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 efforts together under one guiding framework: the Sustainability Plan — a community-driven roadmap for protecting our natural resources, improving the health of our built environment, and ensuring that the next generation inherits a town prepared for the challenges ahead.
A Plan Rooted in Real Action
This plan builds upon the strong foundation already laid through local initiatives and research — including water conservation programs, LEED-based policy proposals, and practical projects such as the Rain Tote Program and the Lawn Buy-Back initiative. It’s more than a document — it’s a living plan designed to evolve as we learn and grow.
The Sustainability Plan will guide how we build, conserve, and collaborate across every aspect of community life — from municipal buildings and housing standards to green jobs and local education. It will also connect our town’s long-term resilience goals with measurable indicators, ensuring progress is transparent and grounded in data.
The Air We Breathe: Why Air Quality Belongs in Our Sustainability Framework
One of the emerging priorities within the plan is air quality management — an issue that’s becoming impossible to ignore in southern Alberta. Whether from wildfire smoke, vehicle emissions, or home heating, air quality directly affects our health, comfort, and quality of life.
The Calgary Region Airshed Zone (CRAZ) has been instrumental in monitoring air quality across the Foothills region. Their data and expertise help communities understand not just the current state of our air, but also the steps needed to protect it. Re-engaging with CRAZ as a member will strengthen our access to this information and open the door to collaborative air-quality projects and educational opportunities.
Locally, several practical actions could make a measurable difference:
- Introducing a no-idling bylaw, particularly near schools, parks, and public facilities.
- Encouraging the electrification of vehicles and equipment, supported by renewable energy infrastructure.
- Expanding tree canopy coverage and green buffers to absorb pollutants and provide natural cooling.
- Supporting air-quality alerts and community awareness programs through local communication channels.
Clean air is not a luxury — it’s the foundation for public health and a livable community. Addressing air quality now ensures that our sustainability plan protects both our natural and built environments.
Building Smarter: LEED as a Guiding Standard
Another cornerstone of the plan focuses on how we design, construct, and maintain our community spaces. The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) framework provides proven, measurable standards for energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and sustainable materials.
Adopting LEED Silver as the municipal minimum for new facilities would not only reduce long-term operating costs but also ensure that our public buildings meet the highest environmental and health standards. This commitment aligns with recommendations from Municipal Affairs and supports our 50-year vision for sustainable infrastructure.
We also have an opportunity to lead by example — by requiring LEED accreditation for development officers and relevant staff. This small but significant step would embed sustainability expertise directly into our planning and approval processes.
Looking Ahead: The Sustainability Series
This article marks the beginning of an ongoing public series exploring the elements of the Sustainability Plan in depth. Each installment will unpack a key theme — from air quality to green building, water security, and circular economy development — helping residents understand how these concepts connect to everyday life and long-term community resilience.
Upcoming topics include:
- Clean Air for a Resilient Community
- Building Smarter: Why LEED Silver Matters
- Our Water Future: Adapting to Drought and Change
- Circular Thinking: Repair, Reuse, and Resilience
- Green Jobs for the Future: Strengthening Our Local Economy
Together, these pieces will form the backbone of the working draft of the Sustainability Plan — a resource that will evolve through community input, education, and collaboration.
Join the Conversation
This plan is about all of us — and it will succeed only through shared effort and local participation. As the Sustainability Plan takes shape, residents, businesses, and council alike are invited to contribute ideas, feedback, and partnerships.
“Sustainability grows when we share it. Every time we pass on a skill or a story, we’re planting seeds for a resilient tomorrow. 🌱”
Discover more from Sustainable Life
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.