SPEAKERS:

Calvin Lechelt – Municipal Climate Change Action Centre

Since 2017, Calvin has led funding and education programs that support municipalities across Alberta in reducing energy use, lowering costs, and cutting emissions through initiatives focused on energy efficiency, renewable energy, energy management, and zero-emission vehicle fleets. Calvin has an Alternative Energy Technology diploma, his Bachelor’s of Technology Management from NAIT and is a Certified Energy Manager (CEM) and Certified Measurement and Verification Professional (CMVP) through the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE). Calvin strives to advance the energy transition and to make a positive difference by helping communities reduce energy costs and emissions.

Valerie Ekelund – Town of Okotoks

Valerie joined the Town’s Environment Team in 2023 after making a shift from consulting work where she focused on environmental site assessment and contaminated site clean up. She has an Environmental Professional designation from Eco Canada, and is a Professional Technologist (Geoscience) with ASET Alberta. Valerie’s primary role is to implement initiatives in the Resilient Okotoks: Climate Action Plan. Valerie works with other municipal departments to assist with scoping, funding, and measuring the impacts of energy efficiency and renewable energy projects at a local level. She also assists in the design and delivery of public education and engagement efforts to equip the Okotoks community to make meaningful change to local energy consumption.