May 22, 2013 – A new leadership centre focused on sustainable living has resulted from the recent partnership of Hydro Ottawa and Christie Lake Kids.

The Hydro Ottawa Sustainable Youth Leadership Centre, to be built at Belle Island on Christie Lake, will serve the Leaders in Training program, which is provided for free to economically disadvantaged youth in Ottawa.

“Through our support of Christie Lake Kids we are helping to teach kids valuable life skills that all youth need in order to grow into healthy, successful adults,” said Bryce Conrad, president and CEO of Hydro Ottawa.

For 36 days over seven weeks this summer and eight weekends during the school year, the kids will learn about alternative energy while building their leadership skills and working together as a sustainable community. They will also be exposed to various alternate power sources and sustainable technologies, including solar cells, a human-powered pump, and a gravity pressurized water system that draws water from the lake to a water tower.

“Christie Lake Kids is very excited to partner with Hydro Ottawa. The new ‘Sustainable Youth Leadership Centre’ is a clear demonstration of how companies can make a difference by supporting programs that serve some of the most vulnerable children and youth in our community,” said Carole Gagné-Ince, executive director of Christie Lake Kids.