A Message from our President
We are working in Nova Scotia on Canada’s first offshore wind development project because it’s remarkable. To start, it is the largest renewable energy project in our country’s history that isn’t hydro. Second, the first phase of Wind West, as it’s called, will produce the same power as 5.5 Candu nuclear plants (like the ones in Darlington, ON) – and up to 45 Candus if all phases get fully built. And finally, it’s led by a conservative provincial government when their counterparts in Alberta and Ontario leadership killed green power.
If done right, Wind West will play a critical role in Canada’s energy transition. And it’s right at home in Nova Scotia as one of only four provinces still using coal for electricity. Nova Scotia recently reported they are on track to meet their 2030 coal phase out deadline, primarily through onshore wind development. The offshore power of Wind West is slated to go, well, west – to other provinces.
Wind West also represents a timely national investment in the Nova Scotian job sector. With an aging population that is still losing youth to outmigration, this development will provide good jobs for Nova Scotians and incentive to remain in their home province.
There’s still a long way to go, including in figuring out transmission logistics, Indigenous rights and community benefits. But considering the potentially transformative impact, we are supporting the equitable development of the offshore wind industry in Nova Scotia. Details to come shortly.
– Burkhard
Fancy a Dip?
There’s still time to participate in the 2026 virtual Save The Bay Polar Dip! Dipper Simona Freiberg is currently leading the way in funds raised, inspired by her deep love for Georgian Bay. “Dipping alongside my community creates a powerful sense of connection,” she says. “That shared energy is why I’m so committed to protecting the Bay for generations to come.” Her dedication is helping raise funds and awareness to protect Georgian Bay and the surrounding escarpment from hazards related to a proposed energy mega project.
Inspired by Simona? Dare your friends to see who can get the best “dip” footage as you plunge into icy waters, roll in snow or take an ice bath. If you’re not keen on partaking in this chilly challenge you can show your support by donating here.
That’s a (Plastic-Free) Wrap!
We’d like to congratulate Good Measures Productions on an incredibly successful impact campaign in support of the award-winning film Plastic People: The Hidden Crisis of Microplastics. This critically-acclaimed production was supported by its own award-winning impact campaign – sharing our message to audiences in 34 countries (in 10 different languages!). Highlights of the campaign include 185 community screenings and more than 4.4 million video views.
The impact campaign may be over but the threat of microplastics lingers. Learn how you can take action or donate towards our campaign to help us fight this invisible but very real danger to our environment and health.
Transit: Powered by Youth
We are proud to share that Get on the Bus Program Coordinator Sophia Young has received Top 30 Under 30 recognition through the Alberta Council For Global Cooperation. Congratulations, Sophia!!
Equally exciting is the upcoming launch of Next Stop: Change as part of Get on the Bus. Led by Sophia and supported through generous funding from FES, this initiative will create space for youth to share their stories, build advocacy skills and strengthen their impact in communities across Canada. “We know youth voices matter,” says Sophia, “and Next Stop: Change will help amplify them.” You can follow Get on the Bus and sign up to be among the first to hear more about this new program.
The Fight for Ontario Place Continues
The bulldozers may have started but the battle to save Ontario Place isn’t over yet. The Supreme Court of Canada has agreed to hear an appeal by Ontario Place Protectors, supported by our partner Ontario Place For All. This is a significant boost to our campaign as the Supreme Court only reviews cases deemed to be of national importance.
The appeal is challenging the Ontario government’s Rebuilding Ontario Place Act (ROPA) which overrides the 1993 Environmental Bill of Rights and the Ontario Heritage Act. ROPA also prevents the City of Toronto from regulating noise coming from the Ontario Place site and includes broad immunity clauses that bar civil lawsuits related to Ontario Place redevelopment. The appeal challenges ROPA on a breach of public trust through the nullification of environmental, heritage and municipal laws, as well as the unconstitutionality of removing power from the courts. Stay tuned for updates and the date of the hearing!
Working Towards Affordable Housing in Owen Sound
Did you know that Owen Sound has the highest housing costs in Ontario outside of the Greater Toronto Area? Families and workers are priced out of the market and local businesses struggle to find employees. We are working with Glassworks Cooperative to build sustainable, attainable housing in Owen Sound in the form of 350-550 homes in an accessible and sustainable neighbourhood. If you would like to learn more about this work, Glassworks is hosting their Annual General Meeting on March 29 from 2-4pm (in-person and available virtually). Join them for an exciting update on the progress made during pre-consultation work with the City of Owen Sound and hear what’s ahead for 2026. To attend, please email glassworkscoop@gmail.com. If you’d like to support this important work, you can donate here.
Small News Bites
- New project alert! We are pleased to work with the Headwaters Community Coalition to protect the critically important Headwaters Region and Ontario’s water.
- Our 2026 Canadian Youth Climate Action Awards are now open for submissions! If you know of a deserving, youth-led project, please encourage them to submit an application before March 16, 2026. Several prizes will be awarded, including $7,500 for first place.
- Need some last-minute plans for tonight? Tickets are still available for the Scarborough Comedy Show in support of the Scarborough Repair and Renew project. Check it out for a lineup guaranteed to make you laugh until your cheeks hurt, all in support of a great cause!
- Congratulations to our partners Democracy Caledon and Forks of the Credit Preservation Group for receiving 2026 Watershed Guardian Awards. The Ontario Headwaters Institute introduced these awards last year to recognize organizations making extraordinary contributions towards protecting watershed security in Ontario.
- World Water Day is coming up on March 22. Our Blue Community Schools project with the Council of Canadians teaches students about water protection and the human right to water. Check out these resources for teachers, youth and parents to learn more about how you can support a water secure future for all.
- Our partners at Climate Momentum are hosting several spring events in the Stratford, Ontario area. Check out the list here!
We hope everyone is staying warm and finding some time to enjoy the winter weather!
Best,
The Small Change Fund team
P.S. Your donation directly to Small Change Fund allows us to keep improving services and supports to help more grassroots projects succeed nationwide. Thank you for helping make change!
