Banff plans to look at ways to stop people from stealing valuable recyclables from residential bins.
Town officials haven’t yet thoroughly investigated how to do this, or know much money they lose, but based on feedback from residents, council is keen to take a closer look at how to prevent the problem.
Staff will now determine the best method to address this issue – which council identified as part of its priority on waste management, reduction and diversion – and bring it forward to council for approval.
Mayor Karen Sorensen said the Town considers this to be theft.
“Within the world of recycling, recyclables have a value and with the waste diversion we’re doing we’ve made it easy for other people in town to take them and benefit from it personally,” she said.
“We do believe when people put their recycling in town recycling bins that that becomes the property of the town. We do need to finance our recycling efforts and that’s where those revenues can be directed.”
This is only one part of council’s overall commitment to waste management, reduction and diversion. So far, they’ve moved ahead on the commercial waste utility, with the residential utility to follow in April.
Other plans include an updated garbage and recyclable materials bylaw, addressing illegal dumping and stopping the theft of valuable recyclables from residential bins.
Other priorities centre on a sustainable transportation system, land use policies to ensure Banff remains sustainable, good delivery of municipal services and finding alternative revenue.
A sustainable transportation system: council wants to address immediate concerns of parking, congestion and regional transit, while creating a process to complete a comprehensive transportation plan in 2012.
Effective land use policy to ensure a prosperous Banff: Under this priority is a plan to draft a revised land use bylaw, with public input, and complete an updated inventory of commercial space.
Efficient and effective delivery of municipal services: There will be an annual review to make sure the Town is delivering the right programs and services, as well as establish and measure benchmarks.
Diversification of revenue streams: A more diverse range of revenue options will help Banff achieve financial sustainability in a more equitable manner. Council is committed to identifying alternative revenue sources, and forming partnerships with other municipalities. They plan to build a stronger relationship with Jasper.
Other priorities include phase three and four of the land use bylaw review; exploring the development of an economic action prosperity plan, helping engage the community and saving for the future.
The strategic priorities, which are reviewed each fall by council, aim to guide development of new policies and enhance existing programs to help achieve the community’s vision for the future.
They are directly linked to the visions and goals of Banff’s community plan – a social, economic and environmental blueprint that guides Banff’s future.
Mayor Sorensen said these priorities, which were officially approved by council last week, came out of a strategic planning session in November.
She said there were probably 150 ideas initially identified by her colleagues, including some from administration, but they were narrowed down through a brainstorming session.
“Council basically rates them in terms of priorities,” she said. “I think the ones we have chosen are very doable.”
