Title
Solid Waste Master Plan
Proposed Motion
That Council approve the development of a Solid Waste Master Plan for $200,000 funded from the County Facilities Restricted Surplus, as presented.
Body
Recommendation by Administration
Administration supports the proposed motion.
Purpose
The purpose of this report is to seek Council approval to proceed with the procurement and development of a Solid Waste Master Plan that correlates to Council direction; to establish a long-term strategic framework for solid waste services, infrastructure, and waste diversion within Parkland County.
Summary
Parkland County's solid waste management system is facing evolving regulatory requirements, population growth, changing service expectations, and increasing pressure to optimize operational and capital expenditures. The County currently provides solid waste services through curbside collection programs, cost share agreements, transfer station operations, recycling services, and waste diversion initiatives. To support informed long-term decision-making, a comprehensive review of the County's solid waste system is required.
Administration assessed the need for a Solid Waste Master Plan to evaluate current service levels, transfer station operations, curbside collection services, waste diversion opportunities, infrastructure requirements, regulatory considerations, growth projections, and long-term financial sustainability. Options considered included maintaining the current approach of incremental planning, undertaking targeted service reviews, or completing a comprehensive Solid Waste Master Plan. Administration determined that a comprehensive master planning process would provide the most effective framework for evaluating the County's existing systems and service levels, while identifying future opportunities for improvement. The Master Plan process will involve engagement with residents through online surveys and engagement sessions to hear and understand public opinion on users experience.
The Solid Waste Master Plan will establish a long-term strategic framework to guide future decisions regarding service delivery, infrastructure investments, waste diversion initiatives, asset management, operational efficiencies, and financial sustainability. While the study is expected to place a significant focus on transfer station operations and supporting infrastructure, it will also consider the role of curbside collection services within the County's overall solid waste system. Administration concludes that the development of a Solid Waste Master Plan is the preferred option and recommends proceeding with the project to support effective, sustainable, and financially responsible solid waste service delivery for residents and businesses.
Strategic Plan:
Strategic Driver A. Responsive Services - We continuously improve service delivery to meet the evolving needs of our community.
Goal 1: Continue to improve customer experience by reviewing and modernizing municipal service levels to ensure responsive and reliable support for residents and businesses. Desired Outcome: Residents and businesses experience reliable and responsive municipal services, supported by clearly defined service levels that improve satisfaction and trust.
Strategic Driver D: Sustainable Growth - We cultivate a vibrant economy so communities can thrive.
Goal 4: Ensure the County's budget is aligned with defined service levels and evolving economic conditions, supporting responsible financial management. Desired Outcome: A sustainable and transparent budget that reflects organizational priorities, adapts to economic conditions, and supports responsible long-term fiscal stewardship.
Financial Impact:
Cost: $200,000.00
Source of Funding: County Facilities Restricted Surplus