October 2026: Executive Director Letter

C: C is for Conference 

In just a few weeks, Alberta’s circular economy community will come together at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for Catch the Wave, the 2026 RCA Annual Circular Economy Conference. This month has been about the final stretch of work that makes a conference happen: confirming speakers, finalizing sessions and getting ready to welcome you. It has also been a reminder that a conference is really about connection. It brings people, ideas, and organizations together, and good things tend to follow when they meet. 

Counting down to Catch the Wave 

From October 21 to 23, we’ll gather for three days of practical conversations, new ideas and time with colleagues from across the sector. Our keynote, Crystal Dreisbach of Upstream, will open with her perspective on reuse. Sessions and panels will cover EPR, industrial circularity, and more. 

Thank you to our sponsors and exhibitors. Your support is what makes it possible to bring this community together in one place. There is still one spot – reach out and snag your spot!  

Connecting the next generation 

One of my favourite parts of our events is seeing who shows up and what they take away. This month, the University of Calgary shared the story of Isabel Rose, a Master of Science in Sustainable Energy Development graduate. Her capstone project with Goodwill Industries of Alberta looked at ways to extend the life of textiles through repair, e-commerce and upcycling, and at how those strategies can create jobs for people facing barriers to employment. 

Through that work, Isabel attended Explore Circularity Day earlier in 2026 on the topic of textile circularity. She has said it helped her grow her network and learn from people working in textile sustainability. She had assumed a career in such a niche field might not be possible in Alberta, and her experience at our event showed her otherwise. 

That is what these gatherings are for. If you see a student or early-career professional at Lake Louise this year, please say hello. You may be the connection that shapes where they go next. 

Read Isabel’s story here. 

Connecting with new members 

Our community keeps growing, and I’m pleased to welcome our newest members: 

• Jiva Consulting – Reena and Ashley have already been working alongside RCA, and we’re glad to have them join us formally. 

• The Recycle Systems Company – Welcome back! I reconnected with their team at The EPR Forum in Quebec City], and I’m happy to see them rejoin RCA as the aerosols sector prepares for EPR. 

• Individual members – A warm welcome to Aishah Mohd Isa, Sandra Brunton and Ilona Braun. We look forward to seeing you at the conference. 

Here’s a link to RCA feature introducing them in more detail. 

Change on the horizon 

October also brings real change for Alberta’s circular economy. As of October 1, solar panels are banned from Alberta landfills, which opens new opportunities for local recyclers. Our members continue to invest in what comes next, from EFS Plastics’ Lethbridge expansion  to Northstar’s new patent for asphalt shingle reprocessing. You’ll find these stories and more in this month’s Connector. 

Looking beyond the conference, applications are open for Big Shot, our live circular economy pitch night on November 25 at Edmonton Unlimited. If you know someone with a circular idea ready for the spotlight, encourage them to apply by November 4. 

We’re also excited to launch Explore Circularity Day 2027: Unlocking Circularity’s Potential for Industry, taking place March 9, 2027. The third annual event will bring together industry leaders, innovators, researchers, policymakers, investors, and circular economy practitioners to explore how Alberta can reduce waste, improve resource efficiency, extend the life of products and materials, and turn industrial byproducts into new economic opportunities. Program details are coming soon, and you can sign up now to be notified when registration opens. 

That’s what October looks like: conference, community, and connection. I hope to see you at Lake Louise. 

— 
Jennifer Koole 
Executive Director 
Recycling Council of Alberta