Close up picture of bees visiting bright yellow flowers

The Critical Role of Pollinators in Food Security

Leave a Comment / Community, Sustainable Living /

Why Pollinators Matter Recently, the Western Wheel reported that the MD of Foothills had passed a bylaw restricting beekeeping, leaving local beekeepers — in their words — “buzzing mad.” [^1] “Foothills County’s Land Use Bylaw 60/2014 (with amendments including Bylaw 19/2015) continues to include provisions requiring development permits for beehives in designated zones, particularly for […]

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OIP 3323163808

Rethinking Our Lawns: How Xeriscaping Builds Resilience

Leave a Comment / Community, Sustainable Living /

Not long ago, the front of our town office was transformed into a xeriscaped showcase — native plants, stones, and perennials designed to save water and reduce maintenance. It gained attention and public interest. But when a new council came in, the project was dug up and replaced with turf grass. This wasn’t just a

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From Roofs to Resilience: How Rainwater Harvesting Can Save Millions of Litres

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Why a Follow-Up Now? In our last post, we looked at why it’s time to move Beyond Green Lawns. Today, we take the next step: asking what happens when every household in our community captures rainwater instead of relying solely on treated municipal water. The answer is powerful: millions of litres saved, greater resilience during

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Beyond Green Lawns 2025: resilient Yards, Water-Smart Future

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Why This Update Matters Last year, we explored why it was time to move beyond green lawns. That message is even more urgent today. Southern Alberta, like many regions across Canada, is facing hotter summers, extended droughts, and growing pressure on municipal water supplies. The lush turfgrass lawns once seen as a symbol of pride

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Future-Proofing communities: The Urgent Case for LEED Silver

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As climate change accelerates and resource scarcity becomes a defining issue of our time, communities in Southern Alberta are facing increasingly urgent challenges. From rising temperatures and prolonged drought to population growth and aging infrastructure, the need for sustainable community planning has never been greater. Two critical strategies stand out for municipalities aiming to lead

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What Your Comments Taught Us About our Water, Growth, and the Future

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Title: Sheep River Water ReportSubtitle: Community Understanding and Policy ResponsePrepared by: Dusty WilliamsDate: July 2025 Introduction: Why This Report Was Written The original Sheep River Water Report was created in response to growing community interest and concern about the long-term sustainability of our local water resources. While the initial report provided a strong overview of

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Hard Questions, Honest Answers: Follow-Up to the Sheep River Report

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Introductory Paragraph: When we released the Sheep River Water Report, we hoped it would start a conversation—and it has. The feedback has been both heartening and thought-provoking. Many readers expressed gratitude for a deep look into our watershed’s realities, while others raised pressing concerns about development pressure, infrastructure capacity, and affordability. These are exactly the

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The Watershed Moment: Rethinking the Future of the Sheep River

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Executive Summary The Sheep River watershed is approaching a critical moment. Climate variability, population growth, and aging infrastructure are converging on a river system that has already experienced profound disruption. This report compiles recent data, historical context, and forward-looking recommendations to chart a sustainable course for water stewardship in the Diamond Valley region and beyond.

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Sustainability in Action: Building a Self-Sufficient Community

Leave a Comment / Sustainable Living /

In a world that often feels driven by convenience and consumption, the idea of building a truly self-sufficient, sustainable community can feel daunting. But here’s the thing: sustainability isn’t some distant, unattainable dream. It’s achievable, practical, and within our reach—especially when we focus on using local resources and tapping into the power of community-driven solutions.

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