In recognition of the significant contribution made to the Community Power movement, OSEA presented a number of awards at the banquet during the Community Power Conference 2009. Former energy minister George Smitherman was the recipient of the Community Power Leadership Award for championing the Green Energy Act and seeing it passed into law. Other recipients included Ken Traynor, a long-time advocate of solar power; Paul Norris, the founding president of the Ontario Waterpower Association; and Michael Fox, a founding director of the First Nations Energy Alliance.

With all those running for a position on the OSEA board of directors having such impressive credentials, it was a hard choice for members. Each of the 12 candidates offered a wealth of experience and expertise, while representing a wide spectrum of the community power sector from all parts of the province. Out of a selection of seven candidates nominated to represent voting members, four were elected, while one new director waselected to represent associate members. A representative of household members, who will serve as an advisor to the board for an interim period, was also chosen. Robert Hellier will replace outgoing director Winton Dahstrom as the board’s chair.