That means beginning some new efforts, borrowing from our past, to deal with financial, environmental and social crises in the community. Separated into smaller groups of eight or nine people, more than 80 Dundas and area residents discussed local ways to address growing global issues.

And in Dundas, that could mean a new local currency accepted only by Dundas businesses, a special VIA Rail passenger pick-up site, and a car sharing program, among an expanding collection of local ideas to help Dundas remain resilient in the face of peak oil, global warming, and economic recession.

The second meeting of Dundas Ontario in Transition –or DoiT Dundas –held last Friday at Dundas Town Hall brought more than 80 people out. The new local group followed up its first meeting which awarded cash prizes to several proposed Transition Town projects by splitting the group up into general groups to discuss local efforts within seven broad subject areas.

Members of the group’s original steering committee facilitated each group’s discussion and began gradually turning over the projects to new volunteer leaders.

Kenrick Chin, a steering committee member who led a group discussion on local economy described the whole Transition Town effort as a democratic effort that must be allowed to progress naturally.

“We don’t know if it’s going to work,” he said. “It’s an experiment. Let it go where it wants to go.”

The local economy group quickly focused on a project common to Transition Towns around the world – a local currency.

The group favoured printed money over a computerized, debit-card system. They suggested a local currency would keep money within the local economy and support local businesses while supporting local decision-making and help build local relationships.

“In my opinion, a local currency is an excellent project,” Mr. Chin said. “I think there’s a positive start.”

The transportation group discussed several ways to enhance Dundas transit options while limiting the community’s carbon footprint – including an unmanned VIA Rail station, a proposal to extend light rail transit from Main Street West down Cootes Drive, and a local car sharing co-operative in partnership with other Hamilton organizations.

One issue to overcome for a VIA Rail stop is the company’s requirement of a minimum fare regardless of trip length.

Other group discussions covered the topics of natural habitat, food, renewable energy, and culture-entertainment.

New groups in these, and other, areas are expected to form, adding more interested community members, and begin work on specific projects.

For more details on the organization, its projects and future meetings, go to www.dundasontariointransition.ca .