not only from its own organization but also from other organizations in NDG. This is made possible through effective communication and trust-building efforts among community organizations. By sharing information about available resources and collaborating on outreach initiatives, community organizations can help to ensure that residents are aware of and have access to the services they need. Partnership is a crucial aspect of building a connected and supportive community in NDG.
Partnership with residents
Partnership with residents is another essential aspect of successful outreach efforts in the NDG neighborhood. The NDG Community Council works to involve residents in outreach activities, such as kiosks and door-to-door campaigns, by recruiting volunteers from the community. This approach not only enables the council to expand its outreach efforts but also empowers residents to actively participate in the community and learn more about the services offered by the council. By involving residents in outreach initiatives, the council can build trust, establish relationships, and gain valuable insights into the needs of the community. This partnership approach fosters a sense of ownership and pride among residents and promotes a more connected and engaged community in NDG.