Everything is Connected
Sustainability isn’t only about solar panels or landscapes — it’s about people. When most of us hear the word “sustainability,” we picture clean energy, Xeriscaped yards, or rainwater systems. These are vital pieces of the puzzle, but they’re not the whole story. At the heart of sustainability is something less visible, but equally powerful: how […]
🌱 Mentorship as a Path to Sustainability Read More »
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
The Critical Role of Pollinators in Food Security Read More »
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
Rethinking Our Lawns: How Xeriscaping Builds Resilience Read More »
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
From Roofs to Resilience: How Rainwater Harvesting Can Save Millions of Litres Read More »
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
Beyond Green Lawns 2025: resilient Yards, Water-Smart Future Read More »
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
What Your Comments Taught Us About our Water, Growth, and the Future Read More »
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
Hard Questions, Honest Answers: Follow-Up to the Sheep River Report Read More »
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.
The Watershed Moment: Rethinking the Future of the Sheep River Read More »
A Brief History of the Right to Repair Concept Imagine being able to fix anything you own, from your smartphone to your washing machine, without needing to toss it out when it breaks. That’s the idea behind the right to repair—a movement that started back in the early days of consumerism. As products became more
The Right to Repair in Canada: A Path to Sustainability Read More »
Back in 2019 I was invited to the local high school to discuss with the students about their ideas on living sustainably and creating some sustainable projects around the school, and to this day it has proven to be one of the happier decisions I’ve made. 1. Building a Sustainable Future: The Inception of Eco-Friendly
“Sowing Sustainability: awesome Student innovation at local High School” Read More »