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protectinG WaterprotectinG WaterreducinG toxinsreducinG toxinsconservinG natureconservinG natureprovidinG cliMate solutionsprovidinG cliMate solutions

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Who is ses?

ses

Allyson Brady Executive Director

For 49 years, the SES, a non-profit, registered charity, has been committed to supporting sustainable living in Saskatchewan. We work with, and on behalf of, organizations, businesses, and policymakers to encourage informed decision-making that moves us towards sustainability. We undertake research and use educational programs, community outreach, and consultation opportunities to provide the people of Saskatchewan with support, information, and the tools they need to make informed decisions. We work together to create healthy ecosystems, livelihoods, and communities. Our work encompasses Treaties 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 10. Our office is located in Saskatoon on Treaty 6 territory, the traditional territory of the Cree Peoples and the Homeland of the Métis Nation.

A message from ses’s Executive Director

presidenT Margret Asmuss, B.A. Hon., MCEd

vice-presidenT R.A. (Bob) Halliday, P.Eng.

Treasurer R. (Bob) Paisley, M.Sc., CPA, CMA

Hayley Carlson, MPP, B.Sc. Ann Coxworth, M.Sc.

Murray Hidlebaugh, M.Sc.

Leah Luciuk, B.A. & Sc.

Tracey Mitchell, B.A.

Peter Prebble, BBA, M.Ed., MSEM

W.J. (Bill) Wardell, QC

Bert Weichel, M.Sc.

Taylor-Anne Yee, J.D., B.A. Hon.

youTh affiliaTe

Logan Salm, B.A., J.D. in progress

I have to be honest: I wasn’t sure we had much of a chance. When a plucky group of SES volunteers started raising concerns about the proposed Fortune Minerals processing plant, (see page 6 of the annual report) citing major concerns about the potential for significant environmental contamination from this project, I didn’t think we’d be able to stop it. The provincial government had already approved the project’s Environmental Impact Study, despite substantial gaps in it. Previous experience shows that once the government approves a project, very little is changed during the licensing process. But SES (and others) worked tirelessly to protect the threatened Dalmeny aquifer. SES’s reasoned analysis and determined questioning convinced the local municipality in which the project was to be sited to deny re-zoning needed to allow the project to proceed. I was impressed with the outcome, resulting in the protection of the environment and of the drinking water supply for many!

In 2019, SES profiled businesses, organizations, communities, and farms throughout Saskatchewan making a difference by reducing their carbon footprint, (see page 9, Low Carbon Stories) providing further evidence that, despite all the bad news, there are Saskatchewanians out there making a change for the better.

Also this past year, SES launched Green Pursuit in partnership with READ Saskatoon (see page 8) to promote environmental and financial literacy. This is an example of SES reaching out through partnerships, demonstrating that environmental problems are not “a special interest.” The work SES does impacts all of us.

SES works to ensure we have clean air, water, soil, and healthy lives and livelihoods. We work to protect nature and all that live in it. And we do it because of you - your support of SES makes this work possible. Thank you to our members, donors, volunteers, and staff. We are making a difference, even when the odds are against us.

Even when the odds are against us...

P2 2019P2 2019

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SES has a small but dedicated part-time staff that serves in a variety of capacities. Below are the main roles that our staff members fulfilled in 2019.

core sTaff

Allyson Brady, B.A. Executive Director

Megan Van Buskirk, B.A., B.Sc. Operations & Outreach Manager

Ann Coxworth, M.Sc. Research Advisor (volunteer)

Sherry Rawlyk, Business Marketing Diploma Bookkeeper (contract)

energy conservaTion programs

Angie Bugg, P.Eng., C.E.M., BE Energy Conservation Coordinator

Pam Belcher, M.A. SPED Education Coordinator

projecT coordinaTors

Sydney Boulton, B.A. & Sc. in prog. Saskatchewan Living Green Expo

Coordinator (until May 2019)

presidenT Margret Asmuss, B.A. Hon., MCEd

vice-presidenT R.A. (Bob) Halliday, P.Eng.

Treasurer R. (Bob) Paisley, M.Sc., CPA, CMA

Hayley Carlson, MPP, B.Sc. Ann Coxworth, M.Sc.

Murray Hidlebaugh, M.Sc.

Leah Luciuk, B.A. & Sc.

Tracey Mitchell, B.A.

Peter Prebble, BBA, M.Ed., MSEM

W.J. (Bill) Wardell, QC

Bert Weichel, M.Sc.

Taylor-Anne Yee, J.D., B.A. Hon.

youTh affiliaTe

Logan Salm, B.A., J.D. in progress

StaffBoard2019 Leadership

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susTainabiliTy speakers series commiTTee

Carroll Chubb, Katya Gudkova, Gail Stevens, Alina Ostrowska

ann coxworTh environmenTal fund commiTTee

Bob Halliday, Bob Paisley, Bert Weichel

agm planning commiTTee

Bert Weichel

audiT & finance commiTTee

Ann Coxworth, Jennifer Coxworth, Bob Paisley

newsleTTer commiTTee

Ann Coxworth

nominaTion commiTTee

Ann Coxworth, Kathryn Green, Bert Weichel

personnel commiTTee

Ann Coxworth, Margaret McKechney, Bert Weichel

saskaTchewan living green expo commiTTee

Meagan Hinther, Sean Homenick, Ronn Lepage, Amanda Lindgren,

Sheri Praski

50Th year fundraising commiTTee

Hayley Carlson, Noelle Chorney, Sean Homenick,

Margaret McKechney, Bonnie Mihalicz, Tracey Mitchell, Judy Montgomery, Cathy Watts

waTer advisors

Max Abraham, Bob Halliday, Murray Hidlebaugh, Peter Prebble

Volunteers on ses’s Internal Committees

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Renewable RidesThe transportation sector is the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Canada. Countries around the world have announced future bans on the sale of new gasoline and diesel-fuelled cars. SES’s search for Saskatchewan solutions led to the Renewable Rides program. SES put five electric vehicles into a car-sharing program in Saskatoon and connected a new solar installation to power the vehicles. This is a first of its kind in Canada – a car-share program, with electric vehicles, powered by 100% solar energy! SES partnered with several organizations for this program. For example SES worked with the SES Solar Co-operative to install 126 solar panels with 37.8 kilowatts of generation capacity. Using electricity generated from solar energy instead of from fossil fuel for the vehicles cuts the GHG pollution more than tenfold. The energy generated at the solar installation flows virtually through the Saskatoon Light & Power grid to power the vehicles at their charging locations, demonstrating the first virtual net metering project in Saskatoon. Radiance Co-housing in Saskatoon is hosting the solar installation. The Saskatoon CarShare Co-operative is managing the car-share component of the project; Sun Country Highway provided electric vehicle chargers and helped SES purchase the five 2015 GM Spark electric cars for the program. Exa Energy and the Saskatchewan Research Council are providing technical expertise and data management. Wardell Gillis Law is providing legal expertise; and project funding has been contributed by Western Diversification, Affinity Credit Union, SES Solar Co-operative, and Radiance Co-housing.

Responding to the City of Saskatoon’s Low Emissions Community PlanIn 2019, the City of Saskatoon released the Low Emissions Community (LEC) Plan which lays out a 30-year “roadmap” to achieve the City’s greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets. The City is targeting a substantial 40% reduction in GHG emissions for the City as a corporation and a 15% reduction in broader community emissions by 2023. By 2050, Saskatoon is hoping to achieve an 80% reduction in both Corporate and Community emissions. SES reviewed and responded to the Plan and spoke in support of it, and offered to work with the City in these important next steps.

Regina Renewable City MotionSES supported a motion set to the Regina City Council to make “Regina a Renewable City” by 2050. We presented to Council and were thrilled that the Council unanimously approved this motion!

Net Metering ProgramsSaskPower had been running a ‘net metering’ program which allowed people to generate their own renewable energy, such as wind or solar, and feed that energy back onto the electrical grid. The program was set up so that the power producer received a fair rate of return for the energy they produced and also received a small financial incentive for installing their renewable energy system. Abruptly in 2019, SaskPower cancelled the program, leaving both those wanting to generate renewable energy, and the renewable energy industry in the lurch. SES wrote to the provincial government asking that the program be re-instated, at least in some capacity and for discussions to maintain renewable energy adoption in the province. SES also presented to City of Saskatoon asking them to maintain their net metering program, which is separate from SaskPower’s program. Currently the City of Saskatoon has decided to continue their net metering program as is.

Sustainable Energy & Climate Solutions

Building a sustainable future

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Biodiversity

Agricultural DrainageAgricultural drainage in Saskatchewan has been increasing and so have the conflicts among landowners. In 2019, SES co-hosted a one-day Agricultural Drainage & the Environment Conference in Regina. Participants included university researchers, farmers, cottage owners, engineers, government representatives, First Nations, students, and environmental groups. The purpose of the conference was to provide an opportunity for individuals concerned about agricultural drainage to come together to discuss common ground for addressing projects and conflicts. The expectation is that future forums can build on strategies that provide space for civil debate and collaborative decision-making at the local level.

Northeast SwaleThe Saskatoon Northeast Swale is a connected landscape of 2800 hectares representing one of the largest surviving fragments of natural prairie in this part of the province. The Swale is an ecologically diverse network of rare native prairie, riparian areas and wetlands that is home to more than 200 plant species and more than 100 bird species as well as mammals, amphibians, reptiles and insects. SES has been working, along with other groups, to protect this fragile and rare ecosystem from urban development. In 2019, we wrote to the government of Saskatchewan, who are planning a highway through the Swale, to ask for a comprehensive review of the environmental and economic impacts of this development and to meet with the government to discuss this important issue. We also made a presentation to Saskatoon City Council to seek the same.

Water Protection

Building a sustainable future

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Fortune MineralsIn 2019, the Corman Park Rural Municipal Council voted unanimously to deny Fortune Minerals request for re-zoning of land near Lanham that would have allowed for construction of a proposed metal processing and associated toxic waste disposal facility. The intended development site was on agricultural land, close to residential areas, overlying the aquifer that constitutes the regional water supply. In spite of obvious, serious gaps in the Environmental Impact Study submitted by the proponent, the project had received approval from Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Environment. The requirement for re-zoning of the site was the one remaining legal barrier to the opposed development. SES worked on this issue over the past several years, researching, drawing on academic expertise, speaking at public meetings, submitting reports to governments and participating in decision-making processes.

“I express my sincere appreciation for all the expertise, energy and hard work that your Society invested in saving the Dalmeny Aquifer… it is

doubtful that the Aquifer would have been saved had your Society and its members and workers not done such a superb job in opposing the risky Fortune Minerals proposed project. I am certain… that your Society will not only be recognized for its foresight in opposing the project, but will also be credited for protecting the valuable water supply that lies below us.” — local Langham resident

Reduction of Toxics

Building a sustainable futureEnvironmental GovernanceBill C-69Bill C-69 was a Canadian government’s omnibus bill that provides a new framework for assessing the environmental impact of natural resource/infrastructure projects. SES supported the passing of Bill C-69 and also provided several recommendations for its improvement, as the bill did not go far enough in protecting the environment, but contained many improvements over the previous laws.

Carbon Pricing LegislationFor the past several years, the federal government has worked to introduce a minimum national carbon emissions price for several types of carbon-based fuels as a way to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Since the federal government introduced the Greenhouse Gas Pricing Pollution Act (GGPPA), several provinces (including the Government of Saskatchewan) have challenged the legislation as unconstitutional. The Saskatchewan Court of Appeal found the federal government had the legal authority to enact the GGPPA. The Government of Saskatchewan has filed its appeal of the judgment to the Supreme Court of Canada. The SES has also filed as an intervenor in this process supporting the federal government’s right to protect the public.

All-Candidates’ DebateSES held an all-candidates’ debate on the environment in the riding of Saskatoon-University in the lead up to the federal election in 2019.

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Reduction of Toxics

Building a sustainable future

Beaverlodge Uranium Mines Properties ReviewThe hand-over to the province of responsibility for old uranium mine properties in the Beaverlodge region of northern Saskatchewan began in 2009. In 2019, the uranium mining company Cameco applied to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) for approval to transfer 20 more of the previously contaminated or suspect properties to provincial care. This means that the Saskatchewan government rather than the CNSC would become responsible for the on-going monitoring and maintenance of these properties, and for the fixing any problems that may develop in the future. SES reviewed this proposal for handover. This plan would still leave unacceptably high levels of contamination in five watersheds. While we are critical of this outcome, we acknowledge the extreme difficulty of reducing contaminant levels to achieve Surface Water Quality Objectives. It is not only technically very challenging, but also extraordinarily expensive. As a society, Canadians are in a position of having to decide what constitutes an acceptable compromise. This provides a harsh lesson on the cost of past poor environmental regulation.

Cluff Lake License RenewalThe Cluff Lake Uranium Mine and Mill ceased production several years ago. In 2019, SES participated in the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission’s review of the decommissioning plans. SES drew attention to remaining issues that need to be addressed, such as the concerns about the long-term retention of contaminants in the tailings management area, in waste rock piles, in a waste storage pit, and in the sediment of lakes and marshy areas. Because of the very long time-frames involved, we questioned the wisdom of relying on monitoring and maintenance services being available many hundreds of years into the future. Modelling of the expected future behaviour of these radioactive and chemically toxic materials is challenging in the light of the unknown long-term uncertainties about climate, precipitation patterns, land use, and regulatory resources. We suggested a number of ways in which the long-term ecological safety of the site could be improved.

Cluff Lake Uranium Mine & Mill RemediationSES signed a memorandum of understanding with Orano Canda (Previously known as Areva), the mining company responsible for decommissioning of the Cluff Lake uranium mine and mill site in north-western Saskatchewan. Under this agreement SES is further reviewing the plan for management of mill tailings on the site, how the plan was carried out, and the relevant data, to evaluate decommissioning effectiveness. SES will produce a report in 2020 on our findings.

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Energy Conservation

ses

Livesustainable livesSmarter Science, Better BuildingsSmarter Science, Better Buildings is a partnership between the SES and the Western Development Museum (WDM) designed to meet curriculum outcomes in the grade 7 Science, Heat and Temperature unit. Students from all over the province travel to one of Saskatchewan’s four WDMs in North Battleford, Yorkton, Moose Jaw, and Saskatoon, to explore interactive displays that focus on energy efficiency in buildings, with specific inquiry into the historic buildings at each site. This past year SES began delivering the program in Prince Albert, with help from Renewable Power the Intelligent Choice group, providing a 5th provincial location. The hands-on stations focus on solar energy, lighting and appliances, water, building materials, and building retrofits. The materials were updated this year and now include more examples of Saskatchewan innovation in buildings, and an app and related learning resource to show students how changing the temperature, size, and insulation values of a building affect the amount of energy needed to heat it. Since its inauguration in 2013, over 4200 Saskatchewan students have benefited from this program.

Student Action for a Sustainable FutureStudent Action for a Sustainable Future (SASF) is an action and inquiry project for grade five to eight students in Saskatoon. Funded by the City of Saskatoon, SES coordinates the program and along with program partners, offers expertise in auditing and program action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Students work on projects in the areas of energy, water, waste, food, transportation and biodiversity. Since 2013, the SASF program has involved: 72 teachers, 49 schools and approximately 1800 students from both Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools and Saskatoon Public Schools. SASF provides students with knowledge of environmental processes and systems, all while encouraging development of personal and civic responsibility in these important issues.

Green Pursuit: The Home Energy Saving GameSES created this resource to support READ Saskatoon’s financial literacy event, PayDay PlayDay. The game, a large floor mat and set of cards, is used at over 10 school and community-based literacy events each year. It shows how energy-efficient technologies and changes in our behaviour help to save energy, and water, reduce waste, and save money. SES keeps a copy of the game available free of charge for school and community groups.

Other Environmental Education in SchoolsSES provides a number of classroom-based environmental programs, including our Destination Conservation Saskatchewan workshops, and presentations like the Power of One – climate change and taking action, and Carbon Pricing – how a price on carbon works across the economy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. SES also supports classrooms to do targeted energy, water, and waste audits, and take action based on the results. In the 2018/19 school year, SES provided 16 workshops in classrooms in the Saskatoon area. Over 300 students participated in 10 schools. One presentation was made to teacher education candidates. New learning resources this year include: Q=(A x ∆T)/R; Save Energy Bingo; Turn it off – Electrical Appliances; Turn Down the Heat; and updated curriculum connections for all SES learning resources. All of our resources are free for download, and a province-wide resource mail-out regularly updates teachers about SES programs, classroom supports and learning resources.

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Livesustainable lives

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Efficiency for OrganizationsSince 2001, SES has been assisting non-profit organizations in Saskatoon, and more recently in Regina, with energy conservation in their buildings. Through this program, a preliminary assessment of potential energy savings is conducted, and energy consumption and savings are monitored as changes are introduced. As well, Affinity Credit Union is prepared to provide retrofit loans to eligible non-profit organizations, tailoring the repayment schedule to match the savings from the energy retrofits where practical. SES has conducted energy audits on 84 buildings to help non-profit organizations reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and save money.

Building Operator TrainingRising energy costs and emissions continue to be a concern for building owners and operators across the province. From lighting and heating to water use, building operators have a significant impact on the energy consumed in a building. SES’s Building Operator Training program introduces custodians, maintenance personnel and building operators to energy conservation principles, new technologies and facility retrofits that will save energy and money. Topics covered include lighting, electrical equipment, heating ventilation and cooling, and water. In 2019, SES delivered our Building Operator Training program for small business and non-profit participants at sessions in Saskatoon (40 participants) and Regina (11 participants). Since 2004, in 65 sessions, 985 attendees have learned about saving energy and water in their buildings in 18 communities in the province.

Energy Conservation

Livesustainable livesIn the Community

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Saskatchewan Low Carbon Stories In the early part of 2019, SES gathered stories of Saskatchewan people taking actions against the climate crisis in their own way. They are making changes to their businesses, farms, and communities and are demonstrating that lowering greenhouse gas emissions makes sense economically as well as environmentally. SES selected 5 stories in the areas of Bladworth, Kronau, Minton, Nipawin, and the Village of Green Lake. During the rest of 2019, we presented on these interesting stories throughout the province to show how Saskatchewanites are making a difference.

Saskatchewan Living Green ExpoSES held its 5th Living Green Expo in 2019. People gathered from across the province and beyond to learn about green living and sustainable practices. The Expo showcased products and services in the areas of green building, renewable energy, electric bikes & cars, sustainable cooking and food, camping and outdoor activities, and zero-waste living. Our Green Goods Marketplace featured handmade and artisan goods from a variety of vendors. This year, we had a focus on health and fashion with our Green Your Look series. We also collaborated with SaskEV to bring the 2019 Drive Electric Earth Day to the Expo so that attendees could try out electric vehicles.

Sustainability Speakers SeriesIn 2019, SES revived this series that partners with the Saskatoon Public Library to put on environmentally-themed presentations that are free for the public. This past year’s topics were: transitioning from coal to renewables, climate change, carbon pricing, low carbon stories, and caribou.

And all the restIn addition to all the large projects we do, such as engaging school kids across the province to learn about and create their own projects on energy efficiency, or the major issues we tackle, such as advancing climate solutions, or protecting our water systems, we are also doing numerous other smaller activities to move us towards sustainability. SES is called on to bring the environmental conservation and protection message to the fore. We do this by: writing editorials for newspapers; setting up and staffing display booths at community happenings; responding daily to requests for information about environmental issues in our province and country; commenting to the media; meeting with government officials; guest speaking at universities, technical colleges, churches, and a variety of public events; and supporting many other organizations in their efforts to adopt and promote sustainability.

Coffee Fundraising$3,480 was raised from SES members purchasing organic, shade grown, fair-trade coffee through SES volunteer Rhonda Shewfelt, who donates the profits to SES. Thanks to volunteer Rhonda Shewfelt who has been operating this fundraiser since 1996!

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Ann Coxworth Environmental FundThe Ann Coxworth Environmental (ACE) Fund was created by an anonymous donor who wanted to honour the significant contributions and years of service of SES volunteer, Ann Coxworth. The ACE Fund is to be used to provide small grants to support environmental leadership development. In 2019, the ACE Fund provided $750 to sponsor two events: the Saskatchewan Regional Centre of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Recognition event; and a World Rivers Day event in Saskatoon.

Livesustainable lives

2019 Project Partners & Event SponsorsAffinity Credit UnionCanadian Nuclear Safety CommissionCity of SaskatoonEnvironment & Climate Change CanadaForest Stewardship Council CanadaOrano CanadaREAD SaskatoonRenewable Power Intelligent Choice

SARC/SARCANSaskEnergySaskatoon Community FoundationSaskatoon Co-opSaskatoon Energy Management Task ForceTourism SaskatoonVereco HomesWestern Economic Diversification Canada

2019 Annual Report ContributorsMargret Asmuss, Pam Belcher, Sydney Boulton, Allyson Brady, Angie Bugg, Hayley Carlson, Ann Coxworth, Murray Hidlebaugh, Louise Jones, Peter Prebble, Logan Salm, Megan Van Buskirk, Taylor-Anne Yee

Thank you to our members Thank you to our members & donors for supporting & donors for supporting SES’s work in 2019!SES’s work in 2019!

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