Recommendation and next steps

Through the Downtown Waste Project’s engagement and analysis, an underground communal container system was determined to be the preferred concept to collect waste from properties. It best met the technical criteria by creating more storage volume without dominating the street level right-of-way and had clear public support, leading on all measures surveyed. The cart collection with enclosed outdoor storage concept was seen as a moderate improvement, and may be applied where an underground communal container system is not feasible or is yet to be constructed. Complementing these approaches to service properties, updated litter containers are also required. Key features would include smaller openings and lockable covers to prevent unauthorized use, installation in semi-permanent locations where all three streams are available, clearer identification through opening shapes, colour, and signage, and aesthetics matching other street furniture.

In September 2024, Council was presented the Downtown Collection Area Update - 2024-350 report recommending that the Downtown Infrastructure Renewal Program integrate approximately 20 clusters of three communal underground containers to service properties and 50 three-stream sorting stations as new litter containers in the Downtown. Staff are now procuring the containers, completing streetscape designs including the new containers, and engaging in user fee study, as adopted under the Solid Waste Resources Recycling Program Transition Audit - 2024-349 report. The user fee study will explore options to sustainably, transparently, and equitably fund enhanced three-stream waste collection for all properties Downtown.