Programs & Services

Green Venture Website

Our website content and program information is listed under various theme headings:

• Air Quality
• EcoHouse
• Energy
• Lawn and Garden
• Waste
• Wise Water Use
• Climate Change Champions

Use the links at the top of each page to navigate between theme areas (green heading at top).

Community Education

Green Venture's knowledgeable staff and volunteers support the local and global community through:

• EcoHouse tours
• Information and brochures to EcoHouse visitors
• Green Venture's website 
• Engaging residents at community events
• Conducting community presentations
• Hosting workshops
• Providing energy home evaluations

Air Quality

Totally Transit (2007- )
What modes of travel will the next generation of Hamiltonians embrace? Totally Transit's goals are to reach elementary students and educate them about the importance of public transit. Public transit is sustainable because it is inclusive, economical, mitigates climate change and improves air quality.  Green Venture leads students in a curriculum linked lesson which includes how to ride the city bus.  Working with the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR), Green Venture and the bus visit the participating schools where students have the chance to put their bus riding knowledge to the test on a real bus ride.  With the facts in mind, students will be equipped to make thoughtful transportation choices in the future. Partners: HSR, Clean Air Hamilton, Public Works, Economic Development and Planning. 

EcoDriver (2007- )
Driving is an important and often inescapable part of the everyday lives of a majority of Canadians.  On average, Canadians eat 20% of their meals in the car, own 1.7 cars per household and can attribute 50% of their carbon footprint to their personal transportation.  Driving produces tailpipe emissions that reduce air quality and contribute to climate change.  Reducing the amount of fossil fuels burned directly reduces the amount of climate changing greenhouse gases emitted.  EcoDriver presentations, public outreach, tire pressure clinics and materials provide entertaining tips from drivers to help drivers increase the distance they can travel on a tank of gas.  The program also encourages people to leave the car at home and opt for active and sustainable transportation on a regular basis.  By driving for fuel efficiency every driver can save fuel, money and the planet.
Partners: Ontario Ministry of Environment, Green Communities Canada, Clean Air Hamilton, Economic Development and Planning, Natural Resources Canada.

Green Zones (2009- )
Small business is plentiful and important to Hamilton’s economic success.  Working in concert with small business, Green Venture is developing a program to help organizations become more environmentally sustainable.  At the core of the program is a framework of actions which once implemented will enable an organization to become a certified Green Zone business.  The framework specifies mandatory and optional steps that any business can undertake at their own pace.  Participating small businesses benefit from energy efficiency cost savings, value added services for clients and promotional opportunities.  In 2009 the Stoney Creek BIA and the Ottawa Street BIA successfully implemented Idle Free Zones as a first step in accessing Green Zone certification.  Recognizing their successes serves to engage other businesses and demonstrates to the public that positive initiatives are being undertaken by businesses in their community.
Partners: Clean Air Hamilton, Economic Development and Planning, Stoney Creek BIA, Ottawa Street BIA.

EcoHouse

EcoHouse (2004-)
EcoHouse is Green Venture's demonstration building combining environmental awareness with community-building and heritage. The former Glen Manor, a 150-year old farm house has been retrofitted with green technology and sustainable living products like composters, energy-efficient appliances, rain barrels, etc. The grounds feature native species gardens, natural landscaping, and renewable energy generation.

EcoHouse provides a backdrop for the presentation of all other programs being run by Green Venture where there are presentations and displays in every room of EcoHouse, combining educational information with practical demonstrations of all of the programs.  In support of the various programs offered through Green Venture, EcoHouse also offers a wide range of products for sale, including light bulbs, composters, and water conservation solutions. A community garden is run by volunteers, producing pesticide-free vegetables in support of the local Food Bank. Partners: Ministry of the Environment, City of Hamilton.  Participation: Over 5,000 people a year visit EcoHouse.

Building Environmental Champions
A partnership with the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board, this program provides EcoHouse tours for all grade 2 and 6 students within the HWCDSB. This two-hour program includes an EcoHouse tour of sustainable living demonstrations and an associated, curriculum-based, environmental learning activity.

EcoHouse Group Tours
We offer: curriculum-based school group tours and activities, Girl Guides and Boy Scouts badge-related tours and activities, church groups and other special interest group tours and activities. Select from a variety of topics including Wise Water Use, Waste Watch, Renewable Energy, Energy Conservation, and more.

Energy

Energy Home Evaluations (EnerGuide 1997-2007, ecoENERGY 2007-)
Operating under the name of EnerGuide Program from 1997-2007, Green Venture’s energy program is now known as ecoEnergy, which is based on a home retrofit incentive program of the federal government. Green Venture delivers this program under license from Green Communities Canada.

Homeowners are given grants for energy efficient upgrades done to their homes guided by a professional energy audit. Upgrades that lead to grants include furnace, A/C, water heater, insulation, air sealing, windows, doors and toilets. Partners: NRCan, Ontario Ministry of Energy, Green Communities Canada. Participation: Approx 4,000 evaluations since 1997.

Enbridge Home Weatherization Retrofit Program
If you’re in financial need, this free program can: lower your bills, cut your natural gas use, and make your home more comfortable.  This program includes home improvements like insulation and draft proofing.  For more information, contact Kathryn at 905-540-8787 ext. 114. Partners: Green Communities Canada. Funder: Enbridge Gas Inc.

C6 - Commercial and Institutional Resource Assessments (2008 - )
This fee for service program is an extension of two previous programs- the Climate Change Champions program, and the ecoENERGY program. Green Venture conducts resource assessments on larger buildings, analyzing their energy consumption, water consumption, waste and transportation practices, and offering solutions to improve them. A resource assessment often serves the institutional or commercial client as a prerequisite for a government rebate or grant application. The goal of the program is to encourage business and community organizations with larger properties to invest in upgrading building stock. Partner: City of Hamilton, Planning and Economic Development Department, Sustainability 

Lawn and Garden

Community Garden (2004-)
Green Venture's Community Garden program offers volunteers hands-on experience planning, maintaining and harvesting an edible organic garden. The 4500 square foot communal space produces over 200 pounds of fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs annually.
This produce is shared among participants and local emergency food services such as Neighbour to Neighbour (Hamilton) Food Bank and Resource Center. Through workshops, special events and other outdoor programming approximately 80 individuals participate each year.

Hamilton Community Garden Network (2007-)
In 2007, Hamilton Public Health Services approached North Hamilton Community Health Centre about resurrecting a previously existing group called Hamilton-Wentworth Community Garden Network. 

Interested parties came together and the Hamilton Community Garden Network was formed:
1. To work collaboratively to support and promote individuals and communities in developing and maintaining community gardens in Hamilton from the perspective of improving food security and increasing community involvement.
2. To maintain a Network of potential and current community gardens.
3. To advocate for the development, and long term security of community gardens.
4. To evaluate the process of the Network.
5. To assist in ongoing research in the area of community gardens.

Contributing member groups include but are not limited to: City of Hamilton Departments of Culture, Public Health, and Public Works, North Hamilton Community Health Center, Green Venture, Heifer International, ManoRun Organic Farm, Campaign for Adequate Welfare & Disability Benefits, and Jamesville Community Gardeners.

Wise Water Use

Water Community Presentations (2000-)
A variety of water-related topics to select from. Green Venture will come to your location and we provide community presentations for all ages and all group types.

RiverSides (2009-) Pollution from stormwater runoff is negatively affecting the quality of our Great Lakes.  When rainwater falls on hard surfaces, it picks up pollutants (pesticide, salt, oil, heavy metal, pet waste) and carries these to nearby water bodies.  There are many things we can do to help prevent this.  Buying a rain barrel and capturing rainwater for later use on gardens is only one example.  Green Venture is creating a local strategy to help minimize the impacts of stormwater runoff.Partners: Green Communities Canada and RiverSides. Funder: The Ontario Trillium Foundation.

Downspout Disconnection (2009 -)
Through a partnership with the City of Hamilton's Environment and Sustainable Infrastructure Division (formally Water & Wastewater), Green Venture is conducting downspout disconnections in various areas of the city prone to flooding and sewer backup. This pilot program is a component of the larger Triple P program.

Waste

hamilton.reuses.com hamilton.reuses.com is a web-based program to encourage residents in Hamilton and surrounding area to offer usable items to others for free or for minimal-cost. By reusing these items Hamilton will reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfill. GV also provides a hands-on activity called “waste race” which is aimed at promoting the reduction of the amount of waste that is directed towards the landfills. Partners: City of Hamilton Waste Department; Conservor Society of Hamilton

Waste Race Community Presentations
In partnership with the City of Hamilton Waste Management Department, Green Venture provides a community presentation for all groups and ages where participants learn what goes into the Blue Boxes, Green Cart, and garbage. Also learn tips on how to reduce and reuse!
Green Venture provides outreach programs and presentations through tours of EcoHouse in addition to community presentations at events such as the Gage Park Festival.

Community Stakeholder Initiatives

Green Venture staff are active in the community beyond their work at Green Venture. Green Venture is represented on the following community committees and stakeholder groups.

Healthy Living Hamilton Steering Committee
• Funded by the Ontario Heart and Health Program - Ministry of Health Promotion - financial accountability to Public Health - Healthy Living Hamilton Division
• Oversees 8 programming areas from fitness to vegetables for kids and adults (including the ASRTS below)

Active and Safe Routes to School (ASRTS) Committee
• Oversees the implementation of the GCC ASRTS program aimed at getting elementary school children walking to school , using active and sustainable transportation and working with community to get built environment changes where needed (fighting obesity, encouraging healthy and active lifestyles, decreasing SOV emissions and anti -idling).
• Reps from both school boards, Public Health, and environmental organizations.

Partners for Healthy Weights - Policy Sub-Committee
• Advise Partners for Healthy Weights (a partnership of organizations and individuals) on policy direction of obesity strategy.
• Partners for Health Weights reports through Healthy Living Hamilton Division.

Hamilton Chamber of Commerce Transportation Committee
• Makes recommendations to Chamber on transportation issues.
• Public Transit / Light Rail subcommittee.

Waste Reduction Task Force
• Environmental member helping city increase life of landfill.
• Public Works staff are committee advisers.

Clean Air Hamilton
• Multi stakeholder group representing industry, City, environmental, and citizens.
• Focus to decrease emissions, and smog abatement.

Hamilton Cycling Committee
• The Hamilton Cycling Committee is an advisory committee to the City of Hamilton Public Works Department.
• To provide a liaison between cyclists and the City.
• To advise staff and Council on bicycling facilities and issues.
• To promote cycling as a feasible modality in Hamilton.
• To further cycling safety. 

Hamilton Air Pollutant and GHG Inventory Advisory Committee
• Clean Air Hamilton GHG Inventory.

Gore Park Master Plan Stakeholders Committee
• Gore Park is going to be redone with no more buses on the south leg, so it will become more of a park.

Creating a Great Durand Community
• Walk and Bike for Life and Hamilton Public Health - how to make Durand a vibrant, safe, and attractive space for all community members.

Hamilton Coalition on Pesticide Issues
• Steering Committee & Education Committee.
• The Hamilton Coalition on Pesticide Issues is dedicated to the phase-out of non-essential outdoor use of chemical pesticides in the City of Hamilton in a coordinated effort with the community.
• The goals of the HCPI are to provide information about the health risks from pesticide exposure, provide information on alternatives to chemical pesticides and to gain public health protection through a municipal by-law/policy in the City of Hamilton.

Hamilton and District Conserver Society
• Board of Directors.
• Promoting solutions for a sustainable environment through education, community action, advocacy and collaboration.Nature Walk-A-Thon
• Planning committee.
• Annual event to raise funds for participating area environmental organizations.

Hamilton Administrators of Volunteers
• The Hamilton Administrators of Volunteers (HAV) is committed to developing, promoting and supporting professional excellence among those individuals empowered with the management of volunteers.

North Central Community Centre
• This community project provides opportunities for community members to join together to share experiences and skills for the betterment of their own lives and the lives of others.

Conservation Authority Committees / Working Groups
• Ancaster, Chedoke, and Tiffany Creeks Stakeholder Advisory Committee: helps to create the plans for the Ancaster, Chedoke, and Tiffany Creeks Watersheds by identifying current and future environmental stresses.
• Borer's, Logie's, and Sydenham Creeks Stakeholder Advisory Committee: helps to create the plans for the Borer's, Logie's, and Sydenham Creeks Watersheds by identifying current and future environmental stresses.
• Spencer Creek Stewardship Action Plans Implementation Team: The committee is responsible for mitigating environmental stresses in the Spencer Creek Watershed.
• Dundas Valley Vision Stakeholder Group: This committee is responsible for establishing a planning framework that ensures the Valley's long-term sustainability.

Children's Water Festival Organizing Committee
• Plans and coordinates the annual City of Hamilton's Children's Water Festival.

Optmist Club of Stoney Creek

• Part of Optimist international, the Stoney Creek Optimist Club is dedicated to "serving youth" in and around Stoney Creek, providing funding for youth-oriented initiatives.

Doors Open Hamilton
• The Doors Open program seeks to celebrate, educate and inform citizens and visitors of the importance of the architectural, cultural and historical sites in Hamilton by allowing visitors free access to properties that are either not usually open to the public, or would normally charge an entrance fee.
• Many locations organize guided tours, displays and activities to enrich the visitor experience.

Hamilton-Wentworth Heritage Association
• Hamilton-Wentworth Heritage Association is an umbrella group for heritage groups in the Hamilton region. The association links the groups through city-wide events such as Doors Open Hamilton, the Hamilton Heritage Day marketplace and Heritage Volunteer Awards, and the annual publication of the "Who's Who in Hamilton Heritage".
• This annual directory lists heritage contacts in the City of Hamilton and surrounding region, as well as past recipients of heritage citations.

Head of the Lake Historical Society
• The City of Hamilton was a little over seventy years old when the Wentworth Historical Society was formed in January 1889 to promote study into and publicise the "history, archaeology…and genealogy" of the area around the City of Hamilton, at the western end of Lake Ontario, known as the Head-of-the-Lake.
• As one way of achieving its objectives, the society undertook an active publishing program, most notably through its occasional periodical, Wentworth Historical Society and Records, which printed the best talks given by members at society meetings.

Tree Symposium
• Spearheaded by the Ontario Stuartship Council, the Tree Symposium was a one-time event that brought together representatives from a variety of sectors concerned with tree related projects.
• These organizations, institutions, businesses and industries have the capacity to strengthen their individual initiatives through communication, networking and resource sharing.  

Hamilton Chapter of the Canadian Organic Growers (COG)
• A national charitable organization with members in all regions of Canada that lead local and national communities towards sustainable organic stewardship of land, food and fibre while respecting nature, upholding social justice and protecting natural resources. 

Hamilton Community Garden Network (HCGN)
• The present HCGN is a coalition of interested people coming from a variety of organizations, most of whom are directly involved in community gardening.

Local Planning Team for the Community Access to Child Health (CATCH)
• Hamilton Community Foundation (HCF) Hub
• A community development program in East Hamilton and Stoney Creek designed to: involve the community in becoming active decision makers in planning strategies to bring changes in their environment, promote healthy child, family and community life through improving community support and caregiving systems and provide safer environments for children.
• Neighbourhood hubs are local collaboratives that centralize community work.

MACgreen, McMaster University Students' Union
• MACgreen is a student run service of the McMaster Student's Union.
• MACgreen aims to create sustainability through active participation, creativity and diversity of ideas in the face of an ever-changing world, and feelings of pride and responsibility towards our little corner of it.
• Mission: to create a more sustainable campus through a variety of events, campaigns, and education programs.

Revolution Wear/RevWear Fashion Show
• Revolution Wear is a annual event, fashion artist collective, workshops and a community resource that unites passionate artists, activists, educators and concerned citizens from across the city around the a common thread: Create Change & REuse Everything.

Slow Food Hamilton
• Slow Food is committed to safeguarding foods, raw materials and traditional methods of cultivation and transformation.
• It seeks to defend the biodiversity of cultivated and wild varieties and protect convivial places which form a part of cultural heritage because of to their historic, artistic or social value.

Earth Day Hamilton-Burlington
•Earth Day Hamilton-Burlington is a volunteer driven, incorporated, non-profit organization committed to improving the state of the environment.
•An accredited coordinator of Earth Day Canada, since 1996 Earth Day has hosted forums for environmental education and positive action.
•They build local environmental leaders at schools and within the community in order to create positive environmental change.

Organizational Memberships

Green Venture is an official member of the following organizations:

• Green Communities Canada (founding member)
• Hamilton and Area EcoNet (funding member)
• Hamilton Chamber of Commerce
• Stoney Creek Chamber of Commerce
• Hamilton-Halton Home Builders Association
• Environment Hamilton
• Conserver Society of Hamilton and District
• Ontario Environmental Network
• Hamilton Coalition on Pesticide Issues
• Hamilton Administrators of Volunteers
• Volunteer Hamilton 

Partners & Funders

Green Venture is partners and works closely with, and / or is funded by the following organizations and governments to research, develop and / or deliver programming:

• City of Hamilton:
  • Planning and Economic Development
  • Clean Air Hamilton
  • Public Health
  • Public Works
  • Culture and Recreation
  • Hamilton Museum of Steam and Technology
  • Hamilton Children's Museum
• Natural Resources Canada
• Ministry of the Environment – Ontario
• Environment Hamilton
• Children’s International Learning Centre
• Hamilton-Wentworth District Catholic School Board
• First Unitarian Church
• Hamilton Industrial Environmental Association (HIEA)
• Slow Food Hamilton
• Binbrook Agricultural Association
• Goodness Me
• Community Access to Child Health (CATCH)
• Hamilton Community Garden Network (HCGN)
• Ontario Trillium Foundation
• Ontario Sustainable Energy Association (OSEA)
• Hughson Street Baptist Church
• Eva Rothwell Center
• Strathcona Neighbourhood Association
• Chris Charlton,  MP
• Conserver Society of Hamilton and District
• MACgreen, McMaster University Students' Union