Cote First Nation Solid Waste Transfer Station

Cote First Nation had dealt with ongoing challenges related to on-Reserve solid waste management. Residential and commercial collection services were inconsistent, resulting in the creation of unmanned and non-engineered dump sites throughout the community, which created environmental liabilities.

Additionally, Cote First Nation’s main landfill site was not engineered which posed the risk of potential impacts to surrounding soil and groundwater and did not provide a suitable location for further waste deposition. Cote First Nation identified the need to review the waste management practices to ensure their community was managing waste in the most sustainable ways possible. Using community survey results to help guide the design, KGS Group designed and oversaw the construction of a new solid waste transfer station that will meet the community’s waste disposal needs for decades to come. KGS Group employees were involved in community engagement events to review the importance of transfer stations in the waste management process.

Nearly 2,000 person-hours of work were completed by personnel from Cote First Nation, and the total value of purchased material, worker wages and equipment rentals from the community was approximately $126,500. The project also presented on-the-job training and mentorship opportunities for members of the Cote First Nation and was seen as a community-driven process that was mutually beneficial to all parties.

The long-term effects of the project will be evident not only through the waste diverted from on-Reserve landfills, but also through the sense of empowerment felt across Cote First Nation. This will result in a cleaner environment and a community committed to championing sustainability in all aspects of their lives.