Green Energy Retreat held at Wintergreen Studios in 2018
“The struggle for energy transition is a fight for public and collective control of energy resources, and for democratic control of the state power that shapes the development of such resources. It is, in sum, a struggle for energy democracy.”
Community Energy Day
Are you interested in learning about community-owned and community-governed renewable energy? Would you like to tour a community solar facility in person and learn about local flora and fauna? Join SolarShare and Wintergreen Studios for our 2025 Community Energy Day to learn and to make friends with like-minded folks.
This gathering is designed for any and all individuals passionate about community ownership, local governance, and/or renewable energy. No prior knowledge is required, although a background in learning and working in any of the above would make for more fruitful discussion!
The Community Energy Day will be the 11th Green Energy Retreat hosted at Wintergreen Studios. Registration is subsidized from the legacy of the Wintergreen Renewable Energy Co-operative.
SCHEDULE
| 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM | Arrival | |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM | Welcome & Opening | |
| 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Community Energy Presentations & Discussion Activity | |
| 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM | Lunch | |
| 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM | Site Tour & Guided Hike | |
| 3:30 PM – 4:00 PM | Wrap Up & Departure |
We’ll start the day with good ol’ learning and conversation about community-owned and community-governed renewable energy. After a break for a delicious Wintergreen gourmet lunch, we will tour the facility and complete a guided hike with a naturalist.
Please bring a water bottle, comfortable walking clothes and shoes (including a hat and sun-protection), and any tools that may support your learning (e.g., writing utensils, notebooks, etc).
EVs and workshop participants in the Wintergreen parking lot
FACILITATORS
Chris Caners is working to better distribute wealth, governance and energy. It is his privilege to be the General Manager of SolarShare, a co-operative that owns, operates and finances 51 solar projects with the support of more than 2,000 members across Ontario. Independently, Chris advises for-profit and government clients on climate, energy and financial matters and is an enthusiastic instructor of greenhouse gas accounting. A collaborative leader and educator with expertise in energy, finance and climate, Chris is a proud father and lives with his family on Treaty 13 territory in Toronto.
Hilbert Buist is a guide at Wintergreen Studios and spends most of his spare time in the great outdoors, hiking, observing and asking questions. He has been studying winter tracks and signs for the past two years in preparation for getting his Wildlife Tracking Certification. Hilbert has guided hikes at Wintergreen Studios for children, youth, and adults — year round — for the past five years.
REGISTRATION
This retreat is subsidized so that the entire day’s events — including lunch! — is offered at $30 per person (HST included), courtesy of the former Wintergreen Renewable Energy Co-op and SolarShare.
Click on the image of Wintergreen’s lodge, below, to register!
