This microsite provides information about low-carbon, community-scaled energy solutions to build community resiliency against the effects of climate change.

The microsite was created through funding from Natural Resources Canada for the YMCA of Greater Toronto to explore strategies to build low-carbon and resilient district energy systems, using the Cooper Koo Family YMCA in Toronto as a potential energy system anchor / infrastructure host. QUEST Canada, as Canada’s leading non-government voice promoting the benefit of community-energy systems, agreed to host and promote the site.

The goal of the project was to:

• Present community energy solutions that are low carbon and minimize duration and intensity of disruptions from climate-related impacts.
• Make the strategies viable (both financially and otherwise) to all stakeholders to promote community-wide adoption.
• Promote market transformation through knowledge sharing and skills training, including this microsite for sharing lessons learned.

Project advisory team

• YMCA of Greater Toronto
• Mantle Developments
• QUEST Canada
• Prime Strategy & Planning
• Opus One Energy Solutions
• CanmetENERGY *Provided in-kind support

Steering committee

• Enwave
• City of Toronto
• Waterfront Toronto
• Doherty Engineering
• Subterra Renewables
• Rathco
• Ramboll
• Enbridge

Project Financing

• Natural Resources Canada

About the YMCA of Greater Toronto

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a charity tackling the most critical social issues in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Operating for more than 165 years, it offers children, teens, young adults and families the opportunity for personal growth, community involvement, and leadership. Through childcare services, education and training programs, employment and immigrant services, family and youth services, and health and fitness programs, the Y helps build healthy communities across the GTA.

The YMCA of Greater Toronto’s growing focus on sustainability, climate change and community resilience is in response to the need for broad-based environmental leadership from charities, businesses, governments and individuals. The YMCA of Greater Toronto has undertaken a number of sustainable initiatives over the years to reduce pollution, enhance the natural environment and help fight climate change. In 2019, the YMCA of Greater Toronto adopted a Climate Resiliency Strategy and published its first Sustainability Report.

About QUEST Canada

QUEST is a national non-government organization that works to accelerate the adoption of efficient and integrated community-scale energy systems in Canada by informing, inspiring, and connecting decision-makers. The organization commissions research, communicates best practices, convenes government, utility, and private-sector leaders, and works directly with local authorities to implement on-the-ground solutions. QUEST recognizes communities that have embraced these principles by referring to them as Smart Energy Communities.