As summer shifts into fall, it’s the perfect time to think about how we can live more sustainably. From back-to-school shopping to storing summer gear and preparing our homes for winter, small choices can make a big impact on our community and environment.
Tips for Back-to-School
Fall often means new supplies, new routines, and community events. Choosing reusable, durable items over disposables helps cut down on waste and saves money in the long run. Reuse notebooks, refill binders, and check what you already have before heading to the store.
Gear Prep and Storage
Storing Summer Gear
Caring for your summer gear now saves money, reduces waste, and keeps items in use for years to come.
Clean and repair before storing: Wash and air-dry tents, oil bike chains, and patch minor damage so your equipment is ready to go next spring.
Choose natural cleaners: Opt for vinegar, baking soda, or eco-friendly sprays instead of harsh chemicals.
Reuse and swap locally: If you have gear you no longer need, consider donating it or joining Bow Valley swap initiatives. Visit our website to learn more about local options for sharing, repairing, and reusing gear.
Keep Gear in Circulation
Don’t let unused gear gather dust. Pass it along and give it a second life.
Fall Swap-O-Rama: The swap is free and open to everyone. You can bring items to share or simply come pick something up. Make sure to check out the next event on September 19-21 at the Canmore Public Library.
Bow Valley Gear Swap: Seasonal events where residents can buy, sell, or trade outdoor equipment at affordable prices. Check out the next Ski and Sports Swap on October 16-19 at the Banff Train Station.
Banff Share and Repair Fair: A community event focused on fixing and reusing clothing, household items, and gear. Check out the Banff Share and Repair Fair on October 26 at the Fenlands Recreation Centre.
Library of Things: Why buy when you can borrow? With your library card, you can borrow tools, kitchen appliances, outdoor gear, and more. Both Banff and Canmore have collections, so be sure to check out what's available in each location.
Choosing reuse over landfill saves money, cuts waste, and strengthens community connections.
Winter Prep at Home
Transitioning your home for colder months is the perfect time to boost energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
Draft-proofing: Use reusable or low-cost draft stoppers, caulking, or weatherstripping to seal gaps around windows and doors.
Switch to LED lighting: Replace bulbs before the shorter days set in. LEDs last longer and use far less energy.
Service heating systems: Schedule a furnace or heat pump tune-up to keep it running efficiently and reduce energy costs.
Try the Home Energy Evaluation Toolkit (HEET):
Discover how your home uses energy with the HEET kit, available to borrow from the Banff and Canmore Library of Things and the Biosphere Institute. The kit includes tools like a Kill-A-Watt meter, infrared camera, and digital thermometer to help you spot energy waste, identify simple fixes, and start saving money this winter.
Take Action
Community Wildfire Resilience
Thanks to generous support from the G7, we have partnered with the Town of Canmore to support residential and neighborhood wildfire resilience education!
Fire Ready Ambassador Program
As part of this project we are launching a door knocking campaign that will help educate residents about implementing FireSmart principles on their own properties and in their neighborhoods. We are currently seeking volunteers who are passionate about community resilience and enjoy connecting with others to help with an 8 week door knocking campaign that will begin the week of August 18th. Click here to learn more about the opportunity!
Supporting the Neighborhood Recognition Program
Wildfire resilience is best achieved when we all work together. That’s why we are happy to help promote the Neighborhood Recognition Program (NRP) and support Canmore residents as they connect with their neighbors. Learn more about the NRP by visiting canmore.ca/NRP.
Want support connecting with your neighbors? We are happy to help! Reach out to grace@biosphereinstitute.org and start building community while creating a safer neighborhood.
Check out the video below to see how residents in the Peaks of Grassi are banding together and taking action in their neighborhood!
Learn more about how the Biosphere is working with the Town of Canmore and how you can get involved!
Fruit Tree Replacement Incentive
What we plant in our backyards shapes the safety of our whole community. Fruit trees attract bears into neighborhoods, putting both people and wildlife at risk. The good news is that we can change this story.
Through the Town of Canmore’s Fruit Tree Removal Incentive, residents can get financial support to remove fruit-bearing trees that bring bears into our yards. And now, thanks to generous support from the G7, we’re offering an added bonus:
The Fruit Tree Replacement Incentive helps cover the cost of planting a non-fruit-bearing tree in place of the one you remove.
Receive up to $500 for fruit tree or shrub removal
Receive up to $500 to plant a replacement non-fruit-bearing tree
Current funding supports 55 individual residences
Together, we can make Canmore a place where bears stay wild and neighbours stay safe.
Upcoming Events
Harnessing the Power of Food
Join the Biosphere Institute and the Co+Kitchen for an event all about Harnessing the Power of Food! Connect with community and food through hands-on cooking workshops that bring people together over planet-friendly, sustainable meals.
Workshop #1: Every Day Meals: Tofu Pita Burger, Pita bread, Salad with Canadian-harvested veggies.
September 11, 2025
5:30 PM - Doors open
6:00 PM - Workshop
Tickets: Exclusive for Shift Newsletter readers, use promo code CANMORE25 to receive 25% off your ticket.
All menus are thoughtfully curated to highlight international flavors while using locally accessible ingredients. Each class offers a unique cultural experience through hands-on cooking, complemented by prepared items and live demos that showcase global inspiration rooted in our local food landscape.
EVs are for EVeryone Cross-Canada Tour
We’re partnering with Plug’n Drive, a national nonprofit and trusted leader in EV education, to bring free test drives and electric vehicle knowledge to Banff and Canmore!
This tour is designed for anyone curious about EVs, whether you’re just starting to explore or ready to make the switch. Visitors can:
Test drive five different EVs from leading manufacturers.
Meet EV ambassadors who can answer your questions about charging, costs, and choosing the right EV for your lifestyle.
Explore the Mobile EV Education Trailer, a hands-on space to learn about charging at home, on the road, and how EVs help cut emissions.
Banff MEET
Banff Train Station, 327 Railway Ave.
Sept. 11–28, 2025 (Thurs–Sun, 10AM – 5PM)
Book Your Banff Test Drive Here
Canmore MEET
Canmore Recreation Centre, 1900 8 Ave.
Oct. 2–19, 2025 (Thurs–Sun, 10AM – 5PM)
Book Your Canmore Test Drive Here
Solar-Ready Design Workshop
Join Joseph Henke from ENBIX for a training session on solar-ready design. Learn the basics of solar energy in Alberta, key design tips, and how solar impacts project costs.
Date: September 16 from 9AM - 12PM
Location: Canmore Recreation Centre
Register here
Passive House Alberta Webinar
Hear from three homeowners who built a Passive House or completed a Deep Energy Retrofit. Learn what it’s like to go through the process and live in an energy-efficient home.
Date: September 23 from 12PM - 1PM
Register here
All-Candidates Forums on the Environment
Hear where candidates stand on the environmental issues that matter most to the future of our communities. The Biosphere Institute will host forums in Banff and Canmore ahead of the municipal elections. All questions will be posted publicly on our website in advance.
Banff Forum
Date: Wednesday, October 1 from 7–9 PM
Location: Catherine Robb Whyte Building
Canmore Forum
Date: Thursday, October 2 from 7–9 PM
Location: Canmore Seniors' Centre Creekside Hall
Banff Share and Repair Fair
A free event with repairs, swaps, workshops, and live music. Give broken items a second life or swap gear you no longer need.
Date: Sunday, October 26 from 10AM - 2PM
Location: Fenlands Recreation Centre
Get Your Tickets Now
Quirky Climate Fashion Show
The Mountain Grannies and Biosphere Institute invite you to the Quirky Climate Fashion Show, a bold and inspiring event that blends fashion, storytelling, and climate action.
Date: Thursday, October 30 at 7PM
Location: Canmore Seniors' Centre Creekside Hall
Get Your Tickets Now
Building for Sustainability Symposium
Two days of workshops, fieldtrips, keynote speakers, and networking focused on sustainable, climate-ready building. Hear from experts including Dr. Anabela Bonada (Intact Centre for Climate Resilience) and Jonathan Westeinde (CEO, Windmill Developments).
Dates: November 6–7
Location: Malcolm Hotel, Canmore
Get Your Tickets Now
Square Dance Fundraiser
Join us for an evening of dancing and community connection to support the Biosphere Institute. Doors open at 6:30 PM, dance starts at 7:30 PM. Silent auction, live music, prizes, and more!
Date: Friday, November 21
Location: Cornerstone Theatre, Canmore
Get Your Tickets Now