Windfall Centre Executive Director, Brent Kopperson, welcomes federal Finance Minister, Bill Morneau, to kick off a wide ranging round table discussion on the global climate crisis, its impact on health and the economy, and the need to price pollution and support community based solutions at home and in the workplace.
On November 8th, ClimateWise Business Network held their second annual York Region Leaders' Sustainability Forum at the Markham Museum. The Forum brought together over 90 business professionals from across the Region to network and share perspectives on emerging sustainability trends. We were pleased to host Environmental Commissioner Dianne Saxe as our keynote speaker. Dr. Saxe spoke about the state of climate action in Ontario and the ways we can collectively raise the bar on sustainability.
Following the release of the 2018 Greenhouse Gas Progress Report, the Environmental Commissioner delivered an informative and hopeful webinar session featuring key highlights from the report. Check out the recording of Diane Saxe's special webinar from Wednesday, October 3rd, 2018.
Here at Windfall Ecology Centre we are all sad to see the program end, but we are continuing our Nature Play and Geocache activities and will keep you updated on progress. We have had an amazing 3 years with everything from festivals to wellness nights to nature play pop ups and conferences. Thanks to everyone who has been involved.
Green Economy Canada is hosting their annual reception, Connect 2018 with the theme this year as It's Possible. Join us to celebrate business leadership in sustainability, hear a panel discussion on Sustainability Across Party Lines, and meet folks working towards a more sustainable future.
Winter is in full swing and now is the perfect time to find out how to reduce those cold drafts and cut costs on energy bills. A properly sealed and insulated house can help save up to 30% on your home energy bills. Contact us to learn about the current incentives available for energy upgrades. Book a home energy assessment and one of our Registered Energy Advisors will show you how to combat winter weather and keep your home warm and comfortable inside.
Blue Dot York Region is hosting a screening of the coveted film An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power. The film highlights the urgent need to fight climate change and the benefits of transitioning to renewable energy.
Blue Dot is a grassroots movement working to encourage governments to support our right to live in a healthy environment.
Join Windfall Centre and Healthy Kids Community Challenge at the Aurora Multicultural Festival! Get ready for a fun afternoon of Geocaching, prizes, giveaways, and lots of information on how to get your kids off their screens and connected to nature. The festival starts at 11 am, see you there!
ClimateWise member Jaffari Community Centre is making big changes to improve their sustainability and benchmark their energy use. From replacing single-use utensils to creating waste diversion videos to help teach their community members, the Jaffari Centre is en route to meeting their sustainability goals. Read the blog post to find out more.
Now is the time for homeowners to prepare for the cold winter weather. With the help of the Home Winterproofing program, qualifying homeowners can receive FREE insulation and draftproofing, keeping the home warm and cozy.
On August 19, the Healthy Kids Community Challenge held the Power Off and Play! Festival. Kids and adults alike found their rhythm with Zumba, Dance and more in the event tent. Children scaled the 25ft rock wall got mucky in our Nature Play Pop Up. A big thanks to all our vendors, session runners, volunteers and staff for everything they did to make the event a success.
ClimateWise is thrilled to welcome the City of Markham and Markham Fair as members. The City of Markham is currently working towards a citywide goal of net zero energy and emissions by 2050.
Since 1844, Markham Fair has been providing to the community with good family fun. They are currently completing their GHG inventory.
Did you miss the ClimateWise webinar on what the Ontario election results mean for green business? Want to revisit some of the topics covered? The recording is now available on the ClimateWise YouTube channel.
Windfall Ecology Centre is the recipient of the Organizational Resilience award, presented by Green Communities Canada. Windfall Centre was recognized for 20 years of success in the environmental community.
In the summer months, air conditioning accounts for up to 50% of your energy bill. If you live in an older home, you could be losing cool air through poorly insulated walls and other sneaky leaks you don't know about. Book a home energy assessment and our Registered Energy Advisor will show you how to beat the heat and stay cool.
On July 4th the Healthy Kids Community Challenge with Windfall Ecology Centre ran a workshop for ECEs and students. Speakers came from accross the province to educate about screen time limits and the value of risky play. ECEs commented that they would try and increase risky play/decrease screen time. Over 60 people showed up and it was deemed a huge success.
On May 31, ClimateWise Business Network held the second Evening of Recognition at the GM Centre in Markham. Over 120 sustainability leaders gathered to congratulate the successes that ClimateWise members have achieved over the past year. Thank you to all who attended and helped
make the event a big success!
Are you looking to transform a paved kindergarten, school yard area or an unused parking lot into a greener piece of paradise? Windfall Ecology Centre is looking for enthusiastic site hosts and local champions to undertake a depave project with us this coming fall.
ClimateWise Business Network is proud to present the 2017 annual report. The report highlights the sustainability achievements of ClimateWise members over the past year. We are excited by the diversity of member organizations demonstrating leadership through their sustainability initiatives.
FREE workshop for Real Estate Agents looking to add value to home sales.
Learn how to identify energy efficiency opportunities in a home, how to add value to the homes you are selling, and how to help your clients save money! Limited tickets available, register now to secure your spot
Although it was a key energy efficiency incentive program, there are still other rebate options for Ontario homeowners to use. The Home Energy Conservation Program is available to help energy-conscious homeowners reduce their use and save on their energy bills. Book an audit today to take advantage of the program.
There's a climate change movement happening in York Region's backyard and ClimateWise is here to help your business take action. Make the commitment and join together with 23 local businesses and over 250 businesses province wide to track, measure, and reduce your carbon emissions.
Windfall Centre is seeking a Certified/Registered Energy Advisor or a recent grad to join our energy team. If you have specialized knowledge of energy-efficiency building science, and are willing to undergo training, apply today!
Please email a cover letter and resume to Attn: Jen Atkinson, careers@windfallcentre.ca, subject line: Residential Energy Advisor opportunity.
Green Economy Canada Hubs such as ClimateWise are helping businesses achieve their sustainability goals. With support from the government, 250 businesses across Ontario have collectively achieved a reduction of 47,140 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions – equivalent to taking 10,094 cars off the road for a year.
We are seeking two summer students to support our programs in the areas of communication, outreach, energy, and business development. Do you know any dynamic individuals who are passionate about climate action? Encourage them to apply!
Please submit a cover letter and resume with the subject line "Summer Student" to the attention of Jen Atkinson by email to: careers@windfallcentre.ca.
Building on the great success from our Backpack program in the libraries, we have expanded our program to schools. More children and parents can now Power off and Play , explore nature and read books together in Aurora. A huge thank you to York Region Public Health for getting this project off the ground.
ClimateWise Business Network is looking for the next York Region Environmental Champion! Do you know an individual within an organization who deserves recognition for their environmental initiatives? Nominate them, today! The successful nominee will be celebrated at the annual
ClimateWise Evening of Recognition.
Summer means the sun is shining and home energy bills are rising. But it doesn't have to be that way! Book an energy assessment and our Registered Energy Advisor will identify areas of high energy use in the home and recommend ways to slim down your energy bills; making your home retroFIT.
Ontario is partnering with Green Economy Canada (formerly Sustainability CoLab) to help medium-sized businesses in seven communities across the province, including York Region, to set and achieve greenhouse gas reduction targets. The investment helps Hubs such as ClimateWise Business Network, get more businesses involved in taking action against climate change.
Are you up for the challenge? Join us for a FREE Nature Play Pop up on Sunday May 6th from 2 pm to 4 pm at Windfall Ecology Centre in Sheppard's Bush, Aurora. There will be bubbles, mud painting, loose parts play including cardboard boxes and tires, dressing up and a whole world of nature play fun!
On May 31, join ClimateWise Business Network for the annual Evening of Recognition. It is your chance to see how the environmentally conscious business members of ClimateWise have been working tirelessly on measuring, tracking, and reducing their carbon emissions.
Come out and celebrate their achievements with us!
Windfall Centre and SAGE Real Estate Ltd. would like to thank all of those who attended the workshop on March 26. Realtors left with valuable information on home energy efficiency and solutions on how potential home buyers and sellers can save on their energy bills.
Representatives from every primary school in Aurora gathered at the YCDSB Office to self-assess how much time they spend on screen devices, hear from experts about the pros and cons of technology use, why children should unplug, how screen time impacts children, screen addiction and how to choose the right kind of digital media, as well as screen alternatives.
The City of Markham is hosting their 5th Annual Earth Hour event at the Cornell Community Centre. Come out and experience the sustainability fair, where Windfall Centre will be demonstrating our Bike Blender Smoothies and promoting Home Energy Efficiency.
Are you up for the challenge? Join us for a FREE Nature Play Pop up on Sunday March 18th from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Sheppard's Bush, Aurora. There will be a huge canvas with mud painting, loose parts play including cardboard boxes and tires, dressing up and a whole world on nature play fun!
Healthy Kids Community Challenge and the Town of Aurora have recommended that local community centre concession stands and vending machines should sell at least 55% healthy snack and beverage options. Many residents of Aurora, including kids, have supported the initiative by speaking at Council meetings and signing a petition to spark change.
Recent flooding events have started occurring due to rapid snow melt. Frozen soils and paved surfaces means an increase in stormwater runoff with no where to drain. Prepare your home against flooding with these simple tips.
Millennials now account for 34% of the real estate market and their priorities lie with smart, green, energy efficient homes. Do you have the knowledge prospective clients will be looking for regarding home automation, rooftop solar, and home energy ratings? Attend the workshop to gain the knowledge you need to stay up-to-date.
Windfall Centre and Environmental Defence want to show you the benefits of an energy efficient home. Homes built or renovated for efficiency can save up to 30% on your energy bills. There are also incentives and rebates available to make upgrading your home more affordable. To learn more, read the blog post.
Recent changes to the Home Winterproofing Program make it easier to improve the comfort of your home. The updated maximum gross annual income helps more homeowners qualify for new insulation and draftproofing, completely free. To learn how you can lower your energy bills, contact Windfall Centre.
The relaunched Home Energy Conservation Program is now providing up to $5000 in rebates when you decided to upgrade your home for energy efficiency. If you want to know how you can save energy and put the money back in your pocket, contact Windfall Centre today.
Power Off and Play! encourages kids and families to build a balanced day by replacing screen time with more physical activity. With all the new devices, limiting the time that kids spend looking at screens has never been harder. Encouraging active and fun alternatives is critical for their physical health and well-being.
The Home Energy Savings Initiative (HESI) is a not for profit program that helps to reduce energy consumption in your home through simple, low-cost, DIY actions. Watch the video to find out how you can take advantage of the savings!
Join Windfall Centre and Evolution Green to learn the cost benefits of home energy ratings. We will also provide insights on the future direction of the Ontario Real Estate Market and take questions from our participants. If you have questions in advance, contact jtung@windfallcentre.ca.