Presentations and Workshops at the Kamloops Energy Fair

 

Join us on May 23 at the Kamloops Energy Fair for these workshops and presentations.  Location is the McArthur Island Sports Centre.

Workshops and presentations are open to anyone on a drop-in basis, at no charge. 

See our Energy Fair story

Creating a Kamloops Xeriscape by Karla Hoffman, City of Kamloops.

Xeriscape Gardens Gazebo, 12:30 pm - 1:15 pm.

Has it always been your goal to find ways of creating a functional and pleasing, yet easily maintained landscape that saves water? Well, now is your chance! Xeriscaping is an an environmentally friendly approach to gardening that saves time, money and water while creating a beautiful, healthy, high quality landscape in our semi-arid climate. Bring along your questions and your curiosity!

Building a Sustainable Food System in Your Backyard by Laura Kalina/ Alison Linklater of the Kamloops Food Policy Council and Heartland Foods.

Downstairs Entrance Nook, 1:30 pm - 2:15 pm.

Did you know that most food in the supermarket travels 3000 kms before it reaches your plate? Come learn what's being done to support sustainable food systems locally. Laura Kalina (a registered dietician) and Allison Linklater (a local organic grower) will highlight local initiatives such as community gardens, the Farmers Market, and Heartland Quality Foods Coop, to name a few. Moving from the backyard to the kitchen, Laura will also highlight how eating more fresh, organic veggies, fruits, healthy proteins and fats (while avoiding processed foods) will not only improve your health but also reduce your carbon footprint.

Aerothermal Heating and Cooling by Kathy McKenzie, Canadian Aerothermal.

Downstairs Entrance Nook, 2:30 pm - 2:50 pm.

Canadian Aerothermal specializes in residential and commercial heating & cooling systems that can reduce your energy bills by up to 50%. Canadian Aerothermal designs and installs the most energy efficient systems available on the market today. It's easy to go green and reduce your environmental footprint when you deal with "The Aerothermal Specialists" where no ducts are no problem.

Straw Bale Homes, Sheds & Designs by Chris Sundquist, Think Tank Designs.

Downstairs Entrance Nook, 3:00 pm - 3:20 pm.

Thinktank Designs specializes in custom architectural home designs that work with the land, using sustainable materials and creating homes that are cool in the summer, warm in the winter, and use the least amount of energy possible. Chris will be talking about straw bale homes, sheds, and sustainable homes designs.

All You Ever Wanted to Know About Vermicomposting by Mel Anderson, All Things Organic.

Downstairs Entrance Nook, 3:30 pm - 4:15 pm.

Indoor worm composting is catching on as a means to reduce household waste and create high-quality fertilizer at the same time. Come find out how you can start a worm bin, and what's involved in keeping those critters busy year round. Worms and worm composters can be ordered for pick-up shortly after the event.

Power Smart: Embracing Conservation by Myles Gregory, BC Hydro Power Smart specialist.

Upstairs Lounge, 12:15 pm - 1:15 pm.

Myles Gregory, BC Hydro Power Smart Specialist, will discuss the importance of electricity conservation and the background for Power Smart. There will be helpful information to help conserve within your home, as well as BC Hydro programs which can assist your efforts. A quick interactive discussion will follow, ending with ways to embrace conservation today.

Kamloops Green Dream Home and other CMHC projects around Canada by Allan Dobie, CMHC.

Upstairs Lounge, 1:30 pm - 2:15 pm

The Equilibrium Initiative is an important research and development project being undertaken by CMHC to find practical solutions to healthy, sustainable and net-zero energy housing. The projects represent the state-of-the-art in green house design and will form the baseline for the next generation of housing in Canada. The Kamloops Green Dream Home is one of two winners in the competition to represent BC in this initiative. It will be designed and built by Thompson Rivers University in partnership with the CHBA.

What are Community Kitchens and Community Gardens? by Vera Doell, Interior Community Services.

Upstairs Lounge, 2:30 pm - 3:15 pm.

Have you ever wanted to get together with a group of people to cook ready-to-go meals ahead of time? It's is a great way to be organized, it's economical, and it's fun! Everyone is welcome, regardless of income. Specialty kitchens, where you can learn to freeze, make bread, etc, are available in Kamloops, or you can learn how to organize your own "community kitchen" in your neighbourhood. Also, find out how you can have a garden, even if you don't have space for one where you live. Rent space in a community garden, and reap the the benefits: fun, social interaction, exercise, self-reliance and, of course, cheap, healthy produce you've grown yourself!

Online Networks in our Neighbourhoods by Arjun Singh, Full World Consulting.

Upstairs Lounge, 3:30 pm - 4:15 pm.

This workshop will explore the concept of websites, online forums, and blogs connecting people living within neighbourhoods in Kamloops. For example, a Lower Sahali group or a Brocklehurst network could help neighbours get to know each other, share news, and and even buy or swap goods and services. Online networks can be a positive way to build connections, and each group can be creative about the ways they want to use them. Come out and be prepared for an active discussion!