It’s been a while since our last update, and we appreciate your patience. The past couple of months have been busy with exciting developments in the Faithful Footprints program. We’ve been hard at work supporting congregations in their energy retrofits, sharing inspiring project stories, and advancing our mission to reduce carbon emissions across United Church properties.
Program Highlights
Nova Scotia Churches are taking part in the Faithful Footprints program to be more environmentally friendly
Several churches in Nova Scotia are leading the way in sustainability through the Faithful Footprints program. This Global News feature highlights how congregations are embracing energy-efficient retrofits, reducing emissions, lowering energy costs, and ensuring their buildings remain vibrant community spaces for generations to come.
Showcasing faith-driven climate action within the United Church of Canada
Earlier this month, Faithful Footprints staff, Aleyxa Gates Julien spoke on a panel Green Champions: Faith in Action for a Sustainable Future at the second Faiths 4 Climate Conversations interfaith event, hosted by EnviroMuslims and Faith & the Common Good, Faithful Footprints program delivery partner. Gates-Julien highlighted how the United Church of Canada is fostering sustainable practices and collective climate action through the retrofit program.
Sign-ups now open for Faithful Footprints Retrofit Tours 2025
Earth Week 2025 is fast approaching! Sign-ups are now open for this year’s Faithful Footprints Retrofit Tour event series. Faithful Footprints Retrofit Tours are in-person events hosted by past and current Faithful Footprints program participants. The tours provide the opportunity for communities of faith to celebrate the building upgrades they have achieved thanks to the support of UCCan’s one-of-a-kind retrofit grant program as well as a chance for others to get a closer look at the renovations.
Project Updates
Several United Church communities of faith have recently received grant approval through the Faithful Footprints program to financially support energy conservation and renewable energy building projects. Many of our current program participants have successfully completed their planned renovations and upgrades, while others have received their one-year post-project energy reports. Here are the latest project updates:
Recently approved projects of:
Eden United Church (Mississauaga, ON)
Fifty United Church (Winona, ON)
First United Church (St.Thomas, ON)
Forest Hill United Church (Kitchener, ON)
Knob Hill United Church (Toronto, ON)
Knox United Church (Brookfield, NS)
Merigomish United Churchh (Merigomish, NS)
Morinville United Church (Morinville, AB)
Pictou United Church (Pictou, NS)
Sharon-Hope United Church (Sharon, ON)
St. John’s United Church (Cardinal, ON)
Recently completed projects of:
Canadian Memorial United Church (Vancouver, BC)
Central United Church (Lunenburg, NS)
Centreville United Church (Newburg, NB)
Kingston United Church (Kingston, ON)
Rowntree Memorial United Church (London, ON)
St. David’s United Church (Woodstock, ON)
Wesley United Church (Lakefield, ON)
Westdale United Church (Hamilton, ON)
United Church in Meadowood (Winnipeg, MB)
Recently calculated energy results of projects of:
Chipman United Church (Chipman, NB)
East Plains United Church (Burlington, ON)
Fish Creek United Church (Calgary, AB)
Jubilee United Church (Toronto, ON)
Winsloe United Church (South Winsloe, PE)
Portland United Church (Portland, ON)
Rural Faith United Church (Baltimore, ON)
Silver Spire United Church (St.Catherines, ON)
St. John’s United Church (Mount Stewart, PE)
Stouffville United Church (Stouffville, ON)
Tofield United Church (Tofield, AB)
United Church in the Valley (Turner Valley, AB)
Wesley United Church (Montreal, QC)
Project Inspiration
Envisioning the future: Camp Kee-Mo-Kee’s seeks guidance towards sustainability
Responding to growing concerns about global warming, Camp Kee-Mo-Kee (Komoka, ON) has made sustainability a strategic priority and has set out ambitious goals as part of its vision for the future.Over the next decade, the camp aspires to operate year-round by upgrading infrastructure and implementing environmentally controlled buildings. As part of this plan, the camp aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80% within five years. Given its unique situation, Camp Kee-Mo-Kee sought guidance from local subject-matter experts and community organizations to identify opportunities for minimizing the environmental footprint of its facilities.
A heartfelt retrofit: Bethel United Church leads the way in sustainable change
In a small community on Rideau Ferry Road, Bethel United Church (Perth, ON) has embarked on an inspiring journey to not only reduce its carbon footprint but also to enhance the comfort and sustainability of its beloved building. The church's retrofit, which began as part of the United Church of Canada’s Faithful Footprints program, stands as a testament to what can be accomplished when a community comes together with purpose and vision.Their retrofit journey was recently featured by Climate Network Lanark.
Little Current United Church is decarbonizing their building operations by installing heat pumps
Faithful Footprints participant, Little Current United Church (Little Current, ON) has long been ahead of the game when it comes to action to mitigate climate change. The church is now about halfway through its solar power contract with Hydro One. The church has now bid adieu to oil with the installation of two heat pumps, one of which will heat the main church, while the second will provide heat for the hall. The Manitoulin Expositor sat down with church members Scott Mosher and Ivan Edwards to chat about the process and where the church finds itself in the heating mix today.
Trinity United Church receives grant towards community space renovations
The Town of Halton Hills awarded a $30,000 grant from its Building and Property Renovation Program in its Community Improvement Plan (CIP) to Trinity United Church (Acton, ON). This funding has been instrumental in upgrading the church's community kitchen and rental space. The facility enhancements aim to expand rental opportunities and accommodate additional events and collaborations to benefit the local community.
Community comes together to install solar on Deer Park United Church
Deer Park United Church (Calgary, AB) is reducing its environmental impact by generating on-site renewable energy with a 38.4 kW solar PV system. Their efforts were featured by SkyFire Energy, where congregant Jan van Egteren shares insights on their solar journey and its benefits for the church.
Opportunities
Give it up for the Earth
March 5 - April 19
Give it up for the Earth! is a national faith-in-action campaign by Citizens for Public Justice that raises awareness about the climate crisis and mobilizes people across Canada to reduce personal and household greenhouse gas emissions, engage in acts of solidarity, and collect signatures as a demonstration of support for increased federal climate action. The 2025 Give it up for the Earth campaign will run during Lent from Wednesday, March 5, 2025 – Thursday, April 17, 2025.