Archive for category: Community

There are many options for waste management in the community of Listuguj – regular garbage pickup, recycling, the eco-center, the transfer site, and as of 2022, composting.

Marie-Christine Roussel Gray was working for the Sustainable Development Institute in Wendake, QC in 2017, when the idea of starting a composting project in Listuguj was brought to her attention. The company did its research and developed a waste management plan based on how much waste is being produced in Listuguj.  After this study was completed, the plan went into effect. “It was the start of the composting program and all the projects we’ve had to improve waste and environment in general,” said Roussel Gray. Roussel Gray then moved to Listuguj and became the Environmental and Sustainable Development Coordinator at Capital and Infrastructure, taking on the composting project in the community.  After receiving the funds from Indigenous Services Canada in 2019, the compost project officially began in July, 2022.

Even though there were enough composting bins for every house in Listuguj, Capital and Infrastructure did a voluntary approach initially for community members.  The research found that quite a few households were already practicing composting, but the bin just took it to the next level. There were a lot of participants at first, but Capital and Infrastructure are aware of the challenges that may come with composting in the cold winter months.

Composting is also offered at Alaqsite’w Gitpu School, and eventually, the program will include all Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government buildings – at first, primarily focusing on buildings that produce more food, or that house a cafeteria (schools, Gignu, Waqatasg Elders Home, etc.)

When asked why composting is important in the community, Roussel Gray said, “There is always the environmental argument when it comes to composting, but there’s also the financial reasons. Waste costs a lot.” Having the community compost in their everyday lives will lower the cost of waste transportation.  Currently, waste goes to St. Alphonse de Caplan which is roughly 110 KM away. “Compost is wet and heavy, so that is something that we have to pay to carry. Now, we just keep it here. The more people who compost, the easier it will be to manage and maintain. The more people who participate, the more money we’ll save in the community,” said Roussel Gray.  

There are other methods of waste management in the community. There is regular curbside garbage pickup that occurs Thursdays between 8 AM and 5 PM. The garbage is collected and taken to a landfill.  Recycling is done bi-weekly, and the company is subcontracted by Listuguj and taken to a sorting centre. The Eco-Center is located at the Public Works Garage where community members can dispose of their household hazardous waste, such as used oils, propane cylinders, etc.  This is a monitored site and is locked at night. Lastly, the transfer site is where community members can dispose of bulkier items such as household appliances and furniture.

There are many waste management options in Listuguj and Capital and Infrastructure have developed many tools to help the community navigate which items go where. At this time, a sorting guide is available for pickup at the Capital and Infrastructure building or online at listuguj.ca. There is a Listuguj Environment Facebook page that frequently posts calendars and reminders. A new tool is in the words as well – an app that can be downloaded onto your phone. “You will be able to put your address in, and it will show you a calendar for pickup. You can set up notifications on when to put out your bins,” said Roussel Gray.

If you are interested in composting, please visit Public Works weekdays from 8:00 AM-5:00 PM to pick up your bin. If you have any questions regarding waste management in Listuguj, feel free to message the Listuguj Environment Facebook page, or email them at environment@listuguj.ca.

By Ann Marie Jacques

Winter time is now upon us. During this frigid season we must remember to take certain precautions to stay safe. When outdoors, wear appropriate footwear for the winter. Winter boots have better traction than summer or indoor footwear, so consider bringing summer/indoor footwear to work and change in the office/workplace.

The use of ice cleats may also help with traction outdoors. However, be careful when travelling indoors on hard surfaces. Cleats will have the reverse effect.

Parking lots and walkways are common places for slips/falls during the winter. Please exercise caution as black ice may be present at entry points/parking lots.

Making sure they are kept clean of ice and snow is very important.  If they are not frequently maintained during the day, have a bucket of salt/sand with a small shovel available where needed. We all can take a few minutes to help by spreading out some salt/sand. Safety is everyone’s responsibility.

When walking over an icy patch, try walking like a penguin. Remember, keep your hands out of your pockets to keep your balance.

Alexandra (Barnaby) Willett graduated from Acadia University in Sociology, and during her final year of studies, she discovered she had a passion for health and fitness.  She knew she wanted to take this passion to the next level, so she began EL Wellness Studio – Spin + Fitness from scratch during the COVID-19 pandemic. Willett took on multiple roles for the studio – instructor, payroll, marketing, Human Resources, Inventory management, etc. She began business planning in late 2020, and the doors officially opened to the public in September 2021.

Since its opening, the studio now consists of several instructors and studio leaders and offers 25 classes per week. These classes start as early as 6:00 AM and run until late in the evenings.  There are two studios in the facility that offer inclusive group fitness classes. In Studio 1, Spin (indoor cycling) classes are offered. These spin classes are very high-energy and fun and contain upbeat music and lights. In Studio 2, various group fitness classes range from low-intensity workouts, such as yoga and M1ND, to high-intensity workouts like “Get Pumped” and L1FT.

EL Wellness is a very inclusive studio that thrives on the notion that fitness is about feeling good and pushing yourself. The instructors are very supportive and encouraging when it comes to an individual’s personal fitness journey.  Willett said, “A fitness class at EL will push you past your fitness abilities, but it will also uplift you and reassure you of how capable you are.”

Willett said her favorite thing about working at EL Wellness is connecting with the studio’s members. “Watching new members grow so quickly, watching confidence build and self-esteem rise. Our community and the energy they bring will always be the heartbeat of the studio,” said Willett.  If you’ve ever experienced a class at EL Wellness, you can just feel the confidence and joy in the studio rooms. The instructors are knowledgeable and provide an all-around positive experience.

When asked about the future plans of EL Wellness, Willett was excited to share the details. “We are currently in the renovation stages of an expansion! I’m absolutely over the moon to share that we will be the first and only fitness facilities in the Maritime provinces to offer classes using our new equipment.” She said that expansion has always been on her mind and would like to accommodate the studio’s members more with new fitness options. “Our new Studio 3 will offer another type of training that is not offered elsewhere. Stay tuned to see!” said Willett.  

If you are interested in the available courses at EL Wellness Studio, there are a number of ways to get informed. You can stop by the studio, located at 206 Notre Dame St. in Atholville for more information on scheduling and classes offered. All class descriptions and schedules are available on www.elwellnessstudio.com or on the EL Wellness app, which can be found in the App store on any smartphone. Individuals can create a profile on the website or the app and book a class.

Walk Out Stronger at EL Wellness Studio!

By Ann Marie Jacques