Wildsight Invermere is excited to launch our newest program Columbia Valley Shift, a circular economy program that involves moving away from the traditional “take-make-use-dispose” linear model toward a system where resources are kept in use for as long as possible, waste is eliminated, and natural systems are regenerated. A circular economy aims to use all our resources in the most efficient way possible. Columbia Valley Shift aims to shift our community socially, economically and environmentally creating a cultural shift within our Valley.
What is a circular economy?
A systems solution framework that tackles global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution. (Ellen McArthur Foundation). The circular economy framework aims to replace the “take-make-waste” linear model with a closed-loop system, aiming to eliminate waste and pollution by keeping products and materials in use, designing them for durability, and regenerating natural systems. It maximises resource efficiency through repairing, reusing, recycling and remanufacturing, shifting from consumption to restoration.
What other communities are utilising this model?
In BC alone, communities such as Squamish and Richmond have integrated frameworks to guide the City’s transition to a circular economy. The City of Toronto has pledged to be the first municipality in Ontario with a circular economy strategy, becoming a major tool to utilise municipal spending as a way to drive economic growth, enhance social prosperity, and move towards a zero waste city.
International
In 2020, the City of Amsterdam became the first city in the world to commit to becoming a 100% circular economy by 2050, aiming to halve its use of virgin materials by 2030. Its five-year circular economy strategy to achieve this goal is based on Kate Raworth’s Doughnut Economics model, which achieves economic development while staying within planetary boundaries.
HafenCity Hamburg is a test-bed for innovative, climate-friendly building solutions. Transformation a former industrial port area into a nature-positive urban development standing as a pioneering model of circular economy.
Cape Town Through Africa’s first Industrial Symbiosis Programme, manufacturing companies exchange under-used resources that would otherwise become waste while generating revenue, creating jobs and cutting emissions.
What will this look like in the Columbia Valley?
We are aiming for this program to be on-going, as a way to shift our Columbia Valley community toward economic longevity while preserving the natural ecosystems of the region. Through education, workshops, and community collaboration we will create a cultural shift to tackle the climate crisis in a collaborative, circular model. This will provides economic, social and environmental longevity for the people, businesses and wildlife of the Columbia Valley.
Programs in 2026 will comprise one major event, the SHIFT Fair, along with a series of repair cafes and workshops throughout the year, primarily located in Invermere. In 2027, we aim to expand offerings and deepen engagement with the surrounding communities of Radium, Edgewater and Canal Flats, based on local community interest.
What are some components Wildsight Invermere are taking on in 2026?
The Columbia Valley is home to many sustainability initiatives that might not be known by everyone in our community. Wildsight aims to highlight the exceptional work already existing local repair experts and incredible businesses with sustainability at the forefront, while creating an entry point for residents to start their own sustainability journey. This may include home retrofits and help with access to incentives, connecting to our local food systems, or intergenerational skill and knowledge sharing. Columbia Valley Shift will adopt an equity lens, offering opportunities that present a win-win for both climate and affordability, and provide accessibility to folks from all walks of life.
This will begin with the first CV Shift Repair Café. Bring your textiles that need minor repairs and learn the 101 on repairing before replacing your gear. With a focus on winter gear repair, we are fortunate to have the knowledge and experience of Sally Johnson from ReStyling hemming and alternations and Heather Rennebohm facilitate this workshop. With an aim of repairing before replacing, avoiding textile waste in our landfills.