The Ontario Sustainable Energy Association is recognizing Chatham-Kent with the prestigious 20/20 Leadership Award.
The award recognizes the promotion of sustainable economic growth through green energy.
Mayor Randy Hope feels it vindicates council's efforts regarding wind turbine projects in the municipality.
"It felt good," says Hope. "You know all those battles and all those times you were dealing with this issue, at the end of the day it was humbling, but it felt great being part of a community I feel is being progressive."
Hope points to Chatham-Kent as being a leader in wind energy now, which he sees as part of the community's future economic and environmental sustainability.
"It leaves us with financial monies that will be coming in to our community instead of always having to lean on the property tax base," says Hope. "It's like conducting a business. We're looking at other ventures for revenue sources and that is going to be a revenue source for the future."
The mayor accepted the award on behalf of council and the community Thursday night in Vaughan.