Green Economy Leaders
Parry Sound Bikes
Sudbury
Hub: Green Economy North
Parry Sound Bikes was originally established in 2013 and is now owned by Thomas and Aleesha Clark. The business was originally located on Bowes Street; however, soon relocated to the Old Firehall on Mary Street – which the owners purchased from the Town of Parry Sound in 2017.
With the help of family and friends, Thomas and Aleesha set about completely restoring and repurposing this locally recognized heritage building; transforming it into as a new retail store plus workshop, with living accommodation above.
As part of this process, they consciously decided to incorporate energy efficiency measures including an Air Source Heat Pump – which serves the residence; and also, an EV Charge point for use by both the business and its customers.
Parry Sound Bikes was established with the clear intention to grow the cycling culture and community in the town of Parry Sound. Through community involvement, group rides and a welcoming shop atmosphere, Parry Sound Bikes has become a destination and gathering place for cyclists of all ages and abilities.
The bike store is a full-service shop which offers sales, service, and rentals for bikes and e-bikes. The owners are also equipped to provided local trail knowledge, ride essentials, clothing, and coffee. In the winter months, the business pivots to provide alpine and cross-country ski, plus snowboard sales and service.
Industry
Size
Date Joined:
Soaking up the Sun
Project
Hounds of Erie Winery shifted their onsite accommodation cabins from gas powered generators to solar panels and lithium battery power banks.
Benefits
Overview
The Hounds of Erie Winery is a family-owned and operated boutique winery located in Norfolk County, Ontario. They specialize in cold climate hybrid grapes and hard ciders. The dog-themed winery is a popular destination for people (and their pups) to travel to during grape-growing season.
Onsite accommodation for visitors include cabins that are supported by gas-powered generators. In addition to the emissions that go with any fossil fuel powered system, the use of generators created other issues as well, including fuel storage logistics and staff to run and maintain the generators.
Looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint, the owners decided to try converting one of the on-farm accommodation cabins to solar power.