BURNABY

The City of Burnaby's Environment Committee has released the Solid Waste and Recycling 2023 Annual Report, providing an overview of the city's waste management system and its performance. The report highlights key achievements, trends, and future plans to enhance waste reduction and diversion efforts.

2023 Performance and Trends

• In 2023, the city collected 66,216 tonnes of total materials, a 1,059 tonne increase from the previous year.
• The overall diversion rate improved to 61%, with increases observed primarily in the recycling and green waste streams.
• Waste generation per household continued to decrease on a year-over-year basis since peaking in 2020.

Highlights from 2023

• Community Engagement: Hosted five City Community Cleanup events, expanded the Adopt-A-Street program with over 100 volunteers, and provided recycling education presentations for new Canadians.
• Operational Improvements: Reduced paper waste by up to 47,000 sheets per year through electronic dispatching, added pole-mounted waste collection receptacles, expanded recycling categories at the Eco-Centre, and replaced 3 diesel collection trucks with compressed natural gas vehicles.
• Waste Diversion: Received program incentive bonuses from Recycle BC, reached highest levels of drop-off volumes, and added a commercial Styrofoam™ drop-off location.

Looking Ahead to the Future

• The city plans to bring forward enhancements to Burnaby's waste reduction programs to further strengthen diversion goals.
• In 2024, the city will put into production the first Battery Electric Collection Vehicle to help reach its climate action goals for carbon neutrality in fleet operations by 2024.

The City of Burnaby is moving forward with the Burnaby District Energy Utility (BDEU) project, which aims to provide the city with safe, reliable, sustainable, and cost-competitive thermal energy. The project aligns with various city policies and plans, including the Burnaby District Energy Policy (2023) and the Climate Action Framework (2020).

Project Update

• The city has adopted the Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) approach for the BDEU project.
• The next phase is the Pre-Validation Phase, which will lay the groundwork for the project's success.
• The project's greenhouse gas emissions reduction will grow and align with the city's sustainability strategy.

Next Steps

• Validation Stage:
  • Confirm project alignment
  • Complete IPD team selection and onboarding
  • Establish Conditions of Satisfaction & Validation
  • Design and plan the initial build-out
  • Develop the execution strategy
• Update the customer connection schedule
• Evaluate new building loads and investigate providing service to existing buildings
• Create the IPD Framework and Validation Plan
• Validate the business case and finalize agreements with Metro Vancouver
• Prepare an application for a BC Utilities Commission exemption
• Finalize the Validation Report

Financial Considerations

• $25.5 million of the total estimated capital costs have been included in the 2024-2028 Financial Plan.
• The IPD team will continue developing a comprehensive financial model for the Burnaby District Energy Utility.

Summary of Financial Management Committee Report on Major Engineering Projects Status Update

• Marine Drive project: Design phase complete, construction to start in Q3 2024, on schedule.
• Sidewalk Expansion Program at Alpha Secondary School: Awaiting Archaeology Impact Assessment permit, project tender under review.
• Sidewalk Expansion Program at 6th Street: Construction delayed until Provincial Heritage permits received.
• Burnaby Lake Pedestrian Bridge Overpass: Preliminary construction started, expected completion in Q4 2025.
• SFU Alternate Access Route: Design and construct emergency route connecting SFU and Mintara Restaurant parking lot, considering limited ground disturbance.

Major Engineering Projects Update

The Burnaby Financial Management Committee received a report on the status of the city's major engineering projects, including updates on design, construction, and completion timelines.

Key Updates:

• Marine Drive Project: Design phase complete, construction to start in Q3 2024, on schedule.
• Sidewalk Expansion at Alpha Secondary School: Awaiting Archaeology Impact Assessment permit, project tender under review.
• Sidewalk Expansion on 6th Street: Construction delayed until Provincial Heritage permits received.
• Burnaby Lake Pedestrian Bridge Overpass: Preliminary construction started, expected completion in Q4 2025.
• SFU Alternate Access Route: Design and construction of emergency route connecting SFU and Mintara Restaurant parking lot, considering limited ground disturbance.

The 2024-2028 Financial Plan Highlights for Burnaby include a $674 million operating plan with a 4.5% property tax increase and key investments in community safety and services, and a $365.3 million capital plan focusing on major projects like community centers and infrastructure.