Banff’s new Re-Use It Centre is up and running.
The long awaited facility accepts gently used household items like wooden and metal furniture, books, toys, dishes, small appliances like toasters and toaster ovens, and light fixtures, making them available for free for anyone who needs them.
Mayor Karen Sorensen said council is pleased the Re-Use It Centre is up and running, noting it meets many goals important to Banff, including affordability, a healthy community and a model environmental community.
“I expect a lot of locals will be checking the Re-Use It Centre on a regular basis looking for treasures, or for essentials to set up house,” she said. “A bargain doesn’t get any better than free.”
Banff’s community service department looked at several models for a re-use it centre in Banff, but chose one similar to the Columbia Valley Re-Use Centre, a self-monitored facility in Windermere.
“A re-use it centre has always been on our radar,” said Nancy Lewis, the Town’s community development coordinator. “When we did the 2014 social assessment about affordability, a re-use it centre was one of the issues we wanted to look at.”
The Re-Use It Centre is based out of the municipality’s transfer site in the industrial compound at 160 on Hawk Avenue. The facility will be open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. seven days a week.
Like the one in Windermere, Banff’s facility will be self-monitored, though there are guidelines posted on the building outlining what’s accepted there and what’s not.
The Re-Use It Centre won’t take large appliances like fridges and stoves, upholstered furniture, tires, mattresses and box springs, auto parts, clothing, scrap metal or wood. In addition, infant equipment, such as cribs and high chairs, won’t be accepted for safety reasons.
Based on items already at the centre, Lewis said she anticipates it will be busy.
“There is a lot there so that bodes well for the opportunities for people to exchange goods,” she said.
“I think as word gets out and people come to get things for free, and as winter comes and there are more people moving here for the winter season, it will get busier.”
