DAY ONE (Feb. 25):
Green Energy Act
An overview of the Green Energy Act, including why and how it can help communities and small businesses in Northern Ontario, and some working examples of on gong projects.
Workshop Leader: Spencer Gill, Hydro One
Alternative Energy Solutions For Small And Remote Communities
Mike Fox has been working with First Nations communities to develop small to medium scale renewable energy projects. As First Nations are often left out of forestry and NR development, Mike sees opportunity for economic development through renewable energy.
Workshop Leader: Mike Fox
Sustainable Design
A panel discussing sustainable design for the north. Bryan Poulin and Dr. Tony Gillies from the University will discuss sustainable design with a representative from Kuch Malo Gibson Stevens. The workshop will highlight the benefits and opportunities for increasing resilience through effective design.
Workshop Leader: Bryan Poulin, Dr Tony Gillies, Walter Kuch
Sustainable Facilities Management
This workshop will cover areas of facilities management such as Energy Conservation/Retrofits, Commuting and Active Transportation Management, and Sustainable Cleaning Solutions. The workshop will feature working examples of retrofit and management projects currently underway in Northern Ontario.
Workshop Leader: Honeywell, Thunder Bay Catholic School Board
Purchasing Policies
This workshop will stress the importance of proper purchasing policies to guide sustainable development within the business community. It will address common purchasing issues, and give suggestions towards wording that can be used in developing individual policies.
Workshop Leader: Dan Munshaw
Sustainable Business/Community Innovations In The North
An introduction to the holistic approach required to achieve community resilience, and how this approach underpins the transition to a post-carbon era. Three working projects addressing economic, ecological and social aspects of sustainability will be highlighted –addressing the hows, whys and more.
Workshop Leader: SCOP, NORDIK
Green Office Management Solutions
This workshop will target office management techniques, and make suggestions towards sustainable solutions. Topics that will be covered will include paperless fax systems, paperless filing systems, stationary supplies, and office equipment.
Workshop Leader: Natasha Renaud from Grand & Toy town
DAY TWO (Feb. 26):
Gardening
Learn how the tricks and treats to growing in short seasons and cold climates. Graham Saunders will take participants through the basics to gardening in cold climates and provide resources for those interested in getting involved in community gardening.
Workshop Leader: Graham Saunders
Hands-on Fermentation Fun!
Fermenting your own food and drink is easy and fun! It allows us to reconnect with our food and its production process. Come learn a little about the history and health benefits of fermented foods. Plus, start your own sourdough, ginger-beer and Kombucha to take home!
Workshop Leader: Kyle W. Elliot Kilgour
A How To On Influencing Public Policy
This workshop will give people a “policy toolkit” on avenues available to influence public policy. Learn how to effectively enter into dialogue with policy makers, understand issues and find relevant the policies for the changes you wish to make in your communities.
Workshop Leader: Christy Radbourne, Regional Environmental Education Lead , Ministry of Education
Non-Home Owner Sustainable Living
This workshop will teach basic skills on sustainable practices for people that don’t own their own home. Skills learned will include: apartment composting, winterizing windows, eliminating phantom energy loads, etc. It would be nice to be able to include as many tools and resources for people to walk away with in this workshop.
Workshop Leader: Heather Shaver, Jane Oldale
Homemade Hygiene Products
A hands-on workshop teaching people how to make their own cleaning supplies and personal hygiene products. The workshop coordinator will speak to some of the issues surrounding commonly used cleaning products and hygiene products, and how making your own can not only save money, but can offer a more environmentally sustainable solution to a recurring issue.
Workshop Leader: Lynn Soramaki
Aboriginal Teachings
This workshop will engage participants in some aspects of aboriginal culture. Begin to understand the meaning of community resilience, the needs of people and their communities from a non-colonial perspective.
Workshop Leader: Gerry Martin