Landscaping Now Completed at Snow Disposal Facility

The Township of Russell’s snow disposal facility now includes 400 newly planted trees! This landscaping completes the final stage of our snow disposal facility.

Earlier this spring, the Infrastructure Department also built bird habitats to help protect the barn swallow species and compensate for the removal of some of their previous habitats. The habitats are equipped with nesting cups and protect the birds from weather and predators.

This site, located just past our dog park, includes a snow pad, an area for trucks and a melt pond. It is surrounded by a berm to keep the site discreet and blend with the surrounding area. This $2,217,000 construction project was part of the Township’s 2018-2022 Strategic Plan.

Although it is a big investment, it aligns with our priority to reduce our environmental impact. The new snow disposal site is fully equipped to treat and control the flow of melting snow, unlike the Township’s previous site. This site is also centrally located near 550 Notre Dame Street, which already saved our operators from driving extra kilometers last winter, reducing operating costs and further environmental impacts.

This project is the Township’s latest initiative to show our commitment to the environment. A salt storage facility was built a few years ago with a modern design that offsets the effects of salt contamination. The Township also started a Green Fleet Policy to reduce emissions of corporate vehicles. Upcoming environmental initiatives include a Climate Change Action Plan, and the introduction of compost to weekly waste collection.

For more information on the Snow Disposal Facility or other environmental initiatives, please contact the Infrastructure Department.