Chatham-Kent Mayor Randy Hope brought home a prestigious provincial award on Thursday for his leadership in the sustainable energy sector.
Last night, the Ontario Sustainable Energy Association celebrated its 6th annual Powering Prosperity Awards dinner, recognizing the champions of the sustainable energy sector, and celebrating the achievements that help advance sustainable energy within the province of Ontario.
“The Powering Prosperity Awards is an annual fundraising dinner hosted by the Ontario Sustainable Energy Association to shine the spotlight on sustainability and sustainable energy development in the province,” said Joe Mulhall, President of the Canadian Union of Skilled Workers. “Our members believe that building a sustainable, decentralized energy system creates good jobs, generates local economic opportunities and contributes to a healthy environment.”
The evening brought together an illustrious crowd of the “who’s who” in the sustainable energy industry.
It was kicked off by Atul Mahajan, President and CEO of Oshawa Power and Utilities Corporation (OPUC) who delivered a poignant keynote speech about the important and ever-changing role of the utilities in the development of a sustainable and decentralized energy system that will allow consumers and generators of energy to interconnect in ways that are much more flexible.
He highlighted in particular the great success OPUC is seeing from its solar PV and storage pilot.
“Our vision is of a prosperous Ontario with a thriving sustainable energy sector, good jobs, resilient communities and healthy environments -powered, heated, cooled and moved by portfolios of sustainable energy. Events like Powering Prosperity and Green Energy Doors Open showcase the individuals, communities and businesses that are helping make this vision a reality,” states Nicole Risse, Interim Executive Director of OSEA. Risse added, “Today we celebrate the winners of the 2016 Powering Prosperity Award, as well as the achievements of everyone that is active in the sector, each working toward building a better future for Ontario.”
This year, the association recognized seven champions in six different categories.
Hope took home the prestigious 20/20 Leadership Award, being recognized for his leadership in promoting sustainable economic growth in his community with green energy and community engagement as a priority.
– Submitted photo: Mayor Hope is presented with the 20/20 Leadership Award by John Wabb, Vice-President of the Canadian Union of Skilled Workers (left) and Nicole Risse, Interim Executive Director of OSEA (right).
