Hearthmakers Draws a Crowd

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. He spoke of how cooperatives help people in the community to decide democratically how to supply some of Ontario's electrical needs in ways that benefit the community and environment. Hearthmakers' seven principles of cooperative activity were outlined, as were the values of subsidiarity, solidarity, and the integrity of the web of life. Among those attending was Mr. Ernie Parsons, MPP, who is also a member of the province's Select Committee on Alternative Fuels. Mr. Parsons spoke to the need for renewable energy incentives and a variety of new ways of developing greater supplies of sustainable energy for the province. He promised to take to parliament the news of the work of cooperatives to promote community-owned wind farms in the province. The group adjourned after two and a half hours, deciding to meet in April to consider research and planning ideas to be brought forward by a newly appointed steering committee.