About Us

The organizers of this event are local community members who identified a need to find a forum in which contractors, tradespeople, planners, financers, and end-users of alternative, affordable, sustainable housing could come together to share knowledge, to learn, and to develop action plans to address our local housing needs. Re/New Fest has developed entirely from volunteer action, and is generously funded with a grant from the Lake of the Woods Business Incentive Corporation, and with numerous additional in-kind donations of time, expertise, and energy from many generous community experts.

The Organizing Committee:
Faith-Ellen Anderson
Erika Olson
Teika Newton
Patti MacDonell

The Work Crew:
Terrea Nordlund & Debra Wingrove – The Community Market
Jon Thompson – Business Liaison
Sharon Smith – Keewatin Biz Liaison & Kenora Urban Trails advocate
Sally Kendall – Festival Planning
Mike Newton – Graphic Design, promotions & marketing
Pat Green – translation services
Ida Copenace – cultural advisor
KACL Art Partners, LOWAC & The Willendorphin Collective for community art engagement, artists' contributions and the "Repurpose Artwalk", respectively