On Dec. 1, the community celebrated the 6th anniversary of its launch to become the first village in North America to “go carbon neutral.” In order to achieve carbon neutrality, the village needs to balance the amount of CO2 which it emits and absorbs. It is more than 75 per cent of the way to its goal.
The evening began with a community supper prepared by the Eden Mills Youth Group. More than 100 people lined up for the buffet of home-made multicultural foods before settling down with fruit pies donated by Knapp’s Country Market. Guelph accordionist Peter Baumann wandered among the tables adding lively music to the evening.
At the 6th anniversary celebration, Guelph-Eramosa Mayor Chris White congratulated Eden Mills on its impressive accomplishments.
Ontario Trillium Foundation representative, Susan Leuty, was in attendance to congratulate the community on its achievements. She presented a plaque recognizing the Foundation’s support ($120,000) for the 2013 Community Hall energy-retrofit project to Community Club president Chris Wilson.
A representative of Farm Credit Canada’s Agri-Spirit Fund was not able to attend, but the grant of $15,000 for the new heat pump was acknowledged.
A moving highlight of the evening was the announcement that the development of the hall’s planned village square and gardens would be undertaken in memory of the late Eden Mills resident and tireless volunteer, Tim Laing. Tim’s Garden will be a beautiful reminder of his many contributions to and love of the village. A fund for Tim’s Garden has been established c/o Eden Mills and District Community Club Inc.
For more information contact Linda Sword 519-853-1896, lsword@xplornet.ca or visit the website at www.goingcarbonneutral.ca.
