Urban Agriculture in Alberta -- Yes, It's True. . . It Can Be Done

Clearly Barb Hazenveld and her family are committed gardeners.  Watch this video and see what they have accomplished in a single season.  You can also check out Barb's website for tips on energy efficiency and organic gardening techniques at http://gorgeousandedible.com.

CRACK CRACK CRACKDOWN and Other Tales of Feathered Friends

Thinking of Joining the Growing Chicken Revolution?  Here's some inspiration for you:

http://www.crackdown.ca/  Crackdown! is a short, creative video that takes a satirical look at what it means to raise chickens in your backyard – and become a criminal for doing so.

http://www.thegridto.com/city/people/andrew-and-matthew-patel-defiant-chicken-keepers/

 

http://torontogardens.blogspot.ca/2012/08/be-chicken-support-crackdown.html

 

Ageing in the 21st Century

http://unfpa.org/ageingreport/

Excerpts from the Report:

Population ageing is one of the most significant trends of the 21st century.  It has important and far-reaching implications for all aspecyts of society.  With one in nine persons in the world aed 60 years or over, projected to increase to one in five by 2050, population ageing is a phenomenon that can no loner be ignored.

The report, which is the product of a collaboration of over 20 UN entities and major international organizations working in the area of population ageing, shows that important progress has been made by many countries in adopting new policies, strategies, plans and laws on ageing, but the much more nedds to be done to fully implement the Madrid Plan and fulfill the potential of our aging world.  Aging is a triumph of development.  Increasing longevity is one of humanity's greatest achievements.To face the challenges and also take advantage of the opportunities resulting from population aeing, this report calls for new approaches to the way that societies, worforces, and social and intergenerational relations are structured.  Globally, women form the majority of older persons. 

The report makes the case for national and local governments, international organizations, communities, and civil society to fully commit to a concerted global efort to realign 21st century society to fit the realities of 21st century demographics.  It focuses on:

• income security
• access to quality health care
• enabling environments

Nominate an inspiring older person for the 60 over 60 list:  http://7billionactions.org/60over60

A TRIP TO THE FARM WITHOUT GETTING ANYTHING ON YOUR SHOES. . .

 

Do you remember that song Wildwood Flower -- about the fellow growing plants that let him take a trip around the world without ever having to leave the farm?  Here's a website that can take you to visit a variety of farms -- orchards, confined feeding operations, etc. -- but you don't even have to smoke anything.

http://www.farmissues.com/virtualTour/en/index.html

Enjoy!

SAYING GOODBYE TO ELMER STOYBERG

1935 - 2012

FOREVER YOUNG

Today, I paid my respects and said goodbye to a wonderful man and mentor. I met Elmer many years ago, during my tenure at Red Deer County where Elmer served on Council for 18 years, including one term as Reeve.
While not everyone prescribed to Elmer's philosopies -- and some might have even found themselves on opposite sides of the table -- Elmer was a man of deep conviction and principles. He stood up for what he believed in, often at great expense to his political career. He was a committed farmer who never missed an opportunity to advocate for agriculture, even though it cost him dearly. Elmer knew it isn't always easy to stand up for something you believe in but he did it because he knew it was the right thing to do.
Elmer was also very forward-thinking. I recall him talking about 30th Avenue which, at that time, was still a mile or two on the outskirts of the City of Red Deer. Elmer wanted it protected all the way to Highway 42, several miles away, because one day it would serve as a major route into the city (I just might have dated myself with that story). He also wanted to make sure that nothing ever compromised McKenzie Road, also still a few miles south of the City, because it would be needed as a major transportation link to the regional airport. I distinctly remember rolling my eyes when he spoke of 30th Avenue; by the time we were talking McKenzie Road, he was preaching to the converted. And don't you know, he was right on both counts. A decade or more later, these very suggestions were raised by others who considered themselves to be visionary -- it made me smile, and reminded me of Elmer, the real visionary.
During the celebration of Elmer's life, we heard wonderful tributes from his children, nephew and grandchildren. They left no doubt that Elmer was a Papa, father, husband and brother.  He was also a good friend and mentor. There were a couple of things Elmer loved almost as much as his family. One was his music. He always carried a harmonica in his pocket and was more than happy to bring it out and play a tune. He also had a deep love and affection for his farm, where he was raised -- where he raised his children, and where they brought their children to him to learn the value of working the land and working with animals.

As I sat at Elmer's funeral, reading the Farmer's Creed on the back of his funeral card, I knew I was saying good-bye to someone who spent many countless hours on behalf of his community because he loved it and was confident he could make it a better place. Clearly, he lived by the Creed; he left this earth a better place and he left me a better person for having known him.

FARMERS CREED

I believe a man's greatest possession is his dignity and that no calling bestows this more abundantly than farming. I believe hard work and honest sweat are the building blocks of a person's character.

I believe that farming, despite its hardships and disappointments, is the most honest and honorable way a man can spend his days on this earth.

I believe farming nurtures the close family ties that make life rich in ways money can't buy.
I believe my children are learning values that will last a lifetime and can be learned in no
other way.

I believe farming provides education for life and that no other occupation teaches so much about birth, growth, and maturity in such a variety of ways.

I believe many of the best things in life are indeed free: the splendor of a sunrise, the  rapture of wide open spaces, the exhilarating sight of your land greening each spring.

I believe that true happiness comes from watching your crops ripen in the field, your children grow tall in the sun, your whole family feel the pride that springs from their shared experience.
I believe that by my toil I am giving more to the world than I am taking from it, an honor that does not come to all men.
I believe my life will be measured ultimately by what I have done for my fellowman, and by this standard I fear no judgement.

I believe when a man grows old and sums up his days, he should be able to stand tall and feel pride in the life he's lived.
I believe in farming because it makes all this possible.

Planning Can't Solve all Your Problems -- Good Neighbour Rules

 Have you ever found yourself complaining that there doesn't seem to be any accountability?  Every time I turn around it seems someone is looking for somebody to take care of them.  We want the government -- all levels -- to resolve all of our issues and, quite simply, that's impossible, not to mention, unneccesary.  Sometimes, we need to take responsibility of our own well-being, our own happiness. 

We have all heard the story about the guy in the Tim Horton's line-up that buys the coffee for the car behind.  There are lots of phrases describing the same philosophy:  'pay it forward', 'treat others as you would like to be treated', 'smile and the whole world smiles at you' . . . I'm sure you get my drift.

And what are we hearing so much about at the planning level these days?  The focus is squarely community focused.  Get out into the neighbourhood; become aware of what is going on in your own back yard; eyes on the street.  So why is it that we are having to be reminded of what it means to be a good neighbour?  Our grandparents and parents knew these lessons. Where did we go off track?  When did we decide that knowing who lived next door was no longer important? Why did we choose to be insular?

Here's a little refresher course in being a good neighbour.  Give it a read, think about it and maybe even put one or two of the suggestions into practice.  I don't think you need your municipal government telling you how to act with kindness and thoughtfullness in your own back yard. . . . or do you?

http://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Good-Neighbour

7 Places You Shouldn't Put a CFL

I recenty posted comments on my moe recent use of LED lighting, in favour of CFLs.  The most common concern I hear with CFLs in the use of mercury.  Here's an article reiterating the use of CFLs in many instances is still a cost-effective environmentally sound choice -- IN MOST INSTANCES. 

here's where they should NOT be used: 
http://www.thedailygreen.com/living-green/blogs/recycling-design-technology/cfl-facts

Bill C-38 aka Jobs, Growth and Long‐Term Prosperity Act

I don't know how many of you have stopped to read all 400 pages of Bill C-38 and, if you did, fathom the full extent of changes this single piece of legislation makes on numerous other Canadian Acts.  My sources tell me that it will eventually result in substantial changes to federal environmental law in Canada.  In all, at least 10 other pieces of federal legislation will be amended or repealed, resulting in changes to federal environmental assessment law, fisheries law and the operation of the National Energy Board.  It also impacts the Income Tax Act which may have implications for many of Canada's NGO environmental organizations.

Briefly:
*  the number and scope of federal environmental assessments will be reduced;
*  the level of protection to fisheries has been reduces and is limited to commercial, recreational of Aboriginal fisheries;
* Decisions previously left to the National Energy Board will not be made by federal cabinet and the potential impacts of proposed pipelines on critical habitat of species at risk no longer has to be considered.

The passing of Bill C-38 also results in amendments to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, Parks Canada Agency Act, Canada National Parks Act, Canada National Marine Conservation Act, Coasting Trade Act, Lyoto Protocol Implementation Act, National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy Act, Nuclear Safety and Control Act, Seeds Act and Species at Risk Act.

In other words, the impact of  Bill C-38 has broad and far-reaching implications that will affect each and every Canadian at some level.

Want to learn more?  Check out the following links:
http://wcel.org/category/keywords/bill-c-38

http://www.nationtalk.ca/modules/news/article.php?storyid=53956

http://www.elc.http://environmentallawcentre.wordpress.com/2012/08/10/an-overview-of-bill-c-38-the-budget-bill-that-transformed-canadas-federal-environmental-laws/

http://www.cpj.ca/en/content/bill-c-38-implementing-environmental-neglect

http://www.fin.gc.ca/n12/12-050-eng.asp

http://openparliament.ca/debates/2012/5/10/dave-mackenzie-1/only/

http://www.afn.ca/index.php/en/news-media/latest-news/Technical-Bulletin-Update-on-Bill-C-38-Jobs-Growth-and-Long-term-Prosp

UPDATE! LED -- You've Come a LONG Way, Baby!

Eartheasy has provided a very useful update which includes a great chart to help you understand how many lumens are required for your replacement lighting based on the various replacement options:  http://eartheasy.com/blog/2014/12/how-to-get-started-using-led-lights-in-your-home/?utm_source=Eartheasy+Newsletter+Subscribers&utm_campaign=8fc919ec26-December_Newsletter_201412_3_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_4c37d9d05d-8fc919ec26-310703853&mc_cid=8fc919ec26&mc_eid=317950f2e5

For several years now, I've been using a mix of incandescent, halogen and CFL lighting in my home.  Let's face it, they all have their best uses and they all have drawbacks.  Incandescent bulbs come in a variety of options -- cool, warm, soft, etc. but they burn bright and aren't very energy efficient. CFL bulbs, while being considerably more  efficient, provide a cooler light, are slow to reach full capacity, are usually not dimmable and contain the much dreaded mercury.  That means, CFLs require special handling for disposal. While halogen lighting produces the best light for these tired eyes; alas, they are not only expensive, they produce a considerable amount of heat -- great in the winter; not-so-great in the dog days of summer.

Then, along came LED lighting for the home but, as much as I wanted to believe in it, earlier models didn't work out so well for me.  Not only was the lighting poor quality -- for the most part, I couldn't even get them to work in my light fixtures.  But I have to admit, over the past couple of years, LED lighting has come a long way.   So far, in fact, that about half of my lighting needs have been met with LED.

Recently, I replaced about half of my halogen bulbs with LED, and about the same ratio for CFLs and incandescent lighting.  The LEDs provide a great spotlight effect but don't produce enough task lighting so I've mixed them in with my regular halogens.  LED lighting seems to work best where high intensity task lighting is not required.  I'll be monitoring to see whether these bulbs have the lasting power advertised and I'm hoping to see a decrease in my electrical bills very shortly.

Take a look at the comparison chart below.  If the cost savings are even remotely close to being accurate in Canada, I see a beach vacation in the near future. 

Cost Comparison between LEDs, CFLs and Incandescent light bulbs

LED CFL Incandescent Light bulb projected lifespan 50,000 hours 10,000 hours 1,200 hours Watts per bulb (equiv. 60 watts) 10 14 60 Cost per bulb $35.95 $3.95 $1.25 KWh of electricity used over 50,000 hours 300 500 700 3000 Cost of electricity (@ 0.10per KWh) $50 $70 $300 Bulbs needed for 50k hours of use 1 5 42 Equivalent 50k hours bulb expense $35.95 $19.75 $52.50 Total cost for 50k hours $85.75 $89.75 $352.50 Energy Savings over 50,000 hours, assuming 25 bulbs per household: Total cost for 25 bulbs $2143.75 $2243.75 $8812.50 Savings to household by switching from incandescents $6668.75 $6568.75 0

Notes: - Cost of electricity will vary. The figures used above are for comparison only, and are not exact. Residential energy costs among the various states range from 28.53 cents (Hawaii) to 6.34 cents (Idaho) per KWH. - The cost per bulb for LEDs may vary. We used the figure of $35.95 (for a 60 watt equivalent LED bulb) as an average among lighting retailers. - Estimates of bulb lifespan are projected, since it would take about 6 years of continuous lighting to test. Some manufacturers claim the new LED bulbs will last up to 25 years under normal household use, but this is not proven. - Bulb breakage and bulb replacement costs have not been factored into this comparison chart. Incandescent bulbs and CFL bulbs are more easily broken than LEDs, which increases their cost of use. - Most LEDs come with a minimum 2-year guarantee. Any defective LED bulb will usually fail within this time. Source:  http://eartheasy.com/live_led_bulbs_comparison.html

Walkable Neighbourhoods

Did you know:

• that New York City, with a population of 8,174,290, is the most walkable City in the US? No wonder everybody loves to go there!
• that Red Deer is considered very walkable, with a score of 78?

Walkability offers surprising benefits to our health, the environment, our finances, and our communities.
Health: The average resident of a walkable neighborhood weighs 6-10 pounds less than someone who lives in a sprawling neighborhood.
Cities with good public transit and access to amenities promote happiness.
Environment: 82% of CO2 emissions are from burning fossil fuels. Your feet are zero-pollution transportation machines.
Finances: Cars are the second largest household expense in the U.S.One point of Walk Score is worth up to $3,000 of value for your property.
Communities: Studies show that for every 10 minutes a person spends in a daily car commute, time spent in community activities falls by 10%.


^{Want to know more?  Check out this website: http://www.walkscore.com/}

HEY MR. PRIME MINISTER, WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OF -- UPDATE

I posted this link more than two years ago and just revisited it.  It's interesting to note that the only thing that has really changed is that Canada's Minister of the Environment is now Leona. Aglukkag, apointed in 2013.

What's clear to me?  The face may have changed:  the mindset didn't. Try this link below and decide for yourself.

http://www.frankejames.com/debate/?p=11818

Dawson Creek -- One of Canada's Most Sustainable Urban Communities

Last September,  Dawson Creek BC announced a new initiative to help cut greenhouse gas pollution.  The City  pays $100 for each tonne of carbon emissions from the city's buildings, vehicles and other operations to Dawson Creek Carbon Fund which, in turn supports project which reduce greenhouse gas pollution within the comnmunity.  This innovative approach to reducing its own greenhouse gas pollution works towards meeting its own commitment of carbon neutrality in its operations by 2012, as committed to under the B.C. Climate Action Charter.  Dawson Creek worked closely with the Pembina Institute to design the Carbon Fund.

Dawson Creek is a recognized leader in British Columbia in implementing forward thinking

energy efficiency and renewable energy projects and policies. We recognize that taking

action to reduce emissions is one of the most significant things a municipality can do to

combat climate change, and we are excited to meet this challenge head-on. We have

successfully taken some first steps towards fulfilling our commitment to be carbon neutral

by 2012, and there is much more to do.(1)

The B.C. Climate Action Charter was developed to encourage local governments to make operations carbon neutral by 2012; to measure and report on community emissions; and to work towards creating more compact, complete, energy efficient communities. Dawson Creek is amongst the signatories of the Charter and is committed to being carbon neutral in its municipal operations by 2012.

For more information on the subject, refer to the following link

http://www.planningforpeople.ca/is/index.asp
Dawson Creek’s Strategy

(1)  On the Path to Carbon Neutral 

The People’s Food Policy

Another interesting read about the status of Canada's Food Policy
http://www.margaretwebb.com/apples_to_oysters/fire-in-their-bellies/

When it comes to Alberta’s agri-foods sector, is bigger really better?

http://albertaventure.com/2012/06/when-it-comes-to-alberta%e2%80%99s-agri-foods-sector-is-bigger-really-better/

The following is an excerpt -- for the entire article please refer to the link above

Sizing up the competition - Jun 11, 2012  by Robin Schroffel

If there’s one thing that stands out about Alberta’s agri-foods industry, it’s that nobody stands out. While there are plenty of big companies selling into the Alberta market (Cargill, Olymel, Maple Leaf Foods, Lucerne, Agropur and McCain, to name a few), only one – meat processor XL Foods – is actually headquartered in the province.

What exactly are agri-foods, anyway?

In this industry report, we’ve used the term “agri-foods” to refer to items that have been somehow processed or manufactured, to which value has been added. But Lynn Stegman of Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development says the phrase is often used as an umbrella term covering both processed and primary agricultural and food products. It would then include things like basic crops and livestock along with manufactured goods and biofuels.
Primary products (agriculture)
Basic crops and livestock produced from the natural resources of the Earth
Examples: cattle, unprocessed grains such as wheat and barley, legumes such as chickpeas and lentils
Value-added products (food and beverage manufacturing)
Primary agricultural products that have been manufactured to increase their value
Examples: meat, prepared mustard, pet food, beer, spun yarn
Biofuels
Fuels in which energy is derived from a biological carbon source, including vegetable oils, animal fats and crops
Examples: methane from biomass, ethanol, biodiesel

Tips to Earn Points on LEED Project or How to Cheat* at LEED for Homes

it might be a little older but it's still worth the read:

file://http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/blogs/dept/green-building-curmudgeon/how-cheat-leed-homes

 

Posted on May 24 2011 by Carl Seville, GBA Advisor

Connecting the Fractal City

http://zeta.math.utsa.edu/~yxk833/connecting.html

This essay describes distinct types of cities as characterized by their connective geometry. The pressure to accommodate both the automobile and increased population growth led twentieth-century urbanists to impose anti-fractal geometrical typologies.  The distribution of the sizes of urban components and connections can define fundamentally different types of cities.  In his essay, Nikos A. Salingaros discusses the hierarchy of connections necessary to sustain urban life. Competing networks of connections exist on several scales, each scale being necessary for separate functions. Understanding these interconnections is essential if we wish to incorporate the electronic city into the physical city.  He criticizes the policy of eliminating small-scale connections in favor of large-scale connections -- the city needs both, and in the proper balance.

Urban Gardening and Upcycling

 

The concept is that you water the top plant and it drains through to the plant below that and then to the plant below that.  www.UrbanOrganicGardener.com.

Some great ideas for container gardening!  And he has an entire series to meet all your city dwelling green thumb desires.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TONjtv6uuKI&feature=relmfu

Please Help Support Our Food Banks

http://youtu.be/_hkKndoXJdc

Help Fill the Food Banks just by watching this video and sharing it on Facebook and Twitter. For every YouTube view, before May 11, 2012, Shaw will donate $1 to the food bank drive and Campbell Canada will donate 1 pound of food up to $250,000 and 250,000 pounds of food respectively. Please share and help us fill local food banks. Find out how you can donate at http://togetherisamazing.com/

Published on Apr 12, 2012 by ShawCommunication

 

Brightest Moon of the Year and Meteor Shower Tonight

http://www.theweathernetwork.com/news/storm_watch_stories3&stormfile=Supermoon_visible_in_night_sky_this_weekend_04_05_2012?ref=ccbox_weather_topstories

Let's hope the rain lets up and the skies are clear tonight so that we call all enjoy a tha spectacle of moon and stars!

Province to Create a Property Rights Advocate

http://alberta.ca/PropertyRights/index.html
The Alberta government has introduced legislation to establish a Property Rights Advocate to strengthen landowner interests as development in the province occurs.  Bill 6: the Property Rights Advocate Act was introduced in response to landowners' position that they MUST have recourse to an independent tribunal, the courts, or both for the purpose of determining full and fair compensation for access to their land.

Reporting to the Minister of Alberta Justice and Attorney General, the Property Rights Advocate Office will share independent and impartial information about property rights and help people determine the appropriate resolution mechanism including the courts. The Advocate will be required to table an annual report on the office’s business each year in the legislature.

Take a read and decide for yourself whether you think it addresses the concerns of landowners across the Province to the Alberta Land Stewardship Act.

Professional Planners Stamping Land Use Plans? That's Just Silly

As you may have noticed, I  blog primarily to share information I think others might find value in.  This time, however, I need to go on a bit of a rant about a subject that has gotten under my skin for many years.  Perhaps I'm being overly sensitive, perhaps not.  Feel free to enter the debate; I would like to hear a common sense defense that is anything other than elitist, egotistical and self-serving.

The Province has committed to a review of Alberta's Municipal Government Act, the primary legislation governing land use planning.  A week or so ago, there was a comment on Twitter advocating for the introduction into the Act, a requirement for land use plans to be 'signed off' by a registered professional planner.  My immediate response:  THAT'S JUST SILLY. 

In an effort to understand why someone would lobby for such an autocratic amendment, the discussion moved from Tweets to email.  As you may have guessed, I was not convinced.  Having plans signed off by a professional planner, as I understood it, has two primary focuses:  the first would be to provide for consistency in the content of planning documents throughout the Province; the second is to assure municipalities and other agencies that the plans met the requirements of the Act and were developed with a high standard of professionalism.  The example provided was that planning documents should be considered in the same light as engineering studies whereby professional engineers stamp their work to confirm the accuracy and completeness of the product. 

As I said earlier, THAT'S JUST SILLY.  Since we've likened planning to engineering, let's just compare them a little closer.   A quick google produced the following statement, which I believe accurately reflects these professional institutions:

Professional engineering is:
Affixing the seal on documents and drawings indicates the documents and drawings are final for the intended purpose and have been prepared by or under the supervision of a person licensed to practise professional engineering who is assuming responsibility for them. By sealing documents and drawings, licence holders acknowledge that they assume professional responsibility for the design, opinions, judgments or directions given in the documents and drawings. The seal is a "mark of reliance," indicating that a licence holder attests that other people can rely on the information provided in the documents and drawings.   http://www.peo.on.ca/registration/LR.html

The engineering profession is very objective, whereas the planning profession is much more subjective.  According to the Canadian Institute of Planners:

"Planning" means the scientific, aesthetic, and orderly disposition of land, resources, facilities and services with a view to securing the physical, economic and social efficiency, health and well-being of urban and rural communities.

An MCIP adheres to a Code of Professional Practice developed by the Institute delineating the planner's responsibility to the public interest, clients and employers and the profession.  http://www.cip-

If you just scratch the surface,  requiring a professional planner to sign off on land use plans  seems to have some merit.  However, there is a vast difference in the basic underpinning of each of these professions.  Engineering is not only founded in science, it is also grounded in science.  Planning, on the other hand, is really the synthesis of science, trends and public perception .  In the words of Thomas Adams, 'the best planners need many skills to make sure all considerations are met during a project.' 

Planning attemps to balance private interests with public interests through a creative process designed to capture a collective vision.  A land use plan is the culmination of information garnered through the use of numerous tools, including capacity building, computer modelling, design workshops and, of course, any existing science-based studies and documentation.  It takes information we know to be true, plus information we believe to be true, mixed with a wee bit of crystal ball gazing to make a truly good, implementable land use plan.

Beyond this significant variation between how the two professions are applied in the real world, there is another issue of liability.  Because engineering is science based, engineers have a responsibility to ensure the science behind a design is sound and properly applied.  If it isn't, an engineer might be considered negligent. Because land use planning is so much more subjective, guiding principles and policies are often loosely penned, which can result in broad interpretation and application.  As an example, what I might interpret very literally, might be interpreted by another as something completely different.   While we all might carry liability insurance, when is the last time a professional planner was effectively sued for negligence, not to mention, how would one go about proving negligence? 

If planning isn't a hard science, and a planner can't really be found negligent, what would the purpose of requiring a plan to be signed off?  The only other thing I can think of is, perhaps, whether a professional planner would like to ensure the policies contained in a land use plan meets the requirements of the MGA and all are implementable.  While most of the requirements of the MGA aren't rocket science, anyone who has dallied in the world of current planning for very long can site any number of plans, crafted by professional and non-professional planners alike, containing policies that conflict with other plans in the heirarchy or are simply not implementable. 
If there is an professional that should be signing off on land use plans, perhaps it's the engineer, particularly in instances where plans rely upon detailed engineering studies and reports.  In instances where a plan is so prescriptive that it identifies very specific land uses (not just types) perhaps the authority having jurisdiction over permitting (i.e., the lowly Development Officer) should be 'signing off'; they are, more often than not, interpreting and applying most plans and already have certain responsibilities under the Act to do so.

In my mind, land use planning is not a simple matter.  To me, good planning very much requires a collaborative approach and its success reliant on several factors.  In my opinion, here are the ingredients to development a great land use plan:

1.   1 developer with a development vision
2.   1 interested and engaged community with a similar neighbourhood vision
3.   1committed approving authority with a similar community vision
4.   1 very savvy engineer
The planner, by the way, is the cook in my recipe.  The product relies heavily on the quality of the first 3 ingredients and the skill the cook has in mixing.  A successful plan requires a developer with a vision that will benefit the greater good;  a community that supports the vision; and an approving authority that is committed to implementing the vision.  The engineering is the science that holds the 3 ingredients together to make it all work.  It is the planner (or the cook) who is responsible for the careful balance of ingredients. 

We've all written plans that we are very proud of; and others, not-so-much so for reasons that aren't always within our control.  Perhaps our client was more concerned with his dream rather than that of the community's; perhaps community perception altered the outcome; perhaps politics got in the way of good planning.  What can I say?  It happens to all of us.  Some planners are just going to be better than others, just as some cooks are better than others, and some plans are just better than others.

Whoever thinks there is a benefit to requiring land use plans to be signed off by a professional planner -- well, THAT'S JUST SILLY!

1. any act of planning, designing, composing, evaluating, advising, reporting, directing or supervising (or the managing of any such act);
2. that requires the application of engineering principles; and
3. concerns the safeguarding of life, health, property, economic interests, the public welfare or the environment.

If what you do meets all three tests, you are practising professional engineering and must be licensed by the association.

Size Perspectives

Assuming that the data is correct this provides a fascinating perspective on things.  Something I already knew was reinforced:  size really DOES matter 
http://htwins.net/scale2/scale2.swf?bordercolor=white

The connection between religion and urban planning

The Easter Holiday is one of the most significant celebrations in the world when it comes to religion.  For Christians, it is the time to mourn the death of Jesus Christ, son of God, who died for our sins;  a time of celebration as Jesus is risen from the dead, with a promise to return.  For those of Jewish faith,  it is the time of Passover, which commemorates the story of the Exodus, in which the ancient Israelites were freed from slavery in Egypt.

Most people never reflect on why they believe what they believe. In a world filled with popular customs and traditions, few seek to understand the origin of things.  How does religion play a role in the design of our communities?  In some parts of the world where religious wars continue as we speak, land use plans recognize the need for separation toward a goal of the safety of its citizens. Heritage sites are often religion based.  Indirectly,  decisions which areimplemented and enforced are often religion influenced, timing of meetings and decisions timed so as not to coincide with holy days.  Identifying the cultural and religions aspects of a community  is as critical as applying science-based technology in the planning process.

https://www.creative-communities.com/ws-content/uploads/Religion.pdf

Honeybee problem nearing a ‘critical point’

http://grist.org/food/2012-01-13-honey-bees-problem-nearing-a-critical-point/?fb_ref=fbrw

Beekeepers have seen an average decline of 30% per year since 2006, thought to be due primarily to pesticides.  Here's an interesting article, courtesy of Claire Thompson, Grist.

The Science of Today's Spring Equinox

http://www.livescience.com/19172-science-date-spring-equinox.html

Today is the first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. Though no guarantee of gorgeous weather that's not too hot and not too cold, the Earth's position relative to the sun says it's officially time for the birds to start chirping.

The first day of spring arrives on varying dates (from March 19-21) in different years for two reasons: Our year is not exactly an even number of days; and Earth's slightly noncircular orbit, plus the gravitational tug of the other planets, constantly changes our planet's orientation to the sun from year to year.

This year, spring starts Tuesday, March 20, at 1:14 a.m EDT (05:14 Universal Time). That's when the so-called vernal equinox occurs. Equinoxes (which mark the onset of spring and autumn) and solstices (which mark when summer and winter begin) are points in time and space that mark a transition in our planet's annual trip around the sun.

At each equinox, the sun crosses Earth's equator, making night and day of approximately equal length on most of the planet. At the equator, the sun is directly overhead at noon on either equinox. However, day and night are not exactly equal on the date of the equinoxes. For instance, at higher latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere, the "equal day and night" occurs a few days before the spring equinox, while in the Southern Hemisphere that date comes after the March equinox, according to the National Weather Service. [Earth's Equinoxes & Solstices (Infographic)]     The rest of this article can be found at: 

http://www.livescience.com/19172-science-date-spring-equinox.html

6 Tips for Building Soil for Your Raised Garden Beds and Planters | Eartheasy Blog

6 Tips for Building Soil for Your Raised Garden Beds and Planters Eartheasy Blog

Here are some tips for building productive soil for your garden beds and planters – while there are some differences based on locale, these tips pretty much apply anywhere…

Associated Link:  https://robinsonloveplants.com/

AND THEN THERE WAS LIGHT

http://www.wimp.com/lightenup/

What to do with all those pesky plastic bottles we have become so attached to. . . well, someone found a use that not only provides a solution for the third world poor but also gives us safe, reliable method of reuse.  Watch this and see for yourself.  I think i just might try this at home. . .

Energize Alberta - Cow-pattie power

Energize Alberta - Cow-pattie power  -- Who could possibly NOT be interested in reading about a subject called 'Cow-pattie Power'?  On a cattle feedlot located outside  of Vegreville, Alta., cow manure may just be this province’s energy future.  Interest in this technology is, by no means new.

In Vermont, seven dairy farms are transforming millions of gallons of cow manure into electricity through the Cow Power project.  Converting farm manure to energy may also help alleviate a problem in some areas, where too much poultry and livestock waste is generated to be safely used as fertilizer on crop fields. A study presented by Chevron representatives showed that processing horse manure-to-energy could be worth roughly $7.3 million over the next two decades.  Guelph may lead North America but a village in India beat us by decades. Twenty years ago, methane collected from the village cow’s manure fuelled the simple oven that cooked delicious thalis in the south India village of Mitraniketan.

Resources:
http://www.energizealberta.com/index.php/energy-features/renewables/71-cow-pattie-power
http://www.good.is/post/cow-manure-and-other-waste-can-create-power/

http://www.pe.com/local-news/riverside-county/corona/corona-headlines-index/20120216-norco-city-moves-forward-with-manure-to-power-project.ece

http://www.guelphmercury.com/opinion/columns/article/670671--turning-methane-into-a-valuable-fuel

Updated: Shop At Walmart But Ashamed to Admit It? We Should Be

http://grist.org/business-technology/walmarts-biggest-green-feat-putting-sustainability-on-the-corporate-agenda/

so -- what do you REALLY think of Walmart?  personally, i was never much of a fan; the quality of food and clothing wasn't to my liking; the aisles narrow and often plugged with an irritating column that you can't quite manage to squeeze a cart around; while the staff are friendly enough, it's almost impossible to track one down when you really need one.  and we've all seen the emailed photos of the kind of people that shop at Walmart. . . . nobody wants to be one with that bunch!

and then one day, while i was having my car repaired in one of my favourite Central Alberta towns, i found myself in need of some supplies and Walmart was one of the few stores within easy walking distance (by 'easy' i mean close enough that i was willing to carry a few bag of groceries back from).

i'd heard about the new Walmart Supercentres but had yet to grace one with my presence.  but there it was, just a little west and north of where my car was being serviced.  so i thought, why not check it out?  i think it was 3 hours later when i finally made it back to the servic centre -- and not because it was a difficult distance to carry my bags.  this brand new store was nice and clean, with lots of room between the aisles for me and my cart, and man, the people were friendly.  i think the 'friendly' had more to do with the fact that i was in a smaller community but the fresh and clean appearance of the store and decent produce was pure Walmart.

i have to admit, somewhat shamefaced, there are times that i secretly adore Walmart.  i still don't shop there for clothing, or any quality purchases.  i still support my local farmers and try by best to stick to buying local, regional, or at least Canadian, but the attraction for me is that Walmart is a great place to one-stop shop -- and, since i hate shopping -- it fits me to a 't'. 

so it warms my heart to read about the successes Walmart is making in reducing its environmental footprint.  yes, Walmart has a L O N G ways to go to become the store i would be proud to admit i shopped at on a regular basis -- but at least now, i'll actually ADMIT that there is the occassional trip to town with the actual intention of going straight for Walmart. 

Am I The Only One?

Is Patrick Moore an Environmentalist or a Paid Lobbyist?

There seems to be much controversy around the man, Patrick Moore, perhaps, for good reason.  While he was clearly a strong environmentalist at one time -- he was an early member of the organization, Greenpeace, eventually rising to the station of President -- in later years, he has made his living primarily as a public relations consultant.   He seems to tirelessly lecture, lobby, provide professional opinions and participate on committees to government and industry on a wide range of environmental and sustainability issues. He is a frequent public speaker at meetings of industry associations, universities, and policy groups.

Of late, has taken a strong stance in several 'hot topic' environmental issues, not the least of which is the Albert Oilsands Project -- in case you're wondering, he's a supporter.  He is particularly well known for his support of nuclear energy.

While I don't  prescribe to all of Moore's opinions, you have to give the guy his credit due and we certainly can't write off anything he says simply because he might be paid to represent a cause we don't believe in.  He is clearly a well educated individual well versed in his subjects of choice.  Perhaps one needs to read between the lines a little but, isn't that the case with everything?  Isn't it our personal responsibility to undertake our own research and make our own determinations? 

Something none of us can deny is that Moore is certainly one of the most interesting, if not controversial, Canadians of our time.  Here are a few sites that might help YOU decide what side of the fence Moore stands on:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrick_Moore_(environmentalist)

http://seeker401.wordpress.com/2012/01/12/greenpeace-founder-questions-windfarms-the-industry-is-a-destroyer-of-wealth-and-negative-to-the-economy/

http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/about/history/Patrick-Moore-background-information/

So God Made a Farmer

Made In Alberta Food Sustainability Model

ARSAN (or Alberta Rural Sustainability Alternatives Network) is a non-profit grassroots organization with the purpose of demonstrating possibilities of a new sustainable way of life and a focus on the development of a sustainable local food system. ARSAN’s specific commitments, when combined together, make ARSAN unique in its exploration of sustainability.

ARSAN Key Commitments

Exploring alternatives
ARSAN is committed to exploring and building examples of new, sustainable alternatives that have the potential to contribute to the future wellbeing of our society. Being committed to alternatives means doing things differently from what is done now. The intent is to provide new perspectives and options for how things can be done in these changing and challenging times.
Education by demonstration
ARSAN’s has a fundamental commitment to education by creating examples of possible alternatives. This approach applies to everything we do: the food we promote, our projects, the organization’s structure and how we refer to our partners and supporters. This presents a challenge because providing practical examples requires a great and complex effort. At ARSAN we believe that such an effort, even on a small and imperfect scale, may have a highly educational value for many.
Principles of sustainability
ARSAN believes in the true, broad and deep meaning of sustainability. Sustainability is the capacity to endure. For that, we must find ways of living within the limits of Earth’s ecosystems today and for generations to come. Food is central to sustainability. How it is produced and what we eat has very strong links with the natural environment, use of energy and other natural resources, climate change, water availability, rural economic sustainability and most importantly, our health.
Authentic foods
Within the food system, sustainable food processing alternatives are equally important to farming alternatives but very seldom addressed. To understand what makes food processing sustainable we look for guidance in methods used in the pre-industrial times. For food to be sustainable, it must be locally produced. Since Canada is a young country with no preindustrial food history, ARSAN explores food traditions from countries with similar climatic and cultural zones and that is Europe and particularly its central, eastern and northern parts.
Wholistic approach
To understand the challenge of sustainability we need to learn and promote a different, wholistic (systemic) way of thinking and perceiving the world. Holistic farming and permaculture are examples known to many, particularly those interested in exploring sustainability and alternative agriculture. At ARSAN, we take this wholistic approach beyond farming and extend it to all other parts of our collective lives such as organizations, the food system, human health or any project that we are undertaking. All these represent different but interconnected systems when at the same time are also parts of the common wholistic concept of a new, sustainable way of life.
Building urban - rural connections
Development of a new, sustainable local food system must involve both urban and rural representations. Given that most food production occurs in the rural areas and that the majority of the population lives in cities, one cannot succeed without the other. In addition, urban communities offer capabilities and resources that may not be readily available in rural communities. However, there is a cultural gap between these two parts of our society; they may not understand or connect well one with another. To help bridge this gap ARSAN actively seeks involvement of both rural and particularly urban people in all aspects of our organizational activities. All projects, while primarily located in rural areas, are clearly focused on potential gains for urban people. ARSAN’s projects can only succeed by attracting their involvement, but this, in turn, will also be beneficial to rural participants and will support rural development.

-excerpt from the ARSAN website -http://arsan.ca/about-us/beginnings.html

Springbrook Community Centre Feasibility Study Open House

Date: Thursday January 26th, 2012

Time: 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Location: Springbrook Community Centre (3216A – 22nd Street, Springbrook)

Mintlaw Bridge Public Access and Preservation Strategy

http://rdcounty.ca/News/News-Releases/Mintlaw-Bridge-Public-Access-and-Preservation-Strategy-Open-House

The Mintlaw Bridge, also known as the old ACR bridge, located south of the City of Red Deer, is a significant historical landmark located in Red Deer County.  If you were unable to attend the January 25th Open House outlining possible strategies for the bridge, you can still share your opinion by completing the form available on this link.

If you want to learn more about the bridge, please follow this link:
http://www.forthjunction.com/dawe-mintlaw-bridge.htm

You Lead, I Lead | Eartheasy Blog

You Lead, I Lead Eartheasy Blog

I have heard so many comments about the Occupy movement, most of which are negative. While I won't go so far as to say Occupy has inspired vast changes in Society, I take my hat off to every single one of those people that put themselves out there and actually TRIED to inspire change. I think this article pretty much says it all. . . . what the movement is really all about . . . each and every single one of us taking responsibility for ourselves. Here! Here! I Say!!

Alberta Landowner's Council - Submission to Critical Transmission Review Comnmittee

http://www.landownersagainstbills.com/Alberta%20Landowners%20Council_ALC_Submissions%20to%20the%20CRTC%20IR%20Requests_January%206-2012.pdf

The Honourable Premier Redford and Minister Morton are to be commended for appointing the Critical Transmission Review Committee.  ‘Getting it right’ when it comes to electrical transmission decisions is essential to affordable living standards, respect for landowners, and a competitive and diversified Alberta economy.

Under-building the transmission system can cause an unreliable supply of electricity disrupting daily routines and business.  However, over-building transmission lines can have harmful effects by burdening residential and commercial users, schools, hospitals and industries with unnecessarily expensive monthly utility bills.  Most importantly, over-building and the resulting high costs of delivered electricity can make Alberta’s economy uncompetitive. An uncompetitive Alberta economy drives away value-added businesses and the jobs and wealth they create for Alberta.

Except by:

Keith Wilson, BA. LL.B

Policy Chair

January 6, 2011

1959 Film from ULI and National Association of Homebuilders Warns of Urban Sprawl

"Planning alone is not the final answer to the crisis of our land. But without wise and far-sighted planning, there can be no answers. How wisely, or wastefully, we use the heritage of our land, is not solely the responsibility of the planner, the developer, the builder, the community official. It is the responsibility of all of us, who are the American community."

. . . some things never change . . .?

Karaoke Transforming Public Space

Government agencies and marketing bureaus across the globe strive to find ways to get people into parks and using public spaces. Some spend millions with extravagant firework spectaculars, while others import international music acts or host an almost continuous string of farmer’s markets and craft fairs, many of which fail to deliver a certain je ne sais quoi.

The Urban Chicken Debate Continues

Red Deer Express - Council hears from public on secondary suite licensing issue

Red Deer Express - Council hears from public on secondary suite licensing issue