Co-creating a stronger, more connected region of changemakers!

In This Newsletter:

Mapping Our Region of Changemakers- Full Event Recap Now Available
Call for Volunteers: Help Shape the Creation of Collingwood’s Community Climate Action Plan!

Mapping Our Region of Changemakers: A Powerful Day of Collaboration

On February 21st, nearly 100 changemakers, leaders, and community builders gathered at Georgian College’s Community Impact Lab for a day of innovation, creativity, and connection. Hosted by The Institute of Southern Georgian Bay, Georgian College’s Change the Now (#CTN) program, and The Academy of South Georgian Bay, the event brought together participants from business, government, nonprofits, philanthropy, and residents to map out our region’s changemaking ecosystem and reimagine what’s possible when we work together.

Tapping into the Art of the Possible

To spark outside-the-box thinking, we kicked off with playful creativity exercises, including a sketching challenge and a Process Mapping exercise—where participants reimagined the simple act of making toast by considering everything from farmers and soil health to green energy-powered toasters. These activities set the tone for a day of big-picture thinking and possibility-driven discussions.

Understanding the Current System

Participants worked in cross-sector, industry-specific breakout groups (housing, health, arts, climate, economic development) to create Rich Context Maps, identifying key challenges, root causes, and emerging solutions. This process not only uncovered system-wide gaps but also celebrated existing initiatives, highlighting the power of collaboration in our region.

Reimagining the Future Together

The second breakout challenged participants to shift industries—exploring how leaders in climate and economic development could support arts and culture, and vice versa. Then, armed with craft supplies and creativity, teams designed visual stories of new collaborations, demonstrating how uncommon partnerships can unlock transformative impact.

Hear what Town of the Blue Mountains Councilor and TISGB Board Member had to say after the event

This event re-affirmed what we already knew—together, we are co-creating a stronger, more connected region of changemakers!

What’s Next?

The momentum from this event continues! We encourage EVERYONE to:
✅ Register for Georgian College’s RISE Day on April 2nd
✅ Learn more about The Academy of South Georgian Bay’s upcoming programs
✅ Explore how community organizations can use the Community Impact Lab for future planning, innovation, and team building by contacting Jessica Flynn at [email protected]

Read the Full Event Recap HERE

Help Shape the Creation of our Community Climate Action Plan!

The Town of Collingwood is currently recruiting for two unique opportunities to help shape the creation of the Community Climate Action Plan.

1. Professionals to participate in Focus Area Working Groups that will be instrumental in developing actionable climate strategies tailored to the unique context of Collingwood. Focus areas include:

- - Buildings (residential, commercial, institutional)
  - Community Health and Resilience (waste, utilities, infrastructure, community services)
  - Community Systems
  - Investment
  - Transportation

2. Community members interested in participating in the Climate Action People’s Panel. Insights gained from the People’s Panel will play a crucial role in shaping a climate action strategy that reflects the values and priorities of our community.

For more details and to express your interest in participating, please visit https://engage.collingwood.ca/climateaction.

Please submit an expression of interest as soon as possible to be included. We would appreciate your involvement in this important initiative.

For any questions, please reach out to Nicole Yardy at [email protected].