RCA Hosts Alberta’s First Circular Economy Summit

This is Not Your Grandmother’s Economy! Or Maybe It Is…

The RCA’s Circular Economy Summit took place on October 6th in Sherwood Park as part of the RCA’s Circular Cities project. 

Across the country, dozens of municipalities are beginning their transition to the Circular Economy (CE). It’s an alternative approach that designs out waste and pollution, keeps products and materials in use, and regenerates our natural environment. And it’s taking shape in the form of road maps, policies, regulations, funding programs, procurement specifications, and the support of sharing, reuse, and repair initiatives.

The Summit was a joint effort between Rural Municipalities of Alberta, Alberta Municipalities, and the Recycling Council of Alberta to bring an informative and engaging one-day workshop on the CE.

Although the Summit was initially catered to local politicians, as we developed the plan, it became apparent that the in-depth program would be of great value to all interested in how municipalities are leading the shift to the circular economy on many fronts.

As Circular Economy is our main mission, we opened registration to all RCA members to share the extensive knowledge and experience brought by the stunning list of assembled speakers. 

RCA Circular Economy Summit Speakers:

• City of Richmond – Marcos Badra (Waste Management Analyst)
• Town of Banff – Carla Bitz (Environmental Coordinator) and Katie Reeder (Circular Communities Advisor)
• City of Mississauga – Diane Gibson (Environmental Sustainability Supervisor)
• ReLondon (England) – Wayne Hubbard (CEO)
• Zero Waste Scotland – Helen Lavery (Regional Engagement Partner)
• Town of New Glasgow – Mayor Nancy Dicks and Rachel Mitchell (Climate Change and Sustainability Manager)
• Edson and District Recycling – Anne Auriat (Manager)
• City of Edmonton – Sarah Wilmot (Senior Integrated Waste Policy Planner)
• York Region – Julie Hordowick (Program Manager, Integrated Waste Management Plan)

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