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Waste Management Review & Council Decisions

Waste Management Review & Council Decisions

Last updated: July 28, 2025

The Municipality of French River has undertaken multiple studies, consultations, and service updates to modernize and improve its Waste Management system. This page provides a factual summary of the process, including:

  • Key reports and service reviews
  • Public consultation milestones
  • Council decisions
  • Implementation timelines

This information is provided to help residents understand the history, rationale, and next steps for waste services in French River.
📌 This page presents factual information only—no commentary or editorial opinions.

Current Service Model

In February 2024, Council approved a waste management model that maintains two staffed transfer sites (Alban and Noëlville). This approach was selected following a thorough review of multiple service options and community feedback.

While various models were presented—including a full curbside collection option—Council made its decision based on a range of operational, financial, and community factors. The service model continues to evolve as implementation progresses.

Why This Timeline Matters

Over several years, the Municipality has reviewed waste services with the support of external Consultants, Environmental Advisory Committee input, and resident engagement. Council reviewed each set of findings and provided further direction to staff to implement one of the three recommendations included in the final report. Below is a summary of these key milestones:

Key Timeline of Events

DateInformation
June 2019

Environmental Advisory Committee identifies key concerns with the existing system (aging infrastructure, low diversion, compliance needs).

December - March 2020Municipality secures provincial funding to conduct an operational review.
May 2020Online resident survey launched by JP2G Consultants.
October 2020JP2G Consultants present Waste Management Operations Review. Various options are proposed, including transitioning to curbside collection.

Council referred the Final Waste Management Operations Review to the Environmental Committee for review, discussion and recommendation to Council.
May 5, 2021Report and Decisions reflecting the waste collection operational review. Council approves the following EAC motions:
  1. Close the Wolseley Bay site
  2. Begin curbside recycling pilot
  3. Monitor the Alban site more closely
Click here to view the Committee's Agendas, Minutes, and Meeting Recordings for further information about the waste review.
June 16, 2021

Report and Decision to close the Wolseley Bay Transfer Site and implement modifications to the Noëlville Site (gated, signage, cameras, enforcement).

July 7, 2021Council approves the release of the Request for Proposal for Curbside Recycling.
May 2022Curbside pilot launched (880 homes). Results: Contamination rate (amount of garbage found in recycling) drops from 42% to 0%.
December 7, 2022Notice of Motion presented by Mayor Pageau regarding waste management review recommendations.
October 4, 2023Report and Discussions addressing items in the Notice of Motion. Staff present full costing for the three waste system options below: 
October 18, 2023Continued Discussions of the items/options reported on October 4, 2023
November 1, 2023Revised Report and further Discussions
November 15, 2023Report and Discussions on Public Consultation
November 22, 2023

Special Council Meeting to report and decide on the Information Package and Public Consultation Survey. 

November 23, 2023

Information Package and Survey released 

January 24, 2024Special Council Meeting to report Survey results. 
  1. 814 survey responses (32% of households)
  2. Strong concerns over bin site cost, abuse and fairness
  3. Staff recommend Option 2: complete curbside collection

Council votes 4–3 to reject curbside and proceed with Option 1 (2 bin sites).

February 7, 2024Report - Waste Management Operations & Final Results of Public Consultation

Council Decision – Final Waste Management System Adopted
Council received the final Public Consultation Report and passed a resolution (Resol# 2024-26) to adopt Option 1: Controlled Transfer Stations, with the following features (pending Ministry of the Environment approval):

  • Two sites (NoĂ«lville and Alban)
  • Household waste only
  • Open Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday
  • Sites to be monitored by existing staff and by-law enforcement
  • 2-bag limit per household per day
  • Bi-weekly curbside recycling to continue

Amendments to the resolution included:

  • Replace “open three days per week, 10-hour days (Sunday, Monday, Tuesday)” with “Two sites to be opened Sunday, Monday, Tuesday” 
  • Replace “attendant on site (to ensure Waste Management By-law is being followed, verify proof of residency, types of waste and volumes) with “The sites may be monitored with current staff who already service the transfer sites and by-law to ensure the waste management bylaws are being followed.” 
  • Add “When preparing the Request for Proposals for the contracting out of the Noelville and Alban waste management transfer sites, that the costs for each of renting, leasing and purchasing the appropriate equipment be included as options for consideration and report back to Council with the results.”

Council voted 4-3 in favour of this amended resolution as the final Waste Management service model.

2025 Implementation Phase
April 1, 2025

The Province of Ontario takes over Recycling Services (Circular Materials Ontario). 

July 2, 2025

Council gave direction to Staff to close the Shaw Road Transfer Site.

July 28, 2025Temporary extension of Shaw Road Transfer Site closure from August 1st to October 2025, following feedback from local residents. 


Key Reports and Resources

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