Latest news with #Garneau
France 24
4 days ago
- Science
- France 24
Arctic warming spurs growth of carbon-soaking peatlands
Peatlands are the largest terrestrial store of carbon, locking away twice as much heat-trapping CO2 from the atmosphere in their waterlogged soils as all the world's forests. These carbon-rich reservoirs, composed of partially decayed organic matter, only cover three percent of Earth's surface, and generally fade out in the far north where harsh weather limits plant growth. But warmer temperatures caused by climate change have improved growing conditions for plants in the Arctic, and satellite data has shown a general "greening" of this frosty region. Using drones, satellite imagery and on-the-ground observations, an international team of scientists assessed peatlands in the European and Canadian Arctic to see if they had benefited from warmer climes. They found strong evidence that peatlands "have likely undergone lateral expansion over the last 40 years" in the Arctic, which is the fastest warming region on Earth. "The permafrost thaws a little, provides a water source for vegetation, and surface vegetation recovers. In this study, we specifically see a lateral expansion," Michelle Garneau, a professor at the University of Quebec in Montreal, and co-author of the study, told AFP. The most marked change was observed where summer temperatures have risen the most, such as in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard. "All these new vegetated surfaces that didn't exist three decades ago are currently actively absorbing carbon," Garneau added. This suggests Arctic peatlands "are an increasingly important natural carbon sink, at least in the near term", said study co-author Karen Anderson, a professor from the University of Exeter, which led the research. But how they respond to climate change in future is "still highly uncertain", said the study published in the peer-reviewed journal Communications Earth and Environment. Recent modelling suggests that northern peatlands "may become a carbon source from mid-century" as they dry out and permafrost thaws, the study said. They are also at risk from wildfires, which release masses of stored up carbon at once. "If temperatures continue to rise, we are likely to see changes in rainfall, and we are not sure how sustainable new or existing peatlands will be," said Anderson. More peatlands also means more natural emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas far more effective at trapping heat than CO2.
Globe and Mail
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Globe and Mail
Edmonton's heritage Garneau district confronts upzoning
Increasing density to meet a growing demand for housing in well-served, well-connected central areas, often precedes the preservation of complementary attributes that make dense urban environments a desirable place to live, including a sense of place, or the emotional connection between people and place. Preserving mature trees and heritage buildings, for instance, stands at odds with the demands of a real estate market on steroids. This situation is currently at play in Edmonton. To bolster the number of Edmontonians living in 15-minute neighbourhoods, city hall recently approved the rezoning of five priority growth areas to allow for higher densities in the city's major activity nodes. 'Priority growth areas are about enhancing these areas, and giving more people opportunities to access existing amenities,' says Lisa Drury, a senior planner at the City of Edmonton, noting that increasing housing choice is 'a key part of the rezoning process.' Calgary home sales drop in April as economic uncertainty continues, real estate board says One of these priority growth areas is Garneau, one of Edmonton's oldest neighbourhoods, whose central location, ample access to transportation options and proximity to the University of Alberta, make it an ideal candidate for densification. But Garneau is not lacking in density, nor in housing diversity, and some residents worry that the zoning changes introduced by city hall could disrupt the balance supporting the neighbourhood's livability, as well as its long-term desirability. In a public hearing last month, Elizabeth Finn, a Garneau resident, shared her concerns with city council. 'I'm not adverse to increasing density, what I am concerned about is that, in the name of increasing density and decreasing bureaucracy, Garneau is going to lose its uniqueness and charm, what makes everyone want to live there.' Heritage on the outside, party on the inside Ms. Finn first moved to Garneau in 2018, when she was a student at the University of Alberta. The area's walkability, lush tree-lined streets and a wide variety of services and amenities, including the iconic Whyte Avenue, popular for shopping, dining, and nightlife, quickly captured Ms. Finn's heart. After renting an apartment in a high-rise tower on Whyte Avenue (also known as 82nd Avenue), four years ago, Ms. Finn and her husband found their dream home just one block away: a 2½-storey foursquare built in 1915. The couple purchased the 2,000-square-foot property for less than $430,000, a bargain by today's standards. This year's tax assessment pegs the value of the century-old dwelling at $600,500. Ms. Finn's home isn't an outlier. Edmonton's record population growth has caused house prices and rental rates to climb. In the past four years, the median resale price for detached homes has increased by more than 20 per cent, the Realtors Association of Edmonton reports. Over the same period, low vacancy rates drove rents up by roughly 20 per cent, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation data shows. To relieve some of the pressure on the city's housing market, the new zoning implemented in Garneau allows for mixed-use towers as tall as 21-storeys along two arterial roads, 82nd Avenue and 109th Street, and accommodates mid-rise buildings between six and eight storeys on adjacent areas, accounting for the impact of taller structures on low-rise properties. What it takes to own and restore a Canadian heritage home Recognizing the significance of heritage buildings in Garneau, city planners incorporated transition zones of lower heights on neighbouring sites. For example, the parcels next to the William Buster residence on 81st Avenue, are zoned to allow for a maximum height of three storeys on one side, and six storeys on the other. City administrators encourage homeowners to list their property in the city's heritage inventory, a first step to historical designation, and to lifetime protection from demolition. If a new building is designated, however, the zoning already adjudicated to adjacent properties would remain unchanged. This puts Ms. Finn in a difficult position. Although she wishes to list her home in the heritage inventory, Ms. Finn is hesitant to pursue municipal designation because the north side of her street, 81st Avenue, is now zoned to accommodate six-storey buildings. 'We would be enveloped by apartment buildings,' Ms. Finn says, pointing at the existing towers rising behind her backyard, on Whyte Avenue. 'Our ability to resell the house would be very limited.' After council's decision, Garneau's resident association retained a consultant to amend the upgraded zoning and protect older properties. But the attractiveness of Garneau doesn't rely solely on heritage buildings. They downsized to save money and simplify their lives. Here's what they wished they'd known Garneau embodies the kind of dense neighbourhood urbanists yearn for. Within a 15-minute walk, an array of uses, building heights and architectural styles converge to create a vibrant milieu that captivates residents and visitors alike. 'We love neighbourhoods that connect us to a story about place, that make us feel like we're part of something bigger,' says Neal LaMontagne, a city planning lecturer at the University of Alberta. Because Garneau was established in the pre-war period, before car-dependent subdivisions filled with cookie-cutter homes came to dominate Canadian cities, it displays features that can be difficult to replicate. 'The fact that it's an older neighbourhood lends itself to a more human scale, to human-centred urbanism,' Mr. LaMontagne says. 'It also means it's adapted over time, so it has a complexity that is rare in newer neighbourhoods.' Despite its historic character, Garneau isn't frozen in time. One reason this neighbourhood continues to thrive is its eclectic mix of old and new buildings. Almost half of existing dwellings were built after 1980, and in the last 15 years, more than 600 apartments have been completed. For Mr. LaMontagne, the city's focus on meeting a minimum density of 250 residents or jobs per hectare in major nodes, as established by Edmonton's City Plan, diverts from the importance of maintaining some of the physical qualities that sustain Garneau's desirability. 'Our oldest neighbourhoods are our most central neighbourhoods, so planners have to make sure that they're not exclusive,' he says. 'But how do we do that in a way that you're including people in something that's really desirable? How do you keep those qualities? Our planning tools in Alberta aren't nuanced enough to fit that complexity.'
Hamilton Spectator
07-06-2025
- Science
- Hamilton Spectator
Marc Garneau left lasting legacy on Earth and in space, former colleagues say
MONTREAL - Canadian scientists working on asteroid missions, exploring the universe through the James Webb Space Telescope or helping to put rovers on Mars say they can in some way thank Marc Garneau, who left an enduring legacy both as an astronaut and head of the country's space agency. While best-known in later years as a federal cabinet minister, Garneau, who died this week at 76, was also a Navy officer, a systems engineer, and an astronaut with a lifelong passion for science, according to his friends and colleagues. In 1984, he made history as the first Canadian in space when he served as a payload specialist aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger. He returned to space twice more, in 1996 and 2000, before serving as the president of the Canadian Space Agency from 2001 to 2005. 'All his life was devoted to public service,' said Gilles Leclerc, an ex-CSA official who worked with him. 'And he was really a role model to all the Canadian astronauts who came after him.' As CSA president, Garneau laid the building blocks for the space exploration program that would bring together other initiatives previously developed separately, Leclerc said. He was also 'ahead of his time' when it came to being conscious of the environment and understanding the importance of applying space technology for practical uses such as satellite communications. 'During his tenure, he really wanted us to focus more on science: astronomy, planetary science, lunar exploration,' Leclerc said in a phone interview. 'So all these things that now we see, all these missions that Canada participated in, like a mission to the asteroids, two missions to Mars, the James Webb Space had a real strong influence in shaping the future of the space program for a long time.' On Friday, CSA President Lisa Campbell paid tribute to Garneau, who she called a 'cherished member of the space agency family.' 'We remain deeply grateful for his extraordinary public service and enduring contributions to Canada and the world, from making history as the first Canadian in space to guiding the Canadian Space Agency as its president,' she said at an event at the agency's Montreal-area headquarters. 'his integrity, his generosity of spirit touches everyone who had the privilege of working with him.' Flags at government buildings in Montreal have been lowered to half-mast in tribute. Garneau would carry his love of science — as well as his significant technical knowledge — into his next role as a politician, according to his former chief of staff and close personal friend. Marc Roy said Garneau decided to run for office out of a desire to give back after his successful space career. Garneau often spoke about how seeing the Earth from above 'changed his perspective on many things,' including conflicts and environmental protections, Roy said. 'So many things that unfortunately divide us as humans that become so irrelevant when you look at our world from abroad,' Roy said in a phone interview. 'And that desire to want to contribute at an even higher level, at a different, at a policy level, at a governance level is what inspired him to run for federal politics.' Garneau was elected as MP in Notre-Dame-de-Grâce–Westmount in 2008 after failing to win another Montreal-area seat in 2006. Roy said Garneau's scientific background shone through most clearly as Transport minister, when he was able to instantly grasp technical briefings on ships, planes and trains. Above all, his history as a naval officer and astronaut gave him a laser focus on safety, Roy said, in a role that would see Garneau introduce measures including the safer skies initiative, and the oceans protection plan to monitor ship traffic, oil spills and wildlife. Roy said Garneau often spoke about the weight of the portfolio, 'wanting to ensure that he did it to the best of his ability, that he truly understood every decision that he was taking and every decision that was possible for him to make in order to ensure the safety of the traveling public and the safety overall of our trade and transportation corridors.' Roy said Garneau brought a scientist's analytic, 'Spock-like' demeanor to his roles. But he said some of the issues Garneau championed most passionately were social causes, including serving as a joint chair of the special joint committee on medical assistance in dying. And, despite his considerable intelligence, Roy said Garneau remained humble. 'He had a very rare quality in a politician, from his very debut until the very last day before he retired as member of Parliament, which was: he listened more than he talked,' Roy said. He said his friend was diagnosed only months ago with two cancers: leukemia and lymphoma, and died after a battle that was 'brave but short.' Roy said his friend's time since retirement was spent enjoying time with his wife, Pam, and his children, and completing work on his autobiography, 'A Most Extraordinary Ride: Space, Politics and the Pursuit of a Canadian Dream.' Roy said the book gave Garneau closure. 'He wanted to tell the story that, 'I'm just like everybody else and I failed and I've screwed up and I pulled up my socks and I learned from my mistakes and I moved on,'' Roy said. 'And that was very important for him to tell that story, and I'm just so fortunate that he had the time to do that.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 7, 2025.
Vancouver Sun
07-06-2025
- Science
- Vancouver Sun
Marc Garneau left lasting legacy on Earth and in space, former colleagues say
MONTREAL — Canadian scientists working on asteroid missions, exploring the universe through the James Webb Space Telescope or helping to put rovers on Mars say they can in some way thank Marc Garneau, who left an enduring legacy both as an astronaut and head of the country's space agency. While best-known in later years as a federal cabinet minister, Garneau, who died this week at 76, was also a Navy officer, a systems engineer, and an astronaut with a lifelong passion for science, according to his friends and colleagues. In 1984, he made history as the first Canadian in space when he served as a payload specialist aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger. He returned to space twice more, in 1996 and 2000, before serving as the president of the Canadian Space Agency from 2001 to 2005. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. 'All his life was devoted to public service,' said Gilles Leclerc, an ex-CSA official who worked with him. 'And he was really a role model to all the Canadian astronauts who came after him.' As CSA president, Garneau laid the building blocks for the space exploration program that would bring together other initiatives previously developed separately, Leclerc said. He was also 'ahead of his time' when it came to being conscious of the environment and understanding the importance of applying space technology for practical uses such as satellite communications. 'During his tenure, he really wanted us to focus more on science: astronomy, planetary science, lunar exploration,' Leclerc said in a phone interview. 'So all these things that now we see, all these missions that Canada participated in, like a mission to the asteroids, two missions to Mars, the James Webb Space Telescope…Marc had a real strong influence in shaping the future of the space program for a long time.' On Friday, CSA President Lisa Campbell paid tribute to Garneau, who she called a 'cherished member of the space agency family.' 'We remain deeply grateful for his extraordinary public service and enduring contributions to Canada and the world, from making history as the first Canadian in space to guiding the Canadian Space Agency as its president,' she said at an event at the agency's Montreal-area headquarters. 'his integrity, his generosity of spirit touches everyone who had the privilege of working with him.' Flags at government buildings in Montreal have been lowered to half-mast in tribute. Garneau would carry his love of science — as well as his significant technical knowledge — into his next role as a politician, according to his former chief of staff and close personal friend. Marc Roy said Garneau decided to run for office out of a desire to give back after his successful space career. Garneau often spoke about how seeing the Earth from above 'changed his perspective on many things,' including conflicts and environmental protections, Roy said. 'So many things that unfortunately divide us as humans that become so irrelevant when you look at our world from abroad,' Roy said in a phone interview. 'And that desire to want to contribute at an even higher level, at a different, at a policy level, at a governance level is what inspired him to run for federal politics.' Garneau was elected as MP in Notre-Dame-de-Grace_Westmount in 2008 after failing to win another Montreal-area seat in 2006. Roy said Garneau's scientific background shone through most clearly as Transport minister, when he was able to instantly grasp technical briefings on ships, planes and trains. Above all, his history as a naval officer and astronaut gave him a laser focus on safety, Roy said, in a role that would see Garneau introduce measures including the safer skies initiative, and the oceans protection plan to monitor ship traffic, oil spills and wildlife. Roy said Garneau often spoke about the weight of the portfolio, 'wanting to ensure that he did it to the best of his ability, that he truly understood every decision that he was taking and every decision that was possible for him to make in order to ensure the safety of the traveling public and the safety overall of our trade and transportation corridors.' Roy said Garneau brought a scientist's analytic, 'Spock-like' demeanor to his roles. But he said some of the issues Garneau championed most passionately were social causes, including serving as a joint chair of the special joint committee on medical assistance in dying. And, despite his considerable intelligence, Roy said Garneau remained humble. 'He had a very rare quality in a politician, from his very debut until the very last day before he retired as member of Parliament, which was: he listened more than he talked,' Roy said. He said his friend was diagnosed only months ago with two cancers: leukemia and lymphoma, and died after a battle that was 'brave but short.' Roy said his friend's time since retirement was spent enjoying time with his wife, Pam, and his children, and completing work on his autobiography, 'A Most Extraordinary Ride: Space, Politics and the Pursuit of a Canadian Dream.' Roy said the book gave Garneau closure. 'He wanted to tell the story that, 'I'm just like everybody else and I failed and I've screwed up and I pulled up my socks and I learned from my mistakes and I moved on,'' Roy said. 'And that was very important for him to tell that story, and I'm just so fortunate that he had the time to do that.' Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here .
Toronto Star
07-06-2025
- Science
- Toronto Star
Marc Garneau left lasting legacy on Earth and in space, former colleagues say
MONTREAL - Canadian scientists working on asteroid missions, exploring the universe through the James Webb Space Telescope or helping to put rovers on Mars say they can in some way thank Marc Garneau, who left an enduring legacy both as an astronaut and head of the country's space agency. While best-known in later years as a federal cabinet minister, Garneau, who died this week at 76, was also a Navy officer, a systems engineer, and an astronaut with a lifelong passion for science, according to his friends and colleagues.
