Everything is Connected
Part 2 of the Winter Energy Series In Part 1, we looked at when and how we use energy through the day. Now, in Part 2, let’s get hands-on. These are simple, low-cost ways to keep heat where you want it, cut waste, and make your home more comfortable all winter long. 1️⃣ Seal and […]
Across Canada, federal priorities are shifting toward large-scale investments in housing, infrastructure, and innovation. For small communities like ours, this means well-documented, data-driven, and visibly sustainable projects will move to the front of the line when new funding rounds open. Readiness is our edge. Why LEED Silver Matters Locally Adopting a LEED Silver standard for
Building Our Readiness: Turning Policy Shifts into Local Opportunity Read More »
It’s no secret that the job market is shifting — and fast. Automation, artificial intelligence, and digital tools are transforming how we work, what we value, and even what we teach. But for small communities like ours, these changes don’t have to spell decline or displacement. They can become the foundation of a new kind
Building the Future Locally: Human Skills for a Changing World Read More »
Intro – The Moment We’re In “Water for the town seems to have been forgotten. Damn the river? Drill more wells? Boil rain water? Move to Okotoks?” That single comment from last week’s discussion summed up the unease many of us feel. In a dry year, when rivers run low and growth pressures keep rising,
Reclaiming Our Water Future: From Panic to Planning Read More »
Every decision we make as a community—about water, buildings, energy, or even the air we breathe—shapes the world we leave for future generations. Over the past several years, local projects like rainwater harvesting, xeriscaping, and Repair Cafés have shown what’s possible when residents take sustainability into their own hands. Now, it’s time to bring these
Introducing the Sustainability Plan: Building a Healthier, Smarter Community Together Read More »
Why this matters now The way we live has followed the same model for a long time: take resources, make products, and eventually throw them away. This “take–make–waste” approach no longer works — not for the environment, not for our wallets, and especially not for small communities like ours. Costs are rising, resources feel more
Building a Circular Economy: Keeping Resources, Skills, and Wealth in Our Community Read More »
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 »