Projects | Adaptive Reuse | St. Thomas Community Recycling Centre 


St. Thomas Community Recycling Centre


Recycling is a Community Effort! 

Public use intertwined with the facility's operations makes for a more positive experience for all


Description:

The team worked closely with City staff to adapt an industrial site to a new community recycling facility focused on customer convenience and quality of experience.

The project included extensive storm water management. Re-using expansive asphalt surfaces, limiting site grading and renovating an existing warehouse to household hazardous waste drop-off facility allowed the operation to be a 3-R's community leaders and reduce expenses.

The expanded recycling facility was outfitted with the necessary equipment to operate effectively and to meet growing demand.


Our Role:

Site design, facility design, vehicle movement design, sub-consultant co-ordination, documentation, procurement.


Achievements:

JMA used an innovative approach to site movement using a clearly defined one way loop system that ensured maximum efficiency of the scale facility and staffing. The design separated drop off and haulage flows to ensure safety, and worked with the existing site and building to achieve a graceful operating flow that is appreciated by both operator and user.

Careful attention to drop-off sequence means that free drop-off and pick-ups are concentrated at front of site so that during peak periods this traffic is disentangled from flows requiring movements across the scale. This attention to detail creates a better experience for residents, turning potential frustration into positive feedback regarding ease of use.



“ I have been particularly impressed by JMA’s Project Launch workshop and pre-design investigations. They have taken the time to explore our needs, investigate the challenges and opportunities of our site, schedule, & budget, & have listened carefully to our input. The design process has been greatly enhanced by this careful pre-design process. The result is a design that creates opportunity for effective use of the existing site and building, and an innovative approach to CRC design that fits the particular needs and aspirations of St. Thomas and surrounding County.””



— John Dewancker, P.Eng
Director, Environmental Services & City Engineering (Retired)

City of St. Thomas




Project Data

Adaptive Reuse / Public Facility

Alteration

Design and Permit

Municipal

St. Thomas, Ontario

24,600 sq.m. (264,800 sq. ft.) site

1,085 sq. m. (11,680sq. ft.) renovation​

Construction Completed 2016