Bow Valley Climate Action Society envisions a low-carbon future
To achieve a low carbon future, we must have a shared vision, and take action ourselves and as a community: that’s the belief of the Bow Valley Climate Action Society (BVCA). Guided by their mission to promote citizen engagement in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, BVCA’s volunteer-led team seeks to bolster change in the Bow Valley around the pillars of: Buildings, Transportation, and Advocacy.
Their recent project “Envisioning and Preparing for our Low Carbon Future” aims to help residents, businesses, and decision-makers imagine what a low-carbon future might look like locally and plan for how we can successfully transition to and thrive in this fast-approaching economic and social reality. As part of this project, BVCA has hosted panel discussions, webinars, social media challenges and made videos on hot topics including electric vehicles, lowering building emissions, and low-carbon food choices.
Program Coordinator Alissa Sallans noticed a surprising insight after running the first few events. “There’s a huge interest in topics that don’t always come up in typical conversations,” she says. “For instance, there is a big community in Canmore and Banff of electric bike and electric vehicle owners, and an even bigger interest from people who want to learn more, but we don’t often talk about it.” The events have showed BVCA that their efforts have been valuable in connecting residents with resources to spark inspiration and make informed choices around low-carbon transportation, building and food options that exist in the community.
Community members looking to learn more and be involved in climate action in the community are always welcome to get in touch. Sallans recommends a few ways to get involved with BVCA:
Subscribe to the BVCA newsletter
Check out BVCA’s website for resources and upcoming events
Email BVCA to inquire about volunteer opportunities: bowvalleyclimateaction@gmail.com
Though BVCA is a recently formed environmental group in the community, that doesn’t mean their ideas are small. We can’t wait to see what other work this organization will undertake in the years ahead.
Welcome, Sebastian!
Sebastian Scrivo joins the Biosphere Institute as a Visual Environment Communications student from Fleming College and the Royal Ontario Museum on a 6 week practicum placement.
Sebastian is an environmental/adventure photographer & digital content creator based in Vaughan, Ontario. Sebastian focuses on using visual storytelling as a means for individuals to express themselves and share their stories in a safe space as well as highlighting the relationships between people and the natural world. In other words; allowing everyone to see life from a different lens! Sebastian hopes to create meaningful and impactful digital media that will highlight the larger goals of the Biosphere Institute while emphasizing such topics as sustainability, wildlife & human connections and community engagement.
Welcome, Chelsey!
Chelsey Hay joins the Biosphere Institute as a Regenerative Sustainability Masters student at the University of Saskatchewan for a volunteer project.
Chelsey is currently a student at the University of Saskatchewan, finishing a Masters in Regenerative Sustainability and a Certificate in Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Action. She has a background in earth sciences, previously completing a BSc and MSc in Geology and working for several years in the energy industry. She hopes to combine these experiences to work on climate action and clean energy projects in the future. Chelsey grew up near Stony Plain, Alberta and has been a resident of Calgary since 2015. In her free time, she can be usually be found exploring the mountains through trail running and backcountry skiing, horseback riding, or experimenting in the garden.
Local events
May 4, 6:30-7:30: The future is electric: The EV industry in Canada and beyond, Biosphere Institute, Webinar, Free
May 11, 10:30am-12:00pm: Renormalizing Reuse Workshop, Town of Banff, Free
May 16 - October 14: Pedestrian and Cyclist Only Main Street - cars will no longer be able to travel down Main Street from 6 Avenue to 8 Avenue beginning May 16.
Thursday, May 19: Canmore Compost Giveaway, Town of Canmore, appointments required
May 28, 10:00-4:00pm: Electric Vehicle Expo! Biosphere Institute & Bow Valley Climate Action Society, Elevation Place, Canmore, Free
June 25, 12:00-5:00pm: Save the date for Canmore's first Eco Solar Home Tour! Eco Solar, Canmore, Free
climate in the news
“Banff council adds $40k to e-bike rebate program” - via Rocky Mountain Outlook
“Climate change investments now will save money in the future” - via Canadian Press
"Extreme heat waves threaten honeybee fertility and trigger sudden death" - via The Conversation
LGMS students raise funds for the environment
Four 10 & 11-year olds from Canmore recently raised funds for the Biosphere Institute, by selling homemade items like bracelets, bookmarks, and soap. The Biosphere Institute is inspired and grateful for their contributions to our important work.
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!
