Fenelon Falls joins Lindsay in climate strike action

Thanks to organizing efforts by 17-year old Abby Jardine, Fenelon Falls joined other parts of Canada and much of the world in a climate strike September 27.

Rallying at the old Fenelon Falls Theatre marquee sign, about 50 marchers took to Fenelon Falls’ main street to bring attention to the issue of climate change.

Though originally planned as a student march during the high school lunch hour, all ages were represented among the participants.

Jardine notes, “There was support from the community I was not expecting. We had all kinds of people cheering us on: parents, seniors, political figures, and even people who work for oil and construction companies. It really goes to show everyone that as much as we may feel like we are alone and not doing much to help create change, when we come together something awesome can emerge.”

Participation by secondary school students may have been reduced when the Terry Fox Run, originally scheduled for Thursday was bumped to Friday due to stormy weather.

Scores of students streamed out of school and into civic action in Lindsay, too, mainly from I.E. Weldon Secondary School, LCVI, and Central Senior Public School.

Students demanded governments take legislative action to halt man-made climate change. They were joined by allies in the community of all ages who were clearly excited by the energy and persistence of the students.

In Lindsay, a student from each school spoke for a couple of minutes to the assembled crowd, as well as a local representative from Amnesty International. City of Kawartha Lakes Councillor Tracy Richardson also delivered remarks.

The actions that students took in Kawartha Lakes today paralleled the millions of young people and their allies around the world who demanded governments do more to halt climate change, including the creation of tougher emissions for corporations.

*With files from Roderick Benns