Edmontonians Jun08

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ere’s good news about the City

Centre Airport: The Alberta Chamber of Commerce recommends to the Government of Alberta: Immediately pursue an Alberta commuter air strategy... determine where service can be enhanced to provide “open skies” for tourism, business, medical evacuation, and access by public sector institutions to decision-makers, compatible with the criteria of the federal “open skies” policy. The Lethbridge Chamber proposed this resolution.

I got quite a few e-mails and calls from folks who took exception to last month’s column by David Norwood which advocated the closure of City Centre Airport in favour of residential/highrise development. Reader Don Peterson presented some very compelling arguments.

“Commuters would use ECCA for its convenience and cost and provide good connection to the EIA for longer travels,” said Don. EIA would have increased passengers appreciating the long distance flights available and the ECCA would be a feeder to the EIA. The north extension of the LRT could serve the ECCA terminal for curb to curb travel of commuters and adjacent to NAIT for their use.

With regard to impediments to development, Don argues, “The ECCA has miniscule effect on building height in the city which is shown by examination of permissible heights related to flight paths. The claim of restricted height is not true. Retention of corporate Edmonton headquarters would be helped by the convenient commuter service and reasonable availability to EIA long distance connections.

NAV does have height requirements but they do not prevent Edmonton core development... Examination of NAV permissible heights and flight paths show the alternatives up to 50 storeys of building. The tax base and attraction of signature corporate buildings are not effected.

Don concludes by stating, “Examination of the entire debate should keep in mind what could be accomplished by coordinated development and management of these two airports, one with historic service to be re-established and one a modern Heathrow type service.”

Hear… hear! Edmonton is in an enviable position with two airports and we could be maximizing benefits like other cities: Vancouver with Abbotsford, Toronto with Toronto City Center Airport, plus several in large U.S. cities. Heathrow in London just commissioned a downtown airport to take larger airplanes because of over-crowding.

I think the Edmonton Regional Airport Authority has missed opportunities to capitalize on the oil boom for crew changes, machinery repair and so on at City Centre. And, I hear Shell Oil is building its own airport at Josephburg, in part, because of the cost of gas at EIA. Aviation is going through many changes brought on by bankruptcies, mergers, and high fuel costs. Some airlines are ordering smaller airplanes. Air travel is getting onerous with its long security lineups, restrictions on what you can

take on board, luggage charges and crowds. It’s time to open up Alberta to convenient air travel. I’m sure Mayor Stephen Mandel—not a fan of City Centre—has received requests over the years from most other mayors to do just that.

Edmonton International Airport is the fastest growing in Canada—and that’s great. It’s embarking on another huge expansion. I doubt that allowing commuter air operators to offer scheduled flight on the more economically-viable 19seaters will cause harm to EIA. But, it sure would make short-haul passengers and carriers happy.

It’s ironic that some folks are trying to sell the government on high speed trains to Calgary for billions. It would be a lot simpler and cheaper to have 19-seat aircraft flying out of the City Center to Calgary and many other cities and towns in Alberta. At the present time, there are many flights over-flying Edmonton—just pull a flight schedule from Grande Prairie and count them.

Let Edmonton regain its prominence as The Gateway to the North. Let’s act like the big city we say we are.

Thanks to Executive Director Iris Sanders and her hubby Ken, Dr. Ollie and I were invited to an appreciation dinner for the board of the Employabilities Society. During the evening, I realized that Dr. Ollie and I were the only ones who were not disabled. Among the folks I know were: John Ogh, an old friend who has a successful business selling a golf pass to courses around Alberta—his legs have more steel braces than the HighLevel Bridge… Edgar Jackson was with wife Judy— imagine scooting around construction sites in a wheelchair and driving a truck… Randy Hogle is blind and a practicing lawyer—yes, he’s Bruce’s son. Randy is amazing: When we drove him home, I dumbly offered to walk him to the door. He politely said, “No, I live here,” clearly informing me he had done this before. The folks at Employabilities are inspiring people, all selfsupporting and a burden to no one. Both Edgar and John’s disabilities were caused by car accidents years ago. I also had a chance to say hello to a long-time board member Kay Vagbyk—the 86-year old is a fan of my column.

I had a chance to spend some time with Del Dilkie talking about the old days when we were both nuts about jazz… as was her late husband, CR. I was the MC at a Dixieland jazz club so we met many times over the years.

As I mentioned last month, Del is retiring at the end of September, but slowing down isn’t part of her repertoire.

Just a few words about a good friend who just got a very well deserved award. Graham Hicks, renowned Edmonton Sun columnist, was honoured with the Rotary Integrity Award for 2008 from the Rotary Club of Edmonton. He works his buns off for countless charities, especially around Christmas.

This is a sad and a glad item. The sad story is

Del was an Edmontonians “buff babe” in June ’06... she still is.

She’s in training for the Alberta Body Building event at the Citadel. She competes Saturday, June 7th for the Grand Master title in the over 75 age group—honest, that’s her age. She’s up against at least one other gal… I wouldn’t want to tackle either of them in a dark alley if I were a purse snatcher. Del works out at the Bull Pen Gym with trainer Rena.

The building her store is in and the parking lot north of it has been sold to Pro Cura Real Estate for a high-rise condo.

I understand the development is on hold because of the present economic atmosphere.

about domestic violence and how a family has been affected by a murder/suicide. In Calgary in mid November 2007, Karen Beck, 52, was murdered by her husband Dick Beck, 54. I met with Karen’s sister Darlene Dorchak, brother Adam Frisch and mother Mrs. Frisch. They want to emphasize that every family member is impacted by this cowardly act. They miss Karen terribly, every hour of the day. She never really shared what she was going through at home. Her husband was a typical super possessive man and, when it came to the divorce, it was the final straw. He murdered Karen, set fire to the house and, thankfully, took his own life.

The happier side of this tragic event is there’s a major golf tournament to raise funds for the Lurana Shelter.

The 11th annual Tiara Classic hopes to raise $450,000— critical to the operation of the Lurana Society, directed by Sister Lucinda. The shelter has a number of safe rooms for women who are victims of domestic violence—a place Karen could have found safe haven. √ Call Muggsy Forbes at 780.482.4545 or e-mail mforbes@edmontonians.com

EDMONTONIANS JUNE 2008

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hen people ask you how long

you’ve known somebody, few people can answer “since birth”. I can do that with Donna James (nee Warner) who is one of the most inspirational people I know. Donna and I were born ‘across the alley’ from each other in the Highlands and have stayed in touch our entire lives through friends and media.

Donna was hugely successful as a member of Three’s a Crowd in the late 1960s, and enjoyed a fabulous music career before Canadian content was mandated on the radio.

A few years back, Donna was cancer challenged and took the disease head-on. In October, Donna will chair The Speaking of Women’s Health Conference at the Shaw Conference Center, a fund raising event with proceeds to The Lois Hole Hospital. Complete information is available at www.speakingofwomenshealth.com. I can safely tell you nobody works harder for the cause than somebody touched by it—and Donna is that lady.

And now, the fun begins. Edmonton is renowned across North America for great summer music festivals and that wonderful season is on the horizon once again.

The Edmonton Jazz Festival has been financially strapped for many years, but finally got some extra funding that will help raise the bar again. There are some tremendously talented world class jazz musicians coming in June, including Wynton Marsallis and the multi talented Canadian Molly Johnson. If I can tip the Forbes hat on a group you might like to see, try Pink Martini.

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“

verything will be just fine.” Warm

words, often said by Thelma Tait, a warm and soulful woman who passed away in the early morning of May 14th. I had the pleasure of meeting her through her son, Cam, a dear friend of mine. Even if you have never met Cam Tait, you

Thelma and Harold Tait

most likely read his words in the Edmonton Journal for many years. He was one of the first Edmontonians I met when I arrived in town is 1997. I was hosting my first gig at the Franklin Inn in Sherwood Park. It was a spelling bee and Cam was a judge for the event. He needed help getting to the bathroom—Cam has cerebral palsy—and I volunteered. After a few jokes and stories, we became fast friends.

Cam has developed an incredible circle of friends, many from the sports world. At Thelma’s funeral, I saw Kevin Low, Craig MacTavish, Coach Brian Dickinson, Bruce Bowie, Brin Griffins, Gary MacPherson and Patrick LaForge to name a few. Their presence attests to Cam s character—so much of his success is attributable to his parents.

Thelma and Harold, who passed barely over a year ago, were instrumental is helping Cam with his struggle with CP. When Cam was five, his father took a huge step to get him to the Institute for the Achievement of Human Potential in Philadelphia. The institute was and is using somewhat unorthodox, yet groundbreaking, methods to retrain uninjured areas of the brain to relearn what most of us take for granted—walking, talking and breathing. The

The Edmonton Folk Festival is next, and this is yet another world-class event that virtually sells out year after year. The line up includes Chris Isaac, Serena Ryder, Jakob Dylan, Johnny Lang and many other great acts… so get set to grab your tarp and enjoy an impressive line-up of top-notch entertainment. Pray for sunshine.

For country fans, Big Valley Jamboree is on the horizon for August and both Larry Werner and Glen Vinet are proud to bring us big Trace Adkins, fresh off his appearance on Celebrity Apprentice, Larry the Cable Guy (he’s a riot), Trisha Yearwood (Mrs. Garth Brooks), Randy Travis, among others, and of course our own Danny Hooper is the MC. If you’re not a country fan, go just for the visuals. This is a virtual small city inside Camrose and, boy, do they celebrate.

My all time summer favourite Larry the Cable Guy is Cam Hayden and partner Carol Dean’s Edmonton Bluesfest, the third weekend in August at Hawrelak Park.

It’s hard to believe that this is the 10th anniversary of the event and Cam and Carol have brought back the best of the past decade, including the James Cotton Blues Band, Downchild, and 94 year old Pinetop Perkins who has released a new CD, backed up by people like Eric Clapton and Jimmy Vaughn.

If you want to bump into me, I’m the one sitting at the top of the hill—dead centre—groovin’ and suckin’ on a big cigar. Buy your Pinetop Perkins tickets early…it’s always a fast sell out. It’s the only festival with motorcycle parking right at the front entrance, a bonus for two-wheel enthusiasts like me and my riding blues buddy Karl Stark. institute taught the Taits various patterns of movement for Cam that were designed to retrain his brain. Over the years, hundreds of members of the community pitched in to help the Taits teach Cam these patterns. That’s why he’s been able to pursue a career and inspire others. It says so much about Thelma and Harold. They were wonderful people.

The funeral was presided over by Father Mike McCaffery. We all gathered after the service to have some of Thelma’s famous and very tasty buns. In fact, the recipe was on the back of the program. I for one will miss Harold and Thelma. Every time I was in their company not only did I eat very well but I felt, as a Come from Away, that I was home. I know they are side by each, together again.

You’ll run into some well known Edmonton regulars each and every year at Bluesfest, like city lawyer and CFL referee Bud Steen; Waterloo Motors big wig Randy Purvis; legendary CBC/CKUA announcer and record producer Holger Peterson, and Joe FM’s Gary James.

If it isn’t music, it’s theatre, and The Fringe Festival lights up Old Strathcona again in August with a collage of live theatre, music, and street performances.

Not exactly a Festival but now a major summer staple in our city is Jim Haskins/Ken Knowles Edmonton Indy (formerly the Grand Prix of Edmonton) brought to us by Rexall and Northlands. Among the big name drivers coming is the amazing Danica Patrick, from Scottsdale, Arizona.

Mediawise to wrap up the month: CHQT AM (Cool 880) is now known as I880 News. This is an adventurous melding of news, web and information, with a large amount of listener-based content that has been built from the ground up by Doug Rutherford and the crew at Corus Radio. This innovative format has been designed with an Internet and community combination in mind, utilizing the talents from 630 CHED as well as from a new news and information staff.

As well, Newcap has attracted two new programmers to its operations with the appointments of James “Gruff” Grishnowski as program director for K-ROCK, and Pat Cardinal, who returns to our city as operations manager.

Both Gruff and Pat have past experience in the province.

The CRTC will be holding its Edmonton FM meeting around press time so I won’t have any update or feedback on the applications for new licences until next month.

Formats promised include all blues; all news; triple A (Adult Album Alternative); ethnic; and classic hits/variety

by Leduc’s Marc Tanagi. √ Marty Forbes is VP and general manager of The Bear, EZRock and The TEAM 1260 Sports Radio. Contact marty@edmontonians.com One of the tidbits I learned from Drager s book was that, one year, Clare coached the U of A hockey and football teams to CIAU championships: It’s in the history books as the only time that a single coach won national titles in two sports in the same season. These books are only available at the U of A Bookstore, Audrey’s Books downtown and Greenwoods Bookshoppe in Old Strathcona.

Ralph Klein and Rick Mercer walk into a bar… This could be a lead in to a joke, and it just might happen this month. The former Alberta premier is the keynote speaker at the 2008 Inuvik Petroleum Show, while the comedian is going to entertain at a few galas during the show. I’ll

Hard to believe… that Fred Katz Fine Art Photography has been around for 25 years. The occasion was marked with a great reception at the Kids in the Hall Bistro and was attended by many of the folks who have faced Fred’s lens. He’s best known for his portraits and is the official photographer for Global’s Woman of Vision annual luncheon program. This photo was taken by Sandra Woitas, a 2007 WoV. Fred is a member of the

head north to host both events. I expect Rick Mercer (inset) to run into Rick and King Ralph Klein on the Canadian North flight to Inuvik. I’ll check to see if Ralph and Rick make their way into the Mad Trapper—good chance I’ll be there Libby Katz, Mayor Stephen when they come in. and Lynn Mandel with Fred I’m looking forward to hearing the Honourable speak. While hosting events around Alberta over the years, I have enjoyed Ralph at the podium. I will report board of directors of the Kids in the Hall and likes to back with the latest on the Mackenzie Gas project. support the training program.

Summer reading with a winter twist… I

Fore! Irene Beaton from EmployAbilities

received an e-mail from Merle Jones about a couple of books, just published by the U of A Press: Bears on Ice—A History Of The Golden Bears by Stephen Scriver, and Hockey’s Quiet Revolutionary Clare Drake by Derek Drager. Considering the history of excellence that the Golden Bears and Clare Drake have achieved, these books are a must for any hockey fan.

Speaking of Clare, the U of a Phys Ed Faculty held its annual Sports Wall of Fame dinner on May 8th. Clare was the guest speaker, and the Golden Bears—fresh off their third consecutive national title—were the inductees. This latest win is the team’s 28th biggie. Clare, now 79, was also recognized by the Province of Alberta with the Order of Excellence in April.

contacted me regarding getting the word out about the 9th annual fundraising golf tournament. It will be held on Friday, June 13th at the Links at Spruce Grove.

EmployAbilities is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to promoting and enhancing employment and leaning for people with disabilities. To get in on the tournament, contact Irene at 780-945-4629 or irene@employabilities.ab.ca √ Mark Scholz, owner of MES Communications Inc. offers a variety of services including production, creative and entertainment. For more information or to suggest a story idea, email mscholz@edmontonians.com

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CELEBRATING

Poll

19

STATION

YEARS

With Linda Banister

FOUNDER DICK MacLEAN

JUNE 2008

Vol. XIX

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No. 6

SHARON MacLEAN Publisher and Advertising Director Telephone: 780.482.7000 Fax: 780.488.9317 e-mail: info@edmontonians.com edmontonians.com

or the better part of this decade, Alberta has experienced some of the strongest economic growth in all of Canada. This month’s Poll Station asked Edmontonians for their perspectives on the state of the economy, including the boom’s impact on our quality of life.

HAS THE ECONOMIC BOOM PEAKED, AND WHAT ARE THE SIGNS?

INSIDE

POLL STATION Boom economy/Banister . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 LEADERSHIP Bonanza or bust/Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

50%

Percentage

VOX POP Muggsy Forbes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Marty Forbes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Mark Scholz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

34%

EDMONTONIAN IN EXILE Nesting downtown/Edmondson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

6%

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK Talking trash/Deters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

CIVIC BUZZ/Norwood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 MEDIA MINUTE/Hogle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 CORPORATE ETHICS Divided leadership/Somji . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 MY E-SPACE 2% off the top/Rayner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 LIVELY LIFESTYLES Menu Magic/Berry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Absolute Bodo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

BARB DETERS Editor

editor@edmontonians.com COLUMNISTS Linda Banister John Berry Linda Bodo Janet Edmondson Marty Forbes Muggsy Forbes Bruce Hogle David Norwood Erin Rayner Mark Scholz Nizar J. Somji FEATURE WRITERS Barb Deters Don Hill Rick Lauber Peter Drake McHugh Marg. Pullishy Peter Scott PHOTOGRAPHERS Terry Bourque Janis Dow Gordon Howell SPECIAL PROJECTS Edmontonians Transformers Tom Bradshaw Les Brost Steffany Hanlen Larry Ohlhauser

Said they felt that the economic boom had peaked

Said they feel that the economic boom is still on the rise

Said they feel that the economic boom is on the decline

To begin the survey, respondents were asked if they felt the economic boom in Edmonton has reached its peak. One-third (34 percent) felt that the economic boom has peaked, while half (50 percent) felt the boom is still on the rise, and six percent thought the economy is on the decline.

Respondents who believed the economy had peaked were asked what signs suggest this. The slowed growth of the housing market, including falling prices and longer listing times were mentioned by close to three-quarters (74 percent) of respondents, followed by the city’s decreasing population (12 percent), employers being less desperate for workers (12 percent), and oil sands production tapering off (nine percent).

Those who thought the economy was still on the rise most frequently mentioned the abundance of jobs, including the need to import workers from overseas (36 percent), more people moving to Edmonton (24 percent), the strength of the oil patch including the price of oil (24 percent), and the lack of affordable housing (24 percent).

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS AND DOWNSIDES OF THE BOOM?

WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO PREPARE FOR A DOWNTURN IN THE ECONOMY? When asked what precautions they are taking to prepare for an economic downturn, one-third indicated they were not concerned and, therefore, were not taking any actions to protect themselves. Onequarter indicated they are saving money, while 15 percent are paying off debts, and 13 percent are spending less.

HAS YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE CHANGED? Respondents were then asked if the overall quality of life in Edmonton has increased, decreased or remained about the same as a result of the booming economy. Two-thirds (67 percent) felt their quality of life had remained the same, while 18 percent felt it had decreased and 15 percent believed their quality of life has increased. √ The Poll Station surveyed 100 City of Edmonton residents on the topic and, while the results of the research are not statistically reliable, they do provide a qualitative indication of what Edmontonians are thinking.

New to the Edmontonians website: Monthly Poll Station Online Question Visit www.edmontonians.com to register your opinion

Percentage

GREEN REPORT Net-zero/Lauber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Living home/Scott . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Managing waste/McHugh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Respondents were then asked to identify the single greatest benefit the booming economy has had on Edmonton. The growth in employment opportunities (18 percent) was most frequently mentioned, followed by the population increase (14 percent), the rise in housing values (11 percent) and the increase in disposable income for Edmontonians (8 percent). In addition, more publicity for Edmonton and a boost in road and building maintenance were each mentioned by 6 percent of respondents, while 14 percent felt there was no benefit generated from the boom.

Edmonton has faced a number of issues regarding the economic boom and respondents were asked to indicate how concerned they were with these issues. The majority cited crime (80 percent), price inflation (75 percent) and the labour shortage (72 percent). Although still concerned, respondents were slightly less worried about the housing shortage (69 percent), the increased cost of construction (68 percent), and increased real estate prices (60 percent).

Want a question included in the Edmontonians Poll?

18%

Contact Linda at 780.451.4444 or e-mail lbanister@edmontonians.com.

14% 11% 8% Said the greatest benefit was the growth in employment

Said the greatest benefit was the population growth

Said the greatest benefit was the rising value of homes

Said the greatest benefit was the increase in disposable income

6%

6%

Said the greatest benefit was the increase exposure for the city

Said the greatest benefit was the boost in road and building maintenance

Linda Banister is a certified management consultant and the owner of Banister Research and Consulting Inc., a full service provider of market research and program evaluation services. Visit www.banister.ab.ca.

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THIS MONTH’S COVER

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By Don Hill

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am going to get weird on you.

A few months ago, you might recall my rant on language. I wrote, “Words only refer to themselves,” a phrase that should fit well on a tee-shirt (I’m thinking of making a few up).

Lawyers immediately get the dig because this is the world they live in—language constructs a territory called the law—nothing else can exist in the courtroom other than the law and the legal process to uphold it.

Mitigating circumstances for why a legal decree is broken, a ‘common sense’ defense, for instance, cannot be taken into account because “that is not why we are in court today,” a legal chum of mine once declared. Insurance companies are particularly adept at scrutinizing the minutia of contract law before paying out large claims; it is not about avoidance; it is about conforming to the letter of the insurance agreement.

The same can be said for the economic system we currently live with: If it doesn’t have a budget line, it does not exist. And yet any sensible person can look around in the real world and see that this kind of willful ignorance is, well… goofy thinking at best and, in some cases, downright dangerous.

The ongoing meltdown in the financial markets as we understand them is a reality check. Most prudent people realize, once presented with the details outside the frame of reference of the ‘financial instruments’ industry—notably the derivatives trade—that this was a calamity waiting to happen.

BEWARE THE EXPERTS I have deep suspicions about present-day notions of sustainability; the word itself is squishy, applied in just about every way imaginable by public relations agencies (which is cause enough for alarm).

A personal history gives me ample cause to be wary.

I grew up in Sudbury, possibly one of the most desecrated landscapes in this country.

So much so, the mining city in northern Ontario was parodied as a ‘moonscape,’ the top spot on the earth for NASA astronauts to practice before their walk on the moon in 1969.

A hundred years of industrial blight and toxins blanketed my hometown, infecting the earth, the air, every waterway and, by extension, every human

Edmontonian

IN EXILE

By Janet Edmondson in Calgary

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ere’s one for the “tree-huggers”—or it would be, if there were any trees nearby to hug.

My friend Bernice lives in a new high-rise condo very close to the Stampede Grounds in downtown Calgary. Early last spring, she left some flattened cardboard packing crates leaning

being living in the shadow of the Nickel Capital of the World. You would think someone in authority would ask questions about the blooms of asthma and other respiratory ailments in the region. That nobody did for decades has more to do with the measures for so-called progress than actual negligence or dereliction of professional duty; the health of Sudbury’s workers and their families was unaccounted for because none of the powers that be had an entry in their spreadsheets to do so. It sounds nuts… and so it is.

The word ‘sustainable,’ to my way of thinking, needs to be carefully thought through so that the failures of government oversight and economic accountability are not repeated. With noteworthy exceptions, we can ill afford an encore performance of the past century. The process for sustainability as now imagined is destined to fail unless there is a major change in how we report it on the books.

I want to point you toward a remarkable column

by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in this month’s Vanity Fair magazine. The U.S.-based environmentalist, president of the Waterkeeper Alliance and no stranger to Alberta, argues that green technology and “the kind of entrepreneurial revolution we need” will stall and be thwarted by existing rules and regulations and subsidies and perks and no end of incentives that favour the present energy infrastructure in America (and by extension, Canada too).

To paraphrase Kennedy Jr., it is precisely because the Robert F. bureaucracy has no Kennedy Jr. way to account for new ways of doing business, it can only do what it is supposed to do: enforce existing legislation with “a byzantine array of local rules [which will] impede access by innovators to national markets.”

The Alberta government’s position on climate change and “water for life,” which is touted as a “top priority for Budget 2008” is a distraction. Do not get me wrong. I am not saying for a nanosecond against a wall on her 20th-floor balcony. When she returned from a vacation a few weeks later, she discovered that pigeons had made a nest behind the cardboard. Pigeons are a big problem in Calgary, as they are in most major cities. More than once, I have opened our condo balcony door to be startled by an iridescent flurry of railing bashing. Their exodus is short-lived; pigeons are persistent in their attempts to return and, presumably, nest.

Bernice’s nest was something else. Two little eggs

that the Progressive Conservatives should not go ahead with their financial plan. My primary concern is that a more promising stimulus—locked inside another budget announcement “for scientific research and experimental development”—does not go far enough.

INVENTORS ARE WEIRD In my view, and history backs me up, the best way to tackle industrial-strength challenges is to rid yourself of existing methodology and do everything you can to discourage the people who say they can fix what they broke in the first place. The last thing you should do is reward mediocre thinking—the organizations that promise a better typewriter when the world wants word-processors (this actually occurred in the former Soviet Union).

The trajectory of innovation in the last century, and the one before that, points the way forward.

The airplane, the automobile, alternating current electricity, telecommunications of every sort from the telephone to television and the personal computer… all of these miracles of invention sprang from the minds of people in unlikely places—entrepreneurs working off the grid—who learned to “think different,” not by way of official government policy and incentives but, in many cases, in spite of them.

It may be hard to believe now but the inventors of powered flight, the Wright brothers “couldn’t convince the [United States] government they had something of practical use.” Darrell Collins, a historian at the Wright Brothers Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, added that European nations “were interested, but generally evasive when it came to making firm commitments.” In fact, the United States government had to order its bureaucracy to investigate the utility of the Wright brothers’ invention years after their flimsy flying machine left the ground. As one history of flight scholar put it, scientific expertise at the time, especially in France, proposed that bicycle mechanics had no right to fly.

Edmonton is an attractive place for forwardthinking people of every stripe and vocation. I just hope the folks in the legislature who make the rules will tell the people who enforce them that innovation does not necessarily square with existing legislation. And that the next best new ‘sustainable’ idea will likely look pretty weird.

Why should you expect otherwise? After all, we are Albertans. √ gently laid in a bed made entirely of wire, wood, spikes, and that yellow plastic tape used to bind construction materials together. Apparently, these are the best substitutes for twigs and grass that urban pigeons can find. The nest is a work of art. No sharp edges poking the eggs, but a structure sturdy and comfy enough to deposit the next generation.

Bernice was faced with a difficult decision: Remove the nest and save herself hours of pigeon poop removal… or leave it alone and become the maternity ward of choice for future generations of pesky pigeons.

Ultimately, there are two fewer birds in the downtown core, and Bernice has a unique sculpture and a great story. √

Check our on-line links for more details on the people and organizations featured in this months issue.

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From the Editor’s desk

“They was talkin’ trash… and my name came up.”

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n another life, I used to write reports, discussion papers and position papers directed at or directly for the Alberta government. Among the million or so words that made their way into final published versions were several hundred-thousand that dealt with matters of the environment and sustainability.

As publisher Sharon MacLean and I discussed the editorial thrusts of our Green Reports I and II, my mind kept going back to four reports that made numerous recommendations on how to implement better corporate and individual behaviours that would lessen our impact on air, land and water. Since their release in the 1990s, I wondered about their relevance in today’s context.

How much has changed? Has technology made a difference? Have we smartened up? Are we treading more lightly? Are we individually and collectively being more responsible?

I decided to look at the four reports in the order in which they were released. It’s a simple enough task to count the number of recommendations that related directly to environmental sustainability and waste reduction. However, I have neither the time nor the resources to prepare a report card on how successfully the recommendations have been implemented… or to research whether they even were taken seriously.

THE RAINBOW REPORT: OUR VISION FOR HEALTH February 1990 When the Premier’s Commission on Future Health Care for Albertans was established in 1988, it conducted a series of town hall meetings and public forums all over the province and received commentary from thousands of citizens. We used a keyword system to track issues. I recall that when we input “environment”, only two statements popped up. Amazingly, just 14 months later, an entire chapter was devoted to The World around Us. It was like a quiet revolution—there was a buzz about the “health component as part of environmental protection.” The report urged government to be “more proactive in its approach to the concept of sustainable development, which reconciles economic growth and environmental protection,” and recommended 12 actions specific to this goal.

Sometimes, our words come back to haunt us: “Albertans do not live under a glass bubble—isolated from their neighbours, immune to the global effect of assaults on the environment, unaware of our responsibility to this and future generations.” In recent months, oilsands activity has put this province under the international magnifying glass and our reputation has plummeted.

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OUR FORGOTTEN RESOURCE— THE COMMON SENSE APPROACH September 1994 This was the report of the Environment Council of Albert Task Force on Economic Instruments for Waste Reduction… It could have been titled There’s gold in them thar hills. Its over-riding premise? “To encourage behaviours that focus on generating less waste, economic instruments—fees, charges and incentives—are being introduced as market-based tools that will ultimately encompass the “4Rs” philosophy… The 4Rs—reduce, reuse, recycle and recover—are important principles to consider in planning a waste management strategy.”

I actually spent the August long weekend that year taking photos at the Clover Bar dump for the cover and inside. I was appalled at all the good stuff people were off-loading into the landfill. In the past 13 years, the site has changed significantly.

We’ve actually done pretty well in this area. The Edmonton Waste Management Centre and the adjacent Centre for Excellence are a phenomenal success. The level of public participation in programs that divert our waste materials from the landfill is nearing 90 percent. The blue bag system has eliminated the nuisance of sorting different streams of recyclables. Municipal facilities are able to sort and recover residual waste materials and repurpose them for energy, compost, mulch and any number of products.

Treating garbage like a commodity is a very good thing.

That isn’t to say that some behaviours don’t continue to boggle my mind. This city is littered with… well… litter.

Manufacturers continue to burden us with excess packaging. Not enough of us cart our unwanted goods off to agencies that would sell them at bargain prices or give them away to those less fortunate.

It’s encouraging that schools have instituted programs and activities to increase awareness and teach environmentally responsible behaviours among our young people.

Wouldn’t it be nice if new generations grew up with the same mentality of their great grandparents who—perhaps, out of necessity—practiced the 4Rs in the midst of the 1930’s Depression?

ENSURING PROSPERITY— IMPLEMENTING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT March 1995 “There is no hierarchy… it is environment and economy rather than environment or economy.” That’s what the report of the Future Environmental Directions for Alberta Task Force—another effort of the Environment Council of Alberta—was all about.

Many of the words still ring true: “The Task Force members are convinced that, more and more, Alberta’s future will be shaped by outside forces—by its trading

partners and the global marketplace.

Environmental concerns, locally and globally, are a reality that must be taken seriously by government and industry. The multiple links between trade and the environment are not a fleeting fad—they are pervasive and permanent.”

The report articulated five priorities with 24 supporting directions “that will help guide us into the next century.”

Well, we’re there… and we’re not. We are still struggling with how “non-renewable resources are used to the best effect, and renewable resources are used at a sustainable level”… all within the context of environmental stewardship.

Just a footnote: Regretably, within months of the release of the report, the Environment Council of Alberta was shut down by the Klein government. Established in the early 1970s, it was the first government environmental agency in Canada. I never understood why, and still think it was a mistake.

A FULL COST ANALYSIS GUIDE FOR MUNICIPAL WASTE MANAGERS September 1995 “They was talkin’ trash, and my name came up.” Based on recommendations in Our Forgotten Resource—The Common Sense Approach, the Action on Waste branch of Alberta Environmental Protection decided to prepare the guide. The executive director contacted me to edit the document and contribute to its conceptual design to ensure it was complementary to my writing and design of the report.

It’s encouraging to see that the guide is still available through the department… and even more encouraging to know that many municipalities have implemented full cost analysis models to manage solid waste.

My role in writing these reports was to take the words and ideas of the task force members and the people who participated in hundreds of public meetings, and compile them into comprehensive, thought provoking documents.

Whether any or all of them resulted in changes to legislation or changes in corporate and individual behaviour is difficult to determine. They did, however, give me untold satisfaction and caused me to set my personal bar to be more responsibly higher… to truly appreciate the world I live in… and to lessen my footprint on the environment. √ ~ Barb Deters

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Treading softly

By Rick Lauber

F

in Riverdale

and convenient location. The neighbourhood, a ootprints in the sand… evidence of a walk quick 15-minute stroll to downtown, is on the beach… soon to be washed away serviced by Edmonton Transit, and is a stone’s by incoming tides. throw from the scenic river valley with its Alas, the ecological footprints we leave network of trails and footbridges. on Planet Earth aren’t always clearly visible... not so The Riverdale NetZero house is one cog in easily washed away—especially in land-locked a much larger wheel. From its Ottawa head Alberta. Like the rest of the world’s inhabitants, Photo by Terry Bourque office, the Canadian Mortgage and Housing we’ve been stomping around in our jackboots, Corporation (CMHC) spearheaded the waging war on Mother Nature. Intentionally or not, EQuilbrium Sustainable Housing we’ve left the deep imprints of our excesses, Demonstration Initiative (EQ Housing). without due regard and respect for the fragility of Project manager Thomas Green explains both air, land and water. the reasoning and the importance of the Some of the environmental damage is mission, “CMHC has been in the housing irreversible… some of it we can repair. As our game since post-war—1946. We were awareness grows, we can limit our footprints. developed to help house the veterans that However cliché it may sound, we can “act locally came back but, for the past 20 years or so, we and think globally.” We can correct our have been working on the technical side of behaviour… we can reduce, reuse and recycle. improving the quality of housing. We We can also build and live in net-zero houses. developed a concept called healthy housing…

Net-zero? Peter Amerongen defines a net-zero our motto then was ‘Healthy for the house as “a house that produces all the energy it occupant—Healthy for the planet’.” needs over the course of the year… heating, hot As for the project name? “Equilibrium water, lighting, appliances, air conditioning— means a balance… it is achieving balance everything, even out in your yard with your hedge between the built and the natural environment. trimmers—the whole bit.”

It is really a vision, where we have to He’s the vice-president of Habitat Studio & eventually develop housing that has zero Workshop Ltd. in Edmonton. As one-third of a environmental impact on any measure.” prestigious and highly-qualified local design and The plan couldn’t just remain on the construction team, he is also one of the key boardroom table; CMHC realized it had to principals spearheading the construction of a netThe Riverdale NetZero project in Edmonton, front elevations with an array of become proactive. “We want to get real houses zero house in the historical Riverdale community. solar electricity generating modules in the top row and solar heat producing up, by real builders, designers and developers Amerongen’s partners in the project are Gordon collectrors in the second row. High performance windows and doors were for real people to live in,” stresses Green. A Howell of Howell-Mayhew Engineering Inc., and supplied by Duxton Windows in Winnipeg. nation-wide competition was launched, and Andy Smith with Solnorth Engineering Ltd. design teams from across the country were The home, “a duplex… about 1,800 square feet every ounce of available sunlight for conversion to energy. invited to apply. More than 600 groups expressed interest per side… three bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms “There are three solar production energy systems in the and, from 72 applications received, “we picked the 12 per side,” is two storeys plus a developed basement. Each house,” says Howell. “One heats space. One heats water, winners. We didn’t go for regional representation… we unit comes complete with the major appliances, “all which is circulated for drinking and for the house. And one picked the very best that came in to start off with that high chosen to be low-water consuming and low-energy.” With is electricity.” of a bar.” its roof-mounted solar modules and huge south-facing Excellent solar exposure was paramount in site Judging by the small, ramshackle, 1930’s single-family windows, the duplex is conspicuous—the Canada Goose selection; the team also evaluated property market value in a lake full of ducks. These modules and glass capture Continued on page 8

Net-zero house leads the way

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Continued from page 7

n and workers Peter Ameronge W, 17% 0 20 a g mountin solar efficient Sanyo le. du photovoltaic mo well Ho Photo by Gordon

Andy Smith designed the passive solar heating elements consisting of southfacing windows, window overhangs, and thermal mass.

Photo by Terry Bourque

Affordability – “Trying to get a handle on the economics of these projects… these cost more right now but they offer more.”

house previously occupying the Riverdale lot, these great expectations may have seemed unrealistic. The old house was demolished, yet shadows of the past remain as materials were saved and reused in the new construction.

“The trim around the outside windows is recycled from siding from the old house,” explains Amerongen. In addition, the hardwood flooring, the beams in the living room and the interior trim were all second-hand.

“The concrete in the house is not recycled but it has a very high fly ash content—the cement is 50 percent fly ash, a waste product from burning coal. It replaces some of the cement powder. Making concrete is one of the most CO2intensive activities you can engage in. Cement powder is the big culprit… if you can reduce some of that with a waste product, you can reduce some of the CO2 that otherwise would be produced,” continues Amerongen.

Even old newspapers, shredded and treated with fire retardant, were stuffed between the panels of the 13-inch

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thick walls to provide insulation. With such diligent and creative recycling efforts, Amerongen, Howell and Smith fulfilled one of five key project parameters laid out by CMHC. One by one, the team met the criteria, as detailed

by Green, including: Health – Design teams must consider “indoor air quality, acoustics and comfort… you have to have non-toxic building materials, healthy finishes and materials, and natural day lighting.”

Energy – “Using 80 to 90 percent less energy than in a typical house and meeting the remaining load with onsite renewable energy systems.”

Resources – “Making good use of our natural resources… using materials and resources in a sustainable manner. This also includes not just the building materials but water.”

Environment – Remaining mindful of “…the use of our environment and the impacts on it… to keep natural waterways operating and healthy and intensified to an extent.”

Fulfilling these criteria could have been difficult enough, but there were other significant hurdles that challenged the team: “Well, it’s darn hard to get to net zero in this part of the world,” grumbles Amerongen in reference to our geographical location and climate.

“When we need the heat the most, we have got it the least… as far as the sun is concerned.”

Creativity was also applied to the matter of financing as illustrated by Smith. Perhaps best-known for his involvement on several city LRT stations, he also serves as chair of the Solar Energy ter fo Society of Canada Inc. t the energy me Peter points ou ures the electric Northern Alberta Chapter. “I as plant, which me int e and feed back convinced the board to put the supply the hous n money in,” smiles Smith. It xto Da by Photo added up to “about 11 grand” which supported the introductory research “to look at concepts for the size, focus and features of the project—energy being at the top of the list.”

Howell provided engineering expertise as well as a strong voice. “I went out and shopped for people. I was involved in the solar power systems. I did a lot of the media work, organizing presentations. And I have kept track of where we are in the net-zero target. It’s a huge task, but public education as to the home’s operation and pay-offs is

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Peter Amerongen in the east side master bedroom. The Duxton high performance windows have insulated fibreglass frames, four layers of glass, low e-coating, and argon gas fill Photo by Terry Bourque

Gordon Howell next to the solar heating system’s plumbing wall which includes the control valves, piping, and heat meters.

Photo by Terry Bourque

necessary.” Howell laughs that even the team was schooled, “I put together a fantastic team who probably knew 90 per cent what to do. But that 10 percent sure is a learning experience!”

Similar to any school project, there will be a report card issued on EQ Housing. Evaluation will be extensive. Green explains this will occur “in two ways—the two prongs involve consumer focus and industry focus. On the consumer side, all the teams are required to do a six-month public demonstration period. We will be doing consumer exit surveys, follow-ups and market research in conjunction with these houses.

“On the technical side, once the houses are occupied by real people, they have to go through a system of one year of performance monitoring. We are ctric power ele lar so e th r fo meter setting up different systems in on its way to d te ra ne ge y lectricit grid. the house to actually monitor the ity ric ct ele e th ack into energy performance—what it is using and what it is producing,” explains Green. When all is said and done, the results will be made public: “We are going to publish it and present it at conferences… we will have information on our website. We don’t want to learn something and keep it a secret.”

Construction began in May 2007 and is expected to be completed by this month; in which case, occupancy could occur this summer. Is there public interest in the Riverdale home? Just ask any of the 1000-plus individuals who toured the house—a mere shell of what it has become—on a cold November day last year. No doubt many of them

were among the 1100 who visited at the end of March when 5100 watts of solar electricity was being sent to the grid, and the solar heating system was producing 55ºC hot water.

Howell has been particularly diligent about educating the public. His next presentation on the Riverdale NetZero house and the other houses on this year’s Eco-Solar Home Tour is at the Telus World of Science, 11211 – 142nd Street, at 7:00pm, Thursday June 5th. The information session, sponsored by the Solar Energy Society and Telus World of Science, is free.

A third open house—part of the Eco-Solar Home Tour— is scheduled for Saturday, June 7th from 11:00 am and 4:30 pm. Visitors should expect to spend at least one hour learning the intricacies of the net-zero house, located at 9924 – 87th Street. Team members will be on-site to explain the technologies and to answer all questions. This should be another packed house, thinks Howell: “Solar sells things—absolutely! But it needs to be mated with—and this is the key—mated with energy efficiency.” This duplex has both sex appeal and practicality.

More than 20 people have expressed an interest in purchasing on the units upon completion. Good news… but somewhat of a dilemma on at least two levels. First, there’s the question of price. The objective is to recover the investment more than it is to make a profit. Not an easy task considering the complexity of the project and the time the proponents have committed. Smith is quick to admit that his contribution is overshadowed by that of Amerongen— who lives nearby and can’t stay away—and Howell—who leads the charge on getting the word out to the masses and can’t stay away. Nonetheless, it appears the purchase price will exceed $600,000—a bargain given that a city-owned lot across the street is on the market for that amount.

Second, there’s the matter of selecting a buyer.

Amerongen is not interested in a bidding war. But, because this is no ordinary house, criteria will likely be set and potential purchasers will go through what resembles an “adoption screening”. He has to ensure that the owner is prepared to participate in the CMHC performance monitoring process, information that is also important to validate the team’s design decisions.

Other countries are latching onto and exploring the viability of solar energy. Our American neighbours have launched the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system where builders are awarded points for “green” construction. “The Riverdale NetZero Project is not enrolled in LEED, but would likely score very high,” notes Amerongen. “There is no LEED for Homes program in Canada yet. Any Canadian houses need to be enrolled directly with the U.S. Green Building Council on an American scoring system. Our next net-zero project, the Mill Creek NetZero Project, will be part of the LEED for homes in Canada case study program and appears to be on track to achieve a Platinum rating. The project will break ground in late June or as soon after that as we can get a permit. LEED for Homes in Canada is due to roll out in spring of 2009.”

Undoubtedly, you will be hearing much more about the Riverdale NetZero and the project results in the future. And rightly so. This duplex is not just about today; it is about tomorrow. Amerongen, Howell and Smith are pioneers and visionaries.

For Amerongen, “There is just a certain comfort from knowing that you have left as small of a footprint with your housing as you possibly can.”

A small footprint, yes… but a very large impression. √ For more details, visit www.riverdalenetzero.ca and go the www.edmontonians.com for additional related links.

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By Peter Scott and Barb Deters

Look to Lethbridge

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othing beats the real thing.

Transparency will be a hallmark of assessments. “We’ll post the good and the bad Theory and book learning are valuable, but don’t compare with the decisions, too,” says Bohnert. “We’ll also post the options we had before choosing one over opportunity to apply that knowledge to a real project. A number of the rest and we’ll explain the decisions we make. Right now, the industry is very market Lethbridge College students are in the enviable position of researching and driven; we want to show the rationale.” designing a model for green home construction across Canada.

The City of Lethbridge provided $500,000 for The Living Home project in its SunRidge The Living Home project, a partnership between the college, the City of Lethbridge, and Cedar Ridge Quality Homes, is destined to become a greenprint for those who seek to build development. It expects to recoup the funds when the model home is sold. Upon completion, the project will operate as an open house for one year. As a condition of sale, environmentally responsible houses. the buyer has to allow the home’s energy Located in SunRidge, the first BuiltGreen™ subdivision of its consumption and livability to be studied for kind in Canada, The Living Home involves students in several a year with a plan to compare results to related disciplines, creating a unique learning experience within those in a similar control home built those programs. without the advantages featured in the Braum Barber, an instructor in the college’s School of project house.

Engineering Technologies, sees it as “…an educational opportunity Both houses are being constructed by for the entire community. It will showcase the skill sets of our Lonny Hoy of Cedar Ridge Quality students, builders can learn from both our successes and mistakes Homes, who volunteered to be part of this as we proceed, and the public can see what might work for them in particular experiment. All the homebuilders the future. This is truly our way of living our values.” in the SunRidge development signed an Barber and his fellow instructor Mark Bohnert recognize The agreement with the city to build Living Home as a goldmine of student involvement and learning. environmentally sustainable homes, based While they won’t wield hammers, they will exercise an inordinate Partners in The Living Home: Educators Mark Bohnert and Braum on BuiltGreen™ criteria. Lethbridge was amount of influence on the finished product. Students in Barber, Lethbridge College VP Peter Leclaire, builder Lonny Hoy the first municipality in Canada to set such engineering design and drafting technologies will pore over details and Michael Kelly, manager of real estate and land development, City of Lethbridge. a standard for the 224 single family on materials to be used in construction, determining their dwellings, two multi-family sites totaling as suitability and value in green design. Interior design students will choose flooring, paints and fabrics that advance the structure’s environmental standards, and many as 130 units, and the 65-acre commercial site. ultimately present their final models. Multimedia students will contribute to project Although The Living Home project did not fit the timelines for the LEED for Homes in branding and the website, deciding what will best satisfy the public’s interest for the type of Canada pilot program, the team has used the U.S. Green Building Council processes and knowledge gleaned from the project. concepts as a guideline. LEED credits will be referenced in the design documentation on The project is fostering applied research the home building industry can put into practice, the website to illustrate the meticulous detail encompassed by this rating system. and is quickly gaining support in the industry. The students will also produce a manual for By all accounts, The Living Home will be a showcase for the students and this unique green construction practices based on their findings. collaborative effort to go a “deeper shade of green.” √ All decisions and details are being made available online, as will all the research data gathered after completion. By sharing the learning, it is hoped that some of the Peter Scott teaches in Lethbridge College’s Communication Arts program and provides misconceptions surrounding the “building green” phenomenon will be explained, and communication support in the college’s advancement office. “green washing” will be exposed. Green washing is a manufacturer/retailer’s marketing practice that leads consumers to believe a product is ecologically friendly through Visit www.livinghome.ca and go to www.edmontonians.com for links to related sites. unsubstantiated claims.

Barber explains, “Many people think that being eco-friendly means adding a wind turbine or solar panel onto a home. It takes more than that to design an environmentally ™ responsible house. Choosing better materials, increasing the natural daylight into your home, reducing heat loss and water consumption all contribute to a good, green design.”

His students will evaluate performance to determine, for instance, whether the energy BuiltGreen™ is a voluntary program open to all Alberta Home Builders’ Association expended and pollution created to produce solar panels is justified by the return in energy members that have achieved the society’s certification. Builders must choose a minimum saved in their implementation. This depends on the amount and intensity of the available number of products and technologies with assigned point values of the criteria— sunlight and how the resulting power is used. ascending upward from the bronze through platinum levels. The higher the point values,

BuiltGreen Society

the higher the value of the builder permit rebates offered by Edmonton, Calgary, Lethbridge and Strathcona County.

In addition to the health and environmental benefits of a Built Green™ home, financial incentives for homeowners include lower energy costs, higher resale value and, for homes that achieve 77 or higher on the EnerGuide for Homes scale, homeowners can apply for a 10 percent mortgage insurance premium rebate through either CMHC or Genworth Financial.

Built Green™ is one of the most demanding environmental residential building programs available in Canada. The checklist is made up of eight categories: • Operational systems • Ventilation • Building materials • Waste management • Exterior & interior finishes • Water conservation • Indoor air quality • Business practices The first Built Green™ projects were registered in March 2004 and, as of November 2007, the number of enrollments had grown to 6,171 homes. Alberta has the highest number of homes enrolled for any green home program in Canada. The society estimated that 40 percent of all EnerGuide for New Homes rated/labeled homes in Canada are in Alberta. It cites the 2005 commitment of Jayman MasterBUILT™ to building 100 percent of its home in Edmonton and Calgary to BuiltGreen™ Gold— saving more than 3000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions in that year alone. √

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By Drake McHugh

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orldwide, the City of Edmonton may be best known for the Edmonton Oilers and Wayne Gretzky but, increasingly, the city is earning a green reputation that is the envy of many other cities.

It has been a remarkable accomplishment that started down a trashstrewn road in the 1980s when the city began to concentrate on creating an environmentally sustainable system of waste management. The city began to look at waste as a resource.

It is a particularly noteworthy accomplishment because, as a group, Albertans are the biggest individual producers of waste in Canada. Environment Minister Rob Renner says, “We have …a goal to reduce (waste) from 800 to 500 kilograms per person per year by 2010. But to be honest, it is going to be a challenge. We are going to have to work very aggressively as governments and as individuals.” He praises the province’s beverage recycling program but says there is room for improvement.

“We recycle about 75 per cent of our beverage containers and our goal is to increase that to 85 per cent.” He suggests the possibility of updated regulation later this year. ling up Renner says the government is also Landfills are fil attempting to limit waste from construction going into landfills and is working with industry to develop a construction and demolition waste reduction program.

He could do worse than check out the progress the provincial capital has made.

The City of Edmonton has a long record of being ahead of the rest of the province when it comes to waste management.

The Edmonton Waste Management Centre hosted a four-day conference in May that neatly dovetailed with the Sustainable Buildings Symposium. “Waste: The Social Context ’08” dealt, to a large extent, with innovative ways to change patterns of wasteful behaviour, and to engage citizens in volunteer activities that foster waste reduction and recycling activities in their communities.

Attendees from all over Canada and abroad were invited on a show and tell tour of the leading edge facilities at Clover Bar site. The waste system is highly integrated, merging social marketing with efficient collection systems and modern, sustainable processing facilities.

There’s no arguing the Centre’s promotional description which boasts: “The 233hectare site encompasses the largest co-composting facility in North America. Other facilities include the materials recovery facility for sorting and baling recyclables, the Clover Bar engineered landfill, a leachate treatment facility, biosolids lagoons, a new ewaste recycling facility and a landfill gas recovery plant. Together, they comprise the most integrated assembly of state-of-the-art facilities in North America to meet the challenge of sustainable waste management.

“This full-scale municipal operation forms a dynamic “living laboratory” that makes it distinct as a centre for applied research and training. The site attracts visitors from around the world, including scientists, government administrators and industry representatives.”

The city has one of the most successful blue bag programs in Canada—88 percent of households participate and its compost program sells reconstituted soils to retailers. And it has now begun to accept the waste materials of failed houses in an attempt to recycle wood, metal, shingles and drywall instead of adding it to a landfill. It also has a bio-fuels facility that takes material that can’t be composted and creates methanol and eventually ethanol.

Just opened—dare we say, finally—is the Global Electron and Electronic Processing Centre where computers, TVs, electron boards, power tools, vacuum cleaners—virtually any household electronic items—can be disposed of. Why is this important? Take computer monitors alone: They contain between five and eight pounds of lead, and there is a large gumbo of other corrosive and dangerous materials that go into the manufacture of the tools a modern society needs to function.

Among the city’s environmental successes are the grasscycle program which convinced thousands—39 percent—of Edmontonians to leave their grass cuttings on the lawn because it’s good for the lawn and good for the environment… recycling road sand for use next winter; and Edmonton’s Christmas Tree collecting Christams trees for Recycling program at wor k mulching.

Independent, but based at the same site (Clover Bar), is the Edmonton Waste Management Centre of Excellence (EWMCE) that brings together the City with the Alberta Research Council, NAIT, EPCOR, the University of Alberta, and AMEC. AMEC is a non-profit organization that coordinates waste management programs worldwide and whose latest accomplishment was finding a way to recycle that sand needed on Alberta’s winter roads. One of its major functions is to bring ideas and organizations together to discuss recycling problems. It has a strong school program to educate Alberta’s next generation of responsible citizens.

In fairness, the City of Edmonton couldn’t have done it alone… by forging strong relationships to address its waste management issues, numerous innovations and improvements have been implemented. One such is a program of landfill gas recapture.

Since 1992, EPCOR has been using the gases coming from the landfill (about 50 per cent methane), cleans them and generates enough power for 4,600 homes. The methane—27 times more harmful than cardon dioxide—would otherwise escape into the atmosphere and contribute to the greenhouse effect.

In a similar vein, an innovative gasification facility is being built with funding support from the Alberta Energy Research Institute. It will take waste that can’t be composted or recycled and turn it into synthetic gas—diverting 90 percent of waste from the landfill by 2012.

The solution to waste problems—the result of modern materialism—lies in changing behaviours, acting sustainably and investing in green technologies. For the City of Edmonton, the four Rs—reduce, recycle, re-use and recover—are important principles that have contributed to an effective and enviable waste management strategy.

As they say: “One person’s trash is another’s treasure.” √

Next Month

We present the before and after accounts of Brent Taylor and Arlene Schilke’s journey toward transformation.

The owners of Timewise Event Management share their experience of reframing their mindsets... of developing strategies for success... of utilizing their soft skills.

Read all about it in Edmontonians’ July issue!

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Alberta’s history.” Containing low, medium and high-rise residences, offices, entertainment and dining, recreational facilities, shopping and plenty of green space, Century Park will undoubtedly be the largest “urban village” in Edmonton, and Alberta, for some time to come.

Another urban village is Sherwood Park’s Centre in the Park. Now under construction, it includes residences, office, retail and leisure facilities, municipal government and services, all in a

C ivic Buzz with David Norwood

Centre in the Park concept sketch

community development and bonding. A key focus is self-sustainability, where people can live, work, shop and entertain in a single urban area.”

There’s nothing like going back to the future. In a sense, the first district in contemporary Edmonton to evolve into an urban village was Railtown, on the western fringe of the downtown core. Undertaken initially as a medium-density—and some said “risky”—development to spur downtown revitalization, the project initiated by Christenson Developments was overwhelmingly successful, and evolved into an urban village with the addition of higher-density condos and apartments, shopping, dining and entertainment amenities. But it’s also safe to say that Railtown was not planned overall as an urban village: The success of the initial phase led to further growth involving additional developers. But the area is now self-sustaining and almost environmentally friendly (there are still plenty of parking spaces).

The first “new” urban village approved as a comprehensive concept for Edmonton was the massive, $1 billion Century Park, on the site of the now-demolished Heritage Mall. Its first phases now under construction, Century Park incorporates all of the elements of an urban village, including a link to LRT. The website bills the project as “the most comprehensive and sophisticated residential development in

“traditional main street atmosphere.” A project of Christenson Developments, in conjunction with the County of Strathcona, Centre in the Park will be, in a sense, Sherwood Park’s “downtown.” It adjoins Festival Place, Broadmoor Lake Park, schools and businesses already in the area. An emphasis has been placed on the Centre being pedestrian friendly and environmentally sustainable.

Another ongoing development openly calls itself an urban village. The Village at Griesbach, located on the 620-acre site of the former Canadian Forces Base Griesbach (vacated when all armed forces activity in Edmonton was consolidated at Lancaster Park in the mid-1990s), bills itself as “Edmonton’s only contemporary urban village.” In contrast to Century Park, the Village at Griesbach does not offer high-rise living; instead, it focuses on single-family homes and low-rise apartments. In keeping with the maturity of the Griesbach land, architectural design will be strictly controlled. The website states, “The Village’s distinctly turn of the century architecture draws its inspiration from classic Canadian and European neighbourhoods.”

The Village at Griesbach also has the advantage of a location relatively close to downtown Edmonton, and the size and maturity of its site. Developer Canada Lands Corporation is creating four lakes, one of which is complete, as well as recreation spaces, and will add a commercial sector, as well as retail and service shops in a “classic town centre.”

One item not mentioned on the site is that the Village at Griesbach is generally upscale (the least expensive apartments appear to begin in the mid-$300,000 range), but should still appeal to those who prefer a lower-density urban village concept close to many amenities.

Alberta. Get over it.” With that figure now over 100,000 dead from the cyclone in that leaderless country and one million homeless, we most assuredly must put the duck loss in perspective, I’d go a step further. Why haven’t environmentally concerned journalists and Greenpeace said anything about a grave danger next door: near depletion of the entire Sockeye salmon run in BC this year because of ocean deterioration and river temperatures? Some 94 Aboriginal bands, many destitute, depend on salmon as their main food supply and will have to appeal to other bands for assistance.

Worldwide, I’m much more concerned about the human environment than the animal environment. Besides Myanmar/Burma, two out of every five children will die in Afghanistan before they are 12… Ethiopia will see scores of children dead from starvation today—and every day this year… Children in Burundi will also die daily from AIDs and HIV… And, hundreds more innocent children and adults in Iraq will continue being murdered by terrorist guns and explosions.

Closer to home—while sorry about the loss of ducks, and the brutal deaths of horses, dogs and pets—I have greater

outrage over the savage murders of young Nina Courtepatte and Sherwood Park teen Shane Rolston by groups of thugs, some female.

Other local human environmental concerns include: The RCMP/Edmonton Police Green Team raiding up to 90 Edmonton and suburban homes every week for marijuana growing operations.

The existence of 13 gangs in Hobbema alone, plus scads of others in the city and rural areas.

The need to establish the Society for Safe and Caring Schools and Communities to help school boards and teachers reduce bullying, violence, prejudice and drug abuse—appreciating many schools require a permanent police presence.

The increasing number of female teenage prostitutes, and other teens who have children—with no thought, or care, about that child’s future.

The number of foster homes forced to close and group home beds eliminated, forcing at-risk youth out on the streets – despite an additional $41-million from the Alberta government.

The increasing numbers of homeless and forgotten people in this affluent city and

Retroactive thinking “Old school concept” revitalizing Edmonton one neighbourhood at a time

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any years ago, before the culture of the automobile took root, Edmonton was in large part a series of self-contained neighbourhoods, where one could walk for almost every daily need, from bread to a screwdriver to a haircut.

Certainly, a vibrant downtown existed, and one might have to take the bus or streetcar to get to the department or specialty stores but, in general, one rarely had to leave the neighbourhood for essentials. Today, that concept is known as the “urban village.”

That way of life all but disappeared as the city grew and sprawled, and suburbs— bedroom communities—sprouted up everywhere. People became more and more dependent on their vehicles for their daily needs. Regional shopping malls replaced the local general stores, the “mom and pop” operations that long had sustained the local character of a given community. Sprawling Edmonton is among the lowest-density cities anywhere on the planet and, with few exceptions, one must have access to transportation to be able to shop or work.

But that is changing. The concept of a self-contained, sustainable neighbourhood is re-emerging as a popular—and necessary— solution to urban sprawl. Wikipedia defines an urban village as “an urban planning concept. Typically the aims are to create an environment in which... people can live and work in, is self-sustainable, is environmentally friendly [and] encourages

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edia Minute with Bruce Hogle

This second consecutive Edmontonians Green Report features homes, urban villages and individual actions—all things we can relate to.

I’m as green and environmentally conscious as anyone—be it Al Gore, Davis Suzuki, Greenpeace or anyone else. But I can’t understand big city media hysteria given the 500 ducks that perished in the Fort McMurray tailing ponds. Certainly I deplore such a loss. But I accept Syncrude’s outright apology, noting this is the first time in their 30-year history that such a calamity has occurred. I also accept the Premier Ed Stelmach’s immediate reaction that Syncrude will be held accountable to ensure this never happens again.

Within days, two Journal Letters to the Editor put this entire issue in perspective.

David MacLean stated U.S. wind turbines claim the lives of 40,000 to 70,000 birds annually“ yet we never see headlines or protests about that.” Rose Lyle of Egremont said it all in 12 words: “15,000 dead in Myanmar; 500 dead ducks in 12

Other urban villages recently approved— after protracted and often confrontational public hearings—include the Vision for the Corner in Glenora, which will comprise four slim towers ranging from 15 to 21 storeys and containing up to 220 condo units, 50 “brownstone” townhomes, mainfloor retail and second-floor offices, landscaping, underground parking, and parks and pedestrian walkways.

The Strathearn Heights Redevelopment Project was also recently approved after literally years of public consultation and compromise. This major redevelopment of almost-60-year-old apartments in Strathearn will result in another urban village, comprising about 1,750 units in four slim high-rise towers, lower-rise apartments and townhomes on 23 acres.

Retail and office space will be included as well.

Strathearn Heights concept sketch

Downtown Edmonton is itself becoming an urban village. With Railtown at its western edge, the promise of The Quarters at the eastern edge, and the area of 104th Street between Jasper and 104th Avenues sprouting new condominiums (and perhaps even an office tower on 103rd Street and 102nd Avenue), the recent opening of a new concept Sobey’s Urban Fresh at Jasper Avenue and 104th Street signifies an increasing self-sustainability in the downtown core. New retail space will be available in the Icon condominium towers too. The area abounds with new specialty stores, restaurants and bistros. As one downtown resident recently said to me, “all we need now is a Canadian Tire or Home Depot, and we’re set!”

It’s fair to say that Edmonton has turned the corner with respect to redefining itself as a more neighbourhood-sustainable region.

We’ll see more and more urban villages appearing in the months and years ahead, and while the suburbs will never disappear, we might be able to change the way they’re developed so that they, too, become selfsustaining. It’s a mindset that must be nurtured, but it looks as if we’re on track to do that. √ David Norwood is a freelance writer/editor.

Contact dnorwood@edmontonians.com province, whose only contact is with the incredible people at such organizations as the Salvation Army, Edmonton Food Bank, Bissell Centre, Operation Friendship, Mustard Seed, United Way, Catholic Social Services and the Mennonite Centre, among others.

I think—regardless of age—that we all have a responsibility to always be thinking green—whether picking up garbage on our streets; working with 4H groups in patrolling Alberta highways every summer collecting discarded refuse; or ensuring wildlife does not needlessly die because of mankind’s mistakes.

But we also have a human environment commitment and obligation to ensure we never forget the plight of our brothers and sisters here and throughout this global village, whose troubles have been forgotten or in many cases simply ignored… because no one cared. √ Bruce Hogle is the former news director at CFRN TV and recently retired head of the Alberta Press Council. Contact bhogle@edmontonians.com EDMONTONIANS JUNE 2008

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s the world watches the astounding race between Senator Hillary Clinton and Senator Barack Obama for the leadership of the U.S. Democratic Party, insiders remain concerned that this duel will divide the party and weaken the candidate for the eventual presidential bid. One would argue that such a duel should increase excitement and create visibility for the two candidates and the Democratic Party.

Canadians, deprived now for many years of a real leadership race, would love to experience this excitement. It would have significant potential to rejuvenate the political process in this country and stimulate the interest of young people to get engaged and use their voice.

So why then is the Democratic Party brass so concerned? The reality is that such a duel is exciting and creates real energy within the party. However, when it goes on too long and, as candidates seek to distinguish themselves even more, there is a real danger that the core party values could start to erode in the eyes of the voters.

In many businesses, especially mid-size companies that have grown beyond the size where personal touch is possible, you often hear comments such as: “The management team is not aligned”… “I get different responses from different managers”… or “We do not have a strategy.”

Diversity within any organization promotes creativity, enabling companies to solve complex problems and become innovative in the execution of their strategy. If not well managed, however, diversity can create an aura of chaos, uncertainty, and even divide those that it aims to bring together in a pluralistic environment.

To dig deeper into this powerful concept, we can borrow advice from child physiologists on managing behaviour. A common issue discussed with parents is sleep time. The parent needs to define the sleep time… say 9:00 p.m. The sleep time must then be consistently set at exactly 9:00 p.m. and not 9:01 p.m. or for that matter 8:59 p.m. The children may exercise their

independence and creativity by choosing to wear pink or blue or yellow pajamas. They may have a choice of what bedtime story they want to hear and which favourite stuffed animal or pillow they will sleep with. But there can be no compromise on the sleep time: 9:00 p.m.

In this example, the sleep time corresponds to the core value and core strategies that an organization agrees upon.

Once discussed and determined—or, in some cases, legislated—the core values and strategies form the foundation for governing and measuring the organization, and cannot change. However, the execution, and how each

Leadership divided...

By Nizar J. Somji division within the organization achieves the strategy, is left to each division to determine. As long as they remain aware of the core values and strategies, the execution to achieve those values and strategy may vary from team to team and from region to region, depending on many factors including: People: the skill set of the individuals, experience levels, size of division; Environment: varying political and regulatory environments; Culture: how people operate, common thinking, expected norms; and Technology: access, level of knowledge and use.

The challenge many organizations face, especially those with diversity in leadership and thinking, can be summarized on two fronts: following an execution path or creating special cases or compromises that either dilute or violate the core values and strategies; or worse, thinking of execution models as “core” and engaging in debate that confuses what is core and what is execution

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corporate ETHICS Interestingly, this challenge is debated heavily in religious circles as well. Here the argument becomes about the “essence” versus the “form” of the faith. Form may be adjusted to meet cultural, environmental and changing times, where as the essence remains core to the belief system regardless of other factors.

In organizations with strong leadership, the leaders (as opposed to managers) are able to quickly and decisively determine what is core. This allows individuals and groups the autonomy and creativity to drive execution while remaining true to the core values and strategies.

This is truly an art that is mastered over time.

Organizations that spend their time at the highest levels focusing on a common and shared understanding of the core values and strategies, without getting caught up in the execution detail, will find success at all levels. The same model will be replicated throughout the company, creating a vibrant, energetic and creative organization that will deliver real results. Those who invest excessively in process end up with very unhappy and ineffective organizations.

So going back to the battle for the Democratic Party presidential nominee: the brass indeed have reason for concern… as Barack and Hillary present how they are each uniquely capable of delivering on the core values of the party, they may end up diluting these values, confusing the party platform, or becoming so focused on individual execution that the core values and strategies of the party lose the prominence needed to win the election.

For the Democratic Party, it is not about who represents the Party; it is about winning the presidency. √ Nizar J. Somji is president and CEO of Jaffer Inc., a management/investment consulting firm; and chairman of the board of Matrikon Inc., a company he founded in 1988.

my space % 2 ... off the top Just

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he Edmonton real estate market has been the topic of discussion and amazement across the country since the fall of 2005. As the economy heated up and more people moved into the province, the market became more competitive, inventory dropped and prices rose, doubling in two years. Things started to cool off in July 2007. According to the Realtor’s Association of Edmonton, the market has been flooded with inventory and prices have remained fairly stable in the past few months. It’s a great time to buy. But, is it a good time to sell? This month’s profile explores a new company in the Edmonton real estate market: 2% Realty owned by Roy Almog.

Born in Israel, Almog moved to Edmonton in 1989 at the age of 10. Favouring the idea of getting right down to work after graduating from Ross Sheppard in 1997, he spent time in retail, and as a dealer in the telecom industry, first with TELUS Mobility then with Bell Canada. All the while, he dabbled in real estate investment.

Almog learned the ins and outs of real estate investment from the trenches—buying, renovating and renting in the Edmonton area. When it came time to sell, he was lured by the potential for commission savings offered by ComFree, but found there “was no traction.” He ended up hiring a realtor and paying commission anyway. This sparked the idea for getting the exposure offered on the Multiple Listing

For Young Entreprenuers

Service (MLS) without paying tens of thousands of dollars in commission fees. 2% Realty began in earnest in May 2007.

Other companies offer to list your home on the MLS system for a fee rather than a commission, but the seller is responsible for showings, photos and all the paper work. In contrast, “2% Realty is a full service realty company. We just do it all for two percent.” Almog explains, “The idea is simple: 2% Realty charges two percent on the total selling price of the home without any extra or hidden fees.”

At the time of this interview, 2% Realty had five realtors with plans to hire three more in the next few months. I had to ask: Why would realtors want to work for two percent commission when the average commission rates are seven percent on the first $100,000 and three percent on each additional $100,000? “This business is based on volume and it is tough for new realtors to get started,” says Almog.

“With a two-percent commission, it’s easier to get listings and more experience.”

INNOVATIVE MARKETING INITIATIVES 2% Realty’s current marketing focuses on signage and attracting website traffic.

Lawn signs are generally consistent and nothing unusual for a realty company. What is different is Almog’s choice of lime green, as opposed to the traditional red, blue and yellow. His signs stand out, but buyers may not be on the look out for or identify with fluorescent green for sale signs.

Almog’s website (www.twopercentrealty.ca) is easy to navigate and has enough information to get a buyer/seller’s attention. Nothing out of the ordinary—except for a cashback program: 2% Realty will give back one percent of its commission to all buyers on any MLS listing regardless of who the realtor is or which company holds the listing. An interesting promotion that will inevitably get people talking.

The marketing also focuses on “keeping more of your investment.” In my mind, this speaks specifically to investors in rental properties or house flipping, but it may exclude those who have lived in the same house most of their lives. Even though any real estate purchase is an investment, the language could have greater appeal to investors—thus reinforcing Almog’s theory on a volume based business.

By Erin Rayner

Almog also faces a challenge within the industry. He’ll have to build relationships with other realtors who might be reluctant to show his listings because of the comparatively low commission.

To his credit, Almog has engaged a public relations firm to spread the word through business, real estate and consumer publications. Building a reputation and sharing information through trusted sources is a good strategy.

Most of us try to do business with people we like and trust. For a volume-based industry that deals with something as important as one’s investments and as emotional as a home, trust is a keystone to healthy sales and a profitable business. √

TOP THREE

Ways to enhance trust Speaking of trust, I’m reading an amazing book called The Speed of Trust by Stephen M.R. Covey, son of Stephen Covey who authored The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. The Speed of Trust makes a compelling case for how trust affects business in terms of speed and profitablilty. According to the junior Covey, increased trust equals increased speed of service/production and decreased costs; whereas decreased trust in an organization or between suppliers equals decreased speed and increased cost.

Here are Covey’s top three ways to build and increase trust: See – Changing the way you see trust will directly affect what you do and the results you get.

Speak – There is a specific language that enables you to speak about trust and articulate the underlying issues that cause a breakdown or lack of trust.

Behave – Integrity is fundamental to building a culture of trust—both personally and within a business—and consequently affects how employees and employers as well as customers and suppliers react to one another. √ Erin Rayner is president of ED Marketing and Communications Inc. You can submit marketing materials for review; suggest young entrepreneurs to be profiled; nominate a Top Three; or ask a business developement question. Contact erayner@edmontonians.com

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lifestyles LIVELY

Dark greens

Rule!

MENU

Magic with Chef John Berry

line-up), plus cabbage, beet greens, kale and endive.

Dark green leafy vegetables should be grown in bright sunny plots. If you decrease istorians tell us that our ancient ancestors the amount of sunlight they get, Jim says, used to eat up to six pounds of leaves a day! you’ll see a reduction in the nutrients That’s about one large, paper they provide. grocery bag And that’s also something you don’t full of leaves. Even then, want to do when you cook your greens. they were on to something Beet greens, Swiss chard, spinach, good. collard greens and asparagus are best Canada’s revised food steamed or sautéed in a bit of butter or guide recommends that olive oil. Asparagus, lightly oiled and adults 19 to 50 years of age Chef Quentin peppered, is great on the grill. eat seven to 10 servings of A sous chef helps n You can be creative in the kitchen by with plating for a Canadia veggies and fruit per day, or in Tokyo r ne din y raiding the pantry to make your greens a serving of fruit or ss ba Em more appetizing. Try adding diced vegetables per meal plus smoked meats, garlic, lemon or quick snacks in the morning kitchen is one vinegar, hot chili flakes, jalapeño peppers, and evening. And we all know year old rebuilt anchovies, Worcestershire sauce, fresh herbs from that a diet rich in fruits and Quentin’s scallop and will stay that Hole's Greenthe garden, cream, cheese and soya sauce, just to vegetables may help reduce sweet tomato an ceviche with Nancy Burger of you select dark way till I leave... lp d fried roe he name a few. the risk of heart disease and n ca houses r your garden I take care of Best of all, after a quick rinse to get rid of the some types of cancer. green veggies fo my equipment. dirt, there’s nothing better than fresh garden Today the buzz phrase is, “Japan is surprisingly clean for cities with so many greens. Homegrown salads and side dishes taste good and “The darker the green in the people. are good for you. Does it get any better than that? vegetable or fruit, the better it is for you.” It’s been shown “Tokyo has been a big culture shock... the language, that dark green vegetables are a rich source of minerals train of thought and customs. Even though people are NAIT culinary arts alum and Aboriginal role such as calcium, iron, potassium, and magnesium. They greatly influenced by North America, they are very model Quentin Glabus took up his new responsibilities as also contain vitamins K, C, E, and many of the B vitamins. professional and filled with pride and culture. executive chef to the Canadian ambassador in Tokyo at the They also deliver phytonutrients such as beta-carotene “The coolest thing was the fish marker—OMG, tuna beginning of May. The 2000 graduate left his job at which protect our cells from damage and our eyes from longer than me and three times the size, I was like a kid in a Homefire Grill where the cuisine is described as age-related problems. I mention vitamin K because there’s candy store. There were things at that market that I have “Aboriginal fusion” to cook for royalty, dignitaries, a lot of excitement about its health benefits: It regulates government officials and CEOs. In addition to meals for the seen on TV or in books and now I can say I’ve seen it and blood clotting, helps protect bones from osteoporosis, and ambassador’s family, he’ll oversee functions with guest lists now I get to play with it (cook it).” may be a key regulator of inflammation and may help Way to go, Quentin. You’ll do NAIT and Edmonton that could range from 10 to 1,000 people. protect us from arthritis and diabetes. proud. √ Quentin is settling in nicely and shared his first Jim Hole of Hole’s Greenhouse says the best vegetables impressions in an e-mail: “…the people are friendly, like a to eat to deliver a powerhouse punch are broccoli, collard Contact Chef John Berry at jberry@edmontonians.com family. The residence is…huge, old and impressive. My greens, Brussels sprouts and asparagus (the all stars in that

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Living in Outdoor buffet crafted from bathroom cabinets, bi-fold doors, reclaimed tile and garage-sale columns

Destroy + Demolish = Dump

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e is a wicked man frequently clad in overalls and a hardhat. I have dubbed the sledgehammer wielding co-host of HGTV’s Restaurant Makeover, ‘Igor the Terrible’.

Every week Igor and his crew cast off perfectly salvageable materials into dumpsters, garbage cans and landfills during a restaurant’s renovation. With blatant disregard for our planet, everything from back-bars to bulkheads is trashed— nothing is repurposed, recycled or reused.

Someone should tune Iggy in to the error of his ways: Re-using 30 tons of building material can reduce greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to taking five cars off the road for a year.

The time has come for Restaurant Makeover and the majority of other reno shows to display more responsible behaviour… for the Igors and Ty Penningtons to wipe the glee of destruction off their faces… for the networks and producers to tint their design philosophy a deeper shade of green.

Deconstruct + Disassemble = Devine décor If you are considering a home renovation or accent project for your pad, remember that an essential link in the design chain is to plan a soft reno. The term refers to the maximum use of demolition materials during the construction process and recycling any leftovers upon completion. Using salvaged materials typically requires time to locate, so be sure to start planning early. It is a win/win situation from both environmental and heritage perspectives; materials salvaged from your home will require less transportation of goods and historic continuity will be preserved. If you do end up with a surplus of

building materials after completing of your project, donate them to Habitat for Humanity Restores or call your local demolition/salvage retailers for pick up. Although Igor chooses to toss these items in the bin, they are awesome reusable building materials...

Doors/Windows Hardware Lumber CabinetryBathroom fixtures Electrical equipment Plumbing fittings Glass blocks Moulding Steel beams and studs Insulation Columns and mantles Siding/Brick Metalwork Light fixtures Wainscoting

Shifting from demolition and disposal to deconstruction and disassembly will provide substantial climate change benefits and reduce our solid waste stream by keeping usable materials out of landfills and distributing them for re-use.

Defunct + Disused = Donations You have a lot of options about what you can do with unwanted materials that won’t create havoc with the environment. I strongly recommend you start with Habitat for Humanity, the renowned, non-profit organization that mobilizes volunteers and community partners in building affordable housing and promoting homeownership as a means to breaking the cycle of poverty.

Habitat for Humanity Canada was founded in 1985 and today consists of over 35,000 volunteers and 72 affiliate organizations. Internationally, it spans 93 countries and has built over 225,000 homes, which equates to a new home built every 21 minutes.

Salvaged cast iron fence panels for a headboard or bench

with Linda Bodo

Locally, it is embarking on its largest ever developments: the Kirkness build is currently underway and will provide homes for 18 families, while the go-ahead was recently given for 47 homes in Bergman, both located in northeast Edmonton. Habitat recently negotiated with the developers to provide 150 units in the Strathearn Heights revitalization project.

Recycled concrete sidewalk garden path and water feature The Habitat for Humanity ReStore, a supply outlet that accepts and resells quality new and used building materials which generate funds to support building programs. The primary benefits are two-fold: Reduce the amount of used materials destined for landfills… and help cover operating costs for the organization so all other funding donations can go toward housing projects. You can expect to find everything from tools to tiles to kitchen sinks and cabinets.

For the DIYer and cottage owners, it is the perfect place to purchase items for inexpensive renovations… or to drop off materials that are gathering dust in garage. ReStore also accepts furniture and large appliances, in working order.

And, if your stuff is too big for the trunk or SUV, pick up collections directly from your home are available free of charge.

You can also contact the Architectural Clearing House which offers free pick up and can provide a crew that will do interior salvage. Another alternative is Edmonton Earthcycle, an on-line registry of items you want to give away or get for free; surrounding communities have similar programs with the Freecycle™ Network.

To locate other groups that reclaim materials, the City of Edmonton offers an on-line option—just type in your item and the directory will highlight all the organizations that might be interested in your unwanted materials. √ Contact Linda Bodo at lbodo@edmontonians.com or visit www.absolutebodo.com.

Check www.edmontonians.com for on-line links.

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ACQUISITIONS, DIVESTITURES & CORPORATE FINANCE

with Stephen W. Kent, CA (780) 441-6793

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Are golden handcuffs an owner’s best friend?

Most owners agree that their employees are their most important asset. They recognize that without first-rate people working for them success is far harder to achieve. In Alberta’s current economic marketplace retaining these outstanding individuals is a challenge all companies are facing. As a result, owners are devising myriad creative strategies to compensate and keep their key employees.

One method is sharing the ownership of the company by allowing certain employees to buy in to the firm. Some owners sell nonvoting shares to their staff, ensuring that the annual valuation methodology is well defined and easy to understand in a unanimous shareholders agreement (USA). These employees will benefit from the long term growth of the company as the shares increase in value as well as participate in profit sharing when

dividends are paid. Other owners are placing a portion of the shares in an EmployeeCo and selling those shares to their staff instead.

Others prefer to have their staff participate in profit sharing via annual bonuses instead of equity participation. There are numerous ways that owners have creatively structured these bonuses to compensate and retain their key employees. Some owners structure these annual bonuses as retention bonuses commonly known as Golden Handcuffs where the bonus is held in trust subject to a vesting period, after which the bonus is paid out to the employee if the employee remains with the Company.

There are as many ideas to compensate and retain staff as there are creative people in the province.

However, the methodology used to compensate your key employees could affect the valuation of your

business in a sale as distributions by way of bonuses are not necessarily added back when calculating profit.

Distributions by way of dividends do not affect the calculation of profit.

Monetary retention strategies are good for the company and can be effective in motivating high performing employees to stay.

However, statistics show that the number one reason people leave their jobs is because they don’t feel appreciated. Owners must determine what the best strategy is to motivate their valued employees to stay.

If you are contemplating selling your business please contact me to discuss how your compensation plan can affect the sales process and how you can overcome any of these potential obstacles.

EDMONTONIANS JUNE 2008

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