"Gives me a sense of possibility"
Since its launch two years ago, the Columbia Institute's successful forums Sustainable Communities, Leadership Matters and Communities in Action brought together Mayors, Councillors and School Trustees from every region across Ontario to discuss key issues and imagine creative ways to improve public policy. With the massive economic change now taking place, there's never been a more important time to tackle the challenges facing our communities and devise strategies that move toward sustainability and equity.
Workshops included:
Mayor Dieter Saloman, Europe's Greenest Mayor
Mayor
Dieter Salomon leads Freiburg, Germany, a city the size of Kitchener,
located farther north than Sault Ste Marie, that transformed itself
into the solar energy capital of the world. Using standard local
government tools like municipal leadership, community participation and
strategic investment, Freiburg built whole neighbourhoods of "zero
energy"
homes, cut garbage by 60%, created 400 renewable energy installations
and launched over 80 solar energy businesses, and in the process earned
a place at the vanguard of Germany's booming solar energy industry.
Today Freiburg enjoys R&D investment as well as green jobs and leads other cities in recreating its success in sustainability. Join Mayor Salomon for a tour of how his City learned the benefits of green living.
Coming soon:
Photos and presentations from this highly succesful forum. Send us your comments and links for inclusion in the forum follow-up and updates!