Solar in the Bow Valley — Did You Know?
Community Spotlight on Solar
Bow Valley Green Energy Co-operative is a local enterprise led by a group of committed community members taking action on climate change, and we are inspired!
The Bow Valley is no stranger to impacts of climate change - wildfire smoke and unusual snow and weather patterns in recent years have made our community nervous. Models show that in the next 30 years, the temperature in the Bow Valley could increase by 1.9C, and scientists predict by that time more rain than snow will fall as winter precipitation and there will be more wildfire smoke filling our summer skies.
The Bow Valley is at a decision point where a different choice can and must be made. Minimizing climate risk and reducing carbon emissions is essential to safeguard our health and way of life here in the Bow Valley, and there are solutions available to us right now. This is why keen volunteers started the Bow Valley Green Energy Co-operative, a social enterprise that provides its members with an opportunity to invest in community-owned renewable energy projects.
Like any co-operative, members have an opportunity become investors and own investment shares that are eligible for dividends. In addition to offering an Investor option, The Bow Valley Green Energy Co-operative also has a Friend option, so that if you're not ready to become a member or invest, you can still be involved in community-owned renewable energy generation projects.
On September 17, 2021, the Bow Valley Green Energy's very first project started generating renewable energy right here in Canmore! Rooftop solar panels were installed at the Ralph Connor Memorial United Church, which will offset 7.4 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year.
Bow Valley Green Energy Co-operative is transforming Alberta's energy and we are so thrilled. This is local climate action worth celebrating!
If you know of a community organization or project you think we should feature in an upcoming Shift newsletter, reach out to us at resource@biosphereinstitute.org
Local Events
Jan 22, 12pm - 1pm: What's it like to own a zero emissions vehicle? Bow Valley Climate Action & Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley, (Virtual & Free)
January 22, 1pm - 3pm: Chasing Beauty in a Disappearing Landscape. Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, Banff
From now until January 31: Sustainability in Action exhibit, Canmore Museum, Free
Upcoming zero emission vehicle webinars (Virtual & Free)
Feb 9, 6:30 - 7:30pm: Get connected: What you need to succeed as an electric vehicle owner in Alberta
February 16, 6:30 - 7:30pm: Save the date and stay tuned for registration link on social media!
February 23, 6:30 - 7:30pm: The future is electric: The electric vehicle (EV) industry in Canada and beyond
Feature Newsletter
In this newsletter, Sarah Lazarovic sends you "a creative mission" every week to help our planet - sometimes fun, sometimes challenging - and the goal is to tackle your mission before the next week's newsletter arrives.
Sign up at mvp.ist
Call for Homes: Eco Solar Tour 2022
The Eco Solar Home Tour is coming to Canmore for the first time this coming June 2022! Do you have an interesting energy-efficient home? Would you like to show it as an open house in June to your neighbours in the Bow Valley?
Then please download and complete a tour Signup application at ecosolar.ca. We'd love to see your home on the tour!
Please sign up by January 31, 2022!
Interested in doing more? Check out:
Town of Canmore's Environmental Sustainability Action Plan
Town of Canmore's Climate Action Plan
Town of Banff's Environmental Master Plan
Lead the way: become a Zero Waste Trailblazer
Or save money with Banff's Environmental Rebates!
