Local Businesses tell MLAs to Defend Old Growth Forests
On Tuesday, March 29, 2022, we sent Premier, John Horgan, and elected officials a letter urging the government to make good on campaign promises and to protect our last remaining old-growth forests. More than 50 Kootenays-based businesses signed the letter in support. The signed businesses are in Castlegar, Fruitvale, Kootenay Bay, Nelson, New Denver, Rossland, Salmo, and Trail and are in…
Let’s Hear it for Golden!
In a unanimous decision Golden Town Council voted on Tuesday, February 15, to join 11 other communities in the Kootenay region to commit to transition to 100% renewable energy across all energy use sectors in their community. Let’s hear it for Golden! This would not have been possible without the hard work of EcoSociety volunteer Calvin Beauschesne. We are lucky to have dedicated people like…
A Budget for a Healthy, Safe & Fair BC is Possible
Last week, West Kootenay EcoSociety sent letters to local MLAs, Minister Katrine Conroy (Kootenay West), Brittny Anderson (Nelson-Creston), and Roly Russell (Boundary-Similkameen) outlining our input for the Province’s 2022 budget priorities. We appreciate the responses received from the offices of Minister Conroy and MLA Anderson. Key priorities include: Respect Indigenous rights &…
Misconceptions about Zincton All-Seasons Resort
We’re concerned people like you and local communities are being misled. The developer continues to use misleading claims and images to promote the Zincton All-Seasons Resort as an environmentally and community friendly project. In discussions with people in local communities, local environmental scientists and wildlife biology experts, it’s clear there is a lot of confusion and misinformation…
Rev. Jeff Donnelly was a bright light
I first met Jeff in 2015 when I reached out to faith groups across the West Kootenay to organize around Pope Francis’ Laudato si'-- the encyclical on climate change. Jeff was the new Pastor of the newly consolidated ministry, the Anglican Parish of Kokanee. He was an outgoing and charismatic and young pastor who enthusiastically participated in creating the Nelson interfaith climate action…
Parties Come Together to Keep People Safe
December 8th was a historic day for Canada and the LGBTQ2SAI+ community. Bill C-4, the legislation to ban the practice known as conversion therapy, officially received royal assent after having been unanimously supported in both the House of Commons and the Senate. With conversion therapy now banned, it will ensure that members of Canada’s queer community will now be…
We’re hiring: Communications Director
Title: Communications Director Start Date: January 3, 2022 or as soon as possible Terms: $47,000-$52,000 (pro-rated) annual salary, 30-40 hrs/wk, permanent Location: from home (offices closed due to COVID at this time) West Kootenay EcoSociety is a non-profit community-driven organization that brings together local residents to protect the natural environment while building just, equitable,…
EcoSociety wins Canada Clean50 & Finalist in Charity Village’s Best Non-Profit Employer Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Awards
Canada's Clean50 has recognized West Kootenay EcoSociety's contributions to the clean energy transition with two awards at their 2022 convening in Toronto. EcoSociety's Deep Engagement Canvassing Project, Changing the Energy Conversation, in Partnership with the New Conversation Initiative was honoured with a Top Project Award. Montana Burgess, EcoSociety's Executive Director, received an…
Changing our Small Towns One Solar Panel at a Time
Changing our Small Towns One Solar Panel at a Time Connie Larochelle and her husband moved to Trail from Victoria at the pandemic's onset to be near their daughter, a nurse at the local hospital. They purchased what Connie calls "A really old house that had no upgrades." Since then, the family has completely renovated the house to be home for Connie, her husband and their daughter. They…
Why Guaranteed Livable Income Needs to be a part of the Climate Discussion.
Discussions about Guaranteed Livable Income initiatives have been all over the news lately. I'm sure you have scrolled by posts on your social media feeds and glanced at the comments in the threads. But you might be wondering, "how could this possibly be good for our economy, and how does this stop the climate crisis?" I can assure you that it is all related. Not only could a livable income…