Benefits
The day-to-day operation and progressive development of an IWMF supports growth of the local economy for employment, products, and services throughout its lifespan. WCC actively seeks opportunities to work with communities that host their projects to optimize costs while improving services and financial contributions for the benefit of residents.
Direct Benefits
WCC actively seeks opportunities to work with communities that host the IWMF to optimize costs while improving services and financial contributions for the benefit of residents. Examples of services that can be offered to the community include transfer station and drop-off area. Listed below are benefits that other WCC projects have achieved:
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The development and operation of IWMFs create employment opportunities for employees, contractors, and third-party service providers. Services required at the IWMF range from facility construction and maintenance to waste management and recycling activities.
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The development of a Community Enhancement Fund is a portion of WCC’s financial commitment to the community.
1. Community Enhancement Funds are typical commitments WCC provides to the host community. Through collaboration with community leaders, local residents, and stakeholders, the Community Enhancement Fund helps create a financial framework that benefits the community.
2. Upon successful redesignation and regulatory approvals, a Community Enhancement Fund will be committed with seed funds of $50,000 in 2025 and $50,000 in 2026.
3. Following the land use redesignation, a royalty program will be negotiated with Kneehill County and a portion of the royalty program will be committed to the Community Enhancement Fund for future years.
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Royalties for the host community are based on “out of county” waste received at the IWMF.
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Kneehill County currently has a Class III landfill nearing end of life. Kneehill County has an opportunity to explore a transition of Kneehill County disposal services to WCC’s IWMF as the existing landfill reaches end of life, providing the option to reallocate capital to other priorities in Kneehill County rather than their current operations.
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The road upgrades to the Highway 21 and Township Road 29-0 intersection, as well as the upgrade of Township Road 29-0 benefits other operations and activities in the area.
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By incorporating recycling and innovative technology, this IWMF has the potential to contribute to controlling waste disposal to protect the environment, conserving resources, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
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IWMFs promote waste reduction and diversion of waste streams by offering recycling opportunities, thereby reducing the volume of waste disposed of in landfills. This helps in the recovery of valuable resources and reliance on raw materials and extends the lifespan of landfills.
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WCC’s operation would be a stable contributor to the local economy. A stable and diversified tax base keeps residential property taxes lower as these alternate uses incur a greater proportion of overall tax payments.
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The operation of the IWMF is expected to require mechanics, equipment operators, management personnel, accounting and administrative staff, and scale operators. Examples of these types of roles include site manager, landfill manager, operations supervisor, equipment and maintenance manager, equipment operators (for equipment such as a dozer, compactor, articulated dump truck, excavator, grader, water truck, etc.), lead hand, scale house attendants, heavy duty mechanic, and site labourers. The opportunity exists to fill these positions locally.
Indirect Benefits
Indirect benefits are those that occur as a result of the IWMF being constructed and operated within the County. For instance, third party supplies and services are sourced in the local community, as required, for the operation of the IWMF. At other landfill facilities in Alberta, WCC spent $600,000 annually in local area procurement for ongoing on-site operations. Indirect benefits to the community may include the following:
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Services required in the operation of the existing Alberta site include diesel fuel and lubricant supply, equipment parts and tires, landscaping needs (e.g. perimeter screening, seed and grass), office supplies, food and beverage supplies, construction material supply (e.g. sand, gravel, etc.), road maintenance services, welding supplies, weigh scale maintenance, and vehicle support services.
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This includes sourcing of environmental monitoring services (e.g. groundwater monitoring), electrical/mechanical maintenance services, vacuum trucks, bird/wildlife specialists), services to enhance pollinator habitats (e.g. bee friendly plantings and apiaries), facility construction services (e.g. structures and roads etc.), topographic surveying, and third-party services for waste recovery/ reuse operations.
Learn more about WCC’s community support initiatives here.
Potential community benefits are offered by WCC locally. Additionally, through the public engagement process, WCC will explore the local programs and non-profit groups to understand their needs and seek their feedback on opportunities for financial support. This effort will be reflected in our “What We Heard Report” to Council.