Furthermore, this parking lot will be undergoing the second phase of reconstruction beginning this spring and will have a large portion fenced off, reducing the amount of space available during this time. Therefore this location is not recommended this year, but could be a consideration in future years. The East End Parks yard is a fenced-in secure location with moderate parking, however it is less well known to the public and its remote location may be more conducive to after-hour illegal dumping. A more appropriate location might be the WFCU Center. Although not in Ward 7, it is in very close proximity, it is a well known location and has ample parking. If Council wished to consider additional locations throughout the city, consideration could be given to MicMac Park, Parking Lot 11 (near City Hall), and partnerships with commercial and/or educational institutions. Dates for Big Bin events would need to be coordinated with each venue and would need to be over the course of several months.
Council is advised that a similar bin project (without charitable partners) was conducted in the University area several years ago. Residents, and in particular students, in the area were advised of a one day event where a large bin would be placed at a designated location for bulk items. While the event was popular, dumping continued to occur for several days after the bin was removed. It is suspected that many residents outside the target area brought items to the bin location so as to avoid tipping fees at the Public Drop Off.
RISK ANALYSIS:
There is a critical operational risk that a onetime only, one-ward only Big Bin event will be attended by many residents across all wards causing extensive line-ups. Many residents are likely to be turned away due to time constraints. Compounding this risk is a suitable location in Ward 7. Should the Forest Glade arena and recreation complex parking lot be the location selected, there could be insufficient parking spaces available to serve the residents and visitors using the parks and recreation facilities, depending on scheduled activities. The City of Edmonton has indicated line-ups and declined customers are a common occurrence in every event they have. A mitigating strategy would be to have several events that could be offered in areas central to multiple wards; however this would significantly increase the cost and would only marginally lower this risk.
There is also a significant budget breach risk as a result of illegal dumping after the event. The ongoing clean ups will add to the cost of the event and will impact public confidence. A mitigating strategy would be to monitor the area after hours via security