In the second year after incorporation CFRE saw increased activities in its pursuit of information gathering and awareness raising on renewable energy issues. We fulfilled our promise of publishing quarterly newsletters and had quite a number of favorable mentions regarding their contents. We conducted 4 successful workshops, two more than in 1996, reaching out to Eastern Ontario for the first time with one of those.

The Co-ordinator was able to attend the Renewable Energy Conference in Ottawa in April thanks to a specially reduced registration fee. With government and industry representatives in attendance there were many opportunities for lobbying and information gleaning. It was significant to realize that CFRE was the only public interest organization represented at this event!!

In May, June and October the co-ordinator made presentations to the Atomic Energy Control Board (AECB) on issues ranging from above ground storage of hazardous radioactive waste to concerns on terms of renewal of reactor licenses for Pickering and Bruce 'B' nuclear stations.

Also in October he traveled to Quebec City to take part in a 2-day Wind Energy Conference picking up valuable information and making important connections with industry representatives. Again thanks to a greatly reduced fee the Co-ordinator was able to take part in the Independent Power Conference entitled "Replacing the Megawatts" in Richmond Hill. Speakers included Energy Minister Jim Wilson and Hydro Chair Bill Farlinger. In all these attendances we are able to raise our profile by distributing newsletters and pamphlets of CFRE.

Other publicity efforts are made at meetings of organic farmers and environment organizations with favorable results. We estimate that over 60% of our membership has roots in the organic farming community, truly deserving of the title "grassroots organization"!

In May, at the conclusion of our workshop at the fabulous Environmental Learning Centre near Waterloo, we held our first Annual Meeting. The Directors were present with the exception of our Secretary, Carey Bergman, who is on an assignment with the Canadian Wildlife Service Division in Labrador. Susanne Smith kindly acted as secretary taking minutes. A quorum was established and the Directors introduced. They were formally confirmed as members of the Board of CFRE. With Ziggy Kleinau chairing the meeting a Bylaw relating to the conduct of the affairs of CFRE was introduced, discussed and then adopted with one amendment. The Financial Report was then read and approved on motion. A Director tables a motion to raise the membership fee from $5 to $6 annually or $15 for three years to cover increases in newsletter printing costs. It was unanimously approved. Also approved was the motion to take out Internet service with a home page designed free by the Coordinator's son. A proposal to explore a partnership with an Argentinian group (PEUMA, Cordoba) on renewable energy issues exchange was voted on and approved.

Copies of Minutes and Bylaw are available to members sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

AT the hearing of the Select Committee on Ontario Hydro Nuclear Affairs in Kincardine in October the Co-ordinator presented a submission calling on the Committee to tell the Crown Corporation to invest their money in conservation and renewable energy programs that were originally started and then abandoned by Ontario Hydro.

We pointed out that these programs would more than make up for all the lost power from unsafe nuclear reactors slated for shutdown and wold cost only a small fraction of the huge amount needed to refurbish those reactors. In follow-up correspondence the Clerk of the Committee stressed that " ... (our) findings on energy conservation generated a great deal of discussion... and was found to be a desirable component of future energy planning."

Our pro-active work has helped to spawn local action in different parts of the province - the Goderich area and the Markdale/Flesherton area, where planning meetings are held on a regular basis, leading towards the development of Green Communities.

Our membership has again almost doubled since our last report! A sincere thank you goes out to our Directors and those many active supporters!

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