ECCO is proposing to reclaim their Construction and Demolition Landfill in southeast Calgary to facilitate Low-Carbon Fuel production and enable long-term redevelopment of the site. ECCO is seeking City of Calgary approval for:

• Landfill Reclamation: the process of removing and recovering materials currently buried in the landfill.

• An upgrade to the existing Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) to facilitate LCF production and a new building to further streamline ECCO’s operation by accommodating storage, equipment maintenance, and offices.

• Amendments to City of Calgary planning policies to facilitate Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) on the site post-reclamation.

The proposed Landfill Reclamation initiative will usher ECCO’s landfill into the next phase of its lifespan by transforming it from a waste management facility into a material recovery and Low-Carbon Fuel (LCF) production facility. Removing the materials from the landfill will allow for innovation such as converting waste to LCF and recycling materials into wood chips and other recycled products, and will facilitate the gradual reclamation of the site to enable long-term redevelopment.

Ultimately, this transformation not only benefits the immediate community and local industry but will also enable future TOD on the former landfill site. Given the site’s proximity to the future Quarry Park Green Line LRT Station, the goal of this project is to ensure future development will align with The City of Calgary’s TOD-related vision and goals for growth. This project is a prime example of Calgary’s potential and commitment to climate change initiatives, smart and sustainable community building, and urban evolution.

1. Facilitate Landfill Reclamation

2. Facilitate Expanded MRF and LCF production

3. Future Site Remediation*

4. Future TOD Site*

*The current proposal is focusing on objectives 1 and 2, with goals of establishing a framework for objectives 3 and 4 for long-term development. The consideration of future processes is a major driver for the project team.

• Community Benefit & Circular Economy: ECCO has supported the city and community by providing a key part of the waste management infrastructure and will continue to do so by transforming the landfill from a waste receiving facility towards a more innovative operation that upcycles waste to manufacture Low-Carbon Fuel for energy.

• Collaboration: This project brings together many stakeholders. We will aim to achieve a positive outcome for all parties involved, while reaching our goal of obtaining an approval for complete Landfill Reclamation and a future TOD on the site.

• Future-Focus: By transforming this site, we are supporting the future of the communities around the subject site, allowing for new homes, shops, and amenities to develop along with the future Green Line LRT.

Founded in Calgary, Alberta in 1992, Ecco Recycling and Energy Corporation (ECCO) has dedicated 31 years to being leaders in waste management in Alberta. ECCO started operations in 1994 and has since processed approximately 200,000 tonnes of Construction and Demolition material each year, for a whopping total of 4,500,000 tonnes to date. This is equal to the weight of 413 Calgary Towers!

Since starting operations, ECCO has supported the community and been a model of corporate responsibility. ECCO has supported a wide array of civic and social initiatives including sponsoring events with neighbouring community associations, The Salvation Army, YMCA, Green Calgary, and Heritage Park, amongst others. ECCO has also provided enhanced accessibility to a recycling depot for local area residents and businesses.

Township Planning + Design has been engaged by ECCO to manage the municipal approvals associated with the landfill reclamation and future TOD. Township Planning + Design Inc. is a private planning firm specializing in land use planning and urban/community design. They work at all scales from single acreage subdivisions to large-scale multi-use urban developments.