Jennifer Smith

I recently received an email from an organization called Halton Enablers of Renewable Energy (HERE!) which is promoting the use of solar, geothermal and other renewables through various events and workshops, as well as by connecting property owners with trusted vendors.

Here are a few of their upcoming events:

GeoTour
Thursday, August 12, 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Georgetown
Are you thinking about a cost-effective, greener, and more efficient way to heat and cool your home? HERE! will be having its first ever Geothermal Information Session and GeoTour, featuring thermal technology specialist Chris Braekevelt.

HERE! Focus Group
Thursday August 19, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., downtown Oakville
Come join us for an evening of discussion surrounding the HERE! Project. We are looking for feedback to make the HERE! experience more valuable.

Solar Tour
Sunday, August 29 in North Milton
Details to follow shortly.

Renewable Energy Fair
Saturday September 11, 1:00-4:00, Halton Regional Centre on Bronte Road
There will be solar and geothermal vendor displays and workshops on solar, geothermal, and energy conservation. This is sure to be an exciting event for those of you that want to connect directly with vendors or participate in our workshops.

Lots more on the Halton Environmental Network website.

Aside from the obvious environmental benefits of renewable energy, there are also definite economic advantages, especially for larger projects when costed out over the long term.  Which is why the Town of Milton is starting to incorporate renewable energy into capital projects, like the Sports Centre expansion which will include a geothermal heating system.

The Town is also considering a pilot project that would see two vertical wind turbines installed in front of the Sports Centre. These are not the giant propeller-like windmills you've seen - they are much smaller and by all accounts considerably quieter, although noise is something they will definitely be monitoring as part of the project.



There will be an Open House on the project on Thursday August 19th from 7:00 - 8:30 pm at the Milton Sports Centre if you want to find out more. I'll see you there!