During the development of the 2016 Municipal Sustainability Plan (MSP), two actions to build environmental performance and awareness were identified; first, to develop and approve an Environmental Stewardship Strategy (ESS) with key focus areas on water, land, energy, buildings & infrastructure, waste, and air; the second action to develop an environmental program with key elements being awareness through communications and signage for Town infrastructure.
Infrastructure Services Manager Laura Thevenaz encourages everyone to have a say in how the strategy will address the ever-growing environmental concerns: “This is a chance when we give residents and the business community the ability to influence how we shape the future; a responsibility that we must all take seriously and take part in for our kids today and future generations.” She adds, “managing and protecting Blackfalds environment is a collaborative effort between our community members and the Town.”
As per the MSP, the ESS will highlight policy direction, standards improvement, community programs, and resource needs. This will allow the Town to identify the most important actions to reduce environmental impact and initiate community programs with the objective to advance the goal of a healthy environment regarding water, land, energy, buildings and infrastructure, waste and air.
We are looking for resident’s input to provide us with their views and opinions on what initiatives are a priority for them and their families and what key areas need to be focused on in order to effectively reach our environmental goals.
The survey runs from February 21 – April 9 and can be accessed via blackfalds.com/environment.
-Submitted by the Town of Blackfalds