Locals make awards shortlist - Drayton Valley and District Free Press

When you’re hot, you’re hot. Four separate Drayton Valley area projects have been shortlisted for this year’s Alberta Emerald Awards. That’s more than from any other community outside Edmonton and Calgary.

The Emerald Awards showcase businesses, organizations and individuals who are “raising the bar in addressing environmental and climate change issues,” across a number of categories.

Among local nominees, the Eagle Point-Blue Rapids Parks Council Environmental and Outdoor Education Program has been shortlisted in the education category.

EPBR’s Executive Director Sandra Bannard said the group was “thrilled to make the shortlist.” The outdoor education program “provides a facilitated, positive learning opportunity for youth. Schools and community groups can access our highly trained facilitators to provide fun, hands-on activities that get kids outdoors mastering new skills, achieving learning outcomes and connecting with nature.”

Brazeau County’s Violet Grove Constructed Floating Wetlands System with Aeration is shortlisted under the government category. Wetlands act as a natural system for filtering and purifying surface water. Constructed Floating Wetlands aim to replicate that process over the County’s lagoons in order to enhance the treatment of domestic household wastewater. Native wetland species of plants are allowed to grow over the wastewater, and their root systems take up nutrients and release oxygen into the lagoon. The project aims to extend the lifespan of the lagoon and ensure cleaner runoff enters rivers and lakes.

“Brazeau County is a leader in harnessing the power of nature to treat municipal wastewater,” said Reeve Bart Guyon. “The fact that there are four local projects shortlisted for these awards is confirmation of the fact that Brazeau County is on the leading edge of innovative and unique approaches to environmental sustainability and infrastructure.”

The other local nominees are Solar Aquatic Systems Wastewater Treatment, which is shortlisted in the infrastructure category, and GreenLearning’s Eco 360 program: Transitioning to a circular economy for plastic waste which is shortlisted for public engagement and outreach.

“Those represented in this year’s shortlist demonstrate the incredible dedication that Albertans have toward protecting our environment and taking action against climate change” said The Alberta Emerald Foundation’s Executive Director, Marisa Orfei, “The diversity in the shortlist is also astounding, there’s small grassroots organizations, large corporations, and everything in between. We’re also incredibly proud to have 17 communities across Alberta represented in this year’s shortlist, including Drayton Valley, Grande Cache, Canmore, and many more.”