Presented by CIMCO Toromont
As Canada experiences historic growth, meeting current and future needs for renewable and sustainable energy is a particularly complex challenge for smaller municipalities. Small communities face unique challenges when planning for new sustainable, energy-efficient infrastructure. Compared to larger cities, small communities have fewer financial and staffing resources, which poses a challenge to develop, implement and monitor climate strategies, in addition to a high dependency on automobiles amid dispersed settlement patterns. However, small communities are well-positioned to lead on local climate action and contribute significantly to national, provincial and territorial GHG emissions reduction targets.
The webinar, in partnership with CIMCO Toromont, explores innovative approaches to enhance efficiency, lower utility costs and reduce your community’s carbon footprint in the long term. The session aims to explore the potential of community ice rinks, a common feature in many small communities, to serve as a thermal energy source for broader community use. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of the pros and cons of these strategies and how they contribute to building greener, more sustainable communities.
Moderator Benoit Rodier, Director of Business Development and Decarbonization at CIMCO refrigeration, will lead a discussion on the key factors small communities should consider when planning new infrastructure projects.
Moderator
Benoit Rodier, P.Eng.- Director of Business Development
Benoit, as the leader of Cimco’s Decarbonization group, possesses intrinsic knowledge about thermal management’s impact on various building aspects. His mission: reduce carbon emissions and align with customer financial and environmental goals by devising tailored plans.
Benoit is a licensed Professional Engineer who graduated from Sherbrooke University in 1988 with a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. He has had a successful career in the HVACR industry, starting as an accounts manager and progressing to various positions in sales and management. He has gained 35 years of experience with natural refrigerants and has expertise in designing and selling integrated HVACR projects. Benoit is also actively involved in local and regional associations and has played a key role in CIMCO's advancements in CO2 refrigeration, new technology adoption, net-zero buildings, and heat pumps.
Panelists
Lise Roy, BBA – Strategic Initiatives Coordinator, Town of Antigonish
As Strategic Initiatives Coordinator for the Town of Antigonish, Lise leads key green energy projects, including the Grid Modernization Project, Deep Energy Retrofits, and the Community District Energy System. She plays a pivotal role in managing projects that drive innovation, promote sustainability, and advance the Town’s Net Zero goals. Lise’s responsibilities also include strategic planning, project coordination, stakeholder engagement, and securing funding opportunities to support transformative energy projects.
Lise’s leadership drives innovation and sustainability, aligning municipal energy production and infrastructure with long-term strategic priorities. Her ability to engage with stakeholders, navigate complex legislation, and foster a culture of innovation ensures the long-term success of Antigonish’s sustainability initiatives.
Christian Felske, Director of Renewable Energy Systems at the City of Edmonton
Dr. Christian Felske is the Director of Renewable Energy Systems at the City of Edmonton. He is a Professional Engineer with over 20 years of progressive leadership and experience in municipal and provincial government settings in Canada and Germany. Since 2016, Christian has been working on developing the Renewable Energy portfolio for the City of Edmonton, including leading the development of the Blatchford Renewable Energy utility, the Downtown District Energy initiative and Edmonton’s first District Energy Strategy.