Seniors edition - Sustainable living at home
We know you're making thoughtful choices to care for your home, family and community. We also know that Calgary’s changing weather can affect your property. Hotter summers, colder winters and more extreme weather can change how it works and feels. That’s why we created this guide. Here we build on what you’re already doing and share simple ways to save money and protect your home. These tips can help you stay comfortable, safe and independent.
- Simple ways to save water, save energy and protect your home.
- Dollar signs ($-$$$) that show which steps are low-cost or free.
- Common questions from other seniors.
You can bookmark this page and come back to it whenever you need it. This page is meant to be read at your own pace.
Choose a topic below to get started.
Senior members of each household should help educate young children to pay attention to preserving water and help with keeping it clean and using it efficiently.
Mark
Save water at home
Calgary is a growing city on two small rivers – the Bow and the Elbow. By using water only when needed, we help our city maintain a safe, reliable water supply for future generations. We call this being water wise. When we make water wise choices like fixing small leaks, we save water and we save money on our water bills. By fixing leaks, we also help prevent mould, water damage and costly repairs.
Good habits that help
Check for leaks early and address them to prevent damage and extra costs.
Use water carefully during daily activities like bathing, cooking and cleaning.
Choose water wise plants and low maintenance options for outdoor spaces.
Avoid common problems
Flushing anything other than toilet paper down the toilet.
Using more water than needed for daily tasks or outdoor spaces.
Putting grease, chemicals, wipes or waste down drains and toilets.
How to save water around your home
Everyday activities like showering, cleaning, cooking and watering the yard all use water. In this section, you’ll learn how you can save water throughout the day.
Water: common questions
What does my water bill pay for?
Your water bill supports clean drinking water, wastewater treatment, flood protection, and the operation and maintenance of Calgary’s water systems. Reviewing your bill can help you understand how your water use affects costs.
How much water does my yard need?
You don't need to use more water to keep your outdoor space beautiful. By watering only when it’s needed, you can reduce your water bill and help your plants become more resilient. Learn more in the outdoor watering guide.
I’d like to help my community create a community garden. How can I do this?
The City supports community gardens by working with a variety of community organizations. Learn more about community gardens and available funding.
Are there any workshops where I can learn more practical skills for gardening in Calgary?
Yes. The Calgary Horticultural Society offers Design Your Yard workshops online and in person to help you plan a water wise yard that thrives in Calgary.
Unable to attend a workshop? The City’s YardSmart program offers a series of free ‘How to’ videos and yard planning resources to help you get started. Learn more at calgary.ca/yardsmart.
Some parts of Calgary have fewer trees. Can I help?
The Calgary Climate Hub is working to increase Calgary's urban tree canopy and help ensure all communities can benefit from trees. Learn more about Tree Equity, explore tools, and find a planting guide for trees.
What is stormwater and why should I care about it?
When it rains or snow melts, water runs off streets, driveways, sidewalks and yards and flows into rivers and creeks. This runoff is called stormwater.
As stormwater flows, it can carry garbage, chemicals, fertilizers, pet waste, road salt, dirt and other debris into local waterways. Stormwater isn’t treated before it enters rivers and creeks, so pollution can go directly into the water.
Keeping stormwater clean helps Calgary’s rivers and creeks stay healthy.
Learn how you can help: Stormwater management
I live near the Bow River and my home received extensive water damage during the 2013 flood in Calgary. I definitely wasn't prepared for this kind of climate catastrophe so I appreciate the need to help seniors become more aware of the resources available to increase their resilience to extreme weather events.
Rob
Ways to prepare your home
Calgary’s summers are getting hotter, drier and longer. Hazards like wildfire smoke, extreme heat, hail and flooding are becoming more common. Planning ahead can help you stay safe and independent. This is especially important if you live alone, have trouble getting around or have a health condition.
Ways to prepare ahead of time
Stay informed using trusted weather alerts and local updates.
Make a plan so you know what to do before, during and after emergencies.
Stay connected with neighbours, family or support networks.
Things to avoid
Waiting too long to prepare for seasonal weather.
Not having a plan or emergency contacts in place.
Assuming help will always be immediately available.
How to prepare and protect your independence
Planning ahead helps you stay safe and independent during emergencies. This includes knowing who to contact, where important items are and how to respond during disruptions.
Weather and safety: common questions
Which hazards should I be most concerned about as a senior?
Extreme heat, smoke and poor air quality can be more serious for seniors, especially for those with heart or lung conditions.
How do I choose the right insurance?
Insurance coverage depends on your policy. Not all policies cover the same types of damage.
When you’re reviewing or signing up for insurance, it’s important to ask clear questions about coverage for extreme weather in Calgary, like hail, flooding, wildfire and smoke.
The Insurance Bureau of Canada has resources to help you understand insurance and severe weather claims. They also offer a video series that explains what to do after a loss and how to navigate insurance claims.
- Learn more about insurance and severe weather.
- Watch the “What to do after a loss” video series.
What if I live alone?
Have a buddy system, or “adopt” a neighbour system in place.
If an emergency or disaster is imminent or occurring, check with them to make sure they are okay and ask them to do the same for you.
Should a situation arise where an evacuation is ordered, let first responders going door-to-door know that you are aware of a neighbour who may need some additional assistance.
If you are asked to stay at home during an emergency, do not leave to check on your buddy. Try to contact them by phone, text or email instead. Alert emergency personnel if you have not been able to contact your buddy.
What should I do before and after an extreme weather event?
Make a plan. This ensures that you and your family members know what to do and who to call before and after these emergency events. When it’s safe to do so, there are also steps to take after an emergency.
What are the basic items I need during emergencies?
During an emergency, you may need to stay in your home without electricity or water, or evacuate your home for a period of time. Having emergency supplies on hand can help keep you and your household safe. Creating a 72-hour kit that holds supplies to support you and your family for three days in an emergency situation is recommended. Learn how to build your emergency kit here.
Where can I go if I need to cool down?
You can visit public buildings across the city, as they offer safe places to cool down and give you access to free drinking water.
Ways to save energy
Saving energy helps keep your home comfortable and can help lower your energy bills. By using available programs and resources, you can make choices at your own pace and focus on what matters most to you.
Good energy habits
Start with simple, low-cost changes like LED lighting and reducing everyday energy use.
Check your energy bills regularly to understand your usage and costs.
Explore programs and supports to improve efficiency and comfort.
Avoid common mistakes
Ignoring small repairs that increase energy use over time.
Assuming energy improvements are too expensive.
Missing programs or funding that can help reduce costs.
How to save energy in your home
Explore a variety of programs and resources to help you save energy, lower energy bills and improve home comfort and safety.
Energy: common questions
How do I read my energy bills?
Reviewing your bills, even if you use automatic payments, can help you understand your energy and water use. It is always a good idea to check your bills on a regular basis.
Learn how to read and understand your energy and water bills by signing up for a Home Upgrades Program Multilingual workshop.
What if I don’t have the tools to measure energy use?
Green Calgary offers free energy self-audit kits that you can borrow to help identify ways to save energy at home.
Where can I get help with my energy bills?
The Utilities Consumer Advocate (UCAHelps) helps Alberta energy customers. They offer a tool to compare energy rates and products, a guide on how to read your energy bill and can support mediation between consumers and utility companies.
About this resource
Sustainable Living Toolkit series
Our senior edition is just the beginning. We also offer Sustainable Living Toolkits for newcomers and renters. To view and explore, select the links below.
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Newcomers edition
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Renters edition
Share your feedback
We want this toolkit to be a support to all seniors across Calgary. If you have a suggestion (e.g. a resource we can add or a question we can answer), email us at climateprogram@calgary.ca. Your feedback helps us improve this toolkit for all seniors.
This page contains links to other websites and content belonging to third parties. These links are provided for informational purposes only. The City of Calgary makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of third-party content or for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display of, or your use of, this content.
