The 36th Mayor’s Environment Expo showcases student-led environmental projects to create a more sustainable Calgary

Every year, City Hall becomes a hub of environmental learning with Calgary students, including those from EcoSchools, spearheading conversations on sustainability. The Mayor’s Environment Expo offers a platform for students to engage with professionals, host interactive exhibits and attend workshops focused on the conservation and protection of Calgary’s natural environment. This year’s event features more than 35 interactive exhibits, 16 virtual workshops and 100 in-person sessions, all aimed at inspiring students to take their environmental education beyond the classroom and become the next generation of environmental leaders.

“The Mayor’s Environment Expo showcases the creativity and dedication of Calgary’s students in building a more sustainable future,” says Mayor Gondek. “By engaging with professionals, participating in hands-on exhibits and presenting their own projects, these students are turning their environmental knowledge into action.”

For 36 years, the Mayor’s Environment Expo has provided a unique opportunity for youth to learn about and promote sustainable practices that can positively impact Calgary’s future. Today, Mayor Gondek took the opportunity to visit the eco-exhibits and witness firsthand the dedication and enthusiasm of Calgary students in their effort to conserve the environment. “Each year, I am inspired by the creativity and innovation demonstrated by our youth as they take the lead in shaping solutions for tomorrow's challenges,” says Mayor Gondek. 

Schools are crucial to the success of the event and the collaboration with EcoSchools Canada and the Alberta Council for Environmental Education offers valuable support for classrooms focused on environmental sustainability and climate solutions. Since 2005, the globally recognized certification framework has been offering independent reporting and recognition to schools and environmental education centers.

“The Mayor's Environment Expo provided an incredible opportunity for my students to actively apply their environmental knowledge in a way that truly makes an impact,” says Kelly Craigue, a teacher at Apostles of Jesus School. “It was inspiring to see them connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for caring about the environment. The diverse selection of presentations ensured there was something to engage every student, making it easy to find programs that matched their interests.”

Here are just a few of the many notable projects being showcased at The Mayor's Environment Expo from participating EcoSchools here in Calgary:

Ranchlands School

• Students at Ranchlands School are working with their teachers to set up, maintain and monitor an aquaponics system in their classroom to round out a year of investigating sustainable agriculture to address food scarcity. The aquaponics system will be a bridge to access local experts in the field of agriculture such as vertical farming, city park maintenance and the edible orchard at their neighborhood community centre. Having participated in the City EcoAction School program, students will extend their learning by investigating water quality impacts and sustainable agriculture.

Apostles of Jesus School

• Students at Apostles of Jesus School are working with their teachers to rejuvenate their school’s pollinator garden and planting the "3 sisters" for a fall harvest. Students will engage in various activities, including starting bird houses, promoting urban sustainability and biodiversity, and growing microgreens. They will also create recycled material crafts for the garden, learn about beneficial insects and prepare plants for their home gardens. Various projects that were completed as part of the school’s EcoAction Plan will also be showcased.

Robert Thirsk School

• Approximately 90 students in each semester at Robert Thirsk School will learn the importance of sustainable food production, explore the science of vertical farming and hydroponic crop production, and share their learnings to inspire and educate the entire school community. Food produced from their classroom operations will also be used to support the school's culinary program, and for students to bring home to share with their families. 

The Mayor's Environment Expo is held during Canadian Environment Week, a time dedicated to highlighting Canada’s environmental achievements and encouraging Canadians to participate in conservation efforts. This year’s event runs from June 2 to 5, with online events taking place June 2 to 5 and in-person events taking place June 3 to 4.

The Mayor’s Environment Expo is made possible in part by the support of partners such as Calgary Public Library, Platform Calgary, The University of Calgary, Calgary Parking and Enbridge Inc.

For more information on the Mayor’s Environment Expo, visit calgary.ca/MEE.