Local experts weigh in on heat pumps
Many Orillians are seeing heat pumps in their future, if not already in their homes. Local providers of heating and air conditioning systems are seeing an increase in the number of their installations. “There isn’t a week goes by when we’re not installing heat pumps,” says Dan LeBlanc, owner of Simcoe-Muskoka Home Comfort. “Two years […]
Join Sarah, Sustainable Orillia’s newest board member, and get on the net-zero train!
Recently, as part of an overall review, Sustainable Orillia (SO) has been reflecting on our experience since inception in 2019. The organization is heading into its fifth full year of operation and, more than ever, our heads are turned towards the future and how best to mobilize as many Orillians as possible in the quest […]
The Wonderful World of Batteries
What would we do without batteries? Throughout the 20th century, we have come to take them for granted as we use them to power our various devices: smoke detectors, portable radios, tape decks, our cars and machinery, devices used in more and more areas of modern life—even before the now ubiquitous cell phone arrived in […]
Coming Soon: free energy upgrades for low-income Orillians!
Sustainable Orillia is proud to announce a partnership with CleaResult—a company representing the province of Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) and Enbridge. Together, we are championing a cause close to our hearts that very much supports “Big Move #3 – Housing” as identified in Orillia’s Climate Future, our community climate change action plan. What […]
Seasons Greetings from our President
Dear Sustainable Orillia Community-– As we embrace the warmth and joy of the holiday season, I extend my heartfelt wishes to each of you for a wonderful holiday. It has been five years since Sustainable Orillia began its work in our community. It’s been a journey of steady commitment towards becoming a credible voice for sustainability […]
Last Call for 2024 Sustainable Orillia “Biodiversity” Calendars!
Have you purchased your Sustainable Orillia (SO) 2024 calendar yet? If the answer is no, the time to place your order is today! Only $10 with free home delivery. Contact us at info@sustainableorillia.ca SO’s 2024 calendar features artwork by local students. Half of the pieces of art are from high school students from Orillia Secondary […]
This year, give the “Best Gift Ever”
The holiday season is traditionally a time for consumers to “buy, buy, buy.” This year, however, is a wonderful opportunity to re-think not only how we will celebrate the season, but also how we can each do our part in the transition to a net-zero lifestyle and economy. Two things—one local and one international—suggest now […]
A 2023 Sustainable Orillia update with Mayor Don McIsaac
Don McIsaac, Mayor of Orillia, recently set aside time to meet with Sustainable Orillia (SO)to talk about sustainability—short and long-term—across our community. It was an opportunity for him to reflect on the past year and to share his perspective on how we are doing as a community and, as well, how SO is doing as […]
Is a heat pump in your future? Some Orillia households are now saying “Yes!”
What if you could save up to $1,000 per year or more on the cost of heating and cooling your home, while also helping the planet? You can—with a new cold climate heat pump. What’s not to like about lower utility bills and reduced carbon emissions? With new rebates, mandates, and tax credits, heat pump […]
“Closing the Gap on Clean Energy for Orillia”—Part 2: New technologies
So what are the most likely technologies for energy production that we can expect to see developed in the very near future here in Orillia and elsewhere? Part 1 of this series reported that Stan Mathewson, on behalf of the “Infrastructure and Energy” sector of Sustainable Orillia (SO), went before the Orillia City Council on […]