CWMA fosters environmental leadership and best practices by providing a forum for discussion, education, and networking.
Coast Waste Management Association is a highly-regarded membership association serving the solid waste management industry across British Columbia and beyond. We are proud to be a neutral and welcoming association for all industry sectors. We have helped make thousands of connections which have been the catalyst for collaborations, learning, inspirations, and creating the best practices to manage and reduce waste in British Columbia.
Through our events, facilitated discussions, and curated resources, our goal is to provide invaluable opportunities for our members to build meaningful connections, drive innovative solutions, and learn from the diverse experiences of our vibrant community.
CWMA was originally formed and supported by regional districts on Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities in British Columbia. The goal was to come together regularly to discuss and inspire solutions for managing solid waste in general and the unique challenges of coastal regions in particular.
What started as a local initiative addressing the unique challenges and opportunities of the region, blossomed into a province-wide movement, carrying forward the spirit to solve common challenges together.
Our membership has evolved and grown and now extends across BC and beyond. Our focus on coastal communities will always remain a key part of the connections we make and the forums we provide.
CWMA knows strategic planning continual reassessment. We use a methodology that ensures the Board is consistently reviewing and updating our strategic actions related to plans made every three years. We have a single, forward-focused vision that aligns with our organization and members. By making everyone aware of our goals we build the sense of community and action we feel is a key part of our mandate.
The activities of CWMA are governed by an eight-member, volunteer Board of Directors. Board members serve a two-year term and are representative of the three sectors that define CWMA Membership. Daily operations are overseen by our contracted team, which includes an executive director, a part-time administrator, and regular service providers who are integral to our organization.
Our Board and Staff have committed to our members and the industry. We will:
So much thanks to all of our Board members. While oversight of the organization is a top priority, what makes the CWMA Board unique is the hands-on work they do for the organization on behalf of all members.
PHOTO: one of the first CWMA events held in 1995
Our founding Board members first came together in December of 1995 and included:
Manager
First Nations Recycling Initiative (FNRI)
Tim Ames’ passion for reduction, reuse and recycling led him to the role of Manager of the First Nations Recycling Initiative ( FNRI) where he represents the SABC product stewardships to all First Nation communities in BC. Tim works together with First Nation communities on their recycling programs and community recycling events. To support his work, Tim works collaboratively with the Indigenous Zero Waste Technical Advisory Group (IZWTAG), Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), the Ministry of Environment and Parks, and all participating stewardship agencies, who all contribute to the success of this work. Before leading the FNRI, Tim worked at Recycle BC, Tim co-led the Radius Change Lab Series, taught sustainability and innovation, and mentored entrepreneurial startups at SFU. He was also the European Managing Director of a leading technology company, focused on sustainability.
Solid Waste Planner
Regional District of Nanaimo
Sonam Bajwa is an experienced solid waste professional with over 13 years of experience in waste management, policy development, and stakeholder engagement. As Superintendent of Solid Waste Planning at the Regional District of Nanaimo, she leads strategic initiatives including the implementation of the Solid Waste Management Plan, bylaw development and compliance and intergovernmental collaboration. She holds a BA in Environmental Geography, complemented by a certificate in Spatial Information Systems.
“ CWMA – the organization and the members – are some of the most cooperative, like-minded, and respectful people I’ve had the opportunity to work with. I think it’s the perfect place to explore zero waste and general waste challenges and advance sustainability in a professional and supportive environment.”
Environmental and waste management consultant
Veronica Bartlett is an environmental and waste management consultant with over 15 years’ experience. With a postgraduate degree in ecotoxicology from Uppsala University, Sweden; Veronica started her career developing “waste management and minimization plans” for municipalities across New Zealand. She joined Morrison Hershfield now Santec in 2012 and over the last thirteen years, Veronica has worked on many projects. Away from work, Veronica is an active Council member of her strata complex and enjoys having fun in the outdoors – trail running, mountain biking, hiking, and skiing.
Planner
Capital Regional District’s Environmental Resource Management
Avril Gilmour Ford is the Planner within the Capital Regional District’s (CRD) Environmental Resource Management division. In her current role, Avril is responsible for the development and implementation of solid waste management to achieve the goals and targets set out in the CRD’s Solid Waste Management Plan. Her work focuses on advancing sustainable practices across the region through planning, policy development, and community engagement. Prior to becoming Planner, Avril served as the Solid Waste Initiatives Coordinator and Environmental Education Liaison, where she led the design and delivery of 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) education programs and coordinated tours of the Hartland Landfill. Her passion for environmental education is also reflected in her previous roles as an educator and interpreter with provincial and regional parks, the Vancouver Aquarium, the Victoria Bug Zoo, and the Churchill Northern Studies CentreAvril has a Bachelor of Science in Biology with an Environmental Studies minor from the University of Victoria. She brings a passion for environmental stewardship and a strong background in public education to her work, helping to build community awareness and engagement in sustainable waste management.
Recycling Depot Program Manager
Salt Spring Island Community Services
Peter Grant is the Recycling Depot Program Manager, Salt Spring Island Community Services. Born long, long ago in a land far away…( Norway ) Grew up in Montreal – BA from McGill University – Majored in English. Moved to Calgary and spent 15 years there, working in the Oil and Gas industry as well as dabbling in the Hospitality trade. Moved to Salt Spring Island in 1984 and has been managing the Recycling Depot there since the early nineties…..One of each – Wife: Donna, Son: Jeff and Grandson: Kaleb.
Business Development Manager
Convertus Group
Sean Kawakami is the Business Development Manager for Convertus Group who specialize in the design, construction, finance, and operation of organic waste processing facilities. Convertus operates four facilities in Canada, notably including the Nanaimo Circular Waste BC and Surrey Biofuel sites. Sean started in the industry working for Rehrig Pacific and then onto Waste Connections before joining Convertus. His experience in supply, collection and processing affords him a unique perspective of the solid waste industry in our province.
Senior Manager Environmental Innovation
Capital Regional District
Rory Tooke recently moved to the role of Senior Manager Environmental Innovation at the Capital Regional District. Before this, he led the solid waste engineering and planning function City of Victoria with responsibilities for zero waste and circular economy policies and programs, planning and design of municipal solid waste services and corporate sustainability initiatives. Rory was a founding member of the BC Energy Step Code Council that developed BC’s regulatory pathway to achieve net zero energy buildings. Rory holds a Masters and PhD in natural resources management from the University of British Columbia.
Executive Director
Major Appliance Recycling Roundtable
Michael Zarbl joined the Major Appliance Recycling Roundtable as the Executive Director in July 2017. Prior to that he was the Director of Operations at Recycle BC and was a Senior District Manager for Waste Management of Canada for four year. Michael has an extensive supply chain management background with direct experience in the key activities along the supply chain, culminating in direct waste management industry experience. Michael has a BA from Concordia University in Montreal and is fluent in both English and French.