Bios
Colleen Kimmett
Colleen Kimmett graduated from Carleton University with a BA in Journalism. After graduating, she covered the crime and police beat for a paper in my hometown of Peterborough, Ontario, but she quickly realized the traditional newsroom was not for her. Colleen prefers to sink her teeth into big stories that tackle tough issues, and has found this path to be challenging but rewarding.
In 2009, Colleen was awarded a fellowship to the Metcalf Institute for Marine and Environmental Reporting, and that same year shared in The Tyee’s prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award for Excellence in Journalism. In 2011, Colleen's series on food and farming won a Canadian Online Publishing Award for best online series.
Colleen is currently at work on a book about sasquatch in British Columbia: a perfect excuse to spend time researching in the great outdoors. She loves hiking, camping and kayaking, and is happy to live in a country with such incredible natural beauty.
Reporting Beat: Environment, Food, and Farming.
What is the most important issue facing British Columbians?: Energy. We have abundant resources for energy, renewable and non-renewable, and we need to use these wisely.
Twitter: @colleenkimmett
Website: www.colleenkimmett.ca
Stories by Colleen Kimmett
Why Can't Vancouver Keep Its Start-ups Here?
Local talent churns out hot new enterprise! If that's such a good story here, why does it keep ending someplace else?
Becoming the Ethical Hunter
Knife in hand, I remember the maxim that brought me to Deadman Valley: if you eat it, you should kill it. At least once.
Glaciers, BC Hydro's Melting 'Batteries'
Scientists are trying to figure out how rising temps will change the alpine run-off that helps power the province.
Idea #9: Slow Down Your Money
Redefine expectations of investment and return, and reap the delicious rewards.
Occupy Vancouver Becomes Big Downtown Eatery
Hundreds of meals a day dished up to all comers as donated food rolls in.
Zeb King, the Transparent Candidate
Can pledging to open up government land him back on Central Saanich city council?
What Can Local Politicians Really Change?
Elections create promises, but city hall can tackle some issues far more powerfully than others.
Doubts Lace Excitement over Vancouver's Local Food Hub
Organizers say New City Market is on track, but others claim farmers' interests are overlooked.
Seminar: Freelancers and Taxes
Learn financial survival skills from a certified public accountant next Tuesday.
Raising My Chicken Monsters
Let others make backyard poultry a political issue. For me, it's been an adventure.
Building Green from the Ground Up
We asked experts how to make true sustainability the norm. Here's what they told us. Last in a Tyee Solutions Society series.
How Many 'Miles-per-Gallon' Does Your House Get?
Home buyers deserve labels revealing future utility costs, say efficient building advocates.
On Nutrition, Canada's Schools Are Out to Lunch
Other nations, even US, are way ahead on school meals programs.
Ralph McRae Wants Your Rotting Veggies
Waste hauling exec is ready to spend big on a 3.5 acre compost operation. But can it pass Lytton's sniff test?
Those Burned by Home Grow-In Try to 'Rise from Ashes'
Undaunted by local food venture's bizarre collapse, farmers and customers rally, rebrand.
Taste the Ultimate Multicultural Potluck Feast
Meeru Dhalwala on the idea, and women, behind 'The Joy of Feeding' this Sunday.
Biggest Free Trade Deal Since NAFTA, Ghost Issue of 2011 Election
Canada is on verge of pact with Europe affecting farmers, local industries. It's invisible on campaign trail.
'Freelance Survival': Get Tips from Successful Journos
April 26 kicks off practical talks on how to make it as a freelance journalist.
Is Your City Too Safe?
Risk-averse municipal managers are smothering civic vitality says Mark Lakeman of City Repair.
Food Now on Plate for All Federal Parties
For the first time national food policies, from GM seeds to school lunches, are part of five parties' platforms.
Greening Homes Can Be Big Boost to Economy
As U.S. programs show, Canada could 'win-win-win' by doing more to help homeowners retrofit.
A Smarter Way to Help You Pay for Greening Your Home
On-bill financing is making energy saving upgrades more affordable in the US. And soon here?
High Profile Local Food Enterprise Goes Bankrupt
Home Grow-In proprietor hasn't been seen; farmers and customers say they're owed money.
Now Look Who's Big on Buying Local
A major BC union launches its 'Ten Percent Shift Campaign', joining a diverse movement supporting the local economy.
In BC's Heartland, Healthy Food Can Be Scarce
'Food deserts' blight some rural areas of the province. How to make them bloom with nutrition?
Building Jobs By Tearing Down Houses the Green Way
Vancouver aims to boost a new employment sector: recycling buildings.
Idea #4: Create a Local Food Bill
Emulate Illinois and pass a Local Food, Farms and Jobs Act. Wannabe party leaders, take note!
Secrets to Supporting Local Food
What the Tyee Solutions team learned in BC and Ontario while reporting this fall's 'Growing the Local Bounty' series.
Building up the 'Grain Chain'
Local farmers are giving antique machines new life to help supply a growing demand for BC wheat.
How Bulk Buyers Can Save Local Farmers
Local Food Plus gets institutions with big food budgets to go local and sustainable, and that can really pay off.
Farmers Harvesting the Sun's Rays
Make conditions right, and renewable energy could become a profitable crop for food growers across Canada.
Eggsasperating!
Organic egg producers in BC say regulations 'gone haywire' prevent them from keeping up with hungry local demand.
A Nursery For New Farmers
At the McVean Incubator Farm, a little land goes a long way for people who want to get in the business of growing local food.
Packed With Opportunities
How small farmers are turning their crops into tasty products without relying on the big global processors.
Better Than a Food Bank
The Stop in Toronto has evolved into a dignified model connecting local producers with low-income eaters.
Mmmm, Made in BC?
Invest more to promote local food within province, farm industry urges government.
The Little Local Food Connector That Could
How Home Grow-In plays a key role by helping nearby farmers find Vancouver customers.
How Mennonites Are Modernizing a Local Food Economy
Volume, variety, reliability. Welcome to the Elmira Produce Auction Co-operative.
A Tale of Two Farmlands
Growing the local bounty in Ontario and BC, a new series that goes to the roots of sustainable solutions.
Ten Ingredients for a Healthy Local Food Economy
Panel of experts teams with audience to create recipe for sustainability. Please add your own.
King of Poop Power
A farmer in Abbotsford will turn manure, lots of it, into a natural gas substitute. It's a first in BC, and the pioneer smells Canada-wide success.
Is BC Ready for Smart Meters?
BC Hydro is preparing to roll out smart meters in every home. The tech industry is ready to jump on board, but are government and citizens prepared?
Here Comes the 'Smart Grid' Way to Save Power
The US is investing billions in a wired feedback loop telling consumers how to be electricity misers. A BC firm is on the cutting edge.
BC Charts a 'Clean Tech' Future, but Is the Map Right?
Too many mega-projects, say some experts, who see big gains from lower-impact, local community projects.
He's Paving the Way for Electric Cars
Vancouver-raised Ron Chung is readying Hong Kong for a new revolution.
Inside the 'Phantom Galleries' of the Downtown Eastside
Behind unmarked storefronts lies a vibrant art scene. How to find what's on display during the Olympics.
Idea #9: Love the Rain
Or, at least learn to appreciate it. As demand increases, municipalities across the province are looking for ways to conserve our clean water supply. A big part of that is making better use of what falls from the sky.
Idea #5: Living Christmas Trees
How two B.C. companies are giving trees a life after Christmas (and turning a profit, too) renting potted evergreens.
How Science Blew the 'Climategate' Attack
Global warming is still fact, but a bumbling response helped deniers cloud the public's understanding.
Sustainable, but Too Small?
Demand for eco-certified wood is growing worldwide. Small-scale foresters want in, but need to be creative.
First Nation Takes Lead on Solar Power
T'Sou-ke project models energy autonomy for other BC Aboriginal communities.
Pricing Nature to Save It
Just some of what Canada's Boreal Forest does is said to be worth $77 billion.
Oceans of Challenges
How BC's enviro groups are working to save sea life.
'Slow Death by Rubber Duck'
Co-author Bruce Lourie on the chemical 'marinade' we share, his experiment in self-poisoning, and more.
Libs' River Power Push: Dangers, but Little Data
Experts, local officials want brakes put on big Bute Inlet run of river project.
Hanging out with Greens in Suits
Candidate Kettlewell's pitch to a rising class of young, urban, sustainability-techies.
Which Party Is More Green? Grades Aren't Posted
Sierra Club, Suzuki, others haven't issued platform report cards, so we asked.
Can the 100-Mile Diet Reach a Million TV Viewers?
Co-creator Alisa Smith on the new show, and what's next.
BC's Surge of Female Candidates
'We're behind Iraq and Afghanistan in elected women': NDP's McNabb.
BC's Clashing Shades of Green
How 'run of river' and global warming are splitting enviros this election.
The Coming Co-op Crunch
As funds dry up and buildings run down, residents don't want to give up on their affordable way of living.
How an Alberta Economist Counsels Victims of Bernie Madoff
Mark Anielski's guide to 'genuine wealth' gains a new audience.
Map Scopes Region's Power Future
Plans for BC, Alberta and eleven states to produce and export renewable energy.
War over River Power Escalates
Industry, foes clash over massive private Bute Inlet project.
Should You Stop Eating Salmon?
Yes, says a top UBC scientist. 'Smart shopping' isn't saving wild stocks.
'Heart and Soul of the Province'
Paddling into the Lower Fraser, a magnet for wildlife and humans. Last in a series.
A Fraser Full of Fish No More?
All of BC has a stake in better managing once massive salmon runs. Third in a series.
The Fraser's Fragile Forests
Near the headwaters of BC's vast watershed, how to place a value on ancient trees? Second in a series.
The Fate of the Fraser
Exploring BC's future by journeying the length of its mightiest river. First in a series.
Do Salmon Hatcheries Work?
Millions of eggs plus so much human good will. Does it add up to more fish?
Voting for Lights and Heat
High energy costs, tightening family budgets. Who's making the election connection?
James Glave, Green Guy Next Door
Author of 'Almost Green' on why DIY skills, dense communities, and maybe women, are kinder to the planet.
Dump the New Garbage Plans?
Finding the greenest way to deal with trash.
Can BC Make Solar Bloom?
Ontario pays far more to small generators who tap the sun.
BC's Blind Eye to Sun, Wind Power
Province lags as other places pay top dollar to promote range of renewable power.
'Green Your Campbell Cash' Draws Big Response
More than 50 'cool' projects seek votes, support, with weeks still to go.
Natives Face Salmon Food Shortage
Fraser River bands hard pressed to share dwindling sockeye catch.
Let Us Control Our Fates Say Timber Towns
'Community forests' vie with big firms for BC's wood profits.
Who Will Revive BC's Forests?
World relies on our 'lungs,' but replanting is lowest in 20 years.
Skimpier Schools to Replace Heritage Buildings?
Wrong approach to quake-proofing say Vancouver parents.
Another Side to Private Power
First Nations, municipalities explore controversial energy source.
Burn Trees to Light Homes?
Europe imports BC wood pellets to create 'bioenergy.' Here, it's not so easy.
The New Green Classroom
How teachers are turning kids on to ecology.
Private River Power Draws Diverse Foes
'Green' claims disputed.
Making Schools 'Carbon Neutral'
School officials scramble to meet BC emissions goal.
Cousteau's Deep Vision
Parting words from the great inventor, ecologist, film star.
Paths to Fame for Young Native Artists
Craft, culture and business skills all part of the picture.
A Whale of a Love Affair
The irresistible, but blinding, charm of cetaceans.
Using Genes to Fight Pine Beetle
Scientists probe genetic workings of pests, trees.
Strong Bonds in Telegraph Creek
A photographer soaks up some Tahltan hospitality.
Big Power of Small Loans
Microcredit plus Internet yields good returns.
Raising a Brand-Free Kid
From day one, you've got to fight Winnie the Pooh.
'BC's Hinterlands Are Opened Up for Business'
River power projects bring roads, people, wildlife threats.
Local Power Key to Fighting Global Warming: Poll
Municipal officials have citizens' trust, but lack money.
As Killings by Police Mount, a Call for Independent Probes
Ontario's unit needed in BC say advocates.
Birth of EcoDensity Backlash
Angry residents demand voice in upped growth plans.
Tsawwassen Treaty 'Fraud' Say Gulf Island First Nations
Will ask BC Supreme Court to halt signing.
Goodbye Spotted Owl
Seventeen left in BC; habitat plan slammed as failure.
- Appeal court upholds ruling on protection of orca habitat
- Foreign takeover score is 14,218 to two calculates Mel Hurtig, who speaks Saturday
- Abbott blames teachers' union, hints at legislation
- Greens exaggerating fracking fears 'to control you': Santorum
- Prime Minister Harper mixes oil with human rights on visit to China
- Civil jury finds former BC premier Vander Zalm guilty of defamation
- Vancouver theatre runs down curtain on section of BC's outdated liquor laws
- BC Premier Clark to replace throne speech with radio appearance
- 'The Kids Are All Right'
- 'Leave Your Shoes On'
- Glaciers, BC Hydro's Melting 'Batteries'
- Frankie Rose Makes Life Tougher for Journalists
- Too Much Energy Used to Mine, Move Bitumen Says BC Firm
- Becoming the Ethical Hunter
- Shadow Workers of the World, Revolt!
- Could SOPA Pervade Canadian Copyright Law?
- Would You Buy a Used Car from These Libs?
- Three Ryan Gosling Pickup Techniques that Don't Work in Real Life
- Shadow Workers of the World, Revolt!
- Economist Calls Gateway Pipeline an Inflationary 'Threat'
- Bill Rees' Last Lecture
- Too Much Energy Used to Mine, Move Bitumen Says BC Firm
- Is Canada Ignoring Signs of a Coming Economic Collapse?
- How First Nations Are Gearing Up for Legal Battle Against Gateway
- Harper in China
- Eleven Oily Questions for Every MP
- Remembering Lloyd Dykk's Wit, Generosity and Superb Prose
- BC Child Care Advocates in Geneva to Complain to UN
- BC, You Love You
- Shadow Workers of the World, Revolt!
- Who Pays Huge Power Bills for Clark's Gas Plants?
- Make It the Canadian Webcasting Corporation
- Harper in China
- When the Prize Is a Chance to Toil on BC's Farms
- Three Ryan Gosling Pickup Techniques that Don't Work in Real Life
- Would You Buy a Used Car from These Libs?
- Foreign Trade Zones Eyed for Vancouver, Prince Rupert, Prince George
- Skating into 2012, More Resolutions
- Scientists unveil bold new definition of addiction
- The most hellish ‘internships’: China sends 100,000 teens to work for a pittance at Foxconn making gadgets for Apple, others
- World Press Photo Contest: Editor’s choice pictures of the day
- Banks come first in a Greek rescue plan
- We’re more unequal than you think
- Cambodia launched restaurants for vultures
- Flavored vodka: sign of the imminent apocalypse?
- With Obama’s new foreclosure deal big banks win again
