Highlights from our Networking Event
On May 15, 2025 we held our first in-person event since 2019 at the stunning Co-operators' (new) head office located in Guelph ON. Seeing all the faces – some old and some new – again was very special to us and reinforced that there is nothing quite like meeting face-to-face! In case you missed it, we have compiled some highlights from this fantastic day, which we hope you will take the time to read below.
NETWORKING & INFORMATION GATHERING
The morning began with an hour-and-a-half networking event held in a gorgeous light-filled Atrium, where light refreshments were served and our guests mingled, while the beautiful sounds of harp music played in the background and performed by a young musician from the Canadian Musicians Co-operative.
A variety of vendors were invited to set up table displays and talk to our delegates about their organizations, which included: The Black Women Professional Co-operative, the Home Care Worker Co-op, Hypha Co-op, the Canadian Musicians Co-operative, and the Women’s Multicultural Resource and Counselling Centre. OCA also set up a few booths to provide information about our current programming, resources, and training opportunities.
While they mingled, our guests were delighted to hear the lovely sounds of harp music in the background and a young gentleman who sang some well-known tunes with his guitar, both members of the Canadian Musicians Co-operative.
INSPIRING GUEST SPEAKERS
Following the networking portion of the event, our guests, seated à la “co-op café” style, listened to the inspirational stories of our three guest speakers. Lucas MacDonald (Co-operative Young Leaders), Janielle Maxwell (Canadian Worker Co-operative Federation), and Shawna Peddle (Co-operators). Each shared their personal journeys, the rewards of working in co-operatives, and the lasting impact these communities make. Their stories were not just inspiring—they reinforced the power of connection and collaboration in building a stronger, more vibrant co-operative future.
RECOGNIZING A CO-OP CHAMPION
We then surprised one of our own, Peter Cameron, with a special gift in recognition of his significant contributions and commitment to the Ontario co-operative sector. Peter joined OCA in 2011 as the Co-operative Development Manager, providing consulting and advisory services to both new and existing co-operatives, until he went into semi-retirement in 2023. He now continues his work with Home Opportunities and Community Wealth Co-operative to develop a Co-operative Home Ownership sector in Ontario and Canada wide.
Peter’s involvement in co-operatives and credit unions dates back to 1976, when he was employed with OPIRG -Guelph (Ontario Public Interest Research Group). He has extensive experience starting and working in co-operative businesses and was on the founding boards of Silverwood Housing Co-operative, the Guelph Food Co-operative, the Guelph Co-op Council and Sumac Community Worker Co-operative (Planet Bean Coffee). He was a Co-op Business Developer and Executive Director of the Ontario Worker Co-op Federation between 1993 and 2002.
For Peter’s decades of support and passion for the co-operative sector, we presented him with his very own piece of artwork, designed by Kerr Smith of Kerr Smith Creations, as a reminder of our appreciation of him. He was visibly moved by the well-deserved gesture, and it was truly a wonderful way to recognize him as one of the Ontario co-operative sector’s greatest Co-op Champions!
Thank you to everyone who joined us, and for those of us who couldn't make it, we look forward to seeing you at a future event! We would also like to thank Co-operators for hosting us in their beautiful space and sponsoring the networking lunch following the AGM, and to Vanessa Ireson for volunteering her time to take so many great photos that will help us keep this great day in our minds and hearts.