News Archive

News Archive

Please note that all of the news items below refer to events that have already passed. For information about current events, please see our news page.

Hearthmakers to present Well Aware Public Forum July 16

July 3, 2008, Kingston, ON/— The biggest threats to groundwater protection in Ontario are wells that are not maintained, not tested or abandoned, according to the Sustainable Water Well Initiative Expert Panel Report released in January 2006. On Wednesday July 16, Hearthmakers Energy Co-operative will host a Well Aware community forum to help provide private well owners with the information they need to care for their water supplies, and protect the groundwater system as a whole. The event will take place from 7 pm to 9:30 pm at the Loyalist Council Chambers, located at 263 Main Street, Odessa. Read More…

Job Opportunity - Well Aware Coordinator

Hearthmakers has secured a new ground water protection contract to provide no-charge self-guided assessments to owners of private wells in Kingston and Frontenac County. We are currently seeking a coordinator to help launch this important program in the region. Read More…

Energy Efficiency Assistance Program for Houses

• Is your home primarily heated by electricity?
• Do you live in a single family home, duplex, or row-house?
• Do you live in Kingston or Frontenac County?
• Would you like to participate in a pilot program to reduce your bills?
• Are you income eligible (details in application form — see link below)?

Then you may be eligible for a new pilot program funded by the Ontario government (Ontario Power Authority) to reduce your electricity bills and make your home more comfortable! This is at no cost to successful applicants.

This program is open to both owners and renters. We will audit your home and see how we can help you reduce your electricity bills by a variety of upgrades. A few examples:

• updating your lighting with high efficiency compact florescent bulbs
• installing low flow shower heads and faucets
• wrapping the hot water tank and pipes to help them keep the heat in
• if you have an old fridge, we will install a new energy efficient model
• upgrading insulation
• draft-proofing

Hearthmakers is looking for 90 participants to be enrolled in our program between March and September 2007.

You can read more about the program or download the application form (28 KB PDF). Once you complete the information form, please fax it to us at 613-547-4228. For more information, please contact us.

Hearthmakers Surprised by Cancellation of Popular EnerGuide for Houses Program

Kingston, May 13, 2006/ — Hearthmakers was shocked to find an email waiting for them Friday morning, May 12, from the federal government informing them that it was cancelling all contracts effective immediately for the popular EnerGuide for Houses program delivered in the region since 2000. "Earlier in the week we were advised the Conservatives had pulled longer term funding out of the grant program, but now they have cancelled the home evaluation contract due to run till March 2007" advises Program Manager Steve Walker. "This is a major step backwards; I don't understand their thinking on this one." Read More…

Regional Homeowners Receive $240K in Federal Grants in 2005

Kingston, February 20, 2006/ — Homeowners in Eastern Ontario participating in the federal EnerGuide for Houses program were awarded a total of $241,600 in grants for their energy efficiency upgrade efforts in 2005. The average individual grant amounted to $869, with retrofits focusing on installing high efficiency furnaces, improving insulation levels, and draft proofing. The space heating improvements will also reduce energy consumption in the homes by an average of 39%. Read More…

Speakers Help You Meet The One-Tonne Challenge: A Few Home Improvements Can Save You A "Tonne" Of Money

Kingston, November 14, 2005/ — As part of the local community One-Tonne Challenge initiative, Hearthmakers' Steve Walker and Greg Evans join forces to present "The Energuide and You," and "Hot Water the Solar Way" on Wednesday, November 16, at 7:30 p.m. in Memorial Hall, City Hall. Read More on the City of Kingston's Website…

$700 Rebate for Homeowners' Solar Hot Water System

Kingston, August 2, 2005/ — Become a member of Hearthmakers Energy Co-operative for a one-time ten dollar fee, and you can receive a $700 rebate on a residential solar hot water system! We are currently looking for fifty residential property owners interested in this time-limited offer. Read More…

Rental Properties Now Eligible for Energy Efficiency Grants

Ottawa, June 27, 2005/ — The Government of Canada has expanded the eligibility for the EnerGuide for Houses Retrofit Incentive to landlords and owners of assisted-housing property. They, along with homeowners, will now be able to receive cash incentives for making their properties more energy-efficient. For more information, please see our Energuide for Houses page.

Energy Expo Speakers

Kingston, May 25, 2005/ — Hearthmakers has made available the list of speakers for this weekend's Energy Expo, to be held May 28 and 29 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at St. Lawrence College. Read More…

Hearthmakers' Energy Expo

Kingston, April 13, 2005/ — Hearthmakers will host Kingston's first renewable energy expo on May 28 and 29 from 10am to 4pm at St. Lawrence College on Portsmouth Avenue. Come out and learn how to save money and the environment. Topics will include:

• wind power
• solar power
• straw bale construction
• EnerGuide for Houses
• the One Tonne Challenge
• organic farming

The event will feature exhibits, workshops, speakers, a children's corner, and bio-diesel and hybrid cars. We have a number of related resources available for download:

• A Promotional Poster (220Kb PDF): Please print and display
• Sponsorship Information (100Kb PDF)
• Information for Exhibitors (60Kb PDF)
• Exhibitor Registration Form (320Kb PDF): Please print and mail

For more information, please contact the Energy Expo organizers.

From the Hearth, April 2005

Kingston, April 12, 2005/ — Hearthmakers has published the April 2005 edition of our newsletter, From the Hearth. The newsletter is available online as a 684Kb PDF.

An Evening With Paul Gipe

Kingston, January 13, 2005/ — Hearthmakers presents an evening with internationally acclaimed Wind Energy authority Paul Gipe, Wednesday January 26 at 7pm at the St. Lawrence College Auditorium. Everyone is invited to hear his informative talk on wind energy and to learn more about renewable energy and how wind power can affect change. For more information, please see the online invitation (128Kb PDF), or contact us.

EnerGuide for Houses Update

Kingston, January 10, 2005/ — Five hundred tonnes. That's how much Hearthmakers' clients in Southeastern Ontario reduced their greenhouse gas emissions in 2004 by participating in the EnerGuide for Houses service. One Kingston homeowner who followed Hearthmakers retrofit advice reduced his greenhouse gas emissions by a whopping 38 tonnes! As a bonus, he will substantially reduce his heating bills and receive a grant of $938 from the federal government's EnerGuide for Houses Retrofit Incentive service. MORE...

Archived news items can be found on our News Archive page.

Holiday Open House

Kingston, December 10, 2004/ — Hearthmakers will be holding an open house at our new location, downstairs at 35 Johnson St., on Monday December 20 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. The Honourable Peter Miliken will provide remarks, and refreshments will be served. For more information, please see the official announcement (88KB PDF). Please contact us if you plan to attend.

Application Period Closed

Kingston, September 27, 2004/ — Hearthmakers is no longer accepting applications for the positions posted September 14. Thank you to all those who applied.

Hearthmakers is Hiring (expired September 27, 2004)

Kingston, September 14, 2004/ — Hearthmakers is currently hiring eight staff for its new Johnson Street Office in Kingston. If you are interested in working for Hearthmakers, please check out our job postings. MORE...

3 For Kyoto

Kingston, September 21, 2004/ — Looking for a way to do your part in the One Tonne Challenge? Well here it is. Hearthmakers, a member of the Ontario Sustainable Energy Association, brings Kingston the new 3 For Kyoto initiative. This innovative program can help you and your family meet Canada's Kyoto goals by participating. To find out how, simply visit the 3 For Kyoto page on the OSEA website.

Rental Solar Hot Water Program: An Affordable Option

Kingston, July 22, 2004/ — Typically, the large up-front cost of a solar hot water system puts it beyond the reach of the average home owner. Hearthmakers is working on a solution. Our proposed rental hot water pilot project would offer 100 systems to qualifying homes for a small monthly rental fee. A simple site analysis would verify that your home qualifies, and the rental cost of the solar hot water system would be offset by the savings it produces. Each two-panel system would prevent the release of up to 1.4 tonnes of green house gases per year. For more details, please contact us.

Hearthmakers Receives License to Retail Electricity

Kingston, May 6, 2004/ — Hearthmakers has received a license from the Ontario Energy Board to sell electricity to members and others in the province of Ontario. The primary focus of this retailing of power will be what has become known as "green power" from renewable sources. Orders for delivery of green power will be received by Hearthmakers and delivered in the usual fashion, through the wires! Billing systems are currently being designed and confirmed. The co-operative hopes to begin marketing this power by the end of May, 2004.

OSEA Publishes a Paper on Advanced Renewable Tariffs and Electricity Feed Laws

Kingston, May 6, 2004/ — The Ontario Sustainable Energy Association has published a paper by Paul Gipe entitled Advanced Renewable Tariffs and Electricity Feed Laws. A PDF version of the paper can be downloaded from the Hearthmakers Web site. MORE...

Opinion Canada Considers Community-centric Energy

Ottawa, May 5, 2004/ — Opinion Canada has published a piece by Andrew Pape-Salmon (P.Eng., MRM) considering the benefits of community-centric energy planning. The author suggests that such an approach "applied in Canada will clear a path for low-environmental-impact renewable energy supplies to provide more than half of our energy needs". MORE...

Energy Efficiency Upgrade Cheques Start Arriving Locally

Kingston, January 21, 2004/ — Bill Dobson of Kingston started off the new year with a rare gift from the federal government — a cheque for $943. Bill and his wife Nancy were the first homeowners in the region to receive a grant for making their home more energy efficient from the recently launched EnerGuide for Houses Retrofit Incentive (EHRI) service. MORE...

Energuide for Houses Retrofit Incentive Launched

Ottawa, October 21, 2003/ — Natural Resources Canada today announced that grant applications for the EnerGuide for Houses Retrofit Incentive are now being accepted. The average incentive to Canadians who make qualified energy-efficiency improvements to their homes is expected to be about $1000. Read the Government of Canada Press release or learn more about booking your EnerGuide for Houses evaluation through Hearthmakers.

Book Your EnerGuide for Houses Evaluation On-line

Kingston, October 8, 2003/ — EnerGuide for Houses evaluations can now be booked on-line, directly from the Hearthmakers Web site. For more information, please visit our EnerGuide for Houses information page.

EnerGuide for Houses in the Toronto Star

Toronto, October 2, 2003/ — The Toronto Star has published an article describing an EnerGuide for Houses home visit. Read the article at thestar.com...

Hearthmakers Hosts Free Green Energy Workshop in Picton

Picton, September 22, 2003/ — On Saturday, September 27, Hearthmakers Energy Cooperative will be holding a public workshop designed to help homeowners get a little "greener" — and save money in the process. MORE...

Federal Government Announces Rewards Program for Homeowners

Ottawa, August 12, 2003/ — The Government of Canada announced today that it will invest $79.4 million "to encourage home energy-efficiency retrofits to reduce GHG [green house gas] emissions, and at the same time, help Canadians save money by lowering their energy bills." MORE...

Annual General Meeting

Kingston, August 11, 2003/ — The Hearthmakers Energy Cooperative Board of Directors has announced that the 2003 Annual General Meeting of Members will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2003 beginning at 3:00pm in the meeting room of the Essroc Cement Administration Building on Highway 49 South in Picton, Ontario. For further information, please contact Hearthmakers.

Workshop on Wolfe Island

Kingston, August 6, 2003/ — Hearthmakers Energy Cooperative, in partnership with the Greater Kingston Trade Winds Project, Gaia Power Inc., and the Township of Frontenac Islands, is sponsoring a workshop entitled "Cooperative Ownership of Trade Winds: Local Benefits from Local Natural Resources." The workshop will take place on Thursday, August 21 from 7:00 to 9:30pm at the Wolfe Island Community Centre. Anyone interested in supporting Hearthmakers and owning asset shares of a wind farm on Wolfe Island should attend if possible.

Hearthmakers to Present at Wind Power Workshop

Kingston, May 8, 2003/ — The Ontario Sustainable Energy Association (OSEA) will hold a workshop Saturday, June 7th at the Kortright Center for Conservation in Woodbridge Ontario. This new workshop will focus on Ontario's emerging wind power cooperatives, and is entitled "Ontario's Emerging Wind Power Coops — How You Can Participate / How You Can Replicate." David J. Morris of Hearthmakers will be presenting on the Trade Winds Project, a coop wind farm proposal for Wolfe Island. Details regarding the workshop are available on the OSEA Web site. MORE...

Hearthmakers Draws a Crowd

Picton, March 15, 2003/ — Father Brian Hart, Chairperson of Hearthmakers Energy Cooperative, presented an overview of the work and plans of Hearthmakers to promote cooperatively owned wind turbines and other renewable energy technologies in Prince Edward County. Over forty people listened as Hart descibed how, more important than technology, it is people working cooperatively with people that is the winning idea behind Hearthmakers. MORE...

Green Municipal Funds, Community Partners Invest in Innovative Wind Power Project

Kingston, Febuary 28, 2003/ — The Green Municipal Funds (GMF) and community partners are investing $400,000 in the Greater Kingston Trade Winds Project linking wind power development to energy efficiency savings. Today at Kingston City Hall, GMF announced a $200,000 contribution to the Project, supported by the City of Kingston and the Municipality of the Frontenac Islands. Hearthmakers Energy Cooperative, GAIA Power Inc., and the City of Kingston are making matching contributions totaling $200,000. MORE...

Hearthmakers Promotes EnerGuide for Houses At Upcoming Home Show

Kingston, February 25, 2003/ — Do you have high energy bills (who doesn't?!?), drafts, or icicles hanging from the roof? Why not look into the causes by booking a home energy evaluation through Hearthmakers Energy Cooperative? The EnerGuide for Houses service will be promoted at the upcoming Kingston Home Builders Association Home Show March 6th to 9th at the Cataraqui Town Centre. MORE...

Cooperatively Owned Wind Farm Workshop in Picton

Picton, January 10, 2003/ — Hearthmakers Energy Cooperative is pleased to offer a one-day workshop, January 18, 2003 in Picton, Ontario. This workshop will provide those who are interested with an opportunity to develop informed strategies for supporting community participation in the development of wind energy in and a cooperatively owned wind farm in Prince Edward County. MORE...

Reducing Energy Costs and the Environmental Impact of Your Energy Consumption

Kingston, January 7, 2003/ — An evening course to be held Tuesdays beginning January 14 at St. Lawrence College will investigate how we can reduce our energy bills and be more environmentally responsible. The course instructor will be Steve Lapp, an engineer with twenty years of experience in energy technologies. MORE...

Rural Opportunities: Wind Energy Cooperatives

Picton, November 5, 2002/ — Hearthmakers Energy Cooperative hosted its fifth in a series of workshops geared to capture the public's interest in renewable resources, specifically wind energy and the development of a wind farm managed through a successful cooperative model. Participants from Prince Edward County were eager to hear two dynamic speakers explain how their community can benefit from this model. The evening concluded with an energetic group discussion. MORE...

OSEA Receives Further Funding from Trillium

Kingston, November 1, 2002/ — The Ontario Trillium Foundation today announced additional funding for the Ontario Sustainable Energy Foundation. A grant of $445,000 to be paid over the next three years will cover the continuation of OSEA's work in the areas of education and community capacity building oriented to developing community-based sustainable energy initiatives and energy cooperatives throughout Ontario. Hearthmakers is a founding member of the OSEA. MORE...

Strategies for Community Development Using Renewable Resources

Kingston, October 28, 2002/ — Hearthmakers will host a public workshop on "Rural Opportunities for Wind Energy Cooperatives" at the Picton Town Hall from 6:00 to 8:30pm, Tuesday, November 5. All are welcome to attend. MORE...

Introducing the Greater Kingston Trade Winds Project

Kingston, August 1, 2002/ — Hearthmakers is proud to introduce the Greater Kingston Trade Winds Project. The Greater Kingston Trade Winds Project is about making changes to city-owned buildings so that electrical and heating energy systems for those buildings are more efficiently operated. These changes reduce the amount of money spent in wasted energy costs as well as the emission of gases into the environment that cause pollution and climate change. Some of the money that is saved from energy costs due to the increased efficiency of these buildings is directed towards the purchase of electricity generated by wind turbines on Wolfe Island and elsewhere. These wind power purchases will support local efforts to build wind turbines. MORE...

Stepping Out

Please note that as of August, 2003 Hearthmakers is no longer involved in the "Stepping Out" program. For information regarding Active & Safe Routes to School please visit the Web site of International Walk to School.

Kingston, July 25, 2002/ — As our streets become increasingly congested, the number of pedestrians dwindles and driving ironically becomes viewed as the safest route to travel. More than ever, members of the Kingston community are becoming concerned with their mental and physical environment and the environment they are providing for their children. The Stepping Out program consists of a three-year plan to promote Ontario families walking to and from school, and to address concerns of the need for sustainable transportation initiatives, as well as addressing essential health, environmental and child safety concerns. Hearthmakers is spearheading the Stepping Out program in Kingston. MORE...

Deregulation

Toronto, May 1, 2002/ — In Ontario's new competitive electricity market, consumers can choose from whom to purchase electricity. Hearthmakers helps its members to determine their most advantageous energy strategy in a deregulated market. MORE...

Car Free Day

September 22, 2002 is Car Free Day! Encourage your neighbourhood to walk, stroll, bike and play in the street. MORE....

Cycling for Sustainability 2002

Hearthmakers Energy Cooperative and the Kingston Bicycle Advisory Committee are working to bring a team of cyclists who are riding across Canada to the Kingston area on Monday, Aug 5, 2002. There will be cycling and performance events where the cyclists will challenge our thoughts about issues surrounding sustainable transportation and organic foods. MORE...

Earth Week 2002

April 22 to 28, 2002, is Earth Week. Pick up your guide to Kingston Earth Week activities at the Sleepless Goat Café (91 Princess St.) or the Earth to Spirit Trading Company (340 King St. East).

Garden Festival

From February 28 to March 3, 2002, Hearthmakers will be participating in the Canadian Lung Association's Garden Festival. How does your lawn affect your health? Can you make the switch to pesticide free lawn and garden care? Come to Portsmouth Harbour and find out about pesticide-free and environmentally friendly landscaping.

Hearthmakers at the Mall

On February 9, 2002, we will have a booth at the Frontenac Mall. Please stop in and find out if your home is suitable for a solar hot water heater or an energy efficiency visit. On February 16, the booth will be at the Cataraqui Town Centre.

Urban Air Quality Symposium

On February 2, 2002, from 9am to 5pm, Hearthmakers will participate in the Environmental Symposium on Urban Air Quality in the Policy Studies Building at Queen's University.

Open House

On January 26, 2002, from 10:30am to 3pm, Hearthmakers will host an open house at 99 York Street in Kingston, featuring an EnerGuide for Houses demonstration.

Hearthmakers at the Little Cataraqui Ski Lappet

On January 20, 2002, from 9am to 3pm, Hearthmakers will be staffing a booth at the Little Catataraqui Ski Loppet at the The Cataraqui Conservation Authority.

Solar Hot Water Heaters

Hearthmakers is now marketing Solar Hot Water Heaters. MORE...

Dandelion Festival

Join us on June 8, 2001 from noon to 5pm on the lawn at Grant Hall Park, Queen's University to celebrate the biodiversity of our backyards. The afternoon will feature speakers talking about pesticide reduction, the raging grannies, organic refreshments, arts and crafts, music, games, and much more.

Community Garden

On Sunday May 27, 2001, thirty community members participated in a planting day at a community garden located at Kingston's Block D. Over the summer we hosted a great number of activities. MORE...

Linking Education to Action Conference

We have published a followup to the Linking Education to Action Conference. MORE...

Discount Green Home Visits

Please note that as of August, 2003 Hearthmakers is no longer offering Green Home Visits. For information about improving your home's efficiency, please see our EnerGuide for Houses page.

Thanks to EcoAction 2000, Hearthmakers is is providing Green Home Visits for $25 for a limited time (regular $150). MORE...