It is really incredible to watch the development of an idea, as it grows into something grand.

I have been lucky enough to watch the idea of one Thornhill, Ontario (my hometown) resident, Jonathan Maister expand right before my very eyes.

In an April 2008 issue of Canadian Geographic Magazine, Jonathan read about the West Toronto Initiative for Solar Energy (WISE). The community-led renewable energy project organized the bulk purchase of Solar Photovoltaic (PV) and Solar Hot Water (SHW) systems. In the first wave of this initiative, 86 units (60 solar hot water systems and 26 solar electric systems) were ordered. Residents were able to take their own personal energy use into their own hands while reducing their environmental impact (through the reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions their energy source resulted in).

Maister recognized the opportunity that laid in front of him—could not a similar initiative work in Thornhill? He quickly got to work and with help from likeminded citizens, Our Power, The Windfall Ecological Centre and  The Town of Markham , the Thornhill Solar Initiative was born.

Holding its first public meeting on January 19th, 2009 the initiative brought together Thornhill residents interested in learning more about the potential of residential solar power units met with members of the solar power and renewable energy industry.

The meeting began with opening remarks by Lloyd Helferty, a founding member of the Initiative who is active with many environmental groups on a local and national level (including the recently created Canadian Biochar Initiative) and has run to represent Thornhill on both the Provincial and Federal level for the Green Party of Canada and Green Party of Ontario.

Jonathan Maister spoke next, reminding everyone that we should not expect the government to help push our country/province in the right direction in terms of renewable energy and that the push must “come from us”. He spoke of how the decision to invest in residential solar power was one that was beneficial to our children and future generations.

Valerie Burke, ward 1 councillor for the city of Markham shared some words indicating the support the city provides for this initiative and other actions that help the city become more environmentally friendly. She also spoke of a recent visit by the mayor of Whistler, British Columbia that the town hosted, to learn about strategies to improve the town’s protection and cultivation of the environment.

Ken Traynor from Our Power presented an introduction to the different types of solar power systems that exist, and how they all work. He told the audience to watch out for exciting developments in Ontario’s Green Energy Act and in Ontario’s Standard Offer Program. He also reminded the crowd that “conservation is the best investment” and that regardless of how the energy is produced, decreasing our demand for it is always best for the environment.

Lastly, Jen Atkinson, Program Manager at the Windfall Ecology Centre spoke about some of the services the centre provides, such as energy audits and about the various grants that were available to help reduce the costs associated with installing solar panels, such as eco-energy grants.

With the formal part of the meeting over, the floor was opened to audience members who had questions. Everyone was granted the ability to speak with the knowledgeable members of the industry and non-profits, ensuring that no question was left unanswered. A follow-up meeting is to be scheduled for February.

The importance of community measures like this initiative cannot be overstated. The political will to tackle the seemingly insurmountable problems facing our cities, provinces and country related to is strengthened through the work of committed citizens who prove that solutions are available in the here and now. Whether the issues relate to energy, the environment or anything (or any combination) in between, nothing is stopping citizens from joining and working together to help make a difference. It brings me great excitement and hope as I envision how the Thornhill Solar Power Initiative will grow and prosper. Stay tuned for updates.

You can follow the progress or join the initiative yourself by checking out the Thornhill Solar website and by joining our group on facebook.

Stay tuned for more blog posts dealing with the specifics of residential solar power systems and what the government is doing (or should be doing) to motivate citizens to invest in renewable energy sources like solar.

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Tags: community, Environment, renewable energy, solar power, thornhill

This entry was posted on Wednesday, January 21st, 2009 at 1:35 pm and is filed under Environment, Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.