Join us on April 24th at the Beaver Valley Community Centre in Thornbury for the highly anticipated 2nd Annual Blue Mountains and Area 2025 Sustainability Summit — an essential event for leaders and innovators driving the future of sustainability. Last year’s Summit brought together over 120 attendees from diverse sectors, including business, non-profits, and residents, who engaged in compelling discussions and presentations on the Circular Economy and Green Initiatives. This year, we’re excited to continue the momentum and dive even deeper into critical topics such as Social Sustainability and Green Economy.
What’s New This Year?
The 2025 Sustainability Summit will feature both afternoon and evening sessions, offering an exciting lineup of topics designed to inspire and challenge. Here’s what you can look forward to:
Afternoon Session (1:00 pm – 4:00 pm):
The afternoon will delve into the theme of Social Sustainability, featuring an engaging panel discussion on energy poverty and equity, diversity, and inclusion in Climate Solutions. This session will be a perfect opportunity to connect over light refreshments and share ideas with fellow changemakers.
Evening Session (5:30 pm – 8:30 pm):
The evening will bring the spotlight on the Green Economy Hub pilot, with presentations from forward-thinking experts sharing sustainable business practices that can shape the future. Additionally, a feature film premiere will be showcased, followed by a chance to network with industry leaders and peers over hors d'oeuvres and beverages.
Event Itinerary
Afternoon Session
Future Story Report - Presented by Jeffery Fletcher, Manager of Sustainability and Solid Waste, Town of The Blue Mountains
Integrating Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion into Climate Planning - Presented by Pavils Hawkins, Senior Climate Change Project Officer, ICLEI
Social Sustainability Panel featuring:
- Energy Poverty - presented by Francesca Dobbyn, Executive Director, United Way - Bruce Grey
- Retro-fit Barriers and Equity Programs - presented by Rebecca Danard, Manager of Energy Programs, Clean Air Partnership
- Local Assistance Programs - presented by Carolyn Letourneau, Executive Director, Beaver Valley Outreach
- Building Sustainably - presented by Greg Fryer, Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity Grey Bruce
Participatory Presentation
- What Would a Climate-Ready Grey Look Like? A Grey County Climate Adaptation Plan Workshop - presented by Linda Scott Swanston, Climate Change Initiatives Manager and Megan Myles, Climate Change Coordinator, Grey County
Evening Session
Models of Collaboration featuring:
- Sustainable Considerations in Business - presented by Tori Rooney, Sustainability Analyst, Blue Mountain Resort
- Green Economy Hub - presented by Catherine Daw, Green Economy SGB Project, Collingwood Climate Action Team
- Sustainable Considerations in Business - Jeff Young, Supply Planning and Sustainability Manager, Georgian Bay Beverage Co.
- Green Step - Tourism Based Certification - presented by Kim Clarke, Manager of Stakeholder Relations, Regional Tourism Ontario 7
Film Premiere
Showing of Journey of Water by Mountain Goat Film Company Inc.
Introduction to the film with Director and Narrator Tracey Strnad, Mountain Goat Film Company Inc. and Heather McIntyre, Life & Wellness Coach, Chippewas of Georgina Island - presented by Jennifer Murley, CEO, The Blue Mountains Public Library
Save the date and we'll see you on April 24th for the Sustainability Summit!
