Everyone is welcome to attend the second annual event, which will take place from 10 am to 5 pm at the Prince Edward Community Centre (375 Picton Main Street, with entrance off of MacStevens Drive due to construction).

Bring your questions about climate adaptation, mitigation, and environmental protection to experts from local organizations. A number of environmental and sustainable workshops will be offered on a variety of issues. Join us for several panels and workshops to learn more about the positive changes you can make at home, the innovations the municipality is undertaking, and the big ideas being implemented in sectors across the province to support decarbonization. You can even test drive an electric vehicle (EV) courtesy of Plug ‘N Drive.

Environmental Expo Agenda Highlights:

Tree Talk — 10:40 am

Be part of the discussion with ecology professionals as they discuss the value of trees as climate superheroes, the complexity of forest communities, the necessity of urban forests, and the importance of ecological restoration.

Speaker: Jennifer Gagné, Coordinator, Conservation Biology, Nature Conservancy of Canada

Farming’s Future: Cultivating Sustainability — 1 pm

Representatives from Ontario Farmland Trust and our local farming community will address sustainable agricultural practices and farmland protection measures that are contributing to the fight against climate change and supporting the economic stability and resilience of our farming communities.

Speakers: Martin Straathof, Executive Director, Ontario Farmland Trust; Dee Hazell, Stonefield Eden Alpacas

Making the Switch to Heat Pumps: Two Case Studies — 2 pm

Learn about heat pumps, and how they can help you decarbonize your home, and even save you money. Meet two homeowners who tried two approaches for their respective homes. Hear their lessons learned, their anticipated benefits, and ask your questions.

Speakers: Albert Paschkowiak, Supervisor, Environmental Services and Sustainability, Corporation of the County of Prince Edward; Darrel Furlotte, County homeowner with recent heat pump experience.

A Climate of Change: Meet our County Innovators — 3 pm

Join Councillor Kate MacNaughton and three of Prince Edward County’s staff changemakers, Director and Green Task Force lead Arryn McNichol, Environmental Services and Sustainability Supervisor Albert Paschkowiak, and Community Programs Supervisor Julianne Snepsts.

Speakers: Albert Paschkowiak, Supervisor, Environmental Services and Sustainability, Corporation of the County of Prince Edward; Arryn McNichol, Director of Corporate and Legislative Services, Director and Green Task Force, Corporation of the County of Prince Edward; Julianne Snepsts, Program Supervisor, Corporation of the County of Prince Edward; Kate MacNaughton, Councillor Ward 1 – Picton, Member, Environmental Advisory Committee, Corporation of the County of Prince Edward

Big Ideas – For a Sustainable Future — 4 pm

The Big Ideas session brings together experienced leaders who are advancing innovative strategies and solutions to support a decarbonized future for Ontario. Bridging local, regional and provincial perspectives, this panel will explore how new technologies, partnerships, and policies are being mobilized in the fight against climate change across multiple sectors of Ontario’s economy.

Speakers: Chuck Farmer, Chief Energy Transition Officer; VP of Planning, Conservation & Resource Adequacy, IESO; Jeremy Laurin, Senior Vice President, Strategy and Transformation, Loyalist College

Visit the the County website for more information about this event. If you would like more information, contact Albert Paschkowiak, Environmental Services and Sustainability Supervisor, at apaschkowiak@pecounty.on.ca or call 613.476.2148 extension 4004.