The 2nd annual Green Energy event is coming up.
The Georgian Bay Biosphere and the Active Transportation Committee are hosting the free event to promote sustainable living at Canadore College on the 17th of November from 9am-1pm.
The 2nd annual Green Energy Forum will feature a tradeshow of booths from organizations and businesses related to energy and design, including architects, solar companies, utilities, and others starting at 9:00 a.m. Four speakers sharing ideas about climate action begin at 10:00 a.m. Organisers are encouraging attendants to bring a mug for a waste-free event and enjoy some refreshments.
“There are a lot of things going on related to renewable energy and climate change,” says Greg Mason, general manager of the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve. “This event is a good place to network and ask questions and learn from others.”
Climate change, carbon taxes, and municipal planning are a few of themes. Speakers from Toronto, Huntsville, and Sudbury have been invited to share their experience and recommendations for the area.
David Bywater, from the Georgian Bay Biosphere, will summarize the climate warming trends for Georgian Bay released in the 2018 ‘State of the Bay’ report. New data shows that Georgian Bay has warmed an average of 4 degrees Celsius in the past 40 years, with less ice cover on average in winter. “Both of these measures are consistent with the global scientific consensus on climate change,” says Bywater.
Other speakers include David Sweetnam, executive director of Georgian Bay Forever, recently trained in “Climate Reality” leadership with the international Al Gore model. Kevin Boyle is the new Climate Initiatives Coordinator for the District of Muskoka and he will share some of the strategies municipalities should take to reduce climate change risks. Dr. Elaine Blacklock, a member of the Citizens Climate Lobby of Canada, will speak about how to move from concern to empowerment.
At 1:00 p.m. a bus will leave from Canadore College to visit two homes that are off the public electrical grid, often a combination of solar, wind and good design. With a $10 donation for the bus, the off-grid house tour visits a property in Whitestone and another in Carling to help people see energy efficiency designs and retrofits. Tour guide and building performance expert, Myles Donoghue, will share ideas to conserve energy, save money, and reduce your carbon footprint. “Retrofits can be expensive,” he says, “and people want to know what will be the results, financially and for the environment.”
The Green Energy Forum on Saturday, November 17th is free but people interested in the off-grid house tour should register here.