'I ❤️ SG' Conversation Series Topic #5 Environment and Sustainability
- Erin Stevenson
- Aug 12
- 3 min read
Spruce Grove Councillor Erin Stevenson is proud to launch her campaign for a third term under the banner “I ❤️ SG”—a positive, community-focused message reflecting her deep commitment to the people, places, and possibilities that make Spruce Grove special.
Building a Greener Future: A Vision for a Sustainable Spruce Grove
From electric vehicles to zero-waste goals, third-term Councillor candidate Erin Stevenson has been a driving force behind environmental progress in Spruce Grove. As part of her “I 💙 SG” campaign, Stevenson is sharing how the city has taken big steps toward a greener, more sustainable future—and where the next opportunities lie.
Watch the video:
LOVE: Big Wins for Climate Action, the Environment and Sustainability
Over the past term, Spruce Grove has made major strides in climate-friendly infrastructure. A key achievement was maximizing a grant to purchase and install electric vehicle chargers at 17 locations across the city—12 of them for public use. This investment supports residents and visitors in making the switch to EVs, reducing local greenhouse gas emissions.
Grant funding from the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre (MCCAC) also helped purchase a new Electric Zamboni 650 ice resurfacer, cutting emissions at City arenas.
To guide future initiatives, the City presented a Climate Change Implementation Plan, outlining priorities and capturing achievements toward the recommendations in the Climate Change Action Plan.
Waste reduction has also been front and centre. In November 2023, Council approved the Municipal Solid Waste Utility Bylaw, ensuring dedicated funding for waste services.
On April 1, 2025, Spruce Grove joined Alberta’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program, which shifts recycling costs from municipalities and taxpayers to producers, while expanding the range of items accepted.
In May 2025, the City launched the Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP) for residents, offering financing to make home energy upgrades more affordable.
Educational initiatives have also grown, with new grant-funded climate change materials forming the basis for ongoing public programming. And through the Municipal Development Plan, preservation of environmentally sensitive areas has been identified as a long-term priority. “These successes are about more than individual programs—they’re about creating a culture of sustainability in Spruce Grove,” says Stevenson.
IMPROVE: Making Green Efforts Easier to Access
While the city’s Eco Centre is a cornerstone of waste diversion, Stevenson sees room for improvement. “We should explore whether a new location or extended hours could make it even more accessible,” she says.
The new EPR system will help create consistency across Alberta, but Stevenson acknowledges recycling rules can still be confusing. “Clear, simple communication will be key so residents know exactly what goes where.” She also wants to explore more opportunities for a circular economy, where waste is reduced by reusing, repairing, and repurposing materials.
NEXT: Moving Toward Zero Waste
One of Stevenson’s forward-looking ideas is to offer smaller compost bins for households that don’t need the current large size—at a lower cost. “If we’re working toward zero waste, that includes food scraps. We should reward households that are producing less, not more.”
As Spruce Grove grows, Stevenson believes environmental leadership must grow with it. “The environment and sustainability isn’t just an add-on—it’s at the heart of building a city where people love to live.”
Share your thoughts with Erin and connect with her on social media and don't forget to use the hashtag #IHeartSG. Show Erin support in her re-election campaign by requesting a lawn sign (request form is at the bottom of every webpage).
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