FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CAFES and SmartNet Coalition Partner to Sustain and Grow Ottawa’s Community Sustainability Events

Ottawa, ON — Community Action for Environmental Sustainability (CAFES) and SmartNet Coalition (SNC) are pleased to announce a new partnership that brings SmartNet’s long-standing public sustainability programs under the CAFES umbrella. The boards of both organizations formalized this direction through a Memorandum of Understanding signed on December 5, 2025.

For more than a decade, SmartNet has delivered some of Ottawa’s most recognizable sustainability initiatives, including the Sustainability Showcase (formerly Green Energy Doors Open and the SmartNet Sustainability Showcase) and Green Drinks Ottawa, a monthly gathering connecting professionals, innovators, and community members passionate about climate solutions.

Under the new arrangement, CAFES will provide the leadership, organizational capacity, and network reach needed to ensure these programs not only continue, but evolve and grow.

“This is a moment of continuity and renewal,” said Angela Keller-Herzog, Executive Director of CAFES. “SmartNet’s signature programs have long been catalysts for connection and innovation in Ottawa. CAFES is honoured to carry this work forward—strengthening the sustainability community and creating more opportunities for dialogue, learning, collaboration, and inspiration.”

Beginning in early 2026, CAFES will lead the redesign and relaunch of Green Drinks Ottawa, followed by a revitalized Sustainability Showcase in early summer 2026.

SmartNet representatives emphasized that finding a capable, mission-aligned partner was a priority. “Our board’s strong desire was to ensure these programs continue to serve Ottawa’s sustainability community and businesses,” said Kristopher Stevens, SNC President. “CAFES is the right home to steward their next chapter—bringing the city’s action-oriented leaders and doers together to make great things happen.”

CAFES’ expanding city-wide network—spanning 54 organizational members, multiple caucuses, and deepening engagement across urban, suburban, and rural Ottawa—provides a strong foundation for this transition.

About CAFES

Community Action for Environmental Sustainability (CAFES) is a non-profit network that supports community-led environment and climate action across Ottawa.

About SmartNet Coalition

SmartNet Coalition (formerly SMARTNet Alliance) was founded by the Canadian Union of Skilled Workers (CUSW) to accelerate the transition to a sustainable economy by championing business collaboration and community learning through project incubation, an annual sustainability and electric vehicle showcase, and Green Drinks Ottawa.

Media Contacts

Angela Keller-Herzog — akellerherzog@cafesottawa.ca — 613-769-3794
Kristopher Stevens — kstevens@cusw.ca — 416-303-1201

PRESS RELEASE: CAFES and SmartNet Merge