Fleming College

Haliburton, ON (Jan. 8, 2016) — Fleming College’s Sustainable Building Design and Construction program is partnering with Abbey Gardens to build Ontario’s first completely off grid Alternative Energy Presentation Centre, which will be home to the award-winning business Haliburton Solar and Wind (HSW).

The students in the program will design and build the structure between May and August 2016. HSW will showcase a state-of-the-art, hybrid off-grid energy system that can be used as an educational tool. The building will contain sustainable and natural features such as rammed earth and straw bale walls, traditional timber framing, renewable energy systems and much more.

Abbey Gardens is a 300-acre site located in Dysart et al near West Guilford. It houses a market garden and a local Food Hub, a retail store that supports local producers and sells in-house products. New entrepreneurs such as Haliburton Highlands Brewing, Into the Blue Bakery, and County Coffee are located on site. Abbey Gardens also develops and hosts a number of educational programs for both children and adults focused on food and ecology, and it is creating walking trails for visitors to learn about local history, and native plants and animals.

The joint project will allow HSW to move to Abbey Gardens. Both organizations are promoters of sustainable, resilient communities, which unites with Fleming College’s commitment to sustainability and community partnerships.

Fleming College’s Ted Brandon commented: “We are so excited to be working with Abbey Gardens and Haliburton Solar and Wind. These organizations’ vision and mission align directly with the goals of the Sustainable Building program.”

“HSW is looking to provide continuity to our efforts as an award winning, innovative, and highly regarded industry accredited organization. This building is a critical component to our ongoing efforts to increase Ontario’s situational awareness in context to energy policy and individual energy security,” said HSW Principal Brian Nash.

Nash has a long-standing commitment toward education and awareness in partnership with Fleming College, evidenced through his previous work with the program, annually providing a solar workshop for the Sustainable Building students.

“The joint project with the Fleming Sustainable Building Design and Construction program is an exciting opportunity for us to welcome a class full of enthusiastic students to our site and support lifelong learning about sustainable practices,” said Heather Reid of Abbey Gardens.

About Haliburton Solar and Wind
Haliburton Solar and Wind is an award winning alternative energy company that provides clear and reliable alternatives to complex and diverse off grid energy requirements. We are a privately owned, for profit business, driven by a consultative approach that provides informed solutions that are well designed and will not disappoint.

About Fleming College
Located in the heart of Central Ontario, Fleming College has campus locations in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg and Haliburton. Named for famous Canadian inventor and engineer Sir Sandford Fleming, the college features more than 100 full-time programs in Arts and Heritage, Business, Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, General Arts and Science, Health and Wellness, Justice and Community Development, Skilled Trades and Technology, and Continuing Education. Fleming College has more than 5,800 full-time and 10,000 part-time students, and 68,000 alumni.

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Media, for more information please contact:
Laura Copeland
Communications Officer
laura.copeland@flemingcollege.ca
705.749.5530 x 1370