Are you interested in community science?
Supporting projects that build
a vibrant, green and equitable city?
We are looking for new board members!
Apply by July 27!
Write a short bio and why you would like to join to [email protected]…
Join Tomorrow Foundation board member Dr. Amina Hussein and her University of Alberta colleague Dr. Anne Hicks for the Capital Airshed Alliance's Clean Air Webinar on “Protecting Little Lungs: Outdoor Air Quality and Children's Health - Recommendations for Childcare Facilities”.
Gain an understanding of the health impacts of ambient air pollution and wildfire smoke on children, and why children are more vulnerable to poor air quality compared to adults. Our expert speakers will discuss why children are at greater risk, highlighting factors such as higher respiratory rates, developing immune systems, and increased time spent outdoors. Beyond discussing the health impacts, this webinar will offer practical recommendations for childcare facilities on what they can do during wildfire smoke events to ensure safe outdoor play. Our speakers will share actionable steps to create safer environments for children.
Don’t miss this opportunity to equip yourself with the knowledge to safeguard the health of children in your care.
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#Sipstainability May Event
May 21 | 6pm – 9pm
Longroof Brewing Co.
9916 72 Ave NW #104
Come join the Tomorrow Foundation for our inaugural event of the summer and find out what we have been doing!
For our first event, we are partnering with the Alberta Capital Airshed to talk all things related to air quality.
Find out what we have been working on with ACA and the University of Alberta on related air quality data projects. We have lots of information to help you navigate wildfire season as well as understand what data we are working on collecting relating to vehicle emissions, and community science projects you can get involved in.
This event is free and will be a drop-in style event for discussion and learning alongside interested folks.
We encourage you to sign up on Eventbrite so we can anticipate and track attendance, but it is not essential to sign up if you want to just drop in and have a beer!
This event in partnership with:
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Categories
Join the Tomorrow Foundation Board!
Are you interested in joining a long-standing local organization that cares about the environment?
The Tomorrow Foundation for a Sustainable Future is looking for three new board members.
Experience not required, we are looking for enthusiastic people who are interested in making Edmonton a better place.
Submit a statement of interest to [email protected] by August 1, 2023.
Statement Requirements:
Your name
About yourself
Why are you interested in joining?
What is your environmental passion?
Any special talents you can contribute to the board?
Do you have an idea for a new project?
Board Member Duties and Opportunities
Tomorrow Foundation for a Sustainable Future (TFSF) should be governed by a diverse group of people who represent different areas, perspectives, and lived experiences within Edmonton. Being on the board of TFSF should be fulfilling and fun. We are a team of individuals who are concerned about the state of the world and are trying to make a positive contribution. TFSF board members make new friends, increase community connections, and get to know Edmonton better.
Board members can play several roles. At minimum, they provide governance. Governance duties include reading emails and documents to keep up-to-date on TFSF activities, attending board meetings, and voting on motions (and of course introducing motions if desired). Meeting motions can direct TFSF policy, allocate money, and direct and initiate projects. Meetings are monthly, and are held virtually via Google Meet, however, there are times when we meet in person. We currently meet on Tuesdays at 5:30 pm, but can be flexible if necessary.
Board members are elected for two-year terms. The Board may have between five and nine members. Board positions include a President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary (these two roles may be combined into one) and Members-at-Large.
The Board has currently formed three committees: Air Quality, The Private Urban Forest and Publicity Committee. Joining these committees is optional, but this is where the main body of volunteer work is done. Given the limitations of TFSF resources, most of our projects would not be possible without volunteers, and our board members are some of our most passionate volunteers.
A board member may also be asked to represent TFSF on certain topics to the media or civic groups. For example, if a board member has expertise in electric vehicles (EVs), and TFSF puts out a recommendation on EV adoption within the city, the member may be asked to speak to the media about the issue.
Vision
All Edmontonians are empowered, connected, and engaged in building a vibrant, green, equitable city.
Mission
We believe in the power of many voices to bring about transformational change. We engage Edmontonians through projects and actions that provide them with the information, tools, and spaces needed to build connected, equitable communities, increase local environmental understanding, and promote environmental leadership at all levels.
Values
- Equity is foundational for true environmental transformation.
- Community is a driving force of change. Everyone has something to contribute.
- There is joy and fun in what we do.
- Humility. There is no perfect environmentalist.
- Our work is informed by data and evidence.
- Positive action creates energy. We say “yes” to good ideas.
Powers and Duties of the Board
The Board has the powers of the Foundation, except as stated in the Societies Act. The powers and duties of the Board include:
- Determining the vision, mission, values and strategic directions of the Foundation, in accordance with the Objects of the Foundation;
- Ensuring effective short term and long term planning;
- Evaluating the programs and events of the Foundation;
- Monitoring the operations and the finances of the Foundation;
- Approving the budget(s) of the Foundation;
- Creating and appointing committees and receiving, ratifying and acting upon reports of committees;
- Making only such public statements that are consistent with the official policies of the Foundation;
- Ensuring compliance with the Foundation’s bylaws and recommending changes where appropriate;
- Complying with all legislation and regulations, civic, provincial and federal that apply to the Foundation;
- Approving all contracts for the Foundation;
- Appointing legal counsel as necessary.
More information:
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by Carson Fong
Although you cannot tell just by looking at them, trees are an integral part of cities. Not only do they provide beauty, joy and comfort in the hustle and bustle of the city, they also serve key functions that improve the physical and mental health of city dwellers while also saving them money. Here are seven ways that trees make cities better.
- Trees purify the air
Trees help improve air quality by absorbing harmful pollutants, like nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and carbon monoxide – all of which come out of vehicle exhausts. These toxic gasses are then broken down within the tree. Trees can also catch particulate matter on leaves and stems, removing them from the air and allowing them to be picked up and dissolved when it rains. - Trees keep cities cool
Cities often suffer from the “heat island effect,” where concrete and asphalt absorb and retain heat, causing higher temperatures. Trees fight this with shade and evaporative cooling. They can significantly reduce surface and air temperatures, making cities more comfortable and reducing the demand for energy-intensive air conditioning. Some studies in places like Los Angeles and Beijing found that trees helped to reduce air conditioning use by 50%. - Trees reduce flooding and erosion
Trees have roots that can absorb lots of rainwater. This provides natural infrastructure and reduces the strain on municipal drainage systems during big storms. Tree roots also improve soil permeability, allowing rainwater to infiltrate into the ground and replenish groundwater supplies. - Trees provide habitats for wildlife
Trees can provide essential habitats for birds, insects, and other wildlife. Many types of birds, insects, and furry critters like squirrels all thrive in environments with trees. Trees contribute to the overall ecological balance of cities and enhance urban biodiversity. - Trees block out noise
Trees act as natural sound barriers by absorbing and deflecting noise. This helps reduce noise pollution from various sources like traffic and construction, creating more peaceful and enjoyable urban environments. - Trees make cities look better
Who doesn’t like the look of a tree-lined street? Trees contribute to the beauty of a city, softening the harsh lines of buildings and adding color, texture, and a variety of colours during the seasons to urban landscapes. In fact, research has linked being in the presence of trees to reduced stress levels. Trees help financially too. More attractive green spaces attract visitors, and properties with mature trees have been shown to have higher property values. - Trees reduce carbon emissions
Through photosynthesis, trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. This helps cities in the long run by reducing their carbon footprint and health and cost impacts due to climate change. In fact, recent research has found that trees in urban environments might be able to absorb more carbon dioxide than those deep in the middle of large forests.Trees quietly provide all these benefits to us, and are an important part of our cities. However, their benefits are only maximized when they grow into mature trees, which takes years. Mature trees need our support to help ensure they are preserved. Many of them are found on private property – you can check out our pilot study last year about the private urban forest in the Queen Alexandra neighbourhood to see what we learned and find out what you can do to help protect our urban forest.
References:
- “How trees clean the air.” One Tree Planted. Meaghan Weeden. November 5, 2021. https://onetreeplanted.org/blogs/stories/how-trees-clean-air
- “2.4 What changes can communities make to the built environment to reduce urban heat islands?” in Reducing urban heat islands to protect health in Canada. Government of Canada, Health Canada. April 29, 2020. https://www.canada.ca/en/services/health/publications/healthy-living/reducing-urban-heat-islands-protect-health-canada.html#a2.4
- “This simple addition to a city can dramatically improve people’s mental health.” We Forum. Mark McCord. April 6, 2021. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/04/city-trees-reduce-stress-and-anxiety/
- “City Trees and Soil Are Sucking More Carbon Out of the Atmosphere Than Previously Thought.” The Brink. Jessica Colarossi. February 16, 2022. https://www.bu.edu/articles/2022/city-trees-and-soil-are-sucking-more-carbon-out-of-the-atmosphere-than-previously-thought/
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On Tuesday, September 27, the Urban Planning Committee will meet to discuss bike infrastructure. On the agenda is Bike Network Redeveloping Area Completion Options, meaning the Committee will hear a report comparing varying timelines and cost estimates for completing bike infrastructure within the redeveloping area (this area covers most of the city within Anthony Henday Drive). See the Committee Agenda here (item 7.2)
Why is the bike network important? It’s critical infrastructure that can relieve congestion on high-traffic streets, which has trickle-down effects of lowering noise and emissions in the city, improving air quality, and slowing deterioration of roadway surfaces. The more that Edmontonians use the bike network, the more we reduce our need for gasoline and diesel, which makes us more prepared to withstand fuel shortages or the sky-high fuel costs we saw this past year. Lastly, the protected bike network is a safe, low-cost transportation option, which benefits people in demographics with lower rates of private car ownership (including youth, women, and low-income residents). With these interests in mind, the Tomorrow Foundation welcomes plans to expand high-quality bike infrastructure across the city quickly.
We encourage residents to submit a request to speak at this Committee meeting and let Council know why bike infrastructure is important to you (submission form here). You can speak to the Committee remotely from home or in-person at City Hall. We also encourage you to email the mayor and your councillor, particularly residents who are represented by the four members of the Urban Planning Committee: Sarah Hamilton of Ward sipiwiyiniwak, Aaron Paquette of Ward Dene, Ashley Salvador of Ward Métis, and Karen Principe of Ward tastawiyiniwak.
For those who want to engage Council but have never done so before, Paths for People is hosting 1-hour workshops to help prepare you! Their last scheduled workshop is on Saturday, September 24 at 11 a.m. MDT. See their Linktree landing page for sign-up info.
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The Tomorrow Foundation for a Sustainable Future needs you!
On June 14 at the Urban Planning Committee Item 6.2 “Tree Preservation on Private Property” will be presented to City Council.
It’s great that the City is acknowledging the importance of trees on private property, but we need direct action to protect this important resource. Residentially-owned trees account for 58% of Edmonton’s urban forest. The City has a goal of planting 2 million trees by 2050, but without a plan to protect the largest existing component of the City’s urban forest, we’re concerned that these plans may fall flat.
Trees provide so many climate benefits: they cool down our houses and neighbourhoods in summer, reduce stormwater runoff, and capture and store carbon. Mature trees are especially in need of protection, as a smaller replacement will take decades to reach the same impact. That is time we simply do not have. Right now mature trees are being lost to development and often no new trees are planted, even though zoning bylaws require it. So far communication and zoning regulations have not adequately protected mature trees, which is why
the Tomorrow Foundation supports Option One: A Private Tree Bylaw.
Let the City know that Edmontonians want direct action when it comes to tree preservation!
We need you to:
Email or phone your city councillor
Email office of the city clerk ( [email protected])
Post about it on social media! Be sure to tag us at @tomorrowfdn on Twitter!
Sign up to speak to this item the day of to voice your support!…
Categories
Join the board! Apply by May 20, 2022
Are you interested in joining a local organization that cares about the environment?
The Tomorrow Foundation for a Sustainable Future is looking for new board members.
Experience not required, we are looking for enthusiastic people who are interested in making Edmonton a better place.
Submit a mini bio to [email protected] by May 20, 2022.
Our next Annual General Meeting is Friday May 27, 2022 where the decision will be made. Everyone welcome!
Mini Bio Requirements:
Your name
About yourself
Why you’re interested in joining
Board Member Duties and Opportunities
Tomorrow Foundation for a Sustainable Future (TFSF) should be governed by a diverse group of people that represents different areas and perspectives from within Edmonton.
TFSF board members can play several roles. At minimum, they provide governance. Governing the Foundation means reading emails, slack messages and documents to keep up-to-date on TFSF activities, attending board meetings, and voting on motions (and of course introducing motions if desired). Meeting motions can direct TFSF policy, allocate money, and direct and initiate projects. Meetings are held every 4 – 8 weeks.
The board is made up of a President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary (these roles may be combined into one) and Members-at-Large.
Optionally, board members can also contribute to TFSF operations. This can mean contributing to existing projects (like the Air Quality Community Science project) or initiating new ones. Given the limitations of TFSF resources, most of our projects would not be possible without volunteers, and some of our most passionate volunteers are our board members.
A board member may also be asked to represent TFSF on certain topics to the media or civic groups. For example, if a board member had expertise in electric vehicles (EVs), and TFSF put out a recommendation on EV adoption within the city, the member might be asked to speak to the media about the issue.
Being on the board of the TFSF should be fulfilling and fun. We are a team of individuals who are concerned about the state of the world and trying to make a positive contribution. TFSF board members make new friends, increase community connections, and get to know Edmonton better.
Vision
All Edmontonians are empowered, connected, and engaged in building a vibrant, green, equitable city.
Mission
We believe in the power of many voices to bring about transformational change. We engage Edmontonians through projects and actions that provide them with the information, tools, and spaces needed to build connected, equitable communities, increase local environmental understanding, and promote environmental leadership at all levels.
More information:
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Join us on Tuesday March 15, 2022 at 12pm MDT as we present
“How to Maximize Your Environmental Benefits Through Landscaping”
About this event
What you will learn about
- Why and how the research was done
- Different types of Environmental benefits
- Tree and Landscaping Recommendations
- Real Life Infill Stories
The Tomorrow Foundation for a Sustainable Future (TF) is a local Edmonton charity that obtained funding from the Alberta Real Estate Foundation and the Alberta EcoTrust to study trees on private property (the private urban forest) and their benefits to housing. The benefits were studied through a pilot project in the Queen Alexandra neighbourhood where tree data was collected to gain a better understanding of the kinds of trees present at a neighbourhood and property level. Part of this project was to understand how the private urban forest interacts with housing in a mature neighbourhood as the tree inventory is continuously changing through both tree plantings and removals. This webinar will provide information on the benefit of trees to property owners, the value of trees to home prices, and insights from interviews with developers and design architects. Ultimately the TF is interested in understanding how to support developers, property owners and the City to increase housing densification while also encouraging support for climate resilience and healthy communities. We hope you can join us for this engaging conversation.