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Assessment of the recovery of littoral zone food-webs in Lake Charr Lakes in Killarney Provincial Park affected by acidification and contemporary stressors
No full textKillarney Provincial Park is a site of significant environmental damage from acidic
deposition resulting in the extreme loss of biodiversity. As many lakes in Killarney Park acidified
to pH< 6, many populations of fish and sensitive species were lost from Killarney’s lakes and
streams. In recent decades, effective legislation, and massive emission reductions programs
have resulted in substantial chemical recovery, however biological recovery has lagged
considerably behind. The objective of my study was to assess the recovery of littoral zone food-
webs in Killarney’s acid damaged lake charr (Salvelinus namaycush) lakes by resampling 20 lakes
previously studied 25-years earlier, with a focus on assessing change in water quality, and key
prey and indicator species (crayfish, mayflies, amphipods, littoral fish). Dramatic water quality
shifts have occurred in these lakes including increases in pH and DOC and decreases in SO4
2-, Ca2+ and metals and increase in surface water temperatures. The substantial rise in DOC may
represent a significant increase in nutrient conditions, but more importantly appears to have
affected the thermal structure and cold-water habitat for charr in some ultra-clear lakes. In
contrast to the physicochemical changes in the lakes, particularly the substantial pH rise to
above toxic levels, the biotic changes were not all as positive. There is evidence that emerging
contemporary stressors, including declining Ca levels and shifts in littoral fish communities to
centrarchid-dominated may be inhibiting recovery potential in the littoral zones.
My results demonstrate the importance of the interactions between historical and
contemporary stressors, and that contemporary stressors may now be controlling variables in
determining littoral food web recovery. Overall, my study provides evidence that many of
Killarney Park’s historically acid-damaged lakes are no longer limited by acidic conditions but
contemporary stressors, such as the arrival of warm water centrarchids (e.g. smallmouth bass)
have emerged as key factors shaping littoral zone recovery. In particular, the increase in
concentration of dissolved organic carbon may be a potential driver of littoral zone recovery,
providing food source additions to the nearshore environment and increasing the productivity
capacity of food webs.Master of Science (MSc) in Biolog
Our land is our life: learning from Chinook “King” Salmon
No full textYukon River Chinook salmon make the longest salmon migration in the
world - 3200km - to reach their spawning grounds, however in the past
few decades the population has decreased exponentially. As an indicator
species, the endangered salmon population has had a critical impact on the
river and ocean ecosystems in the Yukon region. Furthermore, salmon have
played an important role in providing nutritional sustenance and developing
cultural traditions for Indigenous communities throughout the Yukon
River watershed who have been harvesting salmon at fish camps since time
immemorial. The declining salmon numbers not only contributes to food
insecurity felt by many of these communities but to cultural insecurity as
well. This thesis uses Indigenous Food Sovereignty Theory as a theoretical
framework for an architectural proposal that explores how Traditional
Ecological Knowledge and Western Science can be used to increase salmon
stock in the Klondike River – a tributary of the Yukon River – through
restoration, conservation hatchery, and ceremony.Master of Architecture (M.Arch
Tapping into Anishinaabe wellbeing: illuminating a journey in Shebahonaning (Killarney) through principles of autoethnography.
No full textReviewing the colonial history of Canada, and particularly that of the province of Ontario, serves
to provide a greater understanding of the health inequities that impact Anishinaabe communities
and people today. After the Robinson Huron Treaty of 1850 in Ontario, policies have continued
to be developed and implemented with the intent to displace and assimilate Anishinaabe people
into the Euro-Canadian culture. The Integrated Life Course and Social Determinants of Aborigi-
nal Health Model defines policies and legislation such as the Civilization Act, Enfranchisement
Act, and Indian Act as examples of distal determinants of health, with historical, political, social,
economic, and holistic health impacts on Indigenous people and entire communities. There is a
need for further research on health inequities and dispossession of culture and land in Indigenous
communities in Canada. My major paper focuses specifically on the historical colonial events
and policies that have impacted the holistic health of the Anishinaabe people and community of
Shebahonaning (now widely known as Killarney), Ontario, Canada. The approach weaves a
health and history literature review with principals of autoethnographic research as I include re-
flections and storytelling through the historical conversations I have had with my maternal
Grandparents at their Sugarbush. Tapping into this visceral knowledge and lived experience
through oral tradition serves to illuminate a better understanding of the Anishinaabe well-being
for myself and families with similar experience. The wider implications of colonialism and pol-
icy on Anishinaabe identity is addressed and shared, with specific recommendations to improve
holistic health outcomes in the community of Shebahonaning; and with consideration of the im-
plications for other Indigenous communities in Canada.Master of Arts (MA) in Interdisciplinary Healt
The impact of medical assistance in dying (MAiD) education on the knowledge and the beliefs of students in a french undergraduate nursing program
No full textMedical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) can bring out positive and negative emotions in
nurses. Nurses must feel comfortable with their role, be knowledgeable, and practice their skills
according to the laws and regulations. Literature shows that education positively impacts nursing
students' knowledge, beliefs, and comfort about MAiD. Although Canadian nurses' have been
involved with MAiD since 2016, education in undergraduate programs wasn’t implemented until
2020. This study explored the impact of an education program about MAiD on the knowledge
and beliefs of students in the French undergraduate nursing program. A longitudinal quasiexperimental design was used, which was informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework.
Findings showed that some sociodemographic factors were significantly associated with
knowledge levels. The educational intervention resulted in an increase in knowledge and
retention, and impacted beliefs. These results can inform nursing practice, future research, as
well as policy development.Maîtrise en Sciences Infirmière
Assessing primary versus secondary features in two pegmatite swarms with implications for the nature of pegmatitic systems
No full textUnderstanding the processes behind the formation and evolution of pegmatites, which host
globally significant resources of strategic metals (e.g., Li, Ta, Nb, Sn, Cs, Rb, Y, REE) critical to
the global renewable energy transition, is paramount for their exploration and exploitation.
This study investigates the nature, origin and evolution of two distinct pegmatite swarms (i.e., the
LCT-type Little Nahanni Pegmatite Group, NWT, Canada, and the NYF-type Highway 69
Pegmatite Group, Ontario, Canada) in order to address several unresolved aspects of pegmatite
genesis, such as the origin of pegmatite-forming melts (i.e., anatexis versus fractional
crystallization), nature of various pegmatitic textures (i.e., primary versus secondary),
metasomatism and re-mobilization of rare-metal mineralization, and influence of the host rocks on
pegmatites (i.e., open- versus closed systems).
This study integrates various aspects of field observations that include detailed mapping, field and
petrographic observations (transmitted light, BSE, SEM-CL), bulk whole-rock and trace-elements
geochemistry (ICP-AES, ICP-MS), in situ mineral analysis (SEM-EDS), in situ trace-elements
analysis (LA-ICP-MS), bulk and in situ stable isotopes (O, H) geochemistry (DI-IRMS, SIMS),
and in situ U-Pb geochronology (LA-ICP-MS). The principal findings suggest that: (1) both
anatexis and fractional crystallization of a parental melt are viable processes of pegmatite
formation; (2) most macroscopic pegmatitic textures are primary and are generally preserved
during sub-solidus evolution of pegmatites; (3) late-stage, fine-grained albitic and micaceous units
associated with significant rare-metal mineralization are secondary; (4) secondary micro-features
related to coupled dissolution-precipitation processes in pegmatites are profuse, despite being
rarely reported, and are frequently associated with accessory rare-metal mineralization; and (5) pegmatites evolve as partially open systems during both magmatic and metasomatic stages with
influence from the host rocks, and in some cases, external fluids.Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Mineral Deposits and Precambrian Geolog
Generalized temperature-driven insect population dynamics model – a mechanistic approach
Get PDFDemand for computer models that simulate insect population dynamics is growing due to many
factors including increased pressure on natural resources and climate change. Generalized models
are a practical way to simulate multiple insect species with a single computer model, reducing the
time spent developing species-specific models for each insect of interest. In this thesis, a
generalized insect population dynamics model is presented. The model uses a mechanistic
approach, leveraging data on underlying population drivers such as temperature-dependent vital
rates to simulate changes in a population. The general model structure and code were adapted from
the species-specific Drosophila suzukii model by Langille et al. (2016). The species-specific model
was modified to account for a variety of insect species, minimise the number of required
parameters, and use parameters that are available through literature, ensuring the general model’s
simplicity and ease of use. Through exploration and sensitivity tests, the model’s elements were
found to largely behave as expected from the real-life systems. The model was also validated for
its intended use as a non-predictive, exploratory model through the comparison of published field
or simulation population studies. The model successfully approximated published population
studies when simulating insect species with simple life cycles, however, simulations of insect
species with more complex life cycles, or social structures, were not as successful. Overall, despite
some limitations, the general model presented in this thesis can simulate many insect species
population dynamics and is ideal for study ideation, prototyping, and rapid exploration.Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Computational Science
Regeneration through design: a place-based approach for the urban fabric of Owen Sound, Ontario
No full textThis thesis explores how the integration of regenerative design practices at the scale of
a neighbourhood could be a solution towards regenerating Owen Sound’s existing urban
fabric. Beginning with place is essential to the approach of the thesis, along with careful
consideration and input from local individuals. A thorough analysis of the area’s demographics
and present-day challenges reveals a lack of affordable housing within the urban core.
Residents have expressed an interest in eco-village development presenting an opportunity
to addresses these challenges, while simultaneously regenerating industrial land in the
downtown. The historical significance of the land further confirms the need for a regenerative
design approach to environmental and social challenges. The framework supporting this
type of regeneration includes the pillars Living Local, Environmental Resiliency, and
Inclusive Neighbourhood. As the post-industrial landscape fades from cities, architectural
development must respond to the past while adapting to the community’s present and future
needs.Master of Architecture (M.Arch
Imagining intergenerational space in the public realm; seniors, children and materiality
No full textIntergenerational design is an overlooked design consideration
typically not included into the configuration of urban public spaces.
The expected increase of seniors in city and global scales demands a
reexamination of our urban fabric and an integration of this growing
demographic. Through the use of materiality in architecture as a medium,
it is hypothesized that it can trigger interactions and relationships between
generations. The research builds on existing intergenerational theory,
but attempts to impose it into the public space context. It is through an
intergenerational approach that designers can combat ageism and mend
generational segregation; self inflicted or externally imposed. By analyzing
public space through the lens of material culture and heterotopias, and
introducing the notion of transformative space, the site moves beyond the
static limitations of heterotopia. Chestnut Street in Toronto was chosen
as a place for criticizing and bettering the existing generational social
structure in North American society.Master of Architecture (M.Arch
Challenging market food systems: how do we motivate communities to grow and share food?
No full textGardening can be a valuable tool to ameliorate food security while concurrently easing
the intersecting burdens of poverty, including isolation, disenfranchisement, and poor health. In
addition to the nutritional benefits of accessing fresh produce, gardening has been shown to
provide increased access to green spaces, foster neighbourhood social ties and interaction,
increase community involvement, and create opportunities to develop a sense of identity (Ohmer,
2009). Participants (N = 15) in Renfrew County, Ontario, engaged in a study that examined how
communities can be motivated to grow and share food. The belief underpinning this project was
that gardening may reduce the strain of unstable food security and become an act of resistance
toward the current, unmanageable, and restrictive capitalist market economy. The views of
community members were considered crucial to planning and organizing a successful long-term
project. A collection of heartfelt interviews emerged, reflecting a considerable desire for change,
and emphasizing the importance of community. Participant narratives surfaced six themes: 1)
Vision of Community Gardens; 2) Impact on Individual Well-being; 3) Impact of Gardens on the
Community; 4) Importance of Equity; 5) Opportunity for Knowledge Transfer; and 6) Managing
Challenges. Participants expressed significant enthusiasm for a large-scale community garden
project, hoping it would facilitate vital relationships with individuals and their communities
Biostratigraphy of the sekwi and rockslide formations (lower to middle Cambrian; Wrigley lake and Sekwi mountain areas; NTS 95M and 105P, Northwest Territories, Canada); implications for basin development and regions correlation
No full textThe lower and middle Cambrian, carbonate-dominated Sekwi and Rockslide formations
were deposited in the Selwyn basin, a Neoproterzoic-Paleozoic depositional entity that occupied
most of the ancestral western margin of Laurentia and spans parts of modern-day Yukon and
Northwest Territories. Biostratigraphic data and limited chemostratigraphic data (δ13Cvpdb) from
two Sekwi Formation sections in the Sekwi Mountain map-area (NTS 105P) are used to refine
the current understanding of the spatial and temporal distribution of trilobite faunas in the area
and to correlate the Sekwi Formation with other units throughout the Canadian Cordillera. Two
species-based trilobite biozones (in ascending order: the Nevadia addyensis and Nevadella
eucharis zones) previously best known from Arizona, California, and Nevada are documented in
the lower Sekwi Formation, and a new genus-based assemblage zone, the Elliptocephala Zone, is
proposed for the lower Dyeran of the Selwyn basin and surrounding areas. Trilobite data from
three sections in the Wrigley Lake area (NTS 95M) are used to determine the chronology of
basin events adjacent to the Redstone arch during the early and middle Cambrian, and
lithostratigraphic data from other locations in the same map area is discussed to illuminate the
nature of the basin events. There is evidence for two tectonic events during the late (traditional)
early Cambrian and earliest middle Cambrian: (1) Event I, a regional uplift that eroded strata
proximal to the Redstone Arch, and (2) Event II, a regional deepening event that heralded the
onset of Rockslide Formation deposition. Trilobite biostratigraphy remains a mainstay of
correlation in the Cambrian and is a powerful tool. However, further refinement is needed for the
current biostratigraphic synthesis of the Cambrian of Laurentia, and biostratigraphy is enhanced
when combined with chemostratigraphic curves.Master of Science (MSc) in Geolog