About Us

Meet the Governance Team

History
Mission Statement
Vision Statement for 2008 – 2013
Guiding Principles for 2008 – 2013
Strategic Action Areas

History

The Bow Valley Waste Management Commission (BVWMC) is an Alberta Regional Services Commission as defined by Section 602.04 of the Municipal Government Act. It was formed under Ministerial Order L:020/98 in 1998, by the founding Members of the MD of Bighorn, Town of Banff and Town of Canmore for the purpose of providing solid waste management services to the Bow Valley Region.

Encompassing the Member Municipalities of the Town of Banff, Town of Canmore and Municipal District of Bighorn, the service region extends to ID #9 (Banff National Park, Lake Louise and ski resorts), ID #5 (Seebe, Kananaskis Village, and Peter Lougheed Provincial Park) and to the Stoney Indian Reserve (Morley).

In 1999, the Commission purchased the MD of Bighorn’s Dry Waste site east of Exshaw, and in 2000 assumed full operation of the renamed Francis Cooke Regional Class III Landfill. In the first year of operation the landfill had a recycling diversion rate of 18% by weight. In 2001, an additional 36 acres of Landfill Expansion Lands was purchased from Alberta Public lands, increasing the landfill area to approximately 80 acres. 2002 saw the expansion of the Construction Renovation and Demolition (CRD) program to deal with pressure treated lumber and reusable construction materials. Adding kiln-dried lumber to the CRD program and adding a Yard and Garden Composting Program in 2003 increased the diversion rate to 53%. The West Regional Transfer Station and Recycling Centre in Banff was completed in 2004 along with the purchase of a baler and recycle depot upgrades in Canmore. The Commission was honoured to receive the Rs of Excellence Award from the Recycling Council of Alberta for municipal recycling programs conducted at the Francis Cooke Regional Class III Landfill in 2005. Through the continued expansion and addition of new programs, in 2006, the waste diversion rate at the landfill increased to 62%. The Commission has a Class III landfill diversion goal of 80% by weight annually for construction waste resources for 2010.

back to top ˆ

Mission Statement

“We promote and provide responsible recycling, composting and waste management programs.”

back to top ˆ

Vision Statement for 2008 – 2013

“The Bow Valley Waste Management Commission considers waste to be a valuable resource and encourages a ‘Zero Waste’ philosophy.

The Commission practices leadership and advocacy in waste reduction, reuse and recycling at all three political levels.

The Commission thinks globally and acts locally advocating responsibility for our waste resources within the Region.

The Commission acts proactively within its municipal partnerships to employ sustainable improvements in reduction, reuse, composting and recycling, and aids the member municipalities in achieving waste reduction objectives.

Our integrated waste management system is becoming recognized for its implementation of innovative and practical end-user friendly solutions in the area of waste resource management.

The Commission provides relevant education programs for all of its stakeholders.

The continued success of the Commission is a result of cooperation at all political and operating levels.

A landfill annual diversion goal of 70% by weight by 2010 for the overall waste resource stream is promoted to our member communities.

A Class III annual landfill diversion goal of 80% by weight by 2010 for construction waste resources is mandated.”

back to top ˆ

Guiding Principles for 2008 – 2013

The Bow Valley Waste Management Commission is committed to the following guiding principles when making decisions, interacting with others and conducting business:

• We will demonstrate leadership and environmental stewardship in thinking globally and acting locally.
• We will facilitate administrative cooperation and participation in seeking out solutions to our common operating challenges.
• We will develop and implement user friendly and innovative regional recycling and waste management strategies that fully take into account the unique challenges of our local environment and are responsive to member needs.
• We will provide a practical and affordable framework for long-term recycling and waste management that is responsible to the ratepayers of the member municipalities.
• We will operate as an independent organization in serving the needs of the service area.
• We believe in continuous sustainable improvement.

back to top ˆ

Strategic Action Areas

1. Organizational Effectiveness:  To ensure an effective and efficient organization capable of carrying out the mission and plans of the Commission.
2. Finance:  To ensure financial viability, effective fiscal management and accountability for the Commission.
3. Programs / Services:  To develop and maintain recycling and solid waste management programs / services and facilities that address the needs of the service area.
4. Education:  To develop and implement recycling and waste management educational programs for the service area.
5. Liaison and Communication:  To foster partnerships with the public, community associations, business sector, government and non-government organizations.
6. Leadership and Advocacy:  To act as a regional link in the area of recycling and waste management working with partners beyond the service area.

Integrated Regional Solid Waste (RR Management System 2010 Concept Plan - PDF)

 

back to top ˆ