Canada's climate solution websites
Organizations that support climate action
Sure, there's Google. But what we all really want is a good information about the solutions, products and services, and incentives and project funding that will help us take action. Here are some of the best websites (NGO and business) in Canada with information on climate solutions.
Examples
First, let's start with a couple of examples of what we are looking for. Here are two examples of great Canadian websites for climate action. Sites with imagination and information. Sites with solutions you will want. They set the benchmark for providing people with information and incentives to take action.
Velo Quebec
Velo Quebec has been around for 50 years, promoting cycling in Quebec. Through their website, you can connect to La Route Verte (cyclo-tourism), bike events, and campaigns to promote safe cycling.
Community Resilience to Extreme Weather
A dedicated group of volunteers working to help neighbourhoods and low income buildings organize and plan for extreme weather events and blackouts. This site shows the potential for community-based voluntary sector leadership on climate action.
Climate Resources
These are some of the best websites with information on climate solutions and incentives. They will give you an idea of the resources that are out there, and a starting point for researching your own action plan and solutions.
Climate Solutions
Extreme Weather
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Community Resilience to Extreme Weather (CREW)
Just a bunch of community volunteers in Toronto, but they have already compiled one of the best sources of information on how to plan for extreme weather in your home, building or community.
Get Prepared (Government of Canada)
Three good sections: Know the Risks, Make a Plan, and Get a Kit
Weather Underground (US)
This site has summaries for all types of emergencies - so you can pick the preparation plan for the most likely events in your location.
Flood Ready (Government of Canada)
Tips on how to prepare for floods at home an in your community.
Home Energy Conservation
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NAIMA Canada
NAIMA is the association for all those businesses that sell insulation products. They've made it super easy for people to find incentives and rebates for investing in conservation. Smart!
Green Communities Home Energy Solutions
A program of Green Communities Canada, with non-profit associations in municipalities across Canada. A home energy assessment is the first step to figuring out which energy conservation measures will give you the best return in lowering your bills and improving your home comfort.
Renewable Energy
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Interested in renewable energy? You can choose to green your existing energy bills, produce your own power, or participate in community energy projects.
Green your Bills
Bullfrog Power
Green your energy bills by paying a premium for green energy. Bullfrog Power invests in green energy projects across the country. so your premium is helping to green the grid and offset carbon emissions.
Produce your own power
Canadian Solar Industry Association
CanSIA is a great place to start for information on the solar industry in Canada.
There are a number of companies that offer turnkey solar solutions for your home. Here are some of them:
Community Power
Ontario Sustainable Energy Association
OSEA works with communities in Ontario to set up community power projects.
Transportation
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Canadian Urban Transit Association
CUTA is the association for transit systems across Canada, and a strong advocate for urban transit.
Local and Regional Cycling Associations:
- La Route Verte - Quebec's top notch network of bike routes
- Velo Quebec - making sure cycling is part of the Quebec culture and DNA
- Cycle Toronto - pressing for safe cycling and bike lanes in Toronto
- Bike Hub - Vancouver's cycling association, promoting safe cycling through education, local organizing, and in the City's Transportation Strategy
Plug 'n Drive
Plug 'n Drive is an Ontario-based organization promoting electric vehicles. Their website has a guide to EVs, and, if you are in Toronto, they have an EV Discovery Centre where you can test drive e-vehicles.
Food
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Sustain Ontario
Sustain Ontario is a good example of a regional food network, working to support local food initiatives across Ontario.
Toronto Vegetarian Association
Looking to shift to a vegetarian diet? The TVA has all kinds of resources online, including a seven day veggie challenge to get you started.
Community Development
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Green Communities Canada: Canada's association of green community organizations, offering a suite of social marketing campaigns and energy conservation services
Jane’s Walk
Learn about communities through the eyes of others. Jane's Walks happen the first weekend of May in communities across Canada and around the world. They celebrate the ideas of Jane Jacobs, whose writing and actions transformed how we look at planning and community development.
Canadian Urban Institute
The CUI is an urban think tank, with research and programs aimed at promoting excellence in urban design.
Ontario Healthy Communities Coalition
OHCC has been bringing groups and communities together in Ontario for over thirty years. "Healthy communities" is the original integrated community development model, combining social, cultural, economic, and environmental health into local strategies for success.
Earth Day Canada
Earth Day Canada has developed a great program called Earth Play, designed to reconnect kids with nature in their neighbourhoods and cities.