Kananaskis Classrooms: A Splash of Education in Calgary's Backyard

Forget stuffy lecture halls! Imagine your classroom is the rugged, breathtaking landscape of Kananaskis Country. That’s precisely where future water management pros from SAIT are diving headfirst into real-world applications in their Integrated Water Management field school. These students aren't just reading textbooks; they're immersed in the intricate water ecosystems that literally feed our city.

This isn't just a cool field trip, Calgary. Kananaskis is a vital watershed for our city, with the Elbow River, which originates in Kananaskis Country, supplying approximately 40 percent of Calgary’s water. The Bow River, another major source for nearly 60 percent of our water, also has significant headwaters within the greater Kananaskis area.

With Calgary consistently working towards water conservation goals, like achieving its 30-in-30 Water Efficiency Plan targets years ahead of schedule and recent calls for residents to conserve water amid potential drought conditions in 2024, the importance of skilled water management professionals is crystal clear.

SAIT’s program is actually Canada's first Integrated Water Management diploma, giving students hands-on learning for careers like watershed planners and hydrologists. This initiative underscores Calgary's commitment to bridging academic concepts with the natural world right at our doorstep, ensuring the health and sustainability of our most precious resource.

So, the next time you’re enjoying the beauty of Kananaskis, remember it’s not just for recreation. It’s a living, breathing classroom, training the experts who will safeguard Calgary's water for generations to come.