Appendix F: Letters of Support for the SK RCE on ESD Proposal Craik, Saskatchewan Rod Haugerud, Mayor, Town of Craik Glenn Hymers, Chair of the Steering Committee, Craik Sustainable Living Project Regina, Saskatchewan City of Regina Brian Hamblin, Director of Corporate Services, City of Regina Community Organizations David Baron, Director, Royal Saskatchewan Museum Lyle Benko, L*A*M*B* Consulting (Inc), Environmental and Educational Consulting Malin Hansen, Director, Regina EcoLiving Inc. Jan Phillips, Education Programs Coordinator, Saskatchewan Science Centre Robert Stedwill, Manager, Environmental Programs, SaskPower SIAST Dr. Robert G. McCulloch, President and CEO, Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST) University of Regina and Federated Colleges Faculty Dr. Robert Anderson, Faculty of Business Administration, University of Regina Dr. Allison Fizzard, Department of History, Campion College Dr. Paul Hart, Faculty of Education, University of Regina Dr. Daryl Hepting, Department of Computer Science, University of Regina Dr. Dena McMartin, Sustainable Campus Advisory Group, University of Regina Herman Michell, Department Head of Science, First Nations University of Canada Dr. Garth Pickard, Faculty of Education, University of Regina Administrative Units Dr. Alain Boutet, Director, Office of International Cooperation & Development, University of Regina

Dr. Allan Cahoon, Vice President (Research and International), University of Regina Dr. Harry Diaz, Executive Director, Canadian Plains Research Center Dr. Jon Gillies, Research Director, Centre for Sustainable Communities Dr. Norman Henderson, Executive Director, Prairie Adaptation Research Collaborative (PARC) Dr. Mary Vetter, Academic Dean, Luther College Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Rob Norris, Coordinator - Global Relations, University of Saskatchewan Province of Saskatchewan David Forbes, Minister of Environment, Saskatchewan Environment Donna Magnusson, Executive Director, Primary Health Services, Saskatchewan Health

July 8, 2006 Charles Hopkins United Nations University Chair for Education for Sustainable Development 339 York Lanes, York University 4700 Keele Street Toronto, ON M3J 1P3 Dear Mr. Hopkins, As the Mayor for the Town of Craik, SK, a director of the Steering Committee of the Craik Sustainable Living Project (CSLP) and as a participant in the meetings during which the current Saskatchewan Regional Centre of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development proposal was discussed, I heartily endorse the initiative. Being an integral partner in a Saskatchewan Regional Centre of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development, the CSLP and the community of Craik, SK will continue to model sustainable development in a rural Saskatchewan setting. We look forward to continuing this work especially within the framework of the proposal’s stated cross-cutting theme of “sustainable rural communities” and the “six issues” all of which impact on rural Saskatchewan development. The Town of Craik through the CSLP has been involved in a number of initiatives over the last three or four years which are based on CSLP’s vision as stated below: “We believe that sustainability will become the dominant issue of the 21st century. Our society needs to develop ways of living that are economically viable and socially just which do not at the same time destroy the ecological base that sustains us and all other life on the planet. The Town and the Rural Municipality of Craik therefore, propose to embark on a joint long-term project in search of ways of living that address the issue of sustainability and rural revitalization through physical demonstration of viable solutions”. The Craik Sustainable Living Project has a great deal to offer a Regional Centre of Expertise in Saskatchewan due to our successes to date. I and this community are pleased to have the opportunity to support an RCE initiative for Saskatchewan. Yours truly, Rod Haugerud Mayor, Town of Craik

Charles Hopkins United Nations University Chair for Education for Sustainable Development 339 York Lanes, York University 4700 Keele Street Toronto, ON, Canada M3J 1P3 2006 07 11 Dear Mr. Hopkins; As current chair of the Steering Committee of the Craik Sustainable Living Project (CSLP) Craik, SK, and as a participant in the meetings during which the current Saskatchewan Regional Centre of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development (SK RCE on ESD) proposal was discussed, I heartily endorse the initiative. Being an integral partner in a Saskatchewan RCE on EDS, the CSLP and the community of Craik, SK will continue to model sustainable development in a rural Saskatchewan setting. It will be exciting for our community to continue this work especially within the context of the proposal’s stated cross-cutting theme of “sustaining rural communities” and the “six issues” all of which impact on rural Saskatchewan development. Over the last three years the CSLP has been engaged in a variety of initiatives all developed and delivered based carefully on the Project’s original vision as stated below: “We believe that sustainability will become the dominant issue of the 21st century. Our society needs to develop ways of living that are economically viable and socially just which do not at the same time destroy the ecological base that sustains us and all other life on the planet. The Town and the Rural Municipality of Craik therefore, propose to embark on a joint long-term project in search of ways of living that address the issue of sustainability and rural revitalization through physical demonstration of viable solutions.” As a result of successes to date, the Craik Sustainable Living Project has much to offer an RCE in Saskatchewan and as a committed member of the Project, I am proud that our community has the opportunity to support an RCE initiative for Saskatchewan. Regards,

Glenn Hymers Chair of the Steering Committee Craik Sustainable Living Project Craik, SK, Canada

July 10, 2006 Mr. Charles Hopkins United Nations University Chair for Education for Sustainable Development York University 339 York Lanes 4700 Keele Street Toronto, Ontario M3J 1P3 Dear Mr. Hopkins: Re: Letter of Support for the Saskatchewan Regional Centre of Expertise on Education for

Sustainable Development

The purpose of this letter is to express the City of Regina support for the establishment of a Regional Centre of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development in Saskatchewan (RCE on ESD). We are pleased to have been involved in the discussions from the onset and are interested in continuing to be actively engaged as the initiative develops. Our interest in the success of this initiative stems from understanding of the importance of education in creating a culture that fosters sustainable development. As such, the establishment of the RCE on ESD will complement many of the ongoing initiatives within the City. For instance, Regina was one of the first cities in Canada to establish targets for greenhouse gas emission reduction in 1990 and was a founding member of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Partner for Climate Protection program. As a result, the Green Ribbon Community Climate Change Advisory Committee was created to develop and implement a local action plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions within the community. Education and communication related to the emissions, energy consumption and climate change are already recognized as critical components to the plan. The City has also become a key partner of Communities of Tomorrow which is focusing on the research and development of sustainable and environmentally responsible infrastructure. More broadly, the City, along with many other community leaders, has embarked on Shaping Regina, an initiative to develop and implement a 100-year community sustainability plan for Regina. A key part of the plan will involve the development of a decision making framework that will allow various organizations to align their plans and actions towards the same community goals and vision. The basis of the plan is the recognition of the interconnections between environmental, social, economic, and cultural sustainability. As well, the City of Regina has been involved in the establishment of a Saskatchewan Education for Sustainable Development Working Group. It is anticipated that this initiative will fit well with one of the major overarching themes for this RCE, Educational Approaches for Regional ESD. We look forward to the establishment of this Regional Centre of Expertise in our area, and are interested in being involved to help ensure its success. Yours truly,

Brian Hamblin Director Corporate Services KS/an cc: Co-ordinator of Sustainable Communities

Regina EcoLiving

June 29, 2006 Mr. Charles Hopkins United Nations University Chair for Education for Sustainable Development York University 339 York Lanes 4700 Keele Street Toronto, Ontario M3J 1P3 Dear Mr. Hopkins: Regina EcoLiving Inc. is happy to support the Saskatchewan Regional Centre for Expertise (SK RCE). Regina

EcoLiving is a Regina based non-profit environment organization whose objective is to educate people on

environment issues that are important to our area such as, sustainable transportation, waste minimization (including

composting and recycling), energy and water conservation etc. We see a tremendous importance of informal

education when it comes to inspiring people to take action in order to improve their community and to live more

sustainably. Informal education such as workshops, seminars and fieldtrips are also gaining support and popularity

in Saskatchewan and we think that the SK RCE will ensure that participation and volunteering continue to increase

at such events.

We see the SK RCE as a network that foremost facilitate the connection between the general public,

universities, public schools and educators including organizations such as ourselves, but also a network that

connects educators, organizations and institutions with each other to share knowledge and experience. Regina

EcoLiving has built up an extensive network through the recent publication “EcoLiving: Your Guide to Sustainable

Living”, and we would be happy to facilitate connections and partnerships as well as to contribute with resources

and knowledge. The SK RCE will, in turn, help Regina EcoLiving to build further partnerships with organizations

and institutions as well as to spread the word regionally as well as internationally on what we do for education on

sustainable development.

Sincerely,

Malin Hansen Regina EcoLiving Inc. 2138 MacIntyre St. Regina, Saskatchewan S4P 2R7

Jan Phillips Education Programs Coordinator Saskatchewan Science Centre 2903 Powerhouse Drive Regina, Saskatchewan Canada S4N 0A1 July 4, 2006 Charles Hopkins United Nations University Chair for Education for Sustainable Development 339 York Lanes, York University 4700 Keele Street Toronto, Ontario Canada M3J 1P3 Re: Endorsement of proposal to establish a Regional Centre of Expertise in Education for Sustainable Development in Saskatchewan. Dear Charles: This letter outlines The Saskatchewan Science Centre’s approval and strong recommendation for the establishment of a Regional Centre of Expertise in Education for Sustainable Development in Saskatchewan. Examples of ESD already abound in our province but there is a need for an organization to support the co-ordination of these initiatives. A Regional Centre for Expertise would be a great asset to people in Saskatchewan who are currently involved in projects as well as for those who would like to learn more and become active in the drive for a sustainable future. The Saskatchewan Science Centre has been involved in ESD for the past several years through exhibit and program development aimed at schools and the general public. The Saskatchewan Science Centre has worked in partnership with Communities of Tomorrow since 2003 delivering their public education initiatives. Our programs encourage the development of knowledge, skills, values and behaviors that are essential for effective citizenship and sustainable action. All programs support the Saskatchewan Curriculum and are a particularly important resource for teachers implementing the new Grade 10 science curriculum topic: Sustainability of Ecosystems. Although all citizens would benefit from a Regional Centre of Expertise, such an organization would be a great asset to educators by providing more resources and support to those who want to facilitate the development of sustainability characteristics in their students. On behalf of the Saskatchewan Science Centre, I wish to endorse the proposal submitted by the SK RCE on ESD committee and encourage the United Nations University to establish this centre here in the province of Saskatchewan. Sincerely, JJaann PPhhiilllliippss Education Programs Coordinator Saskatchewan Science Centre (306) 791-7921 Jphillips@sasksciencecentre.com

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FACULTY OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION July 31, 2006 Charles Hopkins United Nations University Chair for Education for Sustainable Development 339 York Lanes, York University 4700 Keele St. Toronto, ON M3J 1P3 Dear Mr. Hopkins: Re: Saskatchewan Regional Centre of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development proposal to the United Nations University I am writing to offer my enthusiastic support to the application for the creation of a Regina Centre at the University of Regina. For my part I would be very pleased to work with the Centre in exploring issues of sustainable community economic development, particularly as it relates to Indigenous peoples. This is both a local, regional and global issue and I am interested it at scales. I believe there is an opportunity for excellent work to be done at a Regional Centre on this topic that will inform the process wherever Indigenous communities are struggling to development. Indeed, I am in the midst of two SSHRC funded project (as principal investigator) that would fit very well within the mandate of the centre and have submitted a third project for consideration. I have included as an attachment the summary of the third project. Had the Centre been in existence at the time I prepared it, we could have added a significant knowledge transfer (i.e. education) component to the proposal. Sincerely

Robert B. Anderson Ph.D., CMA Phone (306) 585-4728 Fax (306) 585-5361 E-mail Robert.Anderson@uregina.ca

ROOM 508, EDUCATION BUILDING, REGINA, SASKATCHEWAN, CANADA S4S 0A2 PHONE: (306) 585-4435 FAX: (306) 585-4805

Mines, Pipelines and Caribou: Aboriginal Development in Northern Canada ‘On Their Own Terms’ As stated in the first paragraph on the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council website that introduces the Northern Research Development Program (NRDP), “Canada’s North covers a vast area, has a small, mostly Aboriginal population and is of national economic and international strategic importance”. The research we propose focuses on the development aspirations of Aboriginal people and communities of Nunavut and the North West Territories in this national and international global context, which places significant demands the resources of their traditional lands, and, in doing so, has significant implications for their way of life. The demands of this global context pose threats, but also opportunities; opportunities for Aboriginal people of the north to pursue development on their own terms through participation in the global economy. We believe that the later outcome is possible because we are well into the period foreseen by Thomas Berger when he ordered the postponement of the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline in the 1970’s saying this “postponement will allow sufficient time for native claims to be settled, and for new programs and new institutions to be established (Berger 1977, p xxvii). With the creation of Nunavut and the settlement of many other comprehensive claims and the resulting institutions that have been established Berger’s conditions have been met (for elaboration see Anderson et al 20051). Specifically, we propose to explore the development context, objectives, activities and outcomes of three groups of communities in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut; one group directly affected by the Ekati and Diavik diamond mines, another along the route of the newly re-proposed MacKenzie Valley Pipeline, and the final group a more loosely connected set of communities pursuing development through participation in the global economy based on the commercialization of ‘traditional’ activities, an example being Coral Harbour (Sudliq) and Rankin Inlet (Kangiqtinq) and Kivalliq Arctic Foods (see Figure 3 in the project description). In doing these case studies, we will support the NRDP objectives, particularly

• the development of innovative programs of research and research activities in the North; • the provision of opportunities for training students as future researchers; • the expansion of the capacity of individual researchers, research groups and institutions to conduct research

in the North; and • research and related activities that meet the needs of northern residents by involving them in the research

process. This proposed research builds on a stream of research funded in part by other SSHRC grants held by the applicant, specifically an ‘Initiatives in the New Economy Development Grant’ in 2002-3 and a ‘Standard Grant’, 2004-7. In particular, the project builds on a description of the Aboriginal approach to development (Figure 1) and a theoretical framework emerging from an exploration of the feasibility of this approach (Figure 2), both found in the project description that follows. ___________________ 1 Excepts from this paper are included in the supporting items and address in more depth the Berger Commission and what has emerged from it using the Inuvialuit as an example.

July 14, 2006 To Whom it May Concern, I would like to offer my full support for the proposal to establish a Regional Centre of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development in Saskatchewan, Canada. The creation of an RCE would greatly assist efforts to promote sustainable communities, economies, and agricultural practices within this province. Many residents of Saskatchewan from a wide variety of constituencies are currently involved in educational activities to promote sustainable development; however, the establishment of an RCE would help co-ordinate these programs and help define and clarify common regional goals. As a member of both the Sierra Club of Canada (South Saskatchewan Group) and the Regina Vegetarian Society, and as a faculty member of Campion College at the University of Regina, I know well that there are many issues of concern related to sustainable development on our campus, in our city, and in our province. The six regional issues as outlined in the SK RCE on ESD proposal strike me as the most logical ones on which to focus, as they highlight the most pressing challenges facing our communities. As a major agricultural producer, and as an emerging player in the energy sector, Saskatchewan has much to gain by implementing more sustainable practices in industry and farming. Saskatchewanians are becoming increasingly concerned about the province's role in the production of carbon emissions as well as the threat to our food system from climate change and farming techniques that require high levels of petroleum inputs. The local interest in the connection between health and agriculture is reflected in the increasing popularity of organic farming within the province and the increased concern about the negative health effects of pesticide usage on farmers and farm workers. The cities of Regina and Saskatchewan also face the health-related issues connected with urban sprawl which face many North American cities, namely the design of low-density suburbs and shopping areas which require car usage and discourage pedestrianism and cycling. I am very optimistic that the creation of a Regional Centre of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development would greatly assist those of us in Saskatchewan who are working to creating healthier and more sustainable communities. By promoting dialogue between and amongst a range of individuals and groups, an RCE would play an important role in raising the profile of sustainability within this province. Very sincerely, Allison D. Fizzard, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, History Campion College, University of Regina Regina, SK, S4S 0A2 Canada

University of Regina Faculty of Education June 26, 2006

Charles Hopkins United Nations University Chair for Education for Sustainable Development 339 York Lanes, York University 4700 Keele St. Toronto, Ontario M3J 1P3 Dear Chuck: Please accept this letter in support of the Saskatchewan Regional Centre of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development (SK RCE on ESD) developed by the Saskatchewan team headed by Dr. Roger Petry. As you know, I have been involved in the Environmental Education/Education for Sustainable Development (EE/ESD) component of teacher education in Saskatchewan for many years, as part of the Man and the Biosphere Network, as a founding member of EECOM, as a member of the Saskatchewan Outdoor and Environmental Education Association and many international groups such as the North American Association for Environmental Education and Environment and School Initiatives (ENSI). As an executive editor of the Journal of Environmental Education and a consulting editor for Environmental Education Research, Canadian Journal of Environmental Education and Southern African Journal of Environmental Education, I believe the RCE initiative is a timely response to the call for renewed ESD effort during the DESD. As ESD initiatives have evolved and grown, our efforts in environmental education on behalf of environment and education have expanded and developed to include a much broader range of social and environmental concerns. As we said during the 1970s, environmental/social issues will not simply go away and our sustained efforts in the field of post-secondary education attest to this. The inclusion of these issues in the Pan-Canadian Science Curriculum Development framework are partly a result of our continued curriculum work in Saskatchewan to develop the old Science-Technology-Society international framework into a Science-Technology-Society-Environment frame for the formal education system. Although environment-related initiatives have waxed and waned in many regions, Saskatchewan has consistently maintained a core group of active educators who have most recently undertaken several initiatives for ESD. It thus seems both reasonable and timely to support the SK RCE on ESD as it represents a deepening of these efforts with an expanded set of themes and a direction that, as we have demonstrated repeatedly, can sustain itself as an exemplar of DESD action. I hope that your group will recognize the quality of the submission as well as the sincerity and dedication of the SK RCE group to contribute strongly to Canadian efforts in the DESD framework. Sincerely, Paul Hart, Ph.D. Professor of Education

July 12, 2006 Charles Hopkins United Nations University Chair for Education for Sustainable Development 339 York Lanes, York University 4700 Keele St. Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M3J 1P3 Dear Professor Hopkins:

Re: Regional Centre of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development in Saskatchewan, Canada

I am honoured to write to you in support of the Regional Centre of Expertise on Education for Sustainable

Development in Saskatchewan, Canada. The proposed initiative, which demonstrates the suitability of Saskatchewan as being a Regional Centre of Excellent, is most appropriate considering the Province’s history and educational practice in heightening the public’s understanding of ecological issues and the importance of environmental harmony.

The Faculty of Education at the University of Regina takes pride in offering teacher education programs which address the critical importance of educating for a sustainable future. The Faculty is engaged in the process of providing educational experiences that augment a student’s awareness and genuine understanding of current and future global circumstances, which are inextricably coupled with sustainability. We believe that preparing pre-service teachers differently in order that they may contribute to children’s understanding of sustainability is most obvious and extremely urgent. In this sense, the Faculty of Education is currently involved in developing innovative pedagogical experiences for its pre-service and post-graduate teachers, which will provide them with the skills and opportunities for heightening their awareness and understanding of sustainability.

The Faculty of Education understands the significant role it can play in contributing to the overall goals and obligations associated with the RCE and is excited to work collectively with all Saskatchewan constituent groups to ensure its success.

I look forward to the submission being presented to the United Nations University Institute of Advanced Studies and

would be most please to expand on my comments if required to do so. Warmest regards, Dr. Garth Pickard Professor Faculty of Education

CANADIAN PLAINSRESEARCH CENTER

3737 Wascana ParkwayRegina, SaskatchewanCanada S4S 0A2phone: (306) 585.4758fax: (306) 585.4699email: canadian.plains@uregina.cawww.cprc.ca

July 14, 2006 Charles Hopkins United Nations University Chair for Education for Sustainable Development 339 York Lanes, York University 4700 Keele St. Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M3J 1P3 RE: Proposal to Establish a Regional Centre of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development in Saskatchewan, Canada. Dear Dr. Hopkins: I am please to indicate the support of the Canadian Plains Research Center (CPRC) for the establishment of a Regional Centre of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development in Saskatchewan. It is certainly a satisfaction to express my strong support for the creation of an institution that I consider very relevant for the sustainability of the region in general and for the work of CPRC in particular. During the last fifty years, the Canadian Prairies have been affected by a broad range of social, political, economic and environmental processes that have led to a significant transformation of its social and biophysical dimensions. Agriculture, one of the most important regional economic activities, has faced significant upheavals as a result of the transformations of economic globalization. Rural communities have faced high levels of social stress as a result of the changes in the rural economy, the rural-urban migratory process, and a reduction in their infrastructure and local services. The profile of urban centers has also had a significant transformation as a result of changes in public services, an increase of poverty, ethnic diversity, and economic processes. Human activities have greatly modified the original ecosystems and engendered a host of environmental problems affecting the sustainability of the prairie native wildlife habitat and biodiversity. The unprecedented scale and rate of climate change will have an impact even more severe upon these ecosystems and human beings. We are confronted with challenges that concern the relationships between nature and society, the integration of specific social groups into the mainstream of society, the preservation of prairie biodiversity, the impacts of climate change, the sustainability of cities and rural communities, changes in the institutional profile, and the increasing demands of a global economy. These are complex and multidimensional issues that should be understood and resolved from the perspective of sustainability. To do so require an increasing number of people educated within the paradigm of sustainability. The existence of a centre focused on education of sustainable development would undoubtedly contribute to the development of the paradigm and facilitate the development of proper sustainable alternatives solutions.

The proposed center is of direct relevance to CPRC and has the strong potential to significantly advance our understanding of the challenges of sustainability in the Canadian Plains. CPRC is the longest serving research institute at the University of Regina, with over 30 years of experience facilitating research relevant to the Canadian Plains. CPRC’s involvement in research projects is oriented to further its mandate to facilitate transdisciplinary research and address research issues relevant to the region. In recent years, CPRC has facilitated the development and administration of interdisciplinary team research projects, bringing together researchers in the social and natural sciences with a focus on sustainability issues. CPRC’s research projects, such as its climate change, rural community, social cohesion, prairie ecosystem sustainability and training for regional sustainable development projects are clearly linked to the issues and themes in education for sustainable development identified in the proposal. The establishment of a center on education of sustainability issues will explicitly promote of CPRC’s approaches to appropriate development and encourage further research in this area. The existence of the center will also benefit CPRC’s graduate student program and its accredited university press. It will promote an increasing interest of sustainability issues among students, as well as foster scholarly communication and public dialogue work I strongly support the creation of the Regional Centre of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development and can assure you that CPRC will do everything possible to facilitate the activities of this center and contribute to its success. Sincerely, Dr. Harry Diaz Executive Director

June 26, 2006 Professor Charles Hopkins United Nations University Chair for Education for Sustainable Development 339 York Lanes York University 4700 Keele St. Toronto, ON M3J 1P3 Dear Professor Hopkins; The Centre for Sustainable Communities (CSC) at the University of Regina has supported the development of a Regional Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Education from its initial conceptualization. We believe that such a Centre will provide a unique opportunity to develop a range of educational opportunities suitable to our region. The University of Regina’s Centre for Sustainable Communities, formally established in April 2003, is a consortium of university faculty, staff and research communities. Building on a foundation which links social policy with environmental infrastructure, this partnership incorporates public and social policy development for the creation of competitive cities and healthy communities. By encouraging multidisciplinary support across many faculties and sectors, the Centre for Sustainable Communities is creating an integrated approach to all aspects of sustainable development. Outcomes of the work of the CSC will result in the commercialization of products and services that will enable sustainable, affordable, equitable, and ecologically healthy communities to flourish.

The Centre for Sustainable Communities is an important component of the University of Regina’s collaboration with the Communities of Tomorrow Partnership. Working closely with both the National Research Council’s Centre for Sustainable Infrastructure Research in Regina the City of Regina and the Communities of Tomorrow Partnership will ensure that the activities undertaken by Centre for Sustainable Communities will compliment the efforts of these partner agencies.

An additional component of Centre for Sustainable Communities is the ongoing development of a sustainable campus. Actively supporting campus sustainability research and projects that examine our own current and future practices will ensure our future needs are met in sustainable ways, protecting and maintaining the integrity of the environment. Engaging faculty, staff and students in the growth of sustainable action at the University of Regina, strengthens our opportunity to become a model of socio-economic progress, and environmental excellence.

The following projects have been supported with funding from the Centre for Sustainable Communities: Social Dimensions of the Impact of Climate Change on Water Use in the City of Regina: Social Capital, Environmental Conflict and Quality of Life Wastewater Reclamation for Industrial Use-Preliminary Feasibility Analysis for Regina Total Product Assessment for Sustainable Consumption Data Mining for Wise Water Usage Development of Survey Questions for Sustainable Communities Education for Action: Examining the Understandings, Thinking, Motivations and Actions of Participants in a Youth Forum on Sustainability Objective and Subjective Assessment of Traffic Noise Impact To Residential Areas and Traffic Noise Control in Regina Policy Perspectives for Energy Efficient Housing in Regina Identification of Pesticides in Aquatic Systems of Wascana Lake Web-based Intelligent Systems for Sustainable Communities Action Feasibility Study: Regina Municipal Arts Center Developing an Innovative Community Housing Partnership in Regina Effects of Pavement Types and Conditions to the Environmental Noise of Urban Areas Interactive Learning about Sustainable Resource Development of Smart Vehicles for Inspection of Pressurized Water Pipes Sustainable Crime Prevention and Campus Safety at the University of Regina A Pre-Design Assessment of Stormwater Collection and Drainage Systems in the University of Regina’s Laboratory Building to Be Constructed A Compilation of Sustainability Initiatives at the University of Regina

Additional projects are being developed in a wide range of research areas. Our focus will be the full spectrum of research from discovery and applied, to research that will lead to commercialization opportunities. We will engage in research that will emphasize the building and maintenance of an ongoing research partnership and where possible, the multi-disciplinarity of researchers. Finally, in the long term, the Centre for Sustainable Communities will be taking the lead on campus to develop a program in sustainable community design. All of these activities can contribute to a successful Regional Centre of Excellence for Education in Sustainable Development. . I trust that the United Nations Committee reviewing our application will provide some early indication of whether or not there will be support to develop the Regional Centre of Excellence for Education in Sustainable Development in Saskatchewan. I thank you for your efforts on our behalf. Sincerely, Jon A. Gillies. P. Eng. Professor and Research Director Centre for Sustainable Communities University of Regina