ELECTRIFY LANARK FORUM

SATURDAY, MAY 18, 2024
ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION BRANCH 244
PERTH, ONTARIO

Thank you for joining us!

Meet the speakers

Ralph Torrie is a leading voice in sustainable development, known for his work since the 1970s. He pioneered Canada's first conservation and renewable energy study, crafted the nation's inaugural low-carbon scenario analysis, and contributed to a post-Covid green economy plan. Torrie's impactful workshops and GHG reduction target drafting highlight his commitment to sustainability. Currently serving as Director of Research for Corporate Knights in Toronto, he continues to drive sustainability strategies, residing in Cobourg, Ontario, with his partner, Judy Smith.

Compass Energy Consulting advances the role of renewable and clean energy in support of the transition to a decentralized and decarbonized electricity system.
James works with large North American electricity consumers in assessing on-site renewable energy solutions to ensure both energy cost savings and greenhouse gas reductions. James’ experience comes from 4+ years as a Project Manager for a major Canadian solar developer

The mission of CACOR is to actively engage the public and decision-makers on key global and Canadian issues by encouraging you to share information; to inform and motivate citizens and decision-makers to take action to limit, stabilize and reverse demands on local ecosystems and the global ecosystem.

Taking Ontario to a near zero carbon economy is doable, and will take about double the electricity we generate now. The good news is that our existing fleet of gasoline and diesel vehicles and fossil fueled heating systems are horribly inefficient when compared to electric vehicles and heat pumps. How much solar, wind and batteries would take us to a zero carbon Ontario and what will it cost, and save.

Marion is the General Manager of the Ottawa Renewable Energy Co-operative (OREC). She is driven by a sense of urgency about the climate crisis, and over the last few years has focused on environmental education as well as advocacy for more robust climate action in the context of Ottawa’s High Performance Development Standards.

OREC partners with various entities to develop and acquire renewable energy projects, advancing the transition to 100% renewable energy. They finance these initiatives through member investments, ensuring equal ownership and voting rights regardless of investment levels. OREC also reports on community benefits and collaborates with global renewable energy co-operatives to strengthen the community energy sector.

Scott is a retired management professional with extensive experience, including six years as General Director of a health development agency in Haiti. He is passionate about regenerative agriculture and soil health, leading an innovative project near Almonte that diverts bagged leaves from landfills to produce "leaf mould," a type of fungal-dominant compost used to restore degraded farmland. As Chair of the Board at Climate Network Lanark, Scott is actively engaged in influencing the future of Ontario's electricity system. He advocates for modernization efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, increase renewable energy sources like hydro, wind, and solar, and improve energy storage solutions.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

9 a.m. Open Doors + Networking
9:2o a.m. Scott Hortop (CNL): Welcome Remarks
9:45 a.m. Ralph Torrie: Sustainable Future Economy
10:30 a.m. Coffee Break
10:50 a.m. Steve Lapp: Doubling the Electricity we Currently have in Ontario
11:45 a.m. Art Hunter: The Electric Throttle for our Energy Transition: Community Microgrids
12:30 p.m. Lunch Break + Networking
1:25 p.m. Marion Siekierski, OREC: Investing in Solar
2:20 p.m. James Marzotto, Compass Energy: Synopsis of the Almonte Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
2:40 p.m. IESO: Our Current & Future Electrical System: Electricity Generation, Storage, and Distribution in Eastern Ontario
3:05 p.m. Implications for Lanark County: Speakers Panel (Scott Hortop, moderator)
3:45 p.m. Closing Remarks
4:00 p.m. Networking