May 15 – Tuesday saw the culmination of a multi-year partnership between Walker Environmental Group of Niagara Falls and Norfolk County.
Unveiled was the $1.1M redesigned Simcoe Waste Transfer Station, a facility that now includes six platforms for greater diversification of materials, better signage, railings and curb stops for user safety, and a layout that will improve traffic flow.
“It’s been a nice journey to see it come to fruition and to, thus far, get really good feedback from the residents,” said Merissa Bokla, Norfolk County supervisor of waste management. “They seem to be really enjoying it and hopefully it will be a place people can continue to enjoy for years to come.”
Walker Environmental Group was awarded the tender to redesign Simcoe’s drop off station in 2015. The building agreement was finalized with construction beginning in the spring of 2018 and the station first opened to the public in January.
Mike Deprez, vice president of transfer and disposal for Walker Industries, said it was a pleasure to work alongside Norfolk County staff during the process.
“A waste drop-off depot may not seem to be high along the innovation spectrum, but when you consider it as part of the waste system for enhancing recycling and ensuring safe and reliable energy recover and contingency and ash disposal at our Walker landfill, taxpayers should be very pleased with the innovative solutions of staff and council on this project,” he added.
“From our perspective as an outsider looking in, it really is a smart way to do business.”
In 2018, the Simcoe station had over 18,500 visits with 3000 tons of material. Garbage accumulated for 2088 tons, yard waste measured 736 tons and 665 tires.
The current site was once a landfill before being repurposed – which furthers Norfolk’s commitment to an environmentally friendly future.
“I think it’s imperative that if we’re going to ensure the sustainability of our planet that everybody does their part and collectively comes together,” said Norfolk Mayor Kristal Chopp. “This redesign is awesome from the perspective of being able to divert some of our waste, improve traffic flow for our residents as they come in, and certainly the ability to repurpose an old landfill is amazing.”
Simcoe’s Transfer station is located at 164 Fourteenth St. and is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.- 4:15 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Walker Environmental also redesigned Norfolk’s transfer station in South Walsingham to the tune of $650k. The new-look facility was opened to the public in July of 2018.
Following the Victoria Day long weekend, the South Walsingham Station – which is located at 1180 3rd Concession, Port Rowan – will be open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. – 3:45 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
A list of rate fees and accepted materials can be found online at norfolkcounty.ca/living/garbage-and-recycling/tom-howe-landfill-site/.
