Submitted by Youth Storyteller on July 14, 2010 - 8:26am.
On May 25 - 26th, 2010, I was The Natural Step Storyteller at the Sustainability for Leaders course in Edmonton. I recently finished my university degree and I am working as a Municipal Intern for Parkland County, just west of Edmonton. This Internship has allowed me to explore the entire gamete of municipal governance. Through this experience I have realized that one of the fastest growing areas of concern is sustainability. More and more municipalities are responding to the concerns of their residents and are taking a proactive role in conserving their natural environment. I, like many rural Albertans, feel that sustainability principles have been applied to mostly urban settings so we are unaware of how sustainability will affect us and more importantly, how we can positively affect the sustainability of our communities.
Although the area is growing, a relatively limited number of municipalities have been successful in actively engaging their communities in creating quality sustainability plans. The push for sustainability is also happening in the private sector. Therefore, The Natural Step Sustainability for Leaders course is tailored to suit any type of organization as well as provide basic training on sustainability principles.
This training course The Natural Step provided me with a solid definition of sustainability, the ability to engage a common language within my organization, quality examples of organizations that are making themselves sustainable and the basis to create and implement a sustainability plan that will work. The knowledge that I acquired through this course makes me confident that I can create a solid business case for sustainability no matter what organization I work for.
The need for developing sustainable practices is growing and the public pressure is ever mounting Thanks to The Natural Step sustainability planning is becoming a reality for every industry, community and home. It is my hope that I be able to contribute positively to the sustainable future of my organization and that others will be inspired to do likewise.
-Samantha Saretsky, Municipal Intern for Parkland County
The Natural Step Canada would like to gratefully acknowledge The City of Edmonton for generously sponsoring our Sustainability for Leaders (Level 1) course in Edmonton.
Dear Ms. Saretsky:
I am writing to you on behalf of the North Saskatchewan River Valley Conservations Society wanting to let you know that on Monday, May 16th, 2011, there will be a PUBLIC HEARING at City Hall, Edmonton, where City Council may decide to allow a gravel pit to take place within Edmonton's river valley within the largest remaining natural area known as Big Island/Woodbend Natural Area (1,200 acres). Mining is currently prohibited in the river valley. However, the applicant (Kanata) are asking for amendment to bylaw in order to do so. The bigger problem here is that if this applicant is successful if will set a precedent opening the flood gates for other similar industry and commercial ventures to take up shop in the river valley. PARKLAND COUNTY have opposed this in writing. Please visit our website www.edmontonrivervalley.org to view their letter and to find our more about about this very real possibility plus scheduling for the hearing. We urge people to contact city hall immediately and to be there on May 16th to say "NO" to mining in the river valley.