2018 Evening of Recognition Award Winners
The Kingston community is a significant source of meaningful and positive change as we all work together to ensure a sustainable future. The purpose of these awards is to recognize those efforts and bring together the many champions and leaders in our community for a much-deserved celebration of the significant progress that, collectively, we have made this past year.
Sustainable kingston plan
Wintergreen Renewable Energy Coop
Wintergreen Renewable Energy Co-op builds community support for fighting climate change in Kingston and Frontenac County. The Co-op has identified local landowners who lease small amounts of their land for building local community-owned solar projects under the FIT program. The Co-op’s 160 members have invested over one and a half million dollars to help finance clean energy projects. The co-op collaborated with SolarShare Co-op to build its first two 500 kW solar projects on Abbey Dawn Rd and Unity Road in 2017. Truly, Wintergreen renewable Energy Co-op is a shining example of our community’s commitment to sustainability!
Sustainability champion
Dan Hendry
Dan, working in close partnership with Jeremy DaCosta, Manager of Kingston Transit, pioneered the Kingston High School Bus Pass Program and the new Teacher Field Trip Pass. Both programs are unique and are significantly changing our transit culture. Today, Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 ride the bus for free in the City of Kingston. In 2016, Kingston high school students made nearly 600,000 trips and, today, high school students now represent about 10% of bus ridership. Thanks to Dan’s tireless efforts, this innovative program, developed right here in Kingston, is now nationally recognized for its impactful model with many other municipalities seeking to learn from our success.
youth sustainability champion
Esther Falkson
Esther founded and led Leahurst College’s Interact Club (which is a Junior Rotary Club) for 2 years. She led this group in many initiatives and the group has grown to over 25 students, which, at a school of 85 students, represents huge student buy-in. They have held many successful initiatives in the Woolen Mill building including: a telethon, book sales, a movie night, bake sale, Valentines' Candy-Grams, etc. Thanks to Esther’s leadership, the group has raised sufficient funds for 2 years running to fund a child to attend Easter Seal's Camp ($2500/yr). Not stopping there, they also work on Polio awareness and volunteer with Syrian refugee children. Moreover, Esther is also a top-level athlete, a wonderful and sincere person, and a diligent student. A very worthy candidate and already a community leader!
Greatest GHG reduction: Green economy program
St. Lawrence College
As the only educational institute in Sustainable Kingston's Green Economy program, St. Lawrence College is leading Kingston's fight against climate change through both innovative programs and tangible on-the-ground action. St. Lawrence is receiving the Award for Greatest Overall GHG Reduction for reducing the annual carbon footprint of its Kingston Campus by 107.57 tonnes of CO2 equivalent
Greatest % GHG Reduction: Green Economy Program
Trailhead Kingston
As one of the original members of Sustainable Kingston's Green Economy program, Trailhead Kingston is this city's go to outdoor recreation and adventure store. Owner James Malcolm has worked with staff to embed sustainability into the business's culture and is receiving a Green Economy Award for the second consecutive year. Trailhead is receiving the Award for Greatest Percentage GHG Reduction for reducing the annual footprint of its operations by 20.6%
Innovation - Green Economy Program
City of Kingston
The City of Kingston is taking bold steps in its mission to become Canada's Most Sustainable City and is a founding member of Sustainable Kingston's Green Economy program. The City of Kingston continues to measure and reduce their carbon footprint, significantly invest in cycling, increase community accessibility, and champion innovative and disruptive efforts in the local economy. Specifically, the City is receiving the Sustainability Innovation award for it's exciting new Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy, which will provide free EV charging at 22 locations across our community.
Leadership - Green Economy Program
Kingston Frontenac Housing Corporation
The Kingston & Frontenac Housing Corporation is Kingston's largest affordable housing provider and has identified sustainability as a central part of its mission and day-to-day operations. From establishing a staff green team, working to engage its tenants in energy conservation strategies, and extensive retrofits KFHC is at the head of Kingston's growing sustainability movement. The Corporation is receiving the Award for Sustainability Leadership for setting a 25.5% GHG reductions target. This is the most ambitious target in the Green Economy program!