Ecotrust AGM

2003 was a busy year for Ecotrust; we approved $283,033 in grants for 29 projects across Alberta. On March 26th, 55 guests attended Alberta Ecotrust's Annual General Meeting to learn about what we accomplished in 2003.

Out-going ENGO Co-chair Cliff Wallis welcomed guests and gave the year in review, while out-going Corporate Co-chair Martin Holysh brought the meeting to a close and gave an emotional goodbye to his fellow committee members, some of whom have worked together with him for several years.

A slide presentation showcased the collective vision of leadership that Alberta Ecotrust supports. It celebrates the vision of individuals, the commitment of organizations and the meaningful contributions we cooperatively add to the communities in which we live.

Treasurer John Bamford then demonstrated how Ecotrust invested in the environment in 2003.    

* Projects included Banff Water Conference, Community Dialogues, Needs Assessment, Ecohouse, Community Outreach and the G8 Legacy.)

For a full copy of Ecotrust's annual report, including financial statements (PDF),
click here or call 1-800-465-2147 to be mailed a copy.

At the conclusion of the AGM, Barry Worbets of Canada West Foundation and Dr. Brad Stelfox treated guests to a rousing Socratic dialogue about Natural Capital in Alberta.

Click here to view more photos from the AGM

Jayman Master Builder Joins Ecohouse Project

In order to encourage better understanding of the relationship between the environment, the economy and the social fabric of our lives, Alberta Ecotrust has a new program that involves building and selling an Ecohouse,  in cooperation with SAIT and Jayman Master Builder. The project will be a means to engage and educate the public about issues like sustainability, energy efficiency and green building.

We expect the Ecohouse Project to provide a new vehicle for more effective partnerships between community groups and businesses focused on a healthier urban environment. Also, it is our hope that this project will encourage new sustainable practices in the building industry. In addition to raising the profile of the Alberta Ecotrust grants program and SAIT's environmental construction programs, the Ecohouse Project will serve as a long-term signature fundraising initiative for Alberta Ecotrust.

A feasibility study and implementation plan was made possible through the support of The Calgary Foundation.  Funding for the second phase of the project has been confirmed  from the Alberta Real Estate Foundation, the Alberta Association of Colleges & Technical Institutes and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. Alberta Ecotrust is actively seeking further funding for the project.  

Click here for more information about the Ecohouse Project...

It is no coincidence that Alberta Ecotrust has gained support over the years for its grantmaking and capacity building activities. Our partnerships are the reason Alberta Ecotrust is known as a credible avenue to support grassroots community-based initiatives across the province. Though we regret the departure of our outgoing partners, board members and project review volunteers, our new and returning partners and volunteers continue to inspire us with their energy, expertise and dedication.

A number of our partners renewed their support and increased their investments early in 2004; TransCanada, Petro-Canada and Newalta Corporation each augmented their commitment to Alberta Ecotrust and joined other leaders as partners at the Visionary level.

New Board Member Gary Webster of Newalta Corporation and Treasurer John Bamford

2003 volunteer Communications Committee
(click to enlarge)

Our Board is also a balance of new and renewing members. This year, we welcome Laureen Regan, community member, Dianne Humphries of Suncor Energy and Gary Webster of Newalta Corporation to the board. We also congratulate Grete Bridgewater of Canadian Pacific Railway and Guy Greenaway of Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society for their commitment to co-chair the board.

We extend our appreciation to all of you; your support is a testament to your confidence in Alberta Ecotrust and its mandate.

For more information on how to become a partner or supporter of Alberta Ecotrust, please click here.