Mont Tremblant, QC (May 28, 2025) – The qathet Regional District, BC has received national recognition from the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators (CAMA) for its Resource Recovery Centre (RRC). The municipality was presented with the 2025 CAMA Environmental Leadership & Sustainability Award, in the 20,001 to 100,000-Population Category, during an awards ceremony held at CAMA’s national conference in Mont Tremblant, QC.
“CAMA is pleased to recognize the qathet Regional District for the municipal excellence demonstrated by its Resource Recovery Centre,” said Tony Kulbisky, CAMA President, CAMA Representative for Alberta and CAO for Westlock County, AB. “The qathet Regional District’s efforts aim to reduce and divert organic and recyclable materials from the waste stream. In addition, parkland, community gathering spaces, outdoor classrooms, and trails have been created on a remediated landfill. That is a win-win situation.”
The region’s new Resource Recovery Centre for waste and recyclable materials is designed to maximize waste diversion, enhance sustainability, and create a cleaner future. Built on a 15.8-acre remediated landfill, the project has transformed waste management in the region, while restoring over half the site as public parkland and trails.
The facility includes a Recycling and Reuse Centre, Organics Program, Ocean Plastic Depot, Scale House, and Waste Transfer Station. With no local landfill, the RRC promotes waste diversion and efficient collection, sorting, and transport of waste, organics, and recyclables.
Using a recycle-first approach, the RRC features salvaged materials, creatively repurposed by local builders and artists. The RRC’s Recycling Centre is strategically placed as the first public touchpoint, reinforcing waste diversion. Visitors encounter recycling and compost drop-off areas intentionally before reaching garbage collection.
More than just an industrial site, the RRC is a model for regional solid waste programs, showcasing efficiency, user experience, and environmental responsibility. Through education, innovation, and collaboration, the RRC redefines what sustainable infrastructure can be.
The RRC marks a major shift in how the qathet Regional District manages waste, moving from a fully outsourced model to one of direct operational control. With the RRC, the region now has hands-on involvement, ensuring higher quality control, preferred or optimal decision-making, and a stronger connection to the community.
“The qathet Regional District’s Resource Recovery Centre (RRC) highlights the financial and environmental benefits offered by investing in the circular economy. The RRC showcases a recycle-first approach, where prioritizing diversion ensures that waste is the last option,” said Clay Brander, Chair, qathet Regional District Board. “The RRC’s strategic site design offers environmental protections, energy efficient site operations, and opportunities for public education and recreation.”
“CAMA’s Awards of Excellence Program celebrates the best in local government and recognizes the professional municipal administration needed to deliver creative and successful programs, projects or services,” said Bev Hendry, Chair of the 2025 CAMA Awards Committee and CAMA Past President. “Each year we are amazed at the calibre of submissions received. Congratulations to the winners and everyone who submitted an entry.”
A total of 54 submissions were received for this year’s awards program. To find out more about each award, and to see a video outlining each project, visit www.camacam.ca/awards and look for the award recipients’ link.
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Media Contacts:
- CAMA: Wayne Knorr, APR, CAMA Communications, 506-474-3389, wayne.knorr@fredericton.ca
- qathet Regional District: Shelley Termuende, MAPC, Acting Manager of Administrative Services / Manager of Communications, STermuende@qathet.ca
About CAMA’S Environmental Leadership and Sustainability Award
The Environmental Leadership and Sustainability Award recognizes the dedication to environmental and sustainability excellence in projects that meet the needs of the present without compromising the future. This may include stand-out projects or initiatives or apply to the improvement of corporate processes that demonstrate real benefits to the environment. Sustainability may refer to both environmental considerations and wider sustainability impacts on people, resources, and communities.
About CAMA
The Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators (CAMA) is a national, non-profit association open to all Chief Administrative Officers / City Managers and any person employed in a senior management position that reports directly to a CAO. With a membership of over 900 senior municipal employees from all parts of Canada, CAMA collectively represents more than 85% of the nation’s population. www.camacam.ca
About qathet Regional District
The qathet Regional District serves the rural areas from Lund to sḵelhp (Saltery Bay), the City of Powell River, Texada Island, Savary Island, and Lasqueti Island. The qRD provides some services, through contract, to Tla’amin Nation. To learn more please visit www.qathet.ca.
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Wayne Knorr, APR | Communications
Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators (CAMA) |
Association canadienne des administrateurs municipaux (ACAM)
506-474-3389 | wayneknorr61@gmail.com