We are now accepting applications for Summer 2024.
Below is a list of available projects for Peterborough and the surrounding area. If you are a student researcher and see a project that you are interested in or would like to learn more about, please complete a Student Application Form.
U-Links Centre for Community Based Research
Also listed below, are projects offered by the U-Links Centre for Community Based Research, which partners students with projects in Haliburton County. For a more up to date list, please visit ulinks.ca/available-projects
Please Note: Student travel between Peterborough and Haliburton County is provided.
#5063 - Lived Experience and Social, Health and Economic Impacts of Inaccessible Housing vs Accessible Housing
The Accessible Housing Network (AHN) is a non-partisan collaboration of Canadian non-profit organizations working to support the human rights of persons with disabilities to end the extreme lack of accessible housing. To support their work, AHN is asking the following questions regarding barriers to the development of accessible housing:
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What organizations within Canada support seniors and people of all ages with disabilities?
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What circumstances, policies, and pieces of legislation are cited by government agencies (municipal, provincial, and federal) as barriers to the development of accessible housing, and how can these barriers be addressed?
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What barriers (systemic, social, attitudes, etc.) deter the construction of new accessible housing by developers?
In addition, AHN is interested in better understanding the representation of persons with disabilities within census data. The student undertaking this project may also explore the factors and rationale that influence a person’s decision to self-identify as having a disability.
Sustainable Development Goals(s):
#5071 - Insight into Peterborough's Disabled Community
People who identifiy themselves with having a disabily experience low perception of social support and far more likely to be socially isolated. The degree to which the individuals are connected to their communities has a significant impact of their health and wellbeing. This is also true in the case of the pedriatic population, and the distressing feeling of social isolation has a strong influence on the children's mental health. We hope to bridge the gap between those who are isolated and the community by identifying Peterborough's comprehensive disabled population and the different approaches that can be initiated to interact with them. This will help us to continue to grow our programs and better our services.
There are two elements to this project.
1) Identifying the comprehensive disabled population of Peterborough
2) Identifying the different approaches that are welcomed by the disabled community to interact with them.
Sustainable Development Goals(s):
#5104 - Development of a Sustainable Annual Fundraising Plan
Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre (KSAC) is a feminist, not-for-profit, charitable organization dedicated to supporting those affected by sexual violence and harm. In Peterborough, we offer crisis support, advocacy and accompaniment, individual counselling, group counselling, workshops, and prevention education. In our three surrounding communities of City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton, and Northumberland, we work with local agencies to provide responsive healing support and prevention education events.
The student undertaking this project will develop a sustainable fundraising plan which will give KSAC a source of reliable donations to strengthen our services which ultimately benefits the cultural and social health of our community. Specific questions to be addressed in this plan may include:
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What is the scope of existing KSAC fundraising initiatives?
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What are the untapped resources for fundraising partnerships in the community?
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What are other successful SACs doing for fundraising in cities of a similar size?
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What do best practices look like for similar not-for-profit fundraising?
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What could an annual fundraising plan for KSAC look like and what are the key elements that need to be incorporated?
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How can a fundraising partnership with KSAC benefit local businesses?
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How can KSAC attract local businesses to partner with us in fundraising initiatives?
Sustainable Development Goals(s):
#5118 - Indigenous History and Relations at Ashburnham Memorial Park
The Ashburnham Memorial Stewardship Group (AMSG) was founded in June 2021 in order to advocate for positive changes to Ashburnham Memorial Park, known locally as “Armour Hill.” AMSG is composed of citizen volunteers who are advocating to and working with various City of Peterborough departments to drive conservation, stewardship, and recreation in Ashburnham Park.
AMSG is committed to a collaborative and inclusive approach and is seeking to improve its understanding of Indigenous history associated with this key local landmark. The student undertaking this project will engage with local Indigenous communities and available historical resources to explore this history, and to help build relationships that will improve collaboration in a respectful and meaningful way.
Sustainable Development Goals(s):
#6024 - Shaping Community: Factors Influencing Volunteering
FriendLily is an e-commerce site that retails products from Canadian small businesses and contributes a percentage of the retail price to charities. The purpose of this project is to examine why people choose to volunteer, and what perceived barriers exist that limit volunteering. Some of these barriers that may be examined include time, travel, and scheduling. In addition, the student researcher will be asked to look at the outreach from volunteer organizations and how this effects volunteering rates, as well as the way that charities effect local communities. The student will be asked to gather information through random interviews, as well as research demographics and analyze any market differences between small town and larger city residents.
Research Theme(s): Social, Economics, Business
#6026 - The BCC as a Welcoming, Inclusive Community Hub
Buckhorn Community Center is in search of a student to research the characteristics of an accessible community hub in rural communities, the current state of accessibility of the Buckhorn Community Center, and how can they improve?
Sustainable Development Goals(s):
#6030 - Employment Profile of Deaf Population in Ontario - Deaf Population vs Employers
Deafblind Ontario is in search of a student to identify and explore employment opportunities and rates for deaf, hard-of-hearing, or non-verbal community members, and analyzing the barriers to employment and potential differences by region. This student would develop a report based on literature review, and a scan of public records, as well as conducting a survey of deaf/hard of hearing employees or employers.
Sustainable Development Goals(s):
#6035 - Baxter Creek Watershed Forest Resource Analysis
This project is a spatial analysis workflow and analysis to develop a forest resource Canopy Height Model (CHM) and other forest derivatives using remote sensing methods and data. The student undertaking this project will complete a LiDAR point cloud classification update and developing an initial normalized Digital Surface Model (nDSM). This project will benefit long-term watershed planning for the Baxter Creek Watershed Alliance and inform conservation planning initiatives.
Sustainable Development Goals(s):
#6042 - Development of a Research Plan: Mapping Client Access to Housing Services
The purpose of this project is to learn the most appropriate ways to engage people that have experienced homelessness or are experiencing homelessness to share their stories, and the best way to document the stories. The scope of this research project is not to conduct interviews and journey mapping with clients, but to develop the research plan, laying the foundation for the City of Kawartha Lakes to effectively complete that work. The City of Kawartha Lakes wants to understand these stories to improve and better integrate services within and across sectors to better support individuals who don't have a place to stay or may be at risk of homelessness. In particular we want to better understand: 1) interventions that could help people earlier in their housing path to prevent them from experiencing homelessness; 2) gaps in the local housing / health / social / employment / criminal justice systems that people have fallen into and have resulted in their experiences of homelessness; 3) the services and interventions that have enabled people to become successfully housed again. The goal is to document peoples' life stories, with a focus on their experiences with social, health, emergency, criminal justice, and other services.
Sustainable Development Goals(s):
#6053 - Diaries of Dr George Batchin Thompson of Bizana, Pondoland
Dr George Batchin Thompson (1870-1959) was the son of a Scottish tailor, and graduated from Edinburgh University as a medical doctor in 1893. With an abundance of historical documents to research involving Dr Thompson and his acquaintances, Veronica van Zyl is in search of a student researcher to aid in the search for documents and records, highlight transcriptions, and transcribe handwritten letters, along with other tasks to understand the diaries. The purpose of this research project is to make the Diaries of Dr George Batchin Thompson readable and available for his family and researchers in the future to use.
#6055 - Cheese: The Local Scene
Cheese-making was a historically important industry in the Tweed area, but most privately-owned cheese factories are now closed. This project will research and present an overview of the original development and decline of the cheese industry in the Tweed area. The final report will make a valuable addition to the reference resources of the heritage centre for the present and future generations. This project would explore the history of cheese factories in the Tweed area, their founders and operators, their importance for local industry and food production, and details of their closures. It will collect stories related to local cheese factories and may identify relevant artifacts. This is important cultural and economic information related to the history of our community that we hope to make available for future researchers.
Sustainable Development Goals(s):
#6072 - Canadian Armed Forces Simulation Training Department: Simulations Assessment
The Canadian Armed Forces Simulation Training Department is in search for a student to gather useful information and develop a Performance Management Framework for the simulation that guides strategic decision-making on training and resource allocation. The Canadian Army training system must be prepared to adjust and react to emergent threats to ensure adequate training is being delivered to a broad audience and be able to generate tailored capabilities regarding specific missions.
Under the Army's 2021 modernization strategy, simulation is to be increased in all forms of training. Despite the appetite to enhance the use of simulation, there is a lack of an appropriate performance measurement framework behind the simulation, which is what the proposed student will be aiding in.
Sustainable Development Goals(s):
#6087 - Public Use and Perceptions of Ashburnham Memorial Park
The Ashburnham Memorial Stewardship Group (AMSG) was founded in June 2021 in order to advocate for positive changes to Ashburnham Memorial Park, known locally as “Armour Hill.” AMSG is composed of citizen volunteers who are advocating to and working with various City of Peterborough departments to drive conservation, stewardship, and recreation in Ashburnham Park.
AMSH is seeking to better understand how Ashburnham Memorial Park is perceived and used by the public. The student undertaking this study would explore existing survey data and would seek to collect additional data to address this need. Analysis of the data collected will help to inform future actions to increase stewardship and safety within the park.
#6094 - Characterizing The Lindsay Advocate’s Print Readership
We want to find out who is reading the Advocate. We know we have a very loyal following. Online we know we are 75% women readers. In print, we have almost no data. Having this data will help us understand and plan story ideas for future months that will be of greater applicability to our readers. As always, we try to position Advocate stories through a wellness lens.
Sustainable Development Goals(s):
#6095 - The Impact of Municipal Policy on Housing Security
The student completing this project will investigate the ways that municipal policies and guidelines affect residential construction, and to assess the impacts that these policies and guidelines can have on rates of housing insecurity across the municipality.
Research questions include:
- What municipal policies and guidelines support and act as barriers to the construction of new residential units?
- How do existing municipal plans seek to address housing security, and are these plans being actualized?
- What overall impact do municipal policies and guidelines have on the construction of new residential units?
Sustainable Development Goals(s):
#6096 - A Deep Dive into the Lives of Peterborough County’s Wardens.
The Wardens of Peterborough County are a part of our history that we are looking to honour and remember. The Warden is the head of council for Peterborough County. They are a recognized leader among their council peers and in the community. Many past County Wardens and their families still live in this area. This project will benefit the cultural health of our community by recording and preserving a part of our local history.
Research Questions include:
- What was the most important decision, event, or impact of each Peterborough County Warden?
- What was the legacy of each Peterborough County Warden?
- What was life like in Peterborough County when each Warden was in office?
Sustainable Development Goals(s):
#6106 - Exploring Options and Planning for a Car Share Program
With Habitat for Humanity's focus on building more safe, decent, and affordable condos, the organization is interested in exploring the feasibility of a Car Share program for its' condo properties. In making shared vehicles more accessible, the organization hopes to make transportation accessible to those without cars while enabling tenants to decrease their number of personal vehicles as a whole. With a reduced need for parking, the organization hopes to prioritize the use of land for housing rather than for parking. Under the imagined model, shared vehicles would be available for condo tenants only.
Sustainable Development Goals(s):
#6107 - Feasibility of ReStore Pop-Ups in Rural Communities within the Peterborough and Kawarthas Region
Habitat for Humanity PKR currently operates three ReStores, which receive and re-sell used clothing, furniture, tools, and more. The three existing stores are located in North and South Peterborough, and in Lindsay. Given public interest, Habitat PKR is exploring the possibility of opening new ReStores in surrounding smaller communities. ReStores serve to fund the Habitat's work while diverting used materials from landfill and allowing individuals to purchase items at a reduced cost.
Sustainable Development Goals(s):
#6113 - TCRC Legacy Project
The TCRC has had an undeniable impact on the lives of its student researchers - and helped many realize/reach their career goals in the long term. This project would aim to look at the impact that doing community-based research (specifically with TCRC) had on the professional trajectory and development of former student researchers involved with the centre.
Sustainable Development Goals(s):
#6116 - Evaluating the State of Small Business & Entrepreneurship in Peterborough and the Kawarthas
This project aims to investigate trends in small business within Peterborough & the Kawarthas, including quantity and current challenges. With a diversified economy in the region, what does this make-up of small businesses and entrepreneurs look like? How does it set the region apart from other communities?
Sustainable Development Goals(s):
#6133 - Researching Student Engagement With Clubs and Groups on Campus
The Journal of Undergraduate Studies at Trent is a levy group founded in 2007. The Journal works to highlight the research being done by undergraduate students and provide opportunities in academia. The Journal also employs undergraduate students in a number of roles such as editors, reviewers, and proofreaders. The Journal is looking to engage more students with our group as there has been a history of instability. We want to know how to engage students on a level that matters to them. The student and community groups in Trent and Peterborough are a key part of the cultural and social landscape and ensuring they are able to work with students on key issues is vital. The student working on this project will be building on work conducted in the fall semester (completion of a literature review and research design took place in the fall semester), so this project will focus on the collection and analysis of data in order to create a report with recommendations for JUST to increase student participation in the journal.
Sustainable Development Goals(s):
#6144: Monitoring Environmental Degradation in Simcoe County (Aggregate Extraction)
Information gathered through this set of studies will inform the community of current management approaches, potential impacts of activities and current management strategies, and will propose best practices for management of land use activities.
Sustainable Development Goals(s):
#6149: Crafting a Handbook for Sustainable Brewing: Developing a Guide to Sustainable Beer Production (Business Practices)
As a leader in sustainable brewing, Karbon is committed to cleaner production at every stage. Committed to achieving net-neutrality, the company is seeking assistance to explore best practices in all areas of production and the value chain. Information gathered through this series of studies will not only inform Karbon's practices, but will lay the foundation for a Sustainable Brewing Framework that can be used as a benchmark for other companies into the future. This project specifically will focus on sustainable business practices (packaging, transportation, refrigeration, general business operations).
Sustainable Development Goals(s):
#6152: Analysis and Comparison of Homemade Compost with Native Soil, and Commercially Produced Compost
The purpose of the project is to analyze the chemical properties of compost made in a home garden setting and compare/contrast it with the native soil of the home garden and of commercially produced compost. The analysis will help the community organization improve their methods of compost production and identify nutrients that may need to be amended to promote optimal plant growth.
Sustainable Development Goals(s):
#6173: Co-Curricular Record Program Evaluation
The Co-Curricular Record at Trent is an online tracking tool for students to track their co-curricular involvement. Students can print off a PDF version of their CCR, or use the online version to reflect on what they have learned and inform resume or cover letter creation. Co-Curricular Records have been offered to Trent University students since 2010. At this time, we would like to perform a program evaluation of this offering to ensure that is continuing to meet the needs of students.
Sustainable Development Goals(s):
#6214: Expanding the Awareness on Honour Based Violence in Canada - A National Project
This project will focus on the health and well-being of South Asian women within the context of Honour-Based Violence (HBV) prevalent across diverse communities in the GTA and across Canada. Our approach is guided by the World Health Organization’s comprehensive definition of Women’s health (https://www.who.int/health-topics/women-s-health). South Asian women’s holistic health—encompassing physical, mental, and emotional well-being—is often adversely affected by barriers hindering access to support, especially in the face of HBV. This includes instances of physical, sexual, and emotional violence against women. Through targeted advocacy and educational efforts, we strive to create a supportive environment that fosters health and resilience among South Asian women.
Sustainable Development Goals(s):
U-Links Centre for Community Based Research Projects:
Benthic Macroinvertebrate Biomonitoring Projects
(Multiple Projects Available - Visit U-Links website for full list)
NOTE: These projects are available for the 2022 fall semester and involve a field component.
Update: Benthic Biomonitoring projects can also be completed in the winter semester. Samples for each lake were collected this fall and can be analyzed by students in the lab.
Benthic macro-invertebrates (or “benthics” or “benthos”) are aquatic, spineless organisms that live on the bottom of water bodies. Since the late 1980’s they have been used as biological indicators for common aquatic pollutants as they spend part or the entirety of their lives in the water. The use of benthics as an indicator of water quality is now used throughout the world and has been widely used in Ontario since the early 2000’s.
In 2019 U-Links, Trent University, and Sir Sanford Fleming College participated in a pilot project involving six lakes within Haliburton County in order to determine if a program like this was possible. All six projects were successful and it was determined in early 2020 that the program would continue and expand to more lakes throughout the Haliburton region.
These community-based research projects are ideal for an undergraduate student as a full-term project and may include some field work early in the Fall (COVID-19 health and safety policies from Trent University and U-Links will be in effect). Students can request to work with a partner or will be paired with another registered student. It is preferred that each student group has at least one OBBN certified member, but other arrangements may be made to accommodate each group's specific needs.
#5094: Underground Greenhouse Feasibility Study for Haliburton County
NOTE: This project can be completed remotely
The purpose of this project is to research the feasibility of building an underground greenhouse/walipini for growing food in Haliburton County 12 months a year. How can sustainable features such as fishpond irrigation, geothermal and ceramic wood heat be integrated into the design? What innovative, local, or green engineering and construction features can be used?
This project would aid in sustainability and self sufficiency for growing food in Haliburton County and provide an ongoing educational component to the area.
Sustainable Development Goals(s):
#5081: Serenity Wetland Assessment
NOTE: This project involves a field component and is reccommended for a graduate-level student.
Many of the wetlands in Haliburton County remain unclassified, with their provincial significance unknown. The Serenity Wetland Alliance (SWA), is a volunteer group dedicated to the protection of the Serenity Wetland in Highlands East, ON. The purpose of this project is to gather relevant data and complete an inventory of species present through research and fieldwork, to initiate an Environmental Impact Assessment. The results of this project will promote the awareness of wetlands and their importance, and support other groups and organizations who are considering seeking protections for wetlands in their communities.
Sustainable Development Goals(s):
#5115: Lakeshore Capacity Study of Gull Lake
NOTE: This project involves a field component.
The Lakeshore Capacity Assessment Handbook (LCAH) was prepared by the Ministry of the Environment in partnership with the Ministries of Natural Resources and Municipal Affairs and Housing. It was developed to provide guidance to municipalities and other stakeholders responsible for the management of development along the shorelines of Ontario's inland lakes within the Precambrian Shield. A Lakeshore Capacity Assessment can be used to predict the level of development that can be sustained along the shoreline of an inland lake on the Precambrian Shield without exhibiting any adverse effects related to high phosphorus levels.The last time a Lakeshore Capacity Study was completed for Gull Lake was nearly 10 years ago. Since then, cottagers have increased their time spent at the lake and short-term rentals have continued to escalate (specifically in timeline since global COVID-19 pandemic). Gull Lake has populations of lake trout which is one of the circumstances used to trigger a Lakeshore Capacity Study. The purpose of this study is to determine the Lakeshore Capacity of Gull Lake by incorporating changes in development and nutrient inputs since the last assessment.
Sustainable Development Goals(s):
#5028: Assessment of Remote Sensing and Imagery Data and Tools for Use by the Haliburton Highlands Land Trust
NOTE: This project can be completed remotely.
The Haliburton Highlands Land Trust has as its mandate “to conserve plants, wildlife and clean water of Haliburton County to ensure a legacy of forests, fields and wetlands, and the species they nurture.” To achieve this goal the HHLT is acquiring lands of ecological and cultural significance for conservation purposes. Informed and science-based decision-making is necessary to acquire and manage these landscapes in perpetuity as is the main responsibility of HHLT. Analytical landscape evaluation processes and tools are seen to be key to HHLT decision-making for new acquisitions, land management, monitoring, and stewardship endeavors.
The purpose of this project is to determine the potential for use of remote sensing and GIS imagery to help the HHLT better achieve its land conservation and ecological management mandate. Remote sensing and GIS imagery are seen to provide a broader view of the Haliburton Highlands in the context of landscape classification, biodiversity, biological connectivity, and ecological changes over time. The value of the assessment will directly be of benefit to Haliburton County in terms of further landscape conservation, and the outcome of this project will be an assessment of applications and related data available for remote sensing and imagery analyses of landscapes, and specifically those relevant to the Haliburton Highlands. This project is designed for a single semester.
Sustainable Development Goals(s):
#5081: Serenity Wetland Assessment (Available for Spring and Summer Semesters!)
NOTE: This project involves a field component.
Many of the wetlands in Haliburton County remain unclassified, with their provincial significance unknown. The Serenity Wetland Alliance (SWA), is a volunteer group dedicated to the protection of the Serenity Wetland in Highlands East, ON. The purpose of this project is to gather relevant data and complete an inventory of species present through research and fieldwork, to initiate an Environmental Impact Assessment. The results of this project will promote the awareness of wetlands and their importance, and support other groups and organizations who are considering seeking protections for wetlands in their communities. This project is designed to be conducted in the spring and summer semesters, from May-August.
*This project is best suited for a small group at the graduate level.
Sustainable Development Goals(s):
#6058: Ground Beetle Monitoring at a Tall Grass Prairie Restoration Site – PHASE II
NOTE: This project involves a field component
Abbey Gardens has transformed a spent gravel pit into a green space providing economic and recreational opportunities for the community. Part of the property has been restored into a tall grass prairie, once abundant in Ontario. The purpose of this project is to look at insect abundance and diversity in response to restoration of the site. It will involve monitoring ground insects, specifically beetles, to understand the current level of biodiversity from introducing native plants. Several field and lab days will be required to collect, preserve, and identify beetles down to species level. This project will build on previous research conducted in 2022 where surveys could only take place in the fall. A more in-depth survey in the summer will provide more insight to the species within the site. This can be completed as a two semester project, either Summer-Fall (involves a field component), or Fall-Winter (no field component).
Sustainable Development Goals(s):
#6059: Seed Bank Feasibility Study of Norah’s Island
NOTE: This project involves a field component
Norah’s Island is a 22-acre pristine island on Kennisis Lake. The seclusion, and limited access to visitors, makes the island an area where the old growth trees have not been ravaged by current diseases or disturbed by humans. The purpose of this study is to preserve the local flora for generations to come. Specifically, by completing a seed bank a feasible study for Norah’s Island. Students will visit the island to begin the seed collection process and inventory analysis for current plant and tree species. This project is designed to span one school year from April to September.
Sustainable Development Goals(s):
#6115: Heritage Apple Project – Apple Preparation, Processing, and Preservation Practices of the Past (AP5)
NOTE: This project involves a field component
The ATIP Haliburton organization was formed to collect information on Haliburton County apple orchards, including old and new varieties and locations. This project will research and identify historic processes used in apple preparation, processing and preservation in Ontario that were widely used prior to the availability of electric refrigeration. By uncovering historical practices and providing their reference for further study this project aims to encourage residents and businesses in Haliburton County to utilize their existing apple harvests more effectively, improving food security by lowering under-utilization. Introducing traditional apple practices into daily modern life can enhance food self-sufficiency, aid in the mitigation of climate change by reducing food transportation, and contribute to the cultural enrichment of Haliburton County with apple related social and tourism events. This project is designed to span one full school year from September to April.
Sustainable Development Goals(s):
#6127: Portage Route Traditional Rights of Way Initiative
NOTE: This project has a field component.
The purpose of this project is to create a comprehensive inventory and Geographical Information System (GIS) maps detailing the network of portages in the Kennisis Lake area and its surroundings. This project will encompass gathering essential data, such as portage length, historical significance, legal status, and potential photographic documentation. Emphasis will be placed on assembling a holistic understanding of each portage's characteristics. The goal of the project is to record the existence of Traditional Rights of Way (TROW) in the Kennisis Lake area to support their ongoing use by paddlers and hikers. Some TROW's are being compromised by ongoing development in Haliburton County and Dysart, making navigating the lakes and rivers in the area more problematic. Creating better visibility around the existence and status of these TROW's will help ensure their ongoing existence now and into the future. This project is being hosted by the Kennisis Lake Cottage Owner's Association (KLCOA). This project is designed to be either a full year project (September to April) or a single semester project.
Sustainable Development Goals(s):
#6141: Light Pollution Study on Paudash Lake
NOTE: This project has a field component.
The purpose of this project is to assess how light pollution affects the biodiversity, aquatic life and behavior of wildlife, while also assessing the perceptions and attitudes of local cottagers and nearby residents towards outdoor lighting on and around Paudash Lake. The results of this project will promote the following themes within the Paudash Lake community: ecosystem conservation, dark sky preservation, community engagement, policy recommendations, education and outreach, and enhancing the overall quality of life of residents. This project will benefit the County of Haliburton by promoting environmental stewardship, community engagement, increasing public awareness and eduction, and further policy development that can be replicated in other areas of the county addressing similar issues. This project is hosted by the Paudash Lake Conservation Association, which serves as an advocacy organization to protect the interestes of those living on and near Paudash Lake. This project is designed to run one full school term (two semesters) from September to April.
Sustainable Development Goals(s):
#6142: Paudash Lake Conservation Association Lake Health Survey
NOTE: This project has a field component.
The purpose of this project is to evaluate the knowledge and awareness of Paudash Lake residents regarding their role in lake health contributions, as well as to identify areas where additional education would benefit the cottagers and lake association overall in conservation efforts. By providing results tailored to the organization, this project will help to outline key issues or concerns on Paudash Lake, and can be used to suggest the best management strategies to help mitigate any potential issues that may be uncovered as a result. The project also aims to help the organization in strengthening their advocacy efforts for policies and practices that support lake health, and by promoting environmental stewardship, community engagement, increasing public awareness and education, and furthering policy development that can be replicated in other areas of the county facing similar issues. This project is hosted by the Paudash Lake Conservation Association, which serves as an advocacy organization to protect the interests of those living on and near Paudash Lake. This project is designed to span one full school year (two semesters) from September to April.
Sustainable Development Goals(s):
#6155: Creation of an Informative GIS Map for Drag and Spruce Lakes Property Owner’s Association (DSLPOA)
NOTE: This project can be completed remotely.
The purpose of this project is to create an informative GIS map for the Drag and Spruce Lakes Property Owner's Association (DSLPOA). The map aims to provide DSLPOA members with an easily accessible, comprehensive tool for understanding and navigating their lakes and the surrounding amenities. The project equips DSLPOA with a powerful tool, enhancing their ability to communicate essential information to their members. Additionally, the project will foster environmental awareness and facilitate recreational planning that contributes positively to the management and protection efforts of DSLPOA to their lakes and ecosystems. The project will contribute to the broader environmental awareness and stewardship in the county, as DSLPOA members engage with ecological features on the map and take actions to project their local environment. This project is designed to span one single semester.
Sustainable Development Goals(s):
#6161: Harvest Haven: Unveiling Haliburton’s Bounty Through Agri-Tourism
NOTE: This project can be completed remotely.
This project is hosted by ATIP Haliburton, an organization that was formed to collect information on Haliburton County apple orchards, including old and new varieties and locations. The purpose of this project is to help market and promote existing agri-tourism experiences and industry not limited to apple production in Haliburton County, and to create a year-round schedule of all events, experiences and attractions. Types of activities to include on this calendar would be Agriculture Fairs, the Garlic Festival, Maple Syrup Festivals, Farm Gate Tours, the Apple Blossom Tour, and many more. The end goal of this project is to create a marketable timeline of all the agri-tourism events in the county to encourage repeat visits, to help educate visitors and locals about food production, and to highlight the importance of the agricultural industry in Haliburton County. This project can be completed in a single semester or as a full-year project at the discretion of the matched students.
Sustainable Development Goals(s):
#6162: Community Kitchen’s Project
NOTE: This project can be completed remotely.
The ATIP Haliburton organization was formed to collect information on Haliburton County apple orchards, including old and new varieties and locations. The purpose of this study is the identify organizational, coordination, education, and promotion strategies and structures to increase interest in, and feasibility of, using existing commercial kitchens for procession and preservation of local apple harvests. The student will also identify and list the commercial kitchens that are present in Haliburton County, and canvas those locations as well as apple tree growers to determine interest in this type of social event. Students will also determine which types of products would be most suitable for local apple growers to create through this event, such as pies, pastries and other apple-based products, as well as determining what businesses in the county may be interested in selling these locally produced apple products. This project can be completed remotely and is designed to span a full school term (2 semesters), and is most suitable for a single undergraduate student.
Sustainable Development Goals(s):
#6163: Waste to Wisdom: Global Insights for Sustainable Incineration Practices
NOTE: This project can be completed remotely.
This project is hosted by Environment Haliburton (EH) an organization which aims to take a comprehensive view of environmental issues in Haliburton County to provide a strong voice to encourage positive initiatives and oppose those that could have an adverse effect on the environment. The purpose of this project is to determine if incineration would be an appropriate choice for dealing with waste in Haliburton's small, rural and remote location with multiple water bodies. This will be done through a comprehensive literature review, the gathering of technical data from existing incineration plants, and the identification of mitigation measures related to waste management and environmental health. This project is designed for a single student and would span a single semester.
Sustainable Development Goals(s):