Town of Banff

Environmental Initiatives

Divert your organics away from the landfill. Town of Banff Photo

In 2010, Council will implement a resource recovery utility and associated improvements to maximize commercial recyclables diversion, including organics.

Resource Recovery Utility

A new fee will be charged for commercial waste pick-up and disposal.  Commercial operators will not pay a fee for pick-up and disposal of sorted recyclables.

Now

• A report on waste utility options was presented  to Council at the June 8 meeting.
• Test billings are being designed for piloting in 2010.
• A 4-phase communications plan is under review.  Phase 1 tactics, which cover "awareness and education" are now being implemented.
• Pick-up route evaluation is underway, and bin locations are being identified and evaluated.  Monitoring and adjustments will continue through 2010.  Business will be provided with options for bins.

Next	A proposed rate structure will be presented to Council for approval in mid 2010. Measuring devices and billing software will be installed and tested. The new rate plan will be implemented.

Biosolids Curing Site

The Town is working with Parks Canada to use land in the Park for curing of biosolids.  This is a necessary step in processing biosolids to useful composting material.

Now	The contract for a compost curing pad design at Peyto Pits, as well as an environmental assessment, was awarded to Ecomark Ltd. The final design and environmental assessment have been submitted to Parks Canada for approval.
Next	The project is under consideration as part of the 2010 budget process. If approved, the project will be tendered in order for construction to begin in Spring 2010. Implement recommendations from Parks Canada. Work with Parks Canada to use compost in disturbed site reclamation plans such as Trans Canada Highway twinning, Cascade pit and former landfills within the Park.

Urban Forest Management Plan Implementation

The Urban Forest Management Plan addresses the ongoing health of our urban trees as well as public safety issues.

Now	2009 implementation is complete, with 12 new tree planting pod locations fenced a planted with native species saplings and shrubs. Council reviewed a project update at the August 31 council meeting.
Next	The project will continue in 2010, pending funding.