Why We Exist
Alberta has seen unprecedented change in the past few decades, resulting in a vibrant and prosperous economy but placing strain on our natural landscape – the land, air and water, that sustain it.
Picture in your mind a place in Alberta you used to visit, drive by, or live in. Now imagine what is looks like today. Has it been changed into something totally different? Was it a slough that contained hundreds of breeding ducks, a colorful wildflower meadow, or a dense forest where you were guaranteed to see moose that has now become a city or town? Land-uses such as oil and gas, agriculture, forestry settlement and recreation are all competing for limited resources.
Unfortunately our land and resources are finite, and future growth must follow land-use plans that balance the environmental, economic and societal values of all Albertans.
“It was interesting to see the changes the landscape has been through over the past 100 years and how by using best practices in our daily lives, we can help make the future better.” Grade 11 student
“Before using Alberta Tomorrow I didn’t know what ecology was. Now I want to be a Biologist.” – Grade 4 student
“One of the most critical issues confronting contemporary society is the need to effectively plan our future landscapes. Proper planning requires an understanding of the trade-offs being made as we chose to how to provide Albertan’s with food, fiber, shelter, recreation, energy, transportation and other infrastructures. These concepts may sound complex but they can be understood by young adults. Alberta Tomorrow is a dynamic online tool that helps Albertans of all ages understand the importance of this issue and how they might become involved in the dialogue of building a future Alberta we will be proud of.”
Dr. Brad Stelfox, Landscape Ecologist
ALCES GROUP HISTORY | Alberta Tomorrow was originally created in 2005 by Matthew Carlson and Dr. Brad Stelfox of the ALCES group. Currenlty in it’s third reincarnation, Alberta Tomorrow has been used extensively by teachers and students throughout Alberta.
Note: ALCES Landscape & Land-Use Ltd. is a unique collaboration of planners, environmental scientists, industry specialists, ecologists, computer simulation programmers, and management consultants who share a deep commitment to assisting clients with developing strategic plans for triple bottom line – people, planet and profit.