Transforming Toronto came together in 2007 to oppose a new high-voltage transmission line that would run through the communities of east Toronto.  

We thought there were better ways for the Ontario Power Authority to invest the $600 million needed to build the line. And we were convinced there were better ways to meet Toronto’s electricity needs.

We are still committed to stopping the East Toronto Transmission Line. But we don’t want to stop there. We believe this power line is a symptom of a larger problem. Ontario is still relying on outdated energy planning systems that rely on giant centralized facilities, using non-renewable resources and long distance power lines.

Transforming Toronto believes that better solutions exist, and have set out to ensure that the citizens of Toronto get the efficient, sustainable and healthy energy system they deserve.

Our Work

Transforming Toronto works at three levels:

• Advocacy

• Education

• Action

Our Goals:

• Build an educated, engaged and committed citizenry
  

• Champion the development and implementation of an alternative energy system plan for Toronto
  

• Maximize and leverage the limited resources -- financial, people, time --  to achieve the greatest impact

Solution-driven, focusing on practical solution rather than sitting by and pointing out what is wrong with the current system

Smart integrators, bringing together both those with good ideas and those with the mandate to make decisions

Collaborative, working with the NGOs, policy groups and industry associations already working on the issues

Community-focused – because true change can only happen when the community’s hearts, minds and wallets are engaged, and where people can work together to create local solutions

Democratic, because the current electricity system concentrates power in the hands of the few

A-political – not wedded to any political party or ideology. Just results.

Fun and rewarding. Transforming Toronto is the extension of the passion of a group of volunteers. The lively camaraderie of a team of bright enthusiastic people is what powers this organization.

David McLeod, President

David possesses a unique blend of expertise in both the wind energy industry as well as the marketing and communications field. He is a the founder and President of Current Generation; has served as past Director of the Ontario Sustainable Energy Association; both past President and Treasurer for WindShare, Toronto’s community-owned wind turbine at Exhibition Place; and played a lead role in the planning and initial development and financing stages for ‘LakeWind’, a proposed 10-15 MW community-based wind farm. David also heads up The MacLeod Group Inc., a consulting firm providing strategic marketing and communications services to blue-chip organizations such as Scotiabank, Telus, Bank of Montreal and Purolator.

Paul Connelly

Paul Connelly has been working in non-profit and co-op housing for 30 years, working on such high profile projects as the redevelopment of Regent Park and the program design for Ontario- funded social housing . He wants to promote the development of conservation and local energy production so that energy efficiency is the social norm, affordable for everyone, not just the well-to-do.

Adriana Dossena

Adriana Dossena is an entrepreneur, environmental advocate and consultant who has designed and implemented integrated research, planning and communications strategies for over 12 years. As the Principal for Resterra Strategies, she works with customized interdisciplinary teams to empower and optimize leadership in sustainability initiatives at the local and international level. She is a member of the Canadian Urban Institute, Canada and US Green Building Councils, Toronto Community Garden Network, and the Toronto Design Exchange.

Suzanne Gibson

Suzanne Gibson has been “awakening the potential” of Canadian non-profit organizations for over 20 years. As an organizational, fund and leadership development consultant, she has worked with grass-roots, government and non-governmental organizations. She is an instructor at York University’s Schulich School of Business’ Non-Profit Management and Leadership Program, and speaks nation-wide.

Randy Robinson

Randy Robinson grew up on a farm in Saskatchewan. After working seven summers in the provincial park system and canoeing extensively in northern Saskatchewan, he moved to Ottawa, where he used his communications skills in the battle against free trade, and Denman Island, B.C., where he was a volunteer publicist for the Denman Island Conservancy Association in its fight to save the tiny gulf island's last old growth forest. He is now a Communications Officer with the Ontario Public Service Employees Union. OPSEU's public policy interests are broad, and Randy has organized campaigns to fight cuts and restore funding to the Ministries of Environment and Natural Resources. Randy's ongoing interest in things green is now being expressed through Transforming Toronto.

Trevor Zimmer

After leaving his prairie roots, Trevor Zimmer traveled the world as a international development manager and adventure tour guide.  Upon landing back in Toronto, he has worked for some of Canada's top environmental groups including his current position in fundraising at the Nature Conservancy of Canada.