Skip to content

Bow Valley Climate Action hosting Sunday sessions in the park

Climate Action in the Park is being hosted on Sundays in Canmore's Riverside Park from 5-7 p.m. until the end of September

CANMORE – Bow Valley Climate Action is hoping to engage local residents on important issues related to climate change every Sunday in Canmore's Riverside Park.

Climate Action in the Park officially launched last Sunday (Aug. 8) and will continue each week until the end of September, weather permitting.

Organizers Naia Noyes-West and Alissa Sallans wanted to find a creative way to keep the conversation going on the climate crisis, while also providing a safe space to do so with COVID-19 restrictions. 

"This came about because we were talking about being in two crises at the same time – the crisis of COVID-19 and the pandemic, and then climate change," Sallans said.

"But with the pandemic being such a pressing issue, the topic of climate change is being swept under the rug."

She said Bow Valley Climate Action will be present Sundays from 5-7 p.m. at Riverside Park to discuss specific issues related to climate change with anyone who wishes to engage in the subject. Sallans said all perspectives are welcome to the discussion, with a different focus each week. 

"As people pass by, or if they come specifically for it, we can chat with them," she said, adding the discussion can include policy issues and action items. 

"We will have supplies to safely write letters, if they decide the issue matters to them." 

Noyes-West, who grew up in Canmore, wanted to get involved in climate change action locally when she returned home from Mount Allison University with a degree in environmental economics and policy in 2018. 

"In general, we wanted to stick to the subjects that are related to, or affected by the actions in the Bow Valley," she said. 

As Albertans who live in an area surrounded by protected and ecologically sensitive areas, Noyes-West said residents of the valley do have agency over decisions that affect them. 

"I find the most common sentiment related to me is that people care a lot, but they just don't feel like anything they do is enough," she said. "There is a technical term for that – it is called climate grief." 

While individual action is never discouraged, by focusing solely on it, she said people can become overwhelmed with the scope of the problem that needs addressing. 

But by focusing the Climate Action in the Park on issues that decision makers at all levels of government can take action on, it can help residents feel empowered because these are also things they can have an effect on.

Contact [email protected] for more information. 

 

push icon
Be the first to read breaking stories. Enable push notifications on your device. Disable anytime.
No thanks