Living Sustainably Speaker Series III – November 2024 thru April 2025
The Cochrane Environmental Action Committee (CEAC) is excited to present, Living Sustainably Series III, the third series of presentations for Cochrane area residents. Topics for Series III speaker series will include a Sustainability Expo, Wildlife Coexistence, Air Quality, Solar 101 & Solar Clubs, Energy Efficiency & Electric Vehicles, and Birding.
Scroll DOWN to find information for Upcoming Sessions.
These information sessions are free to attend but registration is required at the link provided for each session.
Session 01 | Living With Coyotes (Past Event)
This session, presented by one of North America’s leading canid experts, will explore coyote behaviour and our everyday entanglements with them, with an aim to empower citizens to what to do in encounters and better understand how we can co-exist with coyotes.
Speaker: Dr. Shelley Alexander is a Professor in the Department of Geography (University of Calgary) and a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. She has over 30 years of experience studying wild canids, specializing in wolves and coyotes. Her research engages non-invasive methods, and spans disciplines of ecology, ethology, ethics and human-wildlife coexistence (including aversion conditioning). Shelley’s research and science outreach span the globe, she has developed guidelines for human-coyote coexistence nationally, and provided expert review and testimony internationally.
Registration Closed.
Session 02 | Wildfire Smoke & Air Quality in the Bow Valley (Past Event)
Over the last decade, the increased frequency of wildfires in western Canada have produced more and more smoke. Since this trend is expected to increase, wildfire smoke will continue to impact air quality in the Bow Valley. The Calgary Region Airshed Zone (CRAZ) monitors, collects, and analyzes air quality data in Calgary and the surrounding region. CRAZ has developed a “Community Guide to Wildfire Smoke and Health”, to provide consistent Alberta-specific messaging, resources, and information to help municipalities, companies, schools, organizations and the public to plan for and prepare for wildfire smoke events.
CRAZ will review and discuss the following:
- the composition of smoke
- fire and air
- how smoke can negatively affect a person’s health
- how to protect yourself during smoke events
- overview of the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) and
- overall air quality trends in the Bow Valley
Speakers: For this session we will be joined by Mandeep Dhaliwal, Air Quality Program Manager and Tanya Carlson, Engagement Program Manager, both with CRAZ.
Mr. Dhaliwal, B.SC., P.CHEM, is an atmospheric scientist with over 15 years of experience in monitoring air quality (ambient and indoor), meteorology, and noise. Mandeep is experienced in monitoring data collection and data validation protocols, as per provincial and national air monitoring reporting protocols. In previous positions, Mandeep has developed, implemented, and maintained various monitoring programs related to mining and oil & gas operations throughout Canada.
Ms. Carlson began her tenure with CRAZ as the Engagement Program Manager in March 2015. With a robust background in the non-profit sector, Tanya has dedicated several years to roles in Marketing and Special Event Management before joining CRAZ. In 2022, Tanya completed her Non Profit Management Certification from Mount Royal University. Additionally, she is also a Recreation Therapist, specializing in the field of Gerontology.
Registration Closed.
EXPO: Zero Waste (postponed)
Learn about Cochrane’s Zero Waste Plan with our guest speaker presentation and time to meet local sustainability vendors.
Speaker: Fabrizio Bertolo, Manager of Waste & Recycling with The Town of Cochrane
Date: pending
Registration pending.
Session 03 | Solar 101 & Solar Clubs (Past Event)
The third session of the Living Sustainably Series III will be a double-header featuring two presentations on Solar Power
Solar Panels 101 – An Overview and Introduction to Solar Power
Learn about the myths related to solar power – capital costs, rebates, pay back periods and much more. Get the foundational knowledge you need to take the next steps in your renewable energy and energy efficiency journey.
Speaker: Stephanie Westlund is the Solar Training Lead for Solar Alberta; she holds an MA in Resources and the Environment and a PhD in Peace and Conflict Studies. Stephanie manages the Solar Training Program as well as represents Solar Alberta in the Calgary area. Stephanie is passionate about working towards a just and sustainable energy future in Alberta.
Solar Clubs 101 – An Overview and Introduction to Maximizing Your Solar Power Economics
If you have already installed solar on your home, you’ll want to learn about the Solar Club process and the advantages of solar clubs. During the summer months when you are exporting more energy to the grid than you are importing, you can select a higher electrical rate and maximize your return. In the winter months, however, when you are importing more energy from the grid than exporting, you can select a lower electrical rate.
Speaker: Darren Chu is the Managing Director at Utility Network & Partners Inc. (“UTILITYnet”), a leading retailer of electricity, natural gas, and Internet services in Alberta. Passionate about making affordable energy accessible to Albertans, Darren plays a key role in actively addressing energy policy and advocating for regulatory changes that benefit consumers. His multifaceted role spans technology, business development, education, and team management, enabling the company to thrive and venture into new markets.
Registration Closed.
Session 04 | Energy Efficiency & Electric Vehicles (Upcoming)
Details Pending
Session 05 | Birding (Upcoming)
Details Pending