Community Energy Association

Building Resilience: Safeguarding Your Business, Optimizing Your Builds
2026-03-05 09:00 - 16:00 (America/Vancouver) | Nanaimo Golf Club, 2800 Highland Boulevard, Nanaimo, BC, V9S 3N8, Canada
Join CHBA Vancouver Island and the Community Energy Association for a full-day event designed to help builders protect their businesses while enhancing construction performance. This hands-on, practical session is tailored for builders, owner-builders, and trades looking to strengthen both their operations and their builds.

Note: There is no cost for the afternoon session, thanks to generous sponsorship by the Regional District of Nanaimo. Purchasing a ticket for the morning covers the full day. You can register for the full day or just the free, afternoon session.

MORNING SESSIONS
Cybersecurity, Risk Assessment & Commercial Risk Management
Led by Jen Warman, CIP, CAIB, of Ascera Insurance, this session provides practical guidance to protect your business in today’s complex digital and regulatory environment.
Business Continuity Strategies
Hollie Quiring from RBC shares actionable strategies to plan for the unexpected and safeguard your operations against disruption.
Register
AFTERNOON SESSION – FREE
Get hands-on with BCIT’s “Airtight On-Budget” workshop, focusing on practical air sealing strategies to achieve lower air change rates while keeping costs under control. Through demonstrations, interactive mock-ups, and real-world case studies, participants will learn how to reduce rework, improve ESC compliance, and deliver long-term comfort and value for clients, all while supporting affordability and efficiency on-site.
Register

Build Better Homes on Budget with Integrated Design Process (IDP)
2026-03-12 08:00 - 10:00 (America/Vancouver) | Zoom
Learn how IDP helps builders and owner‑builders align trades and energy advisors early to deliver efficient homes on budget.
Date: Thursday, March 12, 2026
Time: 8–10 a.m. PT
Location: Zoom
RSPV for Free
About This Event
Builders, contractors, energy advisors, designers, owner-builders: this session introduces the Integrated Design Process (IDP) as a practical framework for delivering higher-performing, lower-risk new construction projects. The workshop emphasizes how engaging an energy advisor (EA) early and involving trades from the outset can streamline coordination, reduce costly mid-project changes, and support goals such as higher BC Energy Step Code performance and reduced embodied emissions.
Participants will learn how IDP supports clearer decision-making across design and construction phases, and how energy advisors contribute through early modelling, mid-construction checks, and final testing. The session will outline key project milestones where early collaboration between builders, designers, trades, and EAs can prevent delays, redesigns, and performance shortfalls.
The format: one-hour presentation followed by a facilitated panel discussion featuring local builders and energy advisors, providing both foundational knowledge and real-world insights.
By the end of the session, participants will have a clearer understanding of roles and responsibilities within an integrated project team and practical strategies for improving communication, coordination, and cost-effective delivery of energy-efficient homes.
Notes
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Point approval is pending through BC Housing.

Brought to you by the Community Energy Association and the Regional District of Nanaimo.

Power On with Solar Panels
2026-03-19 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Vancouver) | Zoom
Learn how to achieve home energy independence—starting with solar electricity generation—in this first of a three-part webinar series.
If you dream of a day when you’re no longer paying utility bills, solar panels could be the solution for you. With solar panels, you can harness free, plentiful sunlight (yes, even in the Lower Mainland) to offset or even replace your grid electricity use.
If energy independence is your goal, tune into this introductory webinar with Eden Yesh from Infinity Solar.
Learn what to consider when thinking about adding solar panels, understand the available incentives out there, and find out what you need to be asking your contractor for a successful installation.
RSVP for Free
Note: Event is free of charge, but you must register. If you cannot attend the webinar—no problem! We’ll provide the slide deck and a link to the recording to all those who have registered.

About the Presenter
Eden Yesh, Infinity Solar
Eden J. Yesh is founder of Infinity Solar Group (ISG), a leading Western Canadian solar EPC (Engineering, Procurement & Construction) firm delivering high-performance solar PV and energy storage systems across British Columbia and Alberta.
Since 2019, ISG has completed over 600 installations, deployed more than 3.2 MW of solar capacity, and manages approximately 50 projects concurrently across feasibility, design, permitting, construction, commissioning, and ongoing operations and maintenance.
Eden previously worked in provincial and regional economic development and collaborated with the Community Energy Association during the creation of the Kootenay Clean Energy Transition program. ISG’s approach is education-first and brand-agnostic, focused on helping property owners clearly understand their solar and storage options through transparent, low-pressure guidance grounded in long-term performance and financial clarity.

Brought to you by the Community Energy Association with the support of BC Hydro.

This event is one of many activities presented by Community Energy Association through:
Retrofit Assist, a concierge service offered in collaboration with local governments to assist homeowners in navigating the process and financing of home energy retrofit projects.
Building A Legacy, a program to advance high-performance building practices in BC, with a particular focus on the Kootenay and Boundary regions and Northern BC, through awareness raising, training, and other efforts to increase workforce capacity.

Energy and Zero Carbon Step Codes in Practice
2026-03-31 08:00 - 10:00 (America/Vancouver) | Zoom
Real‑world lessons on meeting BC’s Energy Step Code and Zero Carbon Step Code.
Tune in to join a panel of building professionals sharing their real‑world experience implementing BC’s Energy Step Code and Zero Carbon Step Code.
Attendees will learn practical solutions, cost‑effective strategies, and ways to improve energy efficiency outcomes. Discussion will focus on code‑compliant construction methods and practical lessons learned in the pursuit of higher performance. Panelists will also share how recent and upcoming code changes are being interpreted and common challenges and pitfalls they see.
Bring your questions!
Please submit questions during event registration. We want to hear your real-world scenarios, which panelists will address in facilitated discussion (as many questions as time permits).
RSVP for Free

Who should attend?
This webinar and panel will be of interest to higher performance builders and any building-related trades and professionals who are or may be required to understand, interpret, and apply the BC Building Code, BC Energy Step Code, and BC Zero Carbon Step Code.

Brought to you by the Community Energy Association with the support of BC Hydro.

Charge Up with Home Batteries
2026-04-08 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Vancouver) | Zoom
Learn how battery storage and EV charging can help you achieve home energy independence—in part two of our webinar series.
Integrating an electric vehicle (EV) charger with a home battery system is the ultimate step toward maximizing your electric vehicle’s potential and achieving true energy independence. This webinar explores how to “fuel” your car with self-generated renewable energy, avoid peak utility rates, and ensure your EV stays charged even during a grid outage. You will also hear from a homeowner first hand about their experience installing solar and an EV charger.
RSVP for Free
Event is free of charge, but you must register. If you cannot attend the webinar—no problem! We’ll provide the slide deck and a link to the recording to all those who have registered.
About the Presenter
Danielle Wiess, Community Energy Association
Danielle is Director of Transportation Initiatives for the Community Energy Association. She supports local governments with low-carbon transportation strategy, infrastructure, and education and awareness initiatives. She has led the development of regional EV charging networks in northern BC, Vancouver Island, the Kootenays, across Alberta, and in southwest Ontario.
Danielle brings two decades of experience working in energy and sustainability, including project management, disclosure and reporting, integration, strategy development, communications, and stakeholder engagement.

Brought to you by the Community Energy Association with the support of BC Hydro.

This event is one of many activities presented by Community Energy Association through:
Retrofit Assist, a concierge service offered in collaboration with local governments to assist homeowners in navigating the process and financing of home energy retrofit projects.
Building A Legacy, a program that advances high-performance building practices in BC, with a particular focus on the Kootenay and Boundary regions and Northern BC. Through awareness raising and training, the program increases workforce capacity to

Renewable Energy in the Peace: A Power-ful Opportunity
2026-04-20 09:45 - 15:30 (America/Edmonton) | Saulteau First Nations Cultural Centre, 1717 Boucher Lake Road, Moberly Lake, BC, V0C 1X0, Canada
Northeast BC is a renewable energy powerhouse. Learn what’s happening, why more energy is needed, and how communities are involved.
About the event
Join with other northerners to learn about existing projects in Northeast BC, what additional projects are planned, why they’re necessary, and how communities can get more involved (and realize more benefits).

Contribute your own experiences and expertise
Get practical and learn how technologies like solar panels and wind turbines actually work
Tour a wind turbine maintenance facility in Chetwynd (optional add-on).

This event is about sharing information, having conversations, and strengthening the renewable energy community in the Peace. Attendees will include representatives from communities, industry, education and research, utilities, regulators, and other key organizations.
RSVP for Free
Refreshments and lunch will be provided.

Testimonials
Here’s what some attendees experienced at a similar event recently held in Prince George prior to the kick-off of the 2026 BC Natural Resources Forum.
“I attended the Renewable Energy 101 session and the Community Energy Gathering and really appreciated both experiences. The Renewable Energy 101 session was delivered in a fun and interactive way and would be a great fit to bring into communities, helping people better understand what solar and wind energy are in a practical and approachable way. The Community Energy Gathering created a comfortable space to talk openly and share what each participant is working on, which made the conversations meaningful and insightful.”
Ojay Matias, Director of Partnerships and Development, Cheslatta Development Corporation
“Being able to attend a full day focused on renewables just before the BCNRF was an incredible experience. Seeing two rooms filled with interested, engaged and passionate organizations, local governments, businesses and individuals learning and sharing their experiences and plans was inspiring. It affirmed for me that the North is quietly becoming a leader in renewable energy.”
Cyra Yunkws, Chair and Electoral Area B representative, Regional District of Kitimat–Stikine

Agenda Highlights

Dialogue on renewable energy in the Peace.
Start with roundtable introductions. Then learn about existing and planned renewable energy projects in the Peace and contribute ideas for maximizing community benefits. This won’t be a session with people speaking at a podium; plan to share your knowledge, ideas, and perspectives.

Renewable Energy 101
Learn how wind and solar technologies actually work through engaging (and entertaining!) hands-on experiments. Participants will discover how to produce electricity as they build their own projects (including miniature wind turbines and solar panels) and test how they would function in the real world. Learn about the different components of wind and solar projects and what they could mean for the region in terms of jobs and investment.

Tour of Vestas operations and maintenance hub in Chetwynd
The Chetwynd O&M facility is run by a team of 10-12 local staff who are responsible for managing the Dokie Wind Project, which has 48 turbines. Dokie is one of seven large-scale operating wind projects in the Peace region. Two more were announced in 2024. Vestas is a global wind energy supplier, designing, manufacturing, installing, and servicing onshore and offshore wind turbines across the globe. The company’s Canadian operations are supported by a team of 400+ employees working in installation, construction, and service of onshore wind turbines.

Building Envelope Mockup Expo – Energy Efficient Code-Ready Solutions
2026-04-23 08:00 - 12:00 (America/Vancouver) | Castlegar & District Community Complex, 2101, 6th Ave, Castlegar, BC, V1N 3 B2, Canada
The Fest is a unique, half-day in-person training event providing flexible, drop-in professional development for Part 9 builders interested in expanding their knowledge of high-performance construction. The Fest encourages guided and self-exploration through a series of hands-on educational stations. These stations showcase a mix of physical or digital building enclosure mock-ups with durable, constructible, and regionally appropriate solutions for higher-R-value assemblies and airtight detailing.
Participants will walk away with a physical workbook detailing key learning concepts and resources for future reference. Additionally, the event offers networking opportunities, a panel discussion, and a dedicated “Coffee Corner” to ask questions with Energy Advisors or Building Science Specialists. This early exposure to tested solutions will help builders gain confidence faster and reduce the risks of using new low-energy technologies on their projects.
This training is specifically designed to support the adoption of Steps 4 and 5 of the BC Energy Step Code (ESC) and Emission Level 2+ of the Zero Carbon Step Code (ZCSC) requirements.
Learn more at CHBA BC’s event page.
Subsidy provided by Community Energy Association
For the April 23, 2026 session in Castlegar only, CEA is offering a $50 subsidy. Participants who attend the session in full will receive the subsidy refunded after the event.
Additional sessions

April 16, 2026 in Pencticton
April 28, 2026 in Squamish
May 7, 2026 in Kamloops
Oct. 7, 2026 in Cranbrook

2026 Contractor Forum
2026-04-29 09:00 - 15:30 (America/Vancouver) | Thompson Rivers University, 1055 University Drive, Kamloops, BC, V2C 0C8, Canada
Join your peers in the retrofit industry for a day of networking, engagement, and learning. The Home Performance Stakeholder Council’s (HPSC) annual Contractor Forum is back and, for the first time, it will be co-hosted with CEA.
We are bringing together contractors, partners, and industry leaders in Kamloops, promising an engaging and impactful experience for all attendees.
Network with others in HVAC, insulation, windows and doors, energy advising, general retrofit, and solar and battery contracting. The day will offer plenty of networking opportunities, as well as learning and engagement sessions.
It is all free and lunch and snacks will be provided.
RSVP for Free
Sponsorship and Exhibitor Booths
Whether you’re looking to build brand recognition, meet new clients, or demonstrate your leadership in the industry, sponsoring or exhibiting at the Contractor Forum is the perfect way to get involved.
Learn more and register as a sponsor and/or exhibitor

Grid Resilience and Peak Saver Program
2026-05-06 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Vancouver) | Zoom
Learn about BC’s grid resilience and the different ways homeowners can get involved and benefit through the Peak Saver Program.
About this event
Building a resilient energy grid is a critical priority as our reliance on electricity grows and weather patterns become increasingly unpredictable. This session explores the strategies and technologies necessary to safeguard our energy infrastructure against high-demand peaks, ensuring a stable and reliable power supply for communities. We will examine how flexible demand management and the integration of smart, distributed energy resources can prevent system strain and enhance local energy security. Join us to learn how these modern resilience efforts are transforming the way we manage power to create a more robust and future-proof energy ecosystem, and hoow you can help as homeowners.
RSVP for Free

Event is free of charge, but you must register. If you cannot attend the webinar—no problem! We’ll provide the slide deck and a link to the recording to all those who have registered.

Brought to you by the Community Energy Association with the support of BC Hydro.

This event is one of many activities presented by Community Energy Association through:
Retrofit Assist, a concierge service offered in collaboration with local governments to assist homeowners in navigating the process and financing of home energy retrofit projects.
Building A Legacy, a program that advances high-performance building practices in BC, with a particular focus on the Kootenay and Boundary regions and Northern BC. Through awareness raising and training, the program increases workforce capacity to

Materials that Improve Energy Use & Reduce Emissions
2026-05-07 08:00 - 10:00 (America/Vancouver) | Zoom
Real‑world lessons on selecting construction materials for an energy efficient build that also limits embodied carbon emissions.
Tune in to join a panel of building professionals explain what you need to consider when choosing materials for a high-performance home. Panelists will discuss supply chain realities and decision‑making in different contexts, including rural and remote communities, cold‑climate conditions, tariffs, and emerging materials.
Attendees will gain practical insights into balancing performance, cost, and carbon intensity when selecting materials. The session will highlight cost-effective approaches, strategies to preserve energy efficiency, and ways to reduce embodied carbon — while exploring how thoughtful material choices can support both project budgets and high-performance outcomes.
Bring your questions!
Please submit questions during event registration. We want to hear your real-world scenarios, which panelists will address in facilitated discussion (as many questions as time permits).
Who should attend?
This webinar and panel will be of interest to higher performance builders and any building-related trades and professionals who are or may be required to understand, interpret, and apply the BC Building Code, BC Energy Step Code, and BC Zero Carbon Step Code.
RSVP for Free

Part of the Building Solutions Exchange
This event series is a unique opportunity for builders and contractors to hear from other experts in the field, ask questions, and share their own knowledge and expertise.
The Building Solutions Exchange is sponsored by Macdonald Mechanical Inc. an Okanagan heat pump and energy efficiency expert.

Integrated Design Charette: Real Data, Real Homes
2026-05-19 08:30 - 2026-05-20 16:00 (America/Vancouver) | Hidden Acres Farm & Treehouse Resort, 3527 River Drive, Terrace, BC, V8G 3P2, Canada
Discover how Integrated Design Planning supports collaboration, cost savings, and reliable results in new build and retrofit projects.
This Integrated Design Charette will use assessment data from real homes to map out the priority actions, sequence and costs of healthy home energy retrofits using an envelope-first and house-as-a-system approach. This event will combine building science theory with practical application to real-world scenarios from homes in northwest BC. Consider health, safety, energy efficiency and resiliency in a retrofit and decide the optimal course of action considering a homeowner’s priorities and budget.
Our expert instructors will model heat gain and loss calculation with as-is and retrofitted scenarios to show how envelope improvements (e.g. air sealing, window upgrades, exterior insulation) enable best practice and right sizing of heating, cooling and ventilation equipment in a retrofitted house.
Register
Event Fees
As non-profit partner organizations, we appreciate your support in helping to cover food and venue costs, with your paid registration fee.
However, we do recognize that cost can be a barrier for many individuals and businesses. If cost is a barrier, feel free to connect with gcarignan@communityenergy.ca to ask about other arrangements. *There are a limited number of complimentary seats for Trades Students.
Additional Notes

Breakfast and lunch will be provided & pre-registration is required.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Points pending approval.
This workshop assumes you have a basic understanding of building science fundamentals. If you are not yet familiar or need a refresher, we recommend watching this CEA webinar “Building Science Fundamentals: A virtual lab” with RDH Building Science.

Partners & Funders
Delivered by the Community Energy Association as part the the Building A Legacy initiative funded by BC Hydro.
Visit our website to learn about other workshops and training events: www.communityenergy.ca/events

Energy Efficiency Showcase: Understanding the real options in Northern BC
2026-05-22 10:30 - 15:30 (America/Vancouver) | College of New Caledonia, 3330 22 Avenue, Prince George, BC, V2N 1P8, Canada
Learn how buildings in the North can use less energy, cost less to build & operate, last longer, look better, and respond to climate change.

Decisions about energy and energy-efficiency are critical for determining up-front capital costs and long-term affordability, as well as how long a building will last, how comfortable it will (or won’t) be, and whether it will contribute to climate change or effectively respond to a changing climate. These decisions affect project costs, timelines, and performance outcomes, and apply to every type of building: from large industrial buildings to the family home.
How should we make these decisions in Northern BC, in our climate and in the interests of communities, residents, the building industry, and local economies?
In this event, we’ll get to answers by showcasing real, local examples.
CNC’s Prince George campus, the District of Vanderhoof, and Shas Ti Kelly Road Secondary all demonstrate how we can make decisions about energy and energy-efficiency in our region. All will be featured during this event. We’ll connect policy, design, and on-the-ground construction experience, highlighting what it takes to deliver meaningful outcomes.
The 2025 review of CleanBC indicated that “it can be harder or more expensive for builders and developers to meet energy and climate goals in colder regions” and that “regional considerations deserve more attention.” That’s the rationale for this event: using local projects as learning opportunities for how the difficulty and expense can be overcome.
RSVP for Free
Who should attend

Local government and Indigenous community officials involved with local planning, permitting and construction, climate action and sustainability, and economic development.
Builders, HVAC specialists, engineers, architects, designers, suppliers, energy advisors, and other building professionals
Building owners and managers
Educators, researchers, and students
Utilities and regulators

Things you’ll learn

Practical approaches to delivering a full building envelope retrofit, including insulation, doors, and windows.
How local governments, building owners and managers, and builders and developers can use energy assessments to prioritize upgrades, secure funding, and guide project decisions.
Where geoexchange heating and cooling systems make sense, and what it takes to implement them.
Some possible future policy directions.

…all with an eye to cost, performance, and actual implementation in northern communities.

Supporters
Funding support provided by BC Hydro.
This event was initiated by the Community Energy Association through its Northern BC Climate Action Network (NorthCAN) and Building a Legacy program.

Agenda

10:30 AM – 10:45 AM
Sign-in & Networking
College of New Caledonia Cafeteria

10:45 AM – 11:15 AM
Welcome
Round the room introductions.

11:15 AM – 12:30 PM
CNC’s envelope retrofit project as a showpiece and case study for the North
Introduction explaining the rationale and priority outcomes, followed by a tour featuring the local companies working on the project.

12:30 PM – 01:30 PM
Lunch
Networking with a possible keynote presentation and discussion. Lunch will be available at CNC for purchase.

01:30 PM – 02:30 PM
Making sustainability profitable
This session will include conversation on projects and learnings from different communities. It will be kicked off by Vanderhoof and their recent approach to retrofits that will increase the lifespan of civic facilities, reduce operating costs, and improve the comfort of their employees.

02:30 PM – 02:45 PM
Break

02:45 PM – 03:15 PM
The geoexchange system at Shas Ti Kelly Road
Initial learnings from a system designed for the North and our climate. This presentation will introduce the optional tour hosted at Shas Ti Kelly Road Secondary.

03:45 PM – 04:45 PM
School Tour (Optional)
Departure for Shas Ti Kelly Road Secondary for geoexchange system tour. 7405 Kelly Rd, Prince George.

04:45 PM
Tour wrap-up and departure

Design & Installation of HVAC Mechanical Systems
2026-05-28 08:00 - 10:00 (America/Vancouver) | Zoom
Real‑world lessons on providing heating and cooling systems that meet high performance and make homeowners happy.
About the event
Tune in to join a panel of building professionals explaining their battle-tested strategies for designing and installing heat pumps and HVAC mechanical systems.
Attendees will learn practical solutions, cost‑effective strategies, and ways to improve energy efficiency outcomes. Panelists will discuss right-sizing of heat pumps, installation and supply challenges, common issues in duct design, and more. The focus will be placed on performance, practicality, and managing costs.
Bring your questions!
Please submit questions during event registration. We want to hear your real-world scenarios, which panelists will address in facilitated discussion (as many questions as time permits).
Who should attend?
This webinar and panel will be of interest to higher performance builders and any building-related trades and professionals who are or may be required to understand, interpret, and apply the BC Building Code, BC Energy Step Code, and BC Zero Carbon Step Code.
RSVP for Free

Part of the Building Solutions Exchange
This event series is a unique opportunity for builders and contractors to hear from other experts in the field, ask questions, and share their own knowledge and expertise.
The Building Solutions Exchange is sponsored by Macdonald Mechanical Inc. an Okanagan heat pump and energy efficiency expert.

Renewable Energy: A Power-ful Opportunity for Vancouver Island
2026-06-03 13:00 - 15:15 (America/Vancouver) | Vancouver Island Conference Centre, 101 Gordon Street, Nanaimo, BC, V9R 5J8, Canada
Vancouver Island is poised for more renewable energy. This build-out promises great opportunity —but what’s in it for local communities?
About this event
Vancouver Island needs more renewable energy development to meet growing electricity demand from homes, businesses, and industries. What’s in it for local communities and how can they participate?
The Canadian Renewable Energy Association and the Community Energy Association are convening a two-hour regional dialogue on renewable energy on Vancouver Island prior to the start of the Indigenous Resource Opportunities Conference.
Registration in the conference is not required to participate in this dialogue.
This unique event will bring communities, industry, renewable energy proponents, educators, utilities, regulators, and key organizations together. We will showcase what’s already happening in the region for renewable energy and what is planned.
RSVP for Free
What is involved?

Learn about existing projects in your region, what additional projects are planned, why they’re necessary, and how communities can get more involved (and realize more benefits).
A discussion on regional priorities, benefits, critical factors for renewable energy development and public communication.
Contribute your own experiences and expertise

This event is about sharing information, having conversations, and strengthening the renewable energy community on Vancouver Island.
Agenda
1–3 p.m. Dialogue on renewable energy on Vancouver Island.
We’ll start with round-the-room introductions. Then learn about existing and planned renewable energy projects and contribute ideas for maximizing community benefits. This won’t be a session with people speaking at a podium; plan to share your knowledge, ideas, and perspectives.
3–3:15 p.m. Wrap-up and final remarks
Indigenous Resource Opportunities Conference
This dialogue is taking place ahead of the Indigenous Resource Opportunities Conference. Attendees of the conference can also attend the pre-conference workshop at 10 a.m. Renewable Energy 101, also hosted by CanREA and Relay Education.
Learn how wind and solar technologies actually work through engaging (and entertaining!) hands-on experiments. Discover how to produce electricity as you build your own miniature wind turbines and solar panels. Then test how they would function in the real world. And learn about the different components of wind and solar projects and what they could mean for the region in terms of jobs and investment.
Learn more and register at https://www.bciroc.ca/workshops/

Presented by Community Energy Association in collaboration with Wind and Solar BC and Relay Education.

Renewable Energy: A Power-ful Opportunity for the Southern Interior
2026-06-10 09:30 - 12:00 (America/Vancouver) | Four Points by Sheraton Kelowna Airport, 5505 Airport Way, Kelowna, BC, V1V 3C3, Canada
The Southern Interior has the potential to be a renewable energy powerhouse. How can communities participate?
About this event
The Southern Interior needs more renewable energy development to meet growing electricity demand from homes, businesses, and industries. What’s in it for local communities and how can they participate?
The Canadian Renewable Energy Association and the Community Energy Association are convening Renewable Energy: a Power-ful Opportunity for the Southern Interior. This two-hour regional dialogue on renewable energy in the Southern Interior is a pre-event for the Keeping It Rural Conference.
Conference registration is not required to attend this dialogue.
This unique event will bring communities, industry, renewable energy proponents, educators, utilities, regulators, and key organizations together. We will showcase what’s already happening in the region for renewable energy and what is planned.
RSVP for Free
What is involved?

Learn about existing projects in your region, what additional projects are planned, why they’re necessary, and how communities can get more involved (and realize more benefits).
A discussion on regional priorities, benefits, critical factors for renewable energy development and public communication.
Contribute your own experiences and expertise

This event is about sharing information, having conversations, and strengthening the renewable energy community in the Southern Interior.
Agenda
9:15–10 a.m. Sign in and networking
9:30 a.m.–Noon Dialogue on renewable energy in the Southern Interior
We’ll start with round-the-room introductions, followed by an overview of BC’s future electricity demand and the recent BC Hydro “calls for power” to provide more electricity for the BC grid. Learn about existing and planned renewable energy projects in the Southern Interior and contribute ideas for maximizing community benefits. This won’t be a session with people speaking at a podium; plan to share your knowledge, ideas, and perspectives.
1 p.m. The Keeping It Rural Conference begins.
You do not need to register for the Keeping It Rural Conference. But if you do, you’ll also participate in Renewable Energy 101, a hands-on workshop presented by CanREA and Relay Education.
Learn how wind and solar technologies actually work through engaging (and entertaining!) hands-on experiments. Discover how to produce electricity as you build your own miniature wind turbines and solar panels. Then test how they would function in the real world. A panel discussion on renewable energy opportunities in rural areas will follow Renewable Energy 101.
Learn more and register at https://bcruralcentre.org/keeping-rural-conference/

Presented by Community Energy Association in collaboration with Wind and Solar BC and Relay Education.

Hands-on training for high-performance new construction and achieving higher steps of the BC Energy Step Code
2026-07-06 09:00 - 2026-07-08 16:00 (America/Vancouver) | BC
Contractors, trades students, pre-apprentices, housing and capital assets staff are invited to attend.
Enjoy a dynamic mix of theory and practical application to help prepare for residential building to the upper steps of the BC Energy Step Code. Topics covered will include:

House-as-a-System approach

Foundational building science concepts

Air tightness, penetrations and ventilation

Best practices for integrating mechanical systems

Instructors
Richard Joseph
Cody Brenzten (Envelopes 1st Consulting & Contracting)
Shawn Wiebe (Holistic Building Performance Inc.)

Registration
To register, please contact Richard Joseph to indicate your interest and receive the registration link: richardjoseph1962@gmail.com
Notes
$99 registration will include catered meals and refreshments. Space is limited to 24 participants, with priority given to those residing in Gitxsan and Wet’suwet’en Territory until June 29, after which general registration will open.
Recognition of course completion available through BCIT and CPD points are pending approval from BC Housing.
