We are living in uncertain times: global issues such as war, diplomatic tensions and shifting tariffs, and climate disruptions.
Building Resilience in Uncertain Times
We are living in uncertain times: global issues such as war, diplomatic tensions and shifting tariffs, and climate disruptions. This metacrisis translates into local struggles – grocery bills are rising, power lines more frequently disrupted, and the increased cost of living pushes many to housing insecurity.
These are all local symptoms of a much larger crisis in a broken colonial system, and together, they raise an important question: how can a community build true resilience?
The Vision: SHAREpower Mnidoo Gamii
For local resident and Canadore College professor, Steph Romaniuk, that question was answered. A chance encounter during a Tai Chi class introduced him to Canada’s pioneers in sustainable community development. Their vision planted a seed: what if Parry Sound could design its own systems built for reliability, affordability, and climate readiness?
From Idea to Action
Romaniuk, in the midst of his Master’s in Bioenvironmental Monitoring and Assessment, coincidentally was looking to complete his studies with a volunteer work placement, so he dove into this pilot project from May to August, 2025, on a journey of building partnerships and translating ideas into impact through SHAREpower Mnidoo Gamii, a community-owned unified utility cooperative.
Formal Incorporation and Member Enrollment
Some community members have gathered to formally incorporate the co-op, marking a milestone for a project that began as a pilot earlier this spring. The co-op is now enrolling members, offering free home energy assessments, and developing retrofit plans to help households improve efficiency, save money, and shrink their carbon footprint.
How SHAREpower Works
SHAREpower functions as a community-controlled asset management platform for sustainable infrastructure. By empowering residents to take ownership of their energy economy, the co-op aims to:
- Cut greenhouse gas emissions
- Reduce household costs
- Reinvest savings into community priorities such as affordable housing, food sovereignty, and climate adaptation
Grassroots Change from the Ground Up
“Innovative change doesn’t come from the top down, it begins with the grassroots – neighbours working together,” said Romaniuk. “By taking charge of our energy systems through the unified utility approach, we’re building long-term resilience while creating economic opportunities right here in Parry Sound-Muskoka.”
Building Community Connections
SHAREpower has already connected with hundreds of residents through events such as the Climate Action Forum, Almaguin Green Fair, McKellar Ribfest and Honeybee Festival. Partnerships with local businesses, utilities, and municipalities are in motion, while conversations with Indigenous leaders and youth are shaping the co-op’s long-term vision.
Drawing on Decades of Expertise
The project also draws on the expertise of Greg Allen, a pioneer in Canadian community energy planning since the 1970s. This connection to established knowledge and experience strengthens the initiative’s foundation.
Free Home Retrofits: A Win-Win Model
Home retrofits such as insulation and air sealing, window and door upgrades, mechanical systems, and renewable energy installations will be financed at no cost to the homeowners. Since the retrofits will result in a 50-75% increase in efficiency, the co-op will be able to repay the retrofit costs with the associated energy savings.
Multiple Benefits
This is a win-win because we are also:
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by using less gas
- Providing greater thermal comfort
- Stimulating the local economy by hiring contractors and suppliers from the region
A Cultural Transformation
While the early focus is on energy efficiency, SHAREpower’s larger ambition is to spark and drive a cultural transformation in Parry Sound-Muskoka. Organizers envision this project as a catalyst for:
- Reconnecting people to the land
- Creating meaningful local economic opportunities
- Leaving no one behind
- Preparing future generations to thrive in the face of climate change
Conclusion: A Model for Communities Everywhere
“This is community-driven change,” Romaniuk emphasized. “It starts with neighbours talking to neighbours, and it grows into something much bigger, a model for communities to follow, all across Canada and beyond.”
The vision is ambitious, but the message is simple: when people work together, they can reclaim control over essential systems and create a more sustainable, hopeful future.
