"We can have homes AND trees!"
Description
No Clearcuts Kingston is a Kingston-based climate action group devoted to protecting wildlife, especially trees, that are threatened by property development. They formed in 2021 in response to the proposed clearcutting of 1800 trees on the former Tannery land.
Collaboration
NCK has collaborated with groups such as SCAN! Kingston, QBACC, KYCA, Little Forests Kingston, Just Futures Kingston, and 350 Kingston. Seeking to strengthen the grassroots movements for climate justice in Kingston, No Clearcuts intends to continue collaborating with groups and individuals through co-ordinated actions at City Hall, demonstrations, rallies, fundraisers, and community-building gatherings.
NCK recognizes the intersectionality of issues that different activist organizations focus on, such as climate justice and housing. Advocating that “you can have trees and homes,” they are promoting the building of affordable housing in non-forested areas.
Challenges & Support Needed
Several natural areas around town are being threatened by developers and the pro-development elements at City Hall, so there is always a need for support in the forms of volunteering, donations, and writing to councillors to oppose clearcutting proposals.
Accomplishments
No Clearcuts Kingston raised about $60,000 to oppose the developer of the Tannery site at the Ontario Land Tribunal, a fight that is ongoing. In the process, they earned the support of thousands of Kingstonians, and built community by connecting nature-lovers through gatherings with beautiful music, poetry, and speeches.
Additionally, NCK has successfully shown the former City Council why it should oppose the clearcutting of the Collins Creek old growth forest, with the support of many other advocates. They emphasized the importance of calling for an independent assessment of the woodland to be clearcut that is not funded by the property developer. There is more information about this in a Kingstonist Article from April 10, 2024.
Thoughts on Fractures in the Activist Community
Grateful for the support they've received in their endeavors to oppose clearcutting, NCK has experienced more solidarity than fractures in the activist community. Founder Kathleen O'Hara says people are generally co-operative, likely because those that care about protecting forests understand that we are all part of the same whole.
Group Structure
In order to take part in the Ontario Land Tribunal hearing to save the Tannery, NCK had to organize themselves into five directors. Otherwise, the group is composed of volunteers and allies rather than formal members. Anyone interested in joining their efforts to protect trees and wildlife in Kingson is more than welcome to contact them at the addresses listed at the bottom of the page.
Motivation for Fighting
"If ordinary citizens don’t stand up for their rights, then we allow greedy, selfish interests to have their way, and that is destructive… like cutting down forests!" - Kathleen O'Hara
Instagram: @noclearcutskingston
Facebook: No Clearcuts in Kingston
Email: noclearcuts2023@gmail.com
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