Community Profile

The Township of Stone Mills - Looking at Green First

Darlene Plumley grew up on a farm so she "really understands the whole deal about the importance of our environment." Her voice sparkles as she describes the nearby Sheffield Conservation Area, "a fabulous park just off Highway 41 with trees, hiking trails and blue water."

The Township of Stone Mills signed onto the Living Planet Community because "getting involved in the environment helps everyone," Plumley notes. Residents are backing her up - over 50 people from the Township have signed on so far. By promoting the Living Planet Community on their website, Plumley hopes to attract more groups such as the Lions Club, the Fire Department and local schools.

Greenhouse gas savings in the Township of Stone Mills are guaranteed to soar when the First Light Project, North America's largest photovoltaic energy park, is completed by the end of the 2009. According to Sky Power, one of the parties involved in the execution of the 300 acre park, it will power 2,000 houses annually (distributed through Hydro One). Sky Power estimates that the First Light Project is calculated to reduce yearly carbon emissions by an amount equal to displacing approximately 4,200 cars and light trucks, each driving 19,000kms/year.

The Township communities of Tamworth and Erinsville have partnered with Queen's University researchers and Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs, aiming to become the 'greenest rural community in Ontario.' The Green Communities Initiative was kicked off with a fall green energy fair. Public forums on topics such as rainwater management and rural sustainability have built participation and volunteer support. The Living Planet Community is a vital link to expanding this network of committed environmentalists.

The Township too, according to Plumley, is "looking at green first," as they update their municipal buildings. They're going to install better insulation and solar panels on the Firehall and they've commissioned an energy study for the Community Centre. The Arena too, is undergoing an energy audit.

This spring Stone Mills is thinking geothermal as they put out tenders for their new Works Yard. The initial costs will be higher than conventional heating and cooling systems, but long-term they will save from 50% to 70%.

The Township is vigilant about recycling and has moved to clear garbage bags to weed out cheating. Residents purchase bags from the Township for garbage and the municipality is considering doubling the bag cost to reinforce the conservation message.

The Township of Stone Mills is working to make their rural municipality as energy efficient as possible. Darlene Plumley notes that joining the Living Planet Community is "a way for the Township of Stone Mills to be proactive on the environment." It's also a way to involve more people in doing the right thing - and this Township is blazing that trail!