Everything is Connected
Understanding where we are — and where we’re headed On November 19, Diamond Valley Council held one of the most important meetings of the year: the first full review of the 2026 budget. Over the coming weeks, this budget will shape our town’s future priorities — from water security and infrastructure repairs to long-term financial […]
What We Learned from the November 19 Diamond Valley Budget Meeting Read More »
Waste to Local Businesses Series Reclaiming Value From the Construction Stream Every renovation skip bin and job-site dumpster hides a forgotten resource. Dimensional lumber, plywood off-cuts, shipping pallets, and broken fences—most of it ends up burned or buried. Yet each cubic metre of wood waste embodies both stored carbon and embodied energy. With simple sorting,
From Waste Wood to Living Soil: Biochar and Beyond Read More »
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
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 »
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 »
I attended the candidates’ forum last week to hear firsthand how each candidate envisions leading our community into the future. While it was encouraging to hear water conservation, responsible development, and fiscal management come up time and again, much of the language sounded familiar. Yet, in between the well-rehearsed phrases, there were subtle shifts that
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 »
Every spring, the pattern repeats itself. As soon as the rains begin, messages and calls pour in: “Do you still have any rain totes left?” Too often, people miss the chance to set up in time. By the time they realize the value of capturing rainwater, it’s already slipping away. The Rain Tote Project by
Behind the Rain Tote Project: A Sustainable Life Initiative 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 »