Through this initiative, we’re moving climate action off the drawing board and into the community.

Climate change is a top of mind issue for Bow Valley residents. The Biosphere Institute is accelerating climate action in the Bow Valley by convening community members, organizations, and businesses to work together in multi-year Collective Impact process.

We are using a multi-solving approach: our solutions address climate change AND challenges in environmental, social, and economic realms - even as we measure how the community is reducing greenhouse gas emissions through this initiative.

Accelerating Climate Action in the Bow Valley 2023

On October 11, 2023, Biosphere Institute held a community meeting to accelerate climate action in the Bow Valley with support from Banff Canmore Community Foundation. Diverse groups including students, industry, non-profits, tourism, and municipalities attended to share ideas, learn from experts, and commit to doing more to prevent and adapt to climate change!

Our progress to date

Based on a successful community event in October 2022, we’re working with the community on the following initiatives:

Buildings

In partnership with BOWDA, and informed by a community advisory group, we are planning a ‘Building for Sustainability’ symposium for November 2023; and we will highlight best practices in our community through our Green Buildings Open House in June.

Renewable Energy

A team of three University of Calgary students are conducting research to deliver a technology feasibility assessment for geoexchange heating and cooling systems for multi-family homes in the Bow Valley area, taking into account uniqueness of the area’s geographical location, geological setting, climate conditions and building layouts. Learn more about their recent tour of the Bow Valley here.

Waste Reduction

In partnership with the Bow Valley Waste Commission and the University of Calgary, we are exploring how to divert even more construction, renovation, and demolition waste from the landfill. Learn more about this project here

Circular economy

We’re working with the Town of Banff, key tourism associations (Banff Lake Louise Tourism, Banff Lake Louise Hospitality Association) and individual businesses to explore reusable cup and container programs, to help them respond to Banff’s Single Use Item Bylaw 468, which restricts businesses from using a wide variety of single use items. Learn more about reuse here

Low-carbon Transportation

In partnership with Community Cruisers and other stakeholders, we seek to organize an Electric Vehicle/Low Carbon transportation Expo in the fall of 2023.

Working with industries

As the newest member of the Bow Corridor Environmental Committee, we’ll work with key extraction industries as they seek to reduce their emissions and connect to other Bow Valley communities.

Nature-Based Solutions

With the support of the Alberta Ecotrust Foundation, we will build the capacity of municipal partners and community stakeholders to appreciate, understand, and apply nature-based solutions to environmental challenges such as climate change.

TAMARACK INSTITUTE Highlight in 2021-2024 Impact Report

This work was recently highlighted in the Tamarack Institute’s Impact Report 2021-2024. Read the full report below.

 
 

ACCELERATING CLIMATE ACTION COMMUNITY EVENT

On October 11, 2022, Biosphere Institute held a community meeting to accelerate climate action in the Bow Valley with support from Banff Canmore Community Foundation. Diverse groups including students, industry, non-profits, tourism, and municipalities attended to share ideas, learn from experts, and commit to doing more to prevent and adapt to climate change!

THE EVENT BY THE NUMBERS:

  • 7 speakers

  • 70 climate action commitments

  • 80 participants

SPEAKER SERIES:

7 presenters shared their key messages with the audience. The speakers were:

  • Darryl Kootenay, Stoney Nakoda First Nation

  • Anna Leslie, Canmore Collegiate High School

  • Cailee Ellis, Head of Environment & Sustainability, Lafarge Canada

  • Lisa Brown, Manager of Community Social Development, Town of Canmore

  • Amy Fournier, Energy & Climate Action Coordinator, Town of Canmore

  • Michael Hay, Manager of Environment & Sustainability, Town of Banff

  • Ed Wittingham, Environmental Activist

DISCUSSION GROUPS:

Full of new ideas, participants headed to discussion tables that were grouped into themes: Waste Reduction/Circular Economy, Renewable Energy, Low-carbon Transportation, Nature-Based Solutions, Energy Efficient Buildings, and Tourism. We're also working to create an Industry action group. "Theme-weaver Lisa DeSoto listened in to all the discussions and synthesized key themes:

Connectivity/Partnerships

Groups saw their areas as connected to others and were discussing the importance of partnerships. Waste group was talking about transportation, transportation group talking about energy, all groups talking about tourism. 

Systems Thinking

There was acknowledgement of the inter-connectedness of the climate issue and importance of systems thinking. The Tourism group spoke about “holistic journey mapping” in relation to visitor experience, the waste group discussed the importance of “taking a regional approach” and others talked about defining “the Bow Valley direction”.

Education

Several groups discussed the need to reframe the climate issue as a social and economic issue and not just an environmental issue. They saw the need for more education to connect the impacts of climate change to individuals on a personal level – need to “make it real”. 

Advocacy

Groups were discussing ways to encourage local advocacy. It’s not a time to sit idly by. There’s a need to support individuals who may not know the most effective approach to advocacy. This ties back to the education piece, and the importance of creating/sharing civic engagement tools so people know how to connect with decision makers.

Inspiration & Encouragement

There was general discussion on the importance of engaging in a way that touches hearts and minds and doesn’t create fear and shame.

CLIMATE ACTION COMMITMENTS:

This “Communi-Tree” shows all of the participants’ commitments

After discussion groups, participants were encouraged to make at least one personal climate commitment. Here are some examples from participants!

  • “Join action group to support regularly in a meaningful way”

  • “Implement programs to reduce construction waste through BOWDA sustainable action committee”

  • “Plan ahead! I will use public transit when travelling to Banff. I will buy regional transit pass and share about it”

  • “I wish to be explain to my grand kids how I focused climate action in 20 years”

TESTIMONIALS

“This was an educational and inspiring workshop. It was a pleasure to connect with the many passionate participants. — Amanda Kelly, Graymont

“It was inspiring and energizing to connect with people from across the Bow Valley who see opportunities to create positive change. I believe the Biosphere Institute is uniquely positioned to do this important work. My sense is that people left this event feeling encouraged and looking forward to what comes next. — Laurie Edward, Banff Canmore Community Foundation

The Biosphere Institute is energized and ready to continue leading this initiative! We’d like to thank Banff Canmore Community Foundation, Coast Hotel & Conference Centre, Town of Canmore, and the Tamarack Institute for their support of this project.

We need to speed up climate action - so we need to be bold! We’re working with a multi-stakeholder Advisory Committee to help guide us, as we galvanize the community’s climate action efforts.

Advisory committee members:

Gareth Thomson (Biosphere Executive Director), Andrea Johancsik (Biosphere Climate Lead), Andrew Cotterell (Biosphere Communications and Engagement Strategist); Amy Fournier ( Energy and Climate Action Coordinator Town of Canmore), Caitlin van Gaal ( Environment + Sustainability Supervisor Town of Canmore), Lisa Brown ( Manager of Community + Social Development Town of Canmore); Carla Bitz (Environment Coordinator Resource Recovery Town of Banff ); Michael Hay (Manager Environment and Sustainability Town of Banff); Anna Leslie (Youth Representative); Rachel Ludwig (CEO Tourism Canmore Kananaskis ), Ian O’Donnell (Executive Director Bow Valley Builders and Developers Association ), Rick Daniel (Bow Valley Climate Action), Debbie Harksen (Director of Communications and Engagement Association for Mountain Parks Protection and Enjoyment); Jenn Hoffman (Principal, Highwatermark)

Endorsements:

“We are thrilled to see this innovative approach, engaging multiple sectors to accelerate climate action in the Bow Valley. The Pembina Institute has long supported capacity-building initiatives and the implementation of climate and energy-transition plans in both Alberta and municipalities across Canada. We look forward to finding opportunities to share our relevant work with Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley, and to leverage our stakeholder network to raise awareness of the future impact of this initiative both locally and beyond.”  - Carolyn Kim, Senior Director, Communities and Decarbonization group, The Pembina Institute

“We look forward to working alongside key stakeholders to advance discussions around climate change; to apply best practices to policy creation and implementation that works to balance social, environmental and economic pressures. Together, we can address climate change in a more effective manner, while advancing responsible decisions relating to the use and growth management of this incredible valley.” - Ian O'Donnell, Executive Director, Bow Valley Builders and Developers Association

  "The Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley is a long-standing and trusted charity, and we have the pleasure of working with their talented staff on several important initiatives. We see a lot of value in the important conversations they convene to accelerate climate action in the Bow Valley, and we will continue to participate in their high-value events and provide feedback to help guide these types of initiatives." - Dr. Hillary Young, Alberta Program Director, Yellowstone to Yukon Initiative

“I grew up in the Bow Valley - it is my home, and I love it here!  When it comes to climate change, youths’ entire future is at stake. I would be pleased to sit on the advisory committee for this project and help find ways to connect youth to the important work that must be done, and empower them to accelerate climate action, leveraging the local chapter of Protect our Winters that I helped create, and other avenues to engage youth." - Katie Reeder, Co-Lead, Protect Our Winters (Bow Valley chapter)

 “I believe our community is poised to take action on climate - but individuals and groups  need a broad, communitywide, cross sector conversation to help them see the way forward with greater clarity, and begin the work.  I am excited about the prospect of accelerated local climate action – and the hope for the future that I believe will accompany this work.” - Amy Fournier, Energy and Climate Action Coordinator, Town of Canmore

“I helped organize the January 2020 multisectoral ‘Vital Conversation on Climate Action in the Bow Valley’ meeting. Although we only met once, the mood was very positive, and the outcomes very promising.  This valley needs to continue that work, and I wholeheartedly support Biosphere’s proposal to do so.’ -  Shannon Ripley, founder, Bow Valley Climate Action 

“Residents, businesses and recreationalists in the Bow Valley are concerned about the impacts of climate change, but many don't know where to begin. AMPPE would be thrilled to participate in these types of conversations,  joining our communities as we learn to be more climate resilient.” - Debbie Harksen, Director of Communications and Engagement, Association of Mountain Park Protection and Enjoyment (AMPPE) 

“This proposed initiative has tremendous potential to help Banff’s community deliver on our Renewable Energy Transition Roadmap. I am willing to help guide this initiative, and I'm confident that the important conversations envisaged will accelerate climate action within Banff and the entire Bow Valley.” -  Michael Hay, Environment & Sustainability Manager, Town of Banff

“The issue that unites us is combating climate change by mitigating its negative impacts on quality of life and prevention of further damage to our environment. This issue must be approached through collaborative efforts that simultaneously advance social issues here in the Bow Valley. Our solutions to accelerate climate action should bolster our efforts to create a more equitable community and vice versa”  - Anna Leslie, Youth Representative

This project is supported by grants from Banff Canmore Community Foundation