🧸📚 WiRE Juniors Toronto Toy & Book Swap! 🚀

Refresh Your Shelves, Refresh Your Playtime!

Join WiRE Juniors Toronto for a fun, eco-friendly community event where outgrown treasures find new homes! Trade your gently used toys and books for new-to-you favorites, encourage reading, and participate in exciting STEM activities.

• 📅 Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026

• ⏰ Time: 2 PM – 4 PM (Swap officially opens at 2:30 PM)

• 📍 Location: SUP Offices, 2239 Yonge St, Toronto, First Floor

• 🌈 Price: $5 / person

✨ What to Expect:

• The Swap: Bring your clean, gently used toys and books to receive Swap Tickets (one ticket per item) that you can use to 'purchase' new items! Trade in a book and receive a book ticket, trade in a toy and receive a toy ticket. Book tickets can only be used to trade for books, toy tickets can be used to trade for either books or toys.

• Fun & Games: Enjoy pre-swap activities like our Colouring Stations!

• Welcome Speech: Hear from the WiRE Juniors Ambassadors, Rhea & Owais, and our generous partners, the Society of United Professionals (SUP) and Nexans.

• Fuel Up: A delicious Pizza & Snack Break will be served.

How It Works:

1. Bring Items: Doors open at 2:00 PM for item drop-off. (Max of 6-7 items per child recommended).

2. Get Tickets: Receive one Swap Ticket for every quality item you donate. Books get book tickets, toys get toy tickets.

3. Start Swapping! The trading floor opens at 2:30 PM. (1 ticket = 1 item).

Embrace the principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Community!

Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to declutter sustainably and find your child's next favorite book or toy!

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WiRE Toronto x IESO Control Room Tour

Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO). This tour offers a unique opportunity to visit the Viewing Gallery and learn how Ontario’s power grid is managed in real-time.

Event Details

• Date: Thursday, January 22, 2026

• Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM (Please arrive by 12:45 PM for security processing)

• Location & Directions: Attendees will receive the address and directions the day before the event.

Registration & Fees

Proceeds from this event go directly toward supporting WiRE Toronto activities and future programming.

• Students: $15 CAD

• Professionals: $25 CAD

Required Action Items

To comply with facility security protocols, please note:

• RSVP & Info Deadline: Full names and company affiliations (for professionals) or academic institutions (for students) must be submitted by 4pm, Monday, January 19.

• Photo ID: All attendees must bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Security will not permit entry without it.

On-Site Guidelines

• Scent-Free Policy: The IESO is a scent-free facility. Please refrain from wearing perfumes, colognes, or strongly scented products.

• Arrival: The tour begins at 1:00 pm. Please arrive 15 minutes early (12:45 pm) to be processed through security and escorted to the Viewing Gallery.

• Refreshments: Light refreshments (coffee, tea, and fruit) will be provided.

Agenda Overview

The session will include a guided tour of the control room viewing area and a presentation on grid operations.

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WiRE Toronto x OEN Luncheon Student Table ft. Brian Bentz

Date: January 19, 2026

Time: 11:30am - 2:00pm

Location: The Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto

This event is more than a simple networking opportunity; it's about igniting your career in the energy industry.

We are excited to announce that Brian Bentz, President and CEO of Alectra Inc., will be the featured speaker at the OEN January Luncheon. The industry presentation topic is “Alectra's approaching 10 years and looking forward”.

Before the luncheon commences, students and young professionals (less than 3 years work experience) will have the chance to network with seasoned professionals and industry leaders. During the luncheon, they will be seated at the WiRE student table.

Secure your spot now, as seats are limited. Please note that WiRE reserves the right to prioritize spots for students who have not attended this event in the past.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Haida Liu (hliu@womeninrenewableenergy.ca) and Amritha Tayalur Jagadeesh (ajagadeesh@womeninrenewableenergy.ca).

Brian Bentz Biography

Brian is the President and CEO of Alectra Inc., the largest municipally-owned utility in Canada. Alectra Inc., through its regulated utility, Alectra Utilities Corporation, provides power and related services to more than one million electricity customers in Ontario’s Greater Golden Horseshoe Area and Central Ontario. Alectra Inc. also provides innovative energy solutions to consumers through several unregulated subsidiaries including Alectra Energy Solutions and Services Inc.

Brian played a major role in the creation and growth of Alectra, which involved a multi-utility merger, and the acquisition of another utility, under the company’s strategic growth strategy. His expertise in utility consolidations was also demonstrated through several mergers and acquisitions in his previous role as the President and CEO of PowerStream. Brian has assumed an active leadership role within the energy industry. He currently serves as Chair of the Board of Directors of Cordelio Power, Board Director of the Ontario Energy Association (OEA), Board Director of Electricity Canada, and Board Director of California Mobility Center (CMC).

Brian has been recognized on several occasions for his industry leadership, most recently with OEA ‘Leader of the Year’ Award (2024). In 2023, he received the Energy Innovation Leader of the Year Award at the WE3 Summit. In 2017, he was presented with the LDC ‘Leader Award’ from the MEARIE Group, and he was a co-winner of the OEA ‘Leader of the Year’ Award in 2016. In previous years, he received the ‘Chair’s Citation’ from the EDA, the Electricity Human Resources Canada ‘Leader of the Year’ Award, the ‘Game Changer’ Award from the Canadian Solar Industries Association (CanSIA), as well as recognition as a ‘Clean50’ and ‘Clean16’ Champion for leadership in sustainability advancement.

Originally from Thunder Bay, Ontario, Brian is a Fellow Chartered Professional Accountant. He holds an MBA (McMaster), an honorary Bachelor of Applied Arts degree (Georgian College), and a Certified Engineering Technologist designation (Electrical/Electronics).

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Thu, Dec 4, 2025, 11:30 AM

The Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto

We are excited to announce that Annette Verschuren, Chair & CEO, NRStor Inc., will be the featured speaker at the December OEN Luncheon.

Before the luncheon commences, students and young professionals (less than 3 years work experience) will have the chance to network with seasoned professionals and industry leaders. During the luncheon, they will be seated at the WiRE student table.

This event is more than a simple networking opportunity; it's about igniting your career in the energy industry.

Secure your spot now, as seats are limited. Please note that WiRE reserves the right to prioritize spots for students who have not attended this event in the past. If you have any questions, please reach out to Haida Liu (hliu@womeninrenewableenergy.ca).

REGISTER

Powering BC's Clean Energy Future: From Investment to Implementation

Join us for a dynamic panel discussion centered on the strategic and practical aspects of the energy transition within British Columbia. This event brings together leaders from finance, technology, and academia to explore how the province is navigating the shift toward a clean energy future.

What You'll Learn

Our expert panelists will delve into the unique challenges and opportunities of developing renewable projects in BC, considering factors like provincial regulations, a predominantly hydro-powered grid, and the crucial role of Indigenous partnerships.

Key Discussion Points

• Investment and Finance: We'll discuss what makes a BC-based clean energy project attractive to investors and how financial strategies are evolving to meet the province's ambitious climate targets.

• Operational Integration and Infrastructure: The panel will address the challenges of integrating new renewable energy sources into BC’s existing industrial grid and the importance of infrastructure development for unlocking new projects.

• The Just Transition and Community Impact: This crucial topic will explore the social and ethical considerations needed to ensure the energy transition is equitable for all British Columbian communities.

Moderator 

Tania Ontiveros: CFO of Revolve Renewable Power, Tania will guide the conversation by drawing on her extensive financial expertise to explore the business landscape of BC's energy market.

Meet the Speakers

• Brittany Courvoisier-Nicol: Co-Founder and Head of Product at CRWN.ai. As a leader in clean technology, Brittany will offer insights into how real-time data and innovative solutions can enhance the resilience and efficiency of the province’s existing power grid and support the integration of new renewable energy sources.

• Maria Fernanda Correa: An expert in impact investing. She will share insights on how climate-focused capital is being deployed in BC and the influence of partnerships with Indigenous communities on investment decisions.

• Adetokunbo Alawode (Toks): With a background in asset management in the oil & gas and LNG sectors. Toks will provide a direct link to the province's energy sector, discussing the operational realities of integrating new energy projects into existing infrastructure.

• Dominica Una: A BC-based professor and advocate for a "Just Transition." Dominica will offer a vital local perspective on policy, social equity, and how BC's policies are impacting communities.

Networking Opportunities

This is a great chance to network with industry leaders and like-minded professionals, with dedicated networking sessions before and after the panel discussion. Light refreshments will be served. You can also learn more about Women in Renewable Energy (WiRE). You'll have the opportunity to meet Tania Ontiveros, the WiRE BC Chapter Lead, and Dr. Dominica Una, the WiRE BC Conference Lead. They'll be available to chat and provide insights into WiRE's mission and upcoming initiatives.

Event Details

• Venue: La Salle College

• Date: November 26, 2025

• Time: 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

• Tickets: $15 Students | $30 professionals

REGISTER HERE

From Idea to Impact: Pitching Workshop from Startup Founders

When: November 24, 2025

Where: Centre of urban innovation, 44 Gerard Street East, Room 219

Cost: FREE!

A compelling pitch is a cornerstone of success. It’s the key to securing investment, winning support for your ideas, and advancing your career.

This event, presented by SWE in partnership with the TMU incubators and WiRE, offers a unique opportunity to learn this critical skill directly from the source. We are thrilled to host the startup founder and the mentor who will:

• ·Share their journeys from concept to company.

• ·Lead an interactive pitching workshop based on a case study.

• ·Provide direct feedback as you practice and refine your own pitch.

Join us to gain actionable pitching techniques, connect with SWE, WiRE, and TMU incubator zones, and be inspired by the forefront of sustainable technology and innovative science.

Here is a short read on pitching a business idea to get you started: https://online.hbs.edu/blog/post/how-to-pitch-a-business-idea

Who's Welcome: All Engineers, EITs, P.Geo's, professionals in engineering-related fields (yes, that includes you technicians, technologists, software folks, GIS gurus, etc!) and new grads are welcome. We welcome people of all genders and supporters of women in engineering fields. Bring your friends and make new ones!

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Please register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/wire-plugn-drive-peo-east-toronto-chapter-drive-the-change-tickets-1815567504279?aff=oddtdtcreator