Peaks to Progress - Shaping Canada's Sustainable Waste Future

SWANA Canadian Solid Waste Conference 2026

Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa, 4050 Whistler Way, Whistler, BC
May 13 – 15, 2026

Be sure to keep an eye out for the SWANA Pacific Chapter newsletter for event details.

REGISTRATION - SOLD OUT

AGENDA - PDF

GET TO WHISTLER & ACTIVITIES

ATTENDEE LIST

Conference Week-at-a-Glance

11:00 AM – 08:00 PM – Whistler Golf, Fairmont Whistler Golf Club (optional)

1:00 PM – 08:00 PM – Garbage Truck Viewing (exclusive one-day conference experience)

12:15 PM – 04:30 PM – Tour 1 – Beyond the Bin Bus Tour

Tours sponsored by: Recycle BC & SK Recycles

[REGISTER]

Lil’wat Nation Mount Currie Transfer Station
Whistler’s Recycling and Waste Transfer Station (biosolid waste only)
Whistler’s Solid Waste & Recycling Facility

11:30 AM – 04:00 PM – Tour 2 – Landmarks, Lifestyle & & Low-Carbon Design Tour (Blackcomb Mountain Gondola tour)

(New time – meet at the hotel lobby at 11:20 AM)

Tours sponsored by: Sierra Waste Services

Your visit begins in Whistler Village with a stop at F as in Frank, a popular Canadian vintage boutique known for its curated 80s and 90s fashion and unique thrift finds, followed by a stroll to Whistler Olympic Plaza, the legacy site of the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games and a great photo location. The tour continues to the PassivHaus Day Lodge, an ultra energy-efficient building originally constructed for the Austrian Olympic team, before heading up Blackcomb Mountain to experience one of North America’s largest ski resorts, known for its breathtaking alpine views and expansive terrain, before returning to the village. Includes a light snack. Limited to 20 people.

[REGISTER]

5:00 – 7:00 PM – Welcome Reception

07:30 AM – 08:45 AM – Registration and Breakfast

08:00 AM – 06:00 PM – Trade Show Open

08:00 AM – 08:30 AM – Welcome and Opening Remarks

Welcome Ceremony, Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre Ambassadors
Jack Crompton, Mayor of Whistler

08:30 AM – 09:15 AM – Keynote Speaker

09:15 AM – 10:30 AM

Session 1A – EPR Across the Country

Moderator: Mark Kurschner, SWANA Pacific Chapter

Session 1B – Optimizing Landfill Gas Operations

Moderator: Art Mercer

10:30 AM – 11:00 AM Networking Break

11:00 AM – 12:15 PM

Session 2A – Understanding the Federal Plastics Registry Requirements

Moderator: Wilbert Yang, Tetra Tech

Federal Plastics Registry Update – Charlotte Masemann – Environment & Climate Change Canada
Karen Storry, Metro Vancouver
Federal Plastics Registry: Recommended Routes and other Guidebook Tips – Lee-Anne Bell, City of Calgary
Reflections on the Federal Plastics Registry – Tim Sharp, City of Toronto

Session 2B – Multi-Family Recycling

Moderator: Richard Schofield, Eco Entreprises Quebec

12:15 PM – 12:25 PM – Sponsor Recognition

12:25 PM – 01:30 PM – Lunch & Networking Break

01:30 PM – 02:45 PM

Session 3A – Driving Towards A Circular Economy

Moderator: Jessica Yamamoto, Metro Vancouver

Session 3B – Organics Processing

Moderator: Larry Conrad, LGC Professional

Presentation Title TBA – Wes Muir, Veolia
Building Organics Processing Capacity Using Integrated Project Delivery – Kimberley Jones, Convertus & Ryan Loveday, GHD & Shahzad Shan, Bird Construction
Skyrocketing Organics Processing Rates: What’s Behind the Surge – Mateo Ocejo, Net Zero Waste

02:45 PM – 03:15 PM – Networking Break

03:15 PM – 04:25 PM

Session 4A – Data Measurement

Moderator: Curtis Jung, Stellers Jay Engineering

Measuring the Value of Sustainability in Solid Waste Management – Jordan Kafka, HDR Corporation
Metro Vancouver Solid Waste Management Plan Update – Nathalie Marble, Stantec Consulting & Paul Henderson, Metro Vancouver
Presentation Title TBA – Jenny English & Jamie Lahtinen, Envisio
Presentation Title TBA – Jodi Tomchyshyn London, JTL Squared Consulting

Session 4B – Opportunities for Waste to Energy

Moderator: Tauseef Waraich, City of Burnaby

04:25 PM – 04:30 PM – Closing Remarks

04:30 PM – 06:00 PM – Sponsor & Exhibitor Reception

06:00 PM – 10:00 PM – Banquet Dinner & Entertainment

Dinner Sponsored by: GFL Environmental
Entertainment Sponsored by: Urban Impact
Wine Sponsored by: Routeware

Speaker: Amy Lestition Burke, SWANA

07:30 AM – 08:50 AM – Registration & Breakfast

08:00 AM – 02:00 PM – Trade Show Open

08:30 AM – 08:45 AM – Welcome & Opening Remarks

08:45 AM – 10:00 AM

Session 5A – Disaster Debris Management

Moderator: Sheri Praski, SWANA Northern Lights Chapter

Session 5B – Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Waste Management

Moderator: Cory Piche, Mapgears Inc.

10:00 AM – 10:30 AM Networking Break

10:30 AM – 11:45 AM

Session 6A – Circular Economy in Action

Moderator: Jodi Tomchyshyn London, JTL Squared Consulting

Recycling Gypsum Wallboard – Our Experience & The Challenges – Blair Wallace, New West Gypsum
Food Packaging Reuse Market Maturation – Duncan Andrews, Friendlier
Zero Waste Victoria – Rhiannon Moore, City of Victoria
What It Actually Takes to Build a Circular Materials Hub – Beverley Dondale, The ReUse People of Canada

Session 6B – Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

Moderator: Das Soligo, County of Wellington

11:45 AM – 12:45 PM – Lunch Break

12:45 PM – 01:45 PM – Session 7

Session 7A – Packaging & Paper Products (PPP): EPR Across the Country

Moderator: Alli Tyldesley, Halton Region

Session 7B – Landfill Gas Methane Regulation

Moderator: Susan Fraser, ECCC

01:45 PM – 02:00 PM – Closing & Final Remarks

02:30 PM – 05:30 PM – Tour 3 – Stewardship & Sustainability: What We Treasure Tour

Thunderbird Cafe @ Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre
- Snack (on own)
Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre Tour

Optional Symposium Tours & Golf

May 13 & 15, 2026

For administrative reasons, please note that registration for the tours and golf is separate from the main conference attendee registration.

Tour 1 – Beyond the Bin (Bus Tour) [$50]

12:15 PM to 04:30 PM (meet at the hotel lobby at 12:00 PM, bus will leave at 12:15 PM)

This guided tour explores Whistler and Mount Currie’s waste management facilities. Visit the Lil’wat Nation Mount Currie Transfer Station, a community-run recycling hub; Whistler Transfer Station & Compost Facility, turning organic waste into soil amendments; and Regional Recycling – Nesters, a local depot for electronics, batteries & paint. The tour includes bus transport, a light snack and returns to the Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa by 4:30 PM, offering an informative look at regional recycling and composting efforts. Includes a light snack. Limited to 30 people. PPE requirements – Closed toe shoes and a safety vest!

Tour 2 – Landmarks, Lifestyle & Low-Carbon Design (Walking Tour) [$65]

12:00 PM – 04:00 PM (meet at the hotel lobby at 11:45 AM)

Tour 3 – Stewardship & Sustainability: What We Treasure Walking Tour [$25]

02:30 PM – 05:30 PM (meet at the hotel lobby at 2:20 PM)

The What We Treasure Tour at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre introduces Indigenous values of stewardship, respect, and sustainability through guided storytelling and cultural interpretation. Participants learn how the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations honour land, resources, and community, highlighting traditional knowledge, cultural artifacts, and contemporary perspectives. The tour underscores long-term environmental responsibility and the deep connection between people and place, offering valuable insight into Indigenous leadership in sustainability and resource management. Limited to 25 people.

Mountain Golf at Its Finest! [$180]

11:00 AM – 08:00 PM (meet at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club)

Sponsored by: Rollins Machinery

Discover an Iconic golf course at the heart of Whistler BC. The Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Course traverses creeks, ponds, stands of ancient Douglas fir and granite rock. Elevation changes of more than 400 feet overall create an impressive golf opportunity and a naturally spectacular British Columbia golf experience.

Partner up with fellow Solid Waste and Resource specialists from across North America or register a foursome and celebrate our industry. A fun event to kick off the 2026 Canadian Whistler conference!

Sponsor Opportunities

This year’s Canadian conference in breathtaking Whistler, BC invites you to elevate your company, products, or services by becoming a valued sponsor. Your support directly contributes to creating a high-quality program, inspiring conversations, and meaningful connections that can help shape Canada’s sustainable waste future.

SPONSORSHIP DETAILS

Email sponsorship@swanabc.org for more information.

All rates listed in Canadian funds.

Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa

[SOLD OUT]

Experience the perfect blend of business and leisure at the Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa. Located steps from gondolas, shops and dining, guests can enjoy world-class skiing, biking, and golf right outside the door. After the conference, unwind with spa treatments, vibrant nightlife or take advantage of the many exquisite restaurants. Just 2 hours from Vancouver along the breathtaking Sea to Sky Highway, Whistler offers year-round adventure and relaxation – making every visit but memorable and unforgettable.

Accommodation at the Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa for SWANA conference attendees start at $189 CDN/night ~ $145 USD/night (plus applicable taxes). Reservations can be booked by clicking the button below or by calling the hotel directly at 604-932-1982. Please ensure you ask for the SWANA Pacific group block.

SOLD OUT

All rates listed in Canadian funds.