Frequently Asked Questions

What does Pukwis mean?

Pukwis is the Ojibwa word for whirlwind. The Chippewas of Georgina Island are an Ojibwa people, with the Ojibwa being the largest group of First Nations in Canada.

Is there a story behind the Pukwis logo?

Yes there is. It is taken from the Anishnabe tradition. Read the story behind the Pukwis logo as told by Lenora Charles, of the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation.

What is Community Power?

Community Power is a class of sustainable energy projects that are owned, developed and controlled in full or in part (50 per cent or more) by residents of the community in which the project is located. Community Power involves collectives of farmers, First Nations and local citizens working to develop a local renewable energy project.

What is a Co-operative (Co-op)?

A co-op is a democratically-controlled business enterprise, where members work together to meet their individual and collective needs. Each member has a say in how the business is run, as co-operatives are governed by a one member, one vote constitution. There are more than 10,000 co-ops and credit unions in Canada, serving over 10 million Canadians.
For more information on co-ops, visit the Ontario Co-operative Association website.

How does a Renewable Energy Co-op work?

Co-op members pool their money together to purchase a wind mill(s) or a stake in a wind project (as in the case of Pukwis). Co-op members then own the project (or a percentage of it) and can sell the electricity that it produces into the local electric grid. Members of a for-profit co-op, like Pukwis, then receive dividends in relation to number of shares that they own. The governance of the co-op is still based on a one member, one vote constitution.

Members can also decide to develop or invest in multiple projects. As well, members of the Pukwis Energy Co-op need not restrict themselves to wind projects, but could also develop or invest in solar, biogas, hydro or other renewable energy projects.

Is there evidence of health effects associated with wind mills?

"Turbines and Health: A Review of Evidence" is a presentation prepared by Dr. Ray Copes, Director of Environmental and Occupational Health at the Ontario Agency for Health Protection and Promotion. It answers this question based on the a review of the best available science.
Download the PDF of Dr. Copes' full presentation