Ottawa Construction News staff writer
The City of Kingston’s excess soil management program has received a Brownie Award at the Canadian Brownfields Network annual awards event in the category of Legislation, Policy, and Program Initiatives.
This award recognizes the leadership in responsible soil management and acknowledges our proactive approach to addressing challenges associated with excess soil generated from construction projects.
“Our excess soil management program provides all the necessary tools and supports to comply with evolving legislation surrounding excess construction soils, positions us well for future bans on landfilling re-useable soils, and provides remarkable benefits including decreased costs and emissions,” says Brodie Richmond, manager of environment operations and programs.
The program aims to reduce costs associated with brownfield clean-ups and development land improvements and contributes to construction project savings through the reuse of construction soils, aggregates and topsoil, all while reducing unnecessary landfilling and greenhouse gas emissions.
“We are honored to receive this award recognizing our commitment to sustainability and responsible soil management practices. This recognition is a tribute to the diligence and dedication of our staff and colleagues in Engineering Services, Public Works, and at Utilities Kingston, whose efforts have made a significant impact in advancing our climate leadership goals,” adds Richmond.
The program has become an example for other municipalities, contractors, and engineers across Ontario with the establishment of a new centralized soil processing site and several beneficial re-use sites. The city continues to work with other agencies and organizations across Ontario to help improve processes for all involved in this important work.
The Canadian Brownfields Network also recognized Kingston in 2018 for best overall project.
The annual Brownie Awards provide a forum for recognizing and celebrating outstanding brownfield projects, people and policies that have helped redevelop and revitalize sites across Canada.
For more information about the 2023 award winners, please visit the Canadian Brownfields Network.
