Everything is Connected
When we talk about renewable energy, the conversation often turns to solar panels, wind turbines, batteries, and new technologies. But there’s another part of the energy conversation that deserves just as much attention. The energy we don’t need to use. Before asking how much energy we can generate, perhaps we should first ask how much
The Energy We Don’t Have to Buy Read More »
Building Resilience, One Practical Step at a Time Sustainability grows when we share it. Hello everyone, October has been another busy month at Sustainable Life, with projects ranging from municipal water infrastructure and renewable energy to computer repairs and community initiatives. As I look back over the month, one thing stands out. Although these projects
Sustainable Life — October 2026 Newsletter Read More »
Two weeks to go! Have something sitting around that needs a little attention before you throw it away? Bring it to our next Repair Café & Trade Day! 📅 Saturday, November 14, 2026 🕚 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM 📍 Griffith’s Centre, Diamond Valley Our community volunteers will be on hand to help give household
REPAIR CAFÉ & TRADE DAY – SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14! Read More »
Moving from Windows to Linux: My Zorin OS Journey What if changing your computer’s operating system was easier than you expected? All my Windows computers were running Windows 10. With Microsoft ending regular support for that operating system and Windows 11 introducing new hardware requirements, I had a decision to make. I wasn’t interested in
Computer Cabin — Part 5 Read More »
Before we invest in more energy, perhaps we should understand how we’re using what we already have. Winter is approaching southern Alberta. The days are getting shorter, temperatures are dropping, and our homes are beginning to demand more energy. Furnaces are running more frequently, lights are on longer, and the cost of keeping our homes
Winter Is Coming: Understanding Where Our Home Energy Goes Read More »
Diamond Valley Council has acknowledged organizational restructuring. The important question now is how the Town will maintain municipal services during the transition. Municipal services depend on more than budgets, equipment and infrastructure. They depend on the people who operate, maintain and manage those systems. When a municipality changes its staffing structure, it is reasonable for
Council Watch | Municipal Staffing: What Happens to Service Continuity? Read More »
Why the lowest construction price today may not be the lowest cost to our community tomorrow. Sustainable Life | October 19, 2026 When a municipality approves a million-dollar water-main replacement, is that really what the project will cost? The answer is almost certainly no. The construction contract represents only one part of the financial commitment.
The Real Cost of Water Infrastructure: Thinking 50 Years Ahead Read More »
Council Watch | Sustainable Life | October 12, 2026 Not all the water we purchase ends up in the sewer. Should our utility rates recognize that difference? Last week’s Council Watch discussion about Diamond Valley’s proposed water and wastewater rates generated some thoughtful comments from residents. We talked about water loss, aging infrastructure, the effects
When Water Doesn’t Go Down the Drain: Are Our Wastewater Rates Fair? Read More »
Full cost recovery should be evaluated against operating expenses, asset renewal, reserves, debt servicing where applicable, and long-term infrastructure obligations.
Council Watch | Diamond Valley’s Water Rates: What Are We Really Paying For? Read More »
Years ago, I used to conduct home energy audits, helping homeowners find practical ways to reduce wasted energy and household costs. Recently, I went back to that work and asked a simple question: What would a home review look like if we considered more than energy? The result is the new Sustainable Home Review. It
Something old has become something new. Read More »