Environmental Sustainability

Our Environmental Sustainability Action Plan (ESAP) was developed to update, integrate and expand the Town’s strategies, programs and initiatives related to environmental stewardship and ensure implementation of the community’s vision.  The ESAP includes goals, targets and actions related to energy and climate protection, resource conservation and waste management, water management, toxin reduction and community engagement. You can download the ESAP  pdf here (2.27 MB) .

Waste Reduction

How you can help:

• Reduce the amount of waste you create in your day-to-day life, especially single use items like coffee cups and water bottles
• Ensure you are only putting the correct items in neighbourhood recycling bins. If recycling bins are contaminated with too much garbage the material has to be landfilled. The Beyond Curbside Recycling webpage lists all of the acceptable materials

Water Conservation

How you can help:

• Think about the different ways you may be wasting water. Canadians are among the largest per capita users of fresh water in the world
• Check the weather forecast and make sure you are only watering your lawn when it’s needed. Water in the early morning to avoid evaporation. Outdoor watering can increase your home’s water use up to 40% in the summer
• Consider using native, drought-tolerant plants and xeriscaping as an alternative to grass

Toxin Reduction

How you can help:

• Go pesticide and herbicide free in your lawn or garden and let us know so we can track progress in the community
• Make sure you are taking e-waste, paint, batteries and other household hazardous waste to the Boulder Crescent Recycling Depot. If these materials go to the landfill they can leak toxins into the environment
• Consider what is in any chemical cleaners that you may be putting down the drain and releasing into the Bow River, and look for natural alternatives

Energy and Climate Protection

2030 Goal: 8.9 tonnes of CO2e/person/year

Current State: 12.8 tonnes of CO2e/person/year

How you can help:

• Take advantage of free local transit or the 160 km of trails in Canmore to bike or walk to where you need to go
• If you are planning a renovation make energy efficient upgrades at the same time
• Pay attention to your thermostat settings, hot water use and lights. Little savings add up
• Get involved in local organizations taking action on climate change in Canmore