First, because the concept of district energy will likely play a major role in our society's evolution towards more efficient and cleaner energy technologies. Second, because the development of an open marketplace for energy will likely play a major role in the growth of your industry. And, third, because both of those evolutions can be helped or hindered to a great extent by the actions of governments. I know that membership in your organization is building rapidly, with a growth of almost 50 per cent in the past year. And this annual general meeting is also your 5th, and largest, conference and trade show.
District energy is no longer simply the energy system of convenience.
It is becoming the system of choice. Examples can be found across this province. The former Toronto District Heating Corporation, now called Enwave, is the second largest district system in North America and growing fast. Other systems are in place in Cornwall, London, Ottawa, and Sudbury. And there are exciting new projects in development for Pearson Airport, Downsview Airport, Hamilton and Oshawa.